Introduction
In today’s time, the importance of the English language has
increased a lot. It is an essential skill for those who want to pursue higher education abroad,
get a job abroad or migrate to an English-speaking nation. You have to prove your English
language proficiency by scoring good marks in the English Proficiency tests. There are various
tests for the same.
But in this blog, we are going to focus on the two popular English language proficiency exams
which are IELTS and TOEFL. As a test taker, you may also have questions that
which is easy IELTS or TOEFL? Or which is better IELTS or
TOEFL? Through this blog, you will get the answer to all such questions.
In this blog, we will get into a detailed exploration and delve into the intricacies of both
exams. We will study in detail the examination formats, scoring systems, test duration and
various other features to help you make an informed decision.
Both IELTS and TOEFL exam assesses an individual’s English language proficiency in four key
areas. They are speaking, listening, reading and writing. IELTS is majorly formulated for those
who are migrating to English-speaking countries for work or secondary education. Whereas TOEFL
is popular among North American institutions. If you need any help in the preparation of both
tests then Global Colliance is a good option. Global Colliance is the best
overseas consultancy in Ahmedabad.
There lot of things which make both tests differ from each other. The test format is one of the
significant factors. Those who are good at written communication may prefer essay-based IELTS
exams. On the other hand, those who are tech-savvy may find computer-based TOEFL more appealing.
The scoring system of both the tests also differs which is also a factor that is considered by
test takers. Let’s now study in detail about both the exams, how they differ and which is better
for you.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a
popular exam for assessing an individual’s English language proficiency. It is developed by the
British Council, IDP IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English. There are four basic
components on which assessment takes place and they are Reading, Listening, Speaking and
Writing.
The IELTS exam has two versions i.e. Academic module and the General training module. Those
candidates who want to go for higher education in an English-speaking nation can opt for the
Academic module. This module tests an individual’s ability to comprehend complex texts, engage
in academic discourse and be able to give strong arguments in writing and speaking.
The General Training module is for those candidates who want immigration opportunities for
non-academic training programs abroad. This module evaluates an individual’s English proficiency
in daily interaction and social context.
Each module of the IELTS exam has a fixed format with specific tasks. The listening section
assesses the candidates’ listening skills through conversations, monologues, audio recordings
etc. In the reading section, the test takers have to answer a variety of question types which
include multiple choice, matching headings, and identification of information.
When it comes to the writing section it has two basic tasks for candidates which differs in
Academic and General training modules. The writing section evaluates how good is a candidate at
articulating his/her thoughts and organising ideas logically. Finally, the speaking section
assesses the candidate’s oral communication skills.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an
English language proficiency test administered by Educational Testing Services (ETS). The exam
is for individuals targeting higher education or looking for professional opportunities in
English-speaking countries. Just like IELTS this exam too assessed on four components i.e.
Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing.
The reading section in the TOFEL exam has academic passages from university textbooks. Test
takers need to answer multi-choice questions, identify information and summarize main ideas. In
the listening section candidates have to face various audio recordings, which include lectures,
conversations and classroom discussions. This section evaluates a candidate’s ability to speak
good English in everyday contexts as well as in academics.
The Speaking component of the TOEFL exam expects that candidates can express their ideas
properly. Test takers have to give quick responses, express opinions and provide summaries. A
IELTS and TOEFL both are very popular and widely accepted English language proficiency tests. They are accepted by many organisations and universities worldwide. But still, there is a lot of difference between IELTS and TOEFL exams. A test taker must understand this difference. This will also help them understand TOEFL or IELTS which is better.
The IELTS exam has Academic as well as General Training
modules. Both IELTS and TOEFL exams have 4 sections i.e. listening, reading, writing and
speaking. IELTS tests can be given online as well as offline.
Whereas TOEFL is a completely computer-based online exam. The speaking section in IELTS
requires a face-to-face interview. However, the speaking section in TOEFL involves
responding to prompts.
The content of the IELTS exam differs between Academic and
General training modules. In the academic module, there are academic tasks like articles,
essays and lectures. Whereas in general training module texts and tasks are based on daily
life.
On the other hand, TOEFL has a major focus on academic English. The reading passages and
listening material here are taken from university books. The question types in TOEFL include
multiple-choice questions and integrated tasks.
The scoring system of the exam can answer a popular
question among test-takers: IELTS Vs TOEFL which is easier? The IELTS exam
has a band scoring system which allows bands ranging from 0 to 9. Each section has an
individual score and scores of all these sections are averaged to bring out the overall band
score.
The TOEFL has point point-based scoring system. In each section, one can score from 0 to 30.
The scores are given for correct answers. The overall scoring scale is between 0 to 120.
The total test duration of the IELTS exam is around 2
hours and 45 minutes. The listening, reading and writing sections are completed in one shot
without any breaks. The speaking section can be conducted on the same day or can be
scheduled within a week.
The test duration of TOEFL is around 3 hours and 30 minutes. The reading, speaking and
listening are completed in one single sitting. A 10-minute break is allotted between the
listening and speaking sections. The writing section is scheduled separately and can be
completed up to a week after the other sections.
IELTS and TOEFL both are widely accepted exams for migration abroad in English-speaking nations. Both tests have their own characteristics, scoring patterns, pros and cons etc. So, if you still find it difficult to choose between IELTS vs TOEFL, then do consider the following factors: –
Firstly, you shall research the requirements of your target institutions or organisations. Some may prefer TOEFL and some may prefer IELTS. So do proper research about the requirement.
2.IELTS can be given online as well as offline. Whereas TOEFL is a fully computer-based exam. In addition to this IELTS has more face-to-face interactions whereas in TOEFL you need to respond to computer-based prompts. Now depending on your skills decide which test suits you.
3.Both tests have different scoring systems. IELTS is based on a band score system which ranges from 0 to 9. Whereas the TOEFL have point-based scoring in which score ranges from 0 to 120. By proper understanding of the scoring system, you can decide which test to opt for based on goals and aspirations.
4.Accessibility and availability of test centres also need to be considered while deciding between IELTS and TOEFL. Check which test offers more convenient test dates and test centres.
5.Compare the costs involved in completing each test. These
include registration, study material, preparation, visa etc.
The selection between IELTS and TOEFL is based on various factors. By careful evaluation of
all these factors, one can determine which test to opt for. Make the decision that aligns
with your goals and hence increase your chance of succeeding in the test.
Conclusion
Both IELTS and TOEFL are popular English proficiency
exams accepted on a wider scale. But the decision between which is better for one depends on the
individual circumstances, preferences, and goals. Both tests are reliable and have different
formats and scoring patterns.
Those who are okay with face-to-face interactions and want flexibility in test modules can opt
for IELTS. But for tech-savvy youth TOEFL would be a better choice as it is a fully
computer-based test. Candidates shall also go through the requirements of the institute or
organisations they are targeting. Consider the preferences and pros/cons of both tests before
making the final decision.
Both tests allow you to showcase your familiarity and proficiency in the English language. So do
analyse properly, consider your goals and preferences and make final decision. If you are
planning to appear for either of the tests, then Global Colliance can help you. It is one of
the best study abroad consultant.