Wanting to study abroad, TOEFL vs IELTS, which test should you take? Is TOEFL easier than IELTS? This may confuse may people. They are both widely accepted English proficiency exams, why some countries and universities requires IELTS while others require TOEFL? This blog will help you clear your confusion, we’ll provide you detailed TOEFL and IELTS comparison, from test format and scoring to exam fee in India and regional preferences, to help you decide which one to take. Let’s dive in!
TOEFL vs IELTS: What are They?
IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System, which assesses English skills in four areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. It offers two versions: Academic(for educational purposes) and General Training(for working professionals and immigration needs) tests. Candidates can choose either a computer-based test or a paper-based test based on personal preferences. The IELTS is widely recognized in the UK and European countries.
On the other hand, the TOEFL stands for the Test of English as a Foreign Language, also measure candidates’ competence in the same four areas. The TOEFL has only one test format: computer-based test. The TOEFL tends to be more commonly required by institutions in the US and Canada, etc.
Difference Between IELTS and TOEFL
Before we figure out which is easier TOEFL or IELTS, we need to know the difference between IELTS and TOEFL. Both the TOEFL and IELTS exams assess candidates’ English proficiency in four parts: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. However, they differ in many ways, including test formats, scoring systems, test fees, and recognition. Below is a brief TOEFL and IELTS comparison. We’ll explain them in detail in the following paragraphs.
| IELTS | TOEFL iBT | |
|---|---|---|
| Test Format | Computer-based and Paper-based | Computer-based |
| Length | 2 hours 45 minutes | 2 hours |
| Score | 0-9 | 0-120 |
| Results | Computer-based results within 2 days and 7 days for paper-based | 10 days |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Popularity | UK, European Country | USA, New Zealand, Canada |
TOEFL and IELTS Exam Module
TOEFL and IELTS exam assess English proficiency in listening, reading, writing and speaking. The table below shows their differences in each module:
| Section | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 4 recorded conversations and monologues 40 questions 30 minutes Various question types |
3 lectures and 2 campus conversations 28 questions 36 minutes Multiple-choice questions only |
| Reading | 3 long passages, covering various themes 40 questions 60 minutes Various question types: gap fill, matching, labeling, etc. |
2 passages, mainly academic themes 20 questions 35 minutes Multiple-choice questions only |
| Writing | Task 1(150 words): describe a graph, chart, or diagram, map Task 2(250 words): Argumentation essay 60 minutes |
Task 1: Summarize a lecture & reading passage Task 2: Write an opinion-based essay 30 minutes |
| Speaking | 3 tasks 11-14 minutes Includes a short warm-up speaking, topic card, an extended discussion Face-to-face interaction with examiner |
4 tasks 20 minutes Includes 1 independent speaking task and 3 integrated speaking tasks Speak into a microphone and assess later |
In the listening module, TOEFL has only one type of question: multiple-choice questions. In contrast, IELTS has a more varied range of question types, including multiple-choice, matching, map, labeling, sentence completion, and others.
In the reading module, the TOEFL takes 35 minutes to complete its two passages, which are all multiple-choice questions. However, IELTS requires 1 hour to complete 3 long passages, which are assessed more comprehensively. This includes matching titles, completing sentences, summarizing, completing diagrams, and multiple-choice, etc.
In the writing module, both exams consist of 2 tasks. IELTS involves describing a graph and writing an argumentative essay within a 1-hour timeframe. In contrast, the TOEFL requires summarizing a lecture and writing an essay in 30 minutes.
In the speaking module, IELTS involves face-to-face interaction, whereas TOEFL uses prerecorded questions that let candidates to speak into a microphone.
TOEFL and IELTS Test Length
The IELTS test lasts approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, whereas the TOEFL test is completed in 2 hours. However, the TOEFL test used to take longer before the reform.
TOEFL vs IELTS Score Comparison
The scoring system is one of the distinct differences between the two tests, they are two different scoring systems. IELTS results are reported as band scores on a scale from 1 to 9, whereas TOEFL results are on a scale from 0 to 120 points. The table below illustrates the alignment between the two sets.
| Level | CEFR | IELTS (9.0) | TOEFL iBT (120) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic User | A1-A2 | N/A | N/A |
| Independent User | B1 | 0-4 4.5 5 |
0-31 32-34 35-45 |
| Independent User | B2 | 5.5 6 6.5 |
46-59 60-78 79-93 |
| Proficient User | C1 | 7 7.5 8 |
94-101 102-109 110-114 |
| Proficient User | C2 | 8.5 9 |
115-117 118-120 |
TOEFL or IELTS: Accent and Language Style
TOEFL vs IELTS in terms of accent, you will find IELTS is more inclusive. A wide range of accents, including British, American, Canadian, Indian accents, etc. will all be presented in the listening and speaking sections. Whereas TOEFL mainly focuses on American English style and accents.
Exam Fee Difference
TOEFL vs IELTS in terms of exam fees, you’ll find the fee varies across different countries. The IELTS or TOEFL exam fee in India has no big difference, at approximately INR 17,000 and INR 16,900, respectively. And their results are both valid for 2 years.
| Exam | Cost in India | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | INR 17,000 | 2 Years |
| TOEFL | INR 16,900 | 2 Years |
TOEFL or IELTS: Country-wise Score Requirements
If you are applying to universities, one thing you need to aware of is that many universities have specific language proficiency requirements, some just need your overall score reach the benchmark, while there are some universities will require your scores in each section reach their benchmark.
Although the detailed requirements of each country vary, the benchmark for successful admission into universities is 6.0 (IELTS) or 70 (TOEFL iBT) for undergraduate programs, and 7.0 (IELTS) and 80 (TOEFL iBT) for postgraduate programs.
Below, we have listed the average scores you need to achieve to attend universities in some sought-after countries, this is just reference, you need to go to official admission websites of your aim universities to check the detailed requirements.
| Country | Minimum IELTS Score Required | Minimum TOEFL Score Required |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 6.0-7.0 | 80-100 |
| UK | 6.0-7.5 | 80-100 |
| Canada | 6.0-7.0 | 86-100 |
| Australia | 6.0-7.0 | 79-100 |
| Germany | 6.0-6.5 | 80-90 |
| New Zealand | 6.0-6.5 | 80-100 |
TOEFL or IELTS Which is Easier?
Which is easier TOEFL or IELTS? The choice is very subjective. While both IELTS and TOEFL are widely recognized worldwide, the natural advantages of IELTS are undeniable and can’t be ignored.
IELTS is accepted almost everywhere
IELTS is the most widely used international English test abroad, accepted by more than 12,500 organizations in 140 countries. Many institutions in the United States also accept it. One thing to note is that if you have a plan to immigrate, countries like Canada and the UK typically do not recognize TOEFL results.
IELTS is more flexible
In terms of test format and test method, IELTS is more flexible than TOEFL. IELTS offers both paper-based and computer-based test options, whereas TOEFL is exclusively computer-based. The types of questions in the IELTS are more varied and comprehensive, whereas the TOEFL is mainly academic-oriented, more similar to the English lectures.
Speak to a real person
In the speaking part of the TOEFL, you speak into a microphone. In contrast, in the IELTS, an examiner asks you questions face-to-face, creating a more real interaction scenario and an immersive communication experience.
TOEFL and IELTS Exam: How to Choose Between Them?
TOEFL vs IELTS, how to choose? It depends on your personal needs. Our advice is:
Choose TOEFL if:
You are comfortable with a computer-based test and have fast typing.
You want to improve in a more real academic scenario.
You prefer multiple-choice questions and an automated speaking section.
You are applying to universities in the US or Canada, where the TOEFL is widely preferred.
Choose IELTS if:
You are more comfortable with a paper-based test.
You want to include more real daily life scenarios.
You are more comfortable with a face-to-face speaking test.
You are applying to universities in the UK, Australia, or Europe, where IELTS is more commonly accepted.
Final Thought
Which is better TOEFL or IELTS? There is no answer and the answer is not important. While there is difference between IELTS and TOEFL, they also share several similarities. Both assess English proficiency for purposes including university admissions, work permits, and immigration; and many countries and universities accept both IELTS and TOEFL. And what’s more, they can both retake as many times as you like. The best choice is to take the one that aligns with your study purpose and personal habits. Whether take the IELTS or the TOEFL, the key is to fully prepare and make efforts, and you’ll have a great results.
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FAQs:
Yes, although TOEFL is more popular in the USA, IELTS is also accepted in the US in many universities. However, it’s recommended to check the detailed requirements of each university, some universities may only accept TOEFL results, or if you already have a IELTS results, you can take another TOEFL test, just in case.
The test experience varies, some people may think TOEFL is easier, while others think IELTS is easier. It’s very subjective. However, if you fully prepare for the exam, both tests should be easy to pass. So, they key is to work hard, make more effort.
While TOEFL is accepted in the UK, IELTS is widely accepted in almost all universities in the UK. IELTS is a better choice if you are going to study in the UK. Always go to check the detailed requirements of universities.
For non-native speakers, IELTS might be a better option. Because the IELTS test is a combination of various accents, including British and American accents, you may also see Indian, Asian, etc. examiners in the speaking part. Such variety may give non-native speakers a lot of relief. The TOEFL test mainly focuses on American English accent and style, however, if you are more comfortable with American English, you can also take the TOEFL test.
Yes, the IELTS General Training is commonly accepted for immigration and work purposes. But the policy varies across different countries. Always check the detailed immigration requirements of the countries you are targeting.
Both TEOFL and IELTS are widely accepted worldwide. However, in some regions and countries, IELTS is preferred, for example, in the UK, and other European countries. The TOEFL is preferred in countries like Canada and the US.
You can take the TOEFL and IELTS as many times as you want and need. Because the validity of both tests is 2 years, so, retaking both tests is allowed. You can also retake it to improve your scores.
Not really, the TOEFL is mainly focuses on American accents, which may make it hard for many Indian students to understand the American accents in the listening and speaking sections. While IELTS, which has a range of combinations of accents from all over the world may be easier for Indian students.
