What is the difference between IELTS or TOEFL exam, which one is better than which? Know A to Z details here

IELTS-TOEFL Exam: To study abroad, one has to give many types of exams, which include exams like GRE, GMAT, SAT. However, the most important of all these exams is the exam which is taken to know the level of English of a student. To take the English language exam, two major tests are conducted all over the world, one of which is IELTS and the other is TOEFL exam. The scores of both of these are valid in all the top universities and institutions of the world. However, many times students get confused as to which test they should take. On the basis of the scores of both the exams, students are given admission in countries like America, Britain, Australia, Germany. The score may also be different in the admission criteria of each university. But still the question remains in the minds of the students that which test is better for them. In such a situation, let us know what IELTS and TOEFL are and how both are different from each other.

What are IELTS and TOEFL?

IELTS: The ‘International English Language Testing System’ (IELTS) is one of the English language tests accepted worldwide. The score of this test is important not only for admission but also for migration and work. According to media reports, there are 11,500 institutions across the world where IELTS scores are recognized. This exam shows how well a person can speak, write and understand English if his/her mother tongue is not English.

During the exam, four skills are tested: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Once a candidate takes the exam, his/her result is valid for two years. Although succeeding in IELTS is challenging, if prepared with the right strategy, then this exam can be easily cleared.

TOEFL: The ‘Test of English as a Foreign Language’ (TOEFL) exam has to be given for study, work and migration. The level of English is also known through this exam. TOEFL is accepted by more than 13,000 universities in more than 160 countries. The TOEFL iBT exam helps students stand out by demonstrating their English proficiency and readiness for academic success.

This test measures the English skills of a candidate. The English language test consists of four sections: reading, listening, speaking and writing. It includes questions that test these four skills.

Comparison between IELTS and TOEFL

Speaking Section: The Listening and Writing sections of IELTS and TOEFL are quite similar, but the biggest difference is in the Speaking section. In the Speaking section of TOEFL, candidates speak into a microphone. Artificial intelligence and human scoring are used to determine its score, which gives fair and accurate results. The absence of an interviewer in the Speaking section increases fairness.

On the other hand, in the IELTS exam, the speaking section of the candidates is tested by a teacher. The candidate has to go to a room for the test, where the interviewer talks to him/her and gets to know his/her skills. However, here there is a possibility of the interviewer being biased. This is the reason why TOEFL exam is considered more fair than IELTS. It is better for those students who do not want to face any interviewer.

Exam Format: The TOEFL exam is shorter and most of the questions are MCQs, while the IELTS exam has a wider variety of questions and the answers are more varied.

Scoring System: The scoring system is also different in both exams. TOEFL test takers get different scores for each section. The score for each exam ranges from 0-30. The marks for all four sections are given on the basis of a total score of 0-120. TOEFL results are available within a week. Apart from this, test takers get immediate scores for the reading and listening sections at the end of the exam.

In contrast, IELTS scores range from 1 to 9 for each section. Each of the four sections of IELTS, i.e. reading, writing, listening and speaking, is scored separately. The scores of the four sections are then combined to arrive at an average IELTS score.

Which one should students choose?

IELTS or TOEFL should be chosen on the basis of the university. First of all, it should be seen which score is being given priority in the university where the student is taking admission. In some courses, admission is given on the basis of TOEFL and in some on the basis of IELTS score. Apart from this, students can also choose any one of the two exams according to their convenience.

IELTS consists of a variety of questions and an interview. This exam is beneficial for students who like to answer a variety of questions. TOEFL uses a computer-based speaking test where students speak into a microphone, which may be better for students who are comfortable with computer-based tasks.