IELTS vs TOEFL: Which Exam Should You Take?

To study abroad, you need to show your English proficiency. IELTS and TOEFL are popular English tests for this. But they are different in many things like format, scoring, structure, and test experience. This article shows the main differences between IELTS and TOEFL. It will help you decide which exam is better for you.

If you want to study abroad or go for work and immigration in English country, you need to show your English skills. The two popular English tests are IELTS and TOEFL. Both are accepted by universities, jobs, and immigration. Both tests check your Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The main differences are in format, scoring, structure, and how the test feels. Many students get confused about which test to take. Which one is better? Which one my university accept? Which one is easier? In this article, we will explain the differences between IELTS and TOEFL. We will talk about test format, timing, scores, and more.

What are IELTS and TOEFL?

IELTS is accepted in more than 150 countries and by over 11,500 organisations. It has two types: Academic (for higher studies) and General Training (for work and migration). You can choose IELTS on Computer or IELTS on Paper.

TOEFL iBT is an internet-based test for academic purposes. It is accepted in more than 160 countries. Many US and Canada universities prefer it.

Both tests check your Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking skills. But the way they test and their design are different.

IELTS vs TOEFL: Quick Comparison

IELTS vs TOEFL: Test Format

Both IELTS and TOEFL test the same four skills, but the format and time distribution vary. The table given below provides the differences between all the sections of both the examinations:

IELTS vs TOEFL: Total Score Comparisons

Each test uses a different scoring scale. IELTS scores range from 0 to 9, while TOEFL iBT scores range from 0 to 120.

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:

Speaking Section Score Comparisons

Reading Section Score Comparisons

The table given below provides a comparison between the IELTS reading section scores and TOEFL reading section scores:

Writing Section Score Comparisons

The table given below provides a comparison between the IELTS writing section scores and TOEFL writing section scores:

IELTS vs TOEFL: Accent and Language

Accent: IELTS has British and Australian accents. TOEFL has American accent.

Vocabulary: IELTS uses British English. TOEFL uses American English and some idioms.

IELTS vs TOEFL: Which One is Better?

It depends on what you like, your goals, and which test format is easy for you.

Test Time:

• IELTS: About 2 hours 45 minutes
• TOEFL iBT: Less than 2 hours

Question Types:

• IELTS: Many types like matching, gap-fill, etc.
• TOEFL: Mostly multiple-choice

Typing or Writing:

• Good at typing? Take TOEFL (computer essays)
• Like handwriting? Take IELTS (paper test)

Speaking:

Like talk to person? IELTS has live interview

Like talk to computer? TOEFL speaking is recorded

IELTS vs TOEFL: Question Style

One can check the question style of both the IELTS and TOEFL exams from below.

IELTS

• More practical and real-life oriented.

• Includes tasks like describing graphs, maps, and situations.

• Speaking includes live interviews.

TOEFL

• More academic in tone.

• Writing includes responses based on reading + listening.

• Speaking is recorded, not face-to-face.

 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.