IELTS vs TOEFL: Which Exam Should You Take?
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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.
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- What are IELTS and TOEFL?
- IELTS vs TOEFL: Test Format
- IELTS vs TOEFL: Total Score Comparisons
- IELTS vs TOEFL Section-wise Score Comparison
- IELTS vs TOEFL: Accent and Language
- IELTS vs TOEFL: Which One is Better?
- IELTS vs TOEFL: Question Style
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
| Feature | IELTS | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|
| Test Mode | Computer-based & Paper-based | Internet-based (iBT) |
| Test Length | 2 hrs 45 mins | 1 hr 56 mins |
| Score Range | 0–9 Bands | 0–120 |
| Speaking Test | Face-to-face with the examiner | Recorded via computer |
| Marking | Evaluated by experts | Mostly AI-scored |
| Results Timeline | 2–13 days (Computer: 2 days, Paper: 13 days) | 4-8 days |
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:
| Section |
IELTS |
TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Reading |
40 questions, 60 minutes Includes three academic reading passages and a mix of question types (matching, gap fill, etc.) |
20 questions, 35 minutes Passages are academic in nature with multiple-choice questions |
| Listening |
30 minutes, 40 questions 4 audio recordings including conversations and monologues |
36 minutes 28 questions from lectures and conversations; note-taking required |
| Writing |
60 minutes Task 1: Describe a chart or table (150 words)Task 2: Write an essay (250 words) |
29 minutes Task 1: Summarize information from a reading and lecture (150–225 words)Task 2: Write an independent essay |
| Speaking |
11–14 minutes Face-to-face with an examiner 3 parts, including an extended discussion |
16–20 minutes 4 tasks, responses recorded on a computer |
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.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
| 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 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 |
0–2 |
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 |
30 |
| 8.5 |
28–29 |
| 8 |
26–27 |
| 7.5 |
24–25 |
| 7 |
23 |
| 6.5 |
20–22 |
| 6 |
18–19 |
| 5.5 |
16–17 |
| 5 |
14–15 |
| 4.5 |
12–13 |
| 0–4 |
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 |
| 0–4 |
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 |
30 |
| 8.5 |
30 |
| 8 |
30 |
| 7.5 |
29 |
| 7 |
27–28 |
| 6.5 |
24–26 |
| 6 |
21–23 |
| 5.5 |
18–20 |
| 5 |
14–17 |
| 4.5 |
12–13 |
| 0–4 |
0–11 |
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.
| Feature |
IELTS |
TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Approach |
Real-life and practical |
More academic in tone |
| Speaking Format |
Live interview with an examiner |
Recorded responses |
| Writing Tasks |
Graph/chart description and essay |
Essay plus integrated response from reading/listening tasks |
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.
The University of Hertfordshire has 70% acceptance rate, making it easy to get into it. Good academic results, English proficiency, references, and many other conditions are taken into account for selection.
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 |
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
Comments
(16)
J
3 years ago
P
3 years ago
P
3 years ago
g
4 years ago
P
3 years ago
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
5 years ago
D
6 years ago
6 years ago
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
Candidates should note that both TOEFL and IELTS are English language tests that have been designed for the benefit of students wanting to study in English speaking country abroad. These English proficiency tests will examine the English proficiency skills of the applicant and inform the university whether the candidate is fit for the curriculum. Hence, both exams have been created at par with each other.