IELTS vs TOEFL: Which Exam should you take?
IELTS vs TOEFL: TOEFL and IELTS are the two main English-language proficiency tests available for students and employees of non-English speaking countries. The scores of these tests imply that the test taker is efficient in carrying out their daily communication in an academic or work setting freely and effectively. These scores are accepted widely at most global universities.
Often universities abroad ask for either TOEFL scores or IELTS score from international applicants. The IELTS vs TOEFL debate often confuses the students. Students are also confused about IELTS academic vs general for masters. However, it's up to the students to choose which exam is more relevant for them. There are various factors such as study material availability, pattern of the exam, toughness level, demand of universities, test center availability, etc. that must be kept in mind.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
As it is up to the English test taker to decide which of these two exams, here is a guide on IELTS vs TOEFL to help you making the decision between two.
IELTS vs TOEFL Exam Structure
The table given below provides differences between all the sections of both the examinations:
Section |
TOEFL |
IELTS |
---|---|---|
Reading |
|
|
Listening |
|
|
Writing |
|
|
Speaking |
|
|
Total Score Comparisons
The table given below provides a comparison between the overall scoring of both the examinations:
IELTS Score |
TOEFL Score |
---|---|
9 |
118-120 |
8.5 |
115-117 |
8 |
110-114 |
7.5 |
102-109 |
7 |
94-101 |
6.5 |
79-93 |
6 |
60-78 |
5.5 |
46-59 |
5 |
35-45 |
4.5 |
32-34 |
0-4 |
0-31 |
IELTS vs TOEFL: North American or British / UK accent?
IELTS vs TOEFL: Vocabulary and idiomatic expressions
- For British or Australian English - IELTS
- For American English - TOEFL
IELTS vs TOEFL: Can you type relatively fast?
- If you can type fast, you may opt for TOEFL as it requires that you type your essays in the written section of the test.
- If you type slowly, go for IELTS as you have to handwrite your essay responses.
IELTS vs TOEFL: Test duration
- The IELTS test is comparatively longer - about 2 hours 45 minutes.
- If you want to finish fast, you can take TOEFL - it lasts for less than 2 hours. However, shorter does not necessarily mean easier.
IELTS vs TOEFL: Range of questions
- If yes – then take IELTS. It has a much wider range of question types including multiple choice, gap fill, matching exercises, etc.
- If you prefer multiple choice questions – then take TOEFL.
IELTS vs TOEFL: Note taking
- Note taking is important for both IELTS and TOEFL. However, it is much more critical for TOEFL. The IELTS requires you to answer questions as you listen to the exam.
IELTS vs TOEFL: Interaction with examiner
- The difference between IELTS speaking and TOEFL speaking sections is that in the IELTS you have to interact with the examiner directly. However, in the TOEFL you will not be interacting with the examiner directly.
IELTS Academic vs General for Masters
- Candidates must note that IELTS Academic is for students who wish to study in a country where English is the native language.
- IELTS General Training module is for those who wish to apply for a PR or job in English-speaking countries.
IELTS vs TOEFL Section-wise Score Comparison
Listening Section Score Comparisons
The table given below provides a comparison between the IELTS listening section scores and TOEFL listening section scores:
IELTS Score |
TOEFL Score |
---|---|
9 |
30 |
8.5 |
29 |
8 |
28 |
7.5 |
27 |
7 |
24-26 |
6.5 |
20-23 |
6 |
12-19 |
5.5 |
7-11 |
5 |
4-6 |
4.5 |
3 |
|
0 |
Speaking Section Score Comparisons
The table given below provides a comparison between the IELTS speaking section scores and TOEFL speaking section scores:
IELTS Score |
TOEFL Score |
---|---|
9.0 |
30 |
8.5 |
28-29 |
8.0 |
26-27 |
7.5 |
24-25 |
7.0 |
23 |
6.5 |
20-22 |
6.0 |
18-19 |
5.5 |
16-17 |
5.0 |
14-15 |
4.5 |
12-13 |
|
0-11 |
Reading Section Score Comparisons
The table given below provides a comparison between the IELTS reading section scores and TOEFL reading section scores:
IELTS Score |
TOEFL Score |
---|---|
9 |
30 |
8.5 |
29 |
8 |
29 |
7.5 |
27-28 |
7 |
24-26 |
6.5 |
19-23 |
6 |
13-18 |
5.5 |
8-12 |
5 |
4-7 |
4.5 |
3 |
|
0-2 |
Writing Section Score Comparisons
The table given below provides a comparison between the IELTS writing section scores and TOEFL writing section scores:
IELTS Score |
TOEFL Score |
---|---|
9.0 |
30 |
8.5 |
30 |
8.0 |
30 |
7.5 |
29 |
7.0 |
27-28 |
6.5 |
24-26 |
6.0 |
21-23 |
5.5 |
18-20 |
5.0 |
14-17 |
4.5 |
12-13 |
|
0-11 |
If you have finalised either of the two: IELTS and TOEFL, you might want to know When to start preparing for IELTS or TOEFL?. In case you are still confused, consider reading IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Academic vs Duolingo: Which test you should take.
Related articles
Q: Â Which is better among TOEFL and IELTS?
The "better" test depends on your specific needs and goals. Both TOEFL and IELTS are widely accepted English proficiency tests, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
The TOEFL exam is widely accepted in all the universities present in major study-abroad destinations such as the USA, the UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. The mode of the TOEFL exam is computer-based and it focuses more on the academic English. The exam takes 2 hours to complete in which it assesses all four skills of the test taker namely - speaking, listening, reading and writing.
On the other hand, the IELTS exam covers modeules from both academic English and general training English. However, the IELTS exam format differ entirely from that of the TOEFL exam. The IELTS exam takes a total of 3 hours to get completed in two different sittings. Students have to take the speaking section (11-14 minutes, with a real examiner) of the test up to 7 days either before or after taking the main IELTS exam in which the reading, listening and writing skills are assessed in the time frame of 2 hours and 44 minutes.
The other main points of difference between the IELTS and TOEFL exams are given below. Students can choose the exam that suits them the best based on the following and above-mentioned information.
IELTS Vs TOEFL | ||
---|---|---|
Feature | TOEFL | IELTS |
Format | Computer-based | Computer-based or paper-based |
Focus | Academic English | Academic or general English |
Speaking | Computer-based | Face-to-face with an examiner |
Scoring | 0-120 | 0-9 |
Q: Â How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?
The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses:
The Undergraduate Application Process:
Step 1: You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.
Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.
Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
The Postgraduate application process:
Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
Step 5: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.
Q: Â Is university of West of Scotland good for international students?
The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.
Q: Â What is University of Wales, Trinity Saint famous for?
University of Wales, Trinity Saint (UWTSD) was founded in 2010, is a public institution for higher education and research at multiple locations. It was set up under the 1828 royal charter of Lampeter, the institution was the result of the merger between Trinity University College and the University of Wales. The institution merged with the Swansea Metropolitan University in 2013.
- Top Ranked University: The UWTSD is not ranked by any major ranking body, however as per the university ranking given on the official website of the university, it is ranked among:
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Film Production and Photography
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Fashion and Textiles
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Graphic Design
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Education
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Sports Science
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Mechanical Engineering
- #1st in Wales for Fine Arts
- Variety of Courses: UWTSD offers more than 300 programs at various levels including undergraduate, postgraduate degrees as well as multiple online courses.
- Highly distinguished and learned faculties: the faculty at UWTSD is highly learned and distinguished which enables students to be the best in their field of study.
- High Placements: According to Graduate Outcome data 2019-2020 quoted by the UWTSD, more than 95% of its graduates were found to be employed within 15 Months of graduation. The average salary of a graduate is not explicitly released by UWTSD, however, as per some unofficial sources the average salary of the graduates of UWTSD is approximately INR 30-35L. with the highest salary being reported as high as INR 66.5L for jobs in Financial Services.
Q: Â Does the University of Essex require IELTS?
International students whose native language is not English must meet the University of Essex English language requirements to get admission. The university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. Mentioned below are the IELTS scores required for UG and PG admission at the university:
English Language Test | Score |
---|---|
IELTS | Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section |
The university also accepts the score of other English language tests such as TOEFL and PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs:
English Language Test | Score |
TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 72 to 114 |
PTE | Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section |
Also read: Required IELTS Score for UK Universities
Q: Â Why indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School - UK?
Indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School in the UK for several reasons, including its highly ranked programs, global outlook, and career support. Hult offers a range of full-time master’s degrees, immersive bachelor's programs, and MBA options that prepare students to excel in the global job market. The school is the largest and top-ranked global business school, providing students with an incomparable universal outlook. Additionally, Hult's focus on experiential learning, extensive career support, and the opportunity to study at multiple campuses around the world are attractive to Indian students seeking a global business education. Furthermore, the school's emphasis on innovation and meeting the needs of students and employers may also contribute to its appeal to Indian students
Q: Â How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?
Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.
- Know the exam pattern
- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
- Solve previous year question papers
- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
- Revise regularly
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well
With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
Q: Â How to download UK Board 12th date sheet 2024?
Following are the steps to download the UK 12th date sheet 2024.
- Open the Uttarakhand Board's official website at ubse.uk.gov.in
- Click on 'Examination Scheme' available on the homepage
- A new window will appear on the screen containing a link of the UK Board 12th date sheet 2024
- Click the link and download the Uttarakhand 12th date sheet 2024
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Hi Gunwant, as you have gained work experience, you can go for master's in this field: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/ms-in-electronics-electrical-engineering-from-abroad-ds11509263?country=usa-uk-canada
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Hi Deewan, you must create an online account on the official website of IELTS, thereafter you may pay the fees and schedule the test. Please find registration instructions here https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/exams/ielts/how-to-register