IELTS vs TOEFL: Which Exam should you take?

IELTS vs TOEFL: TOEFL and IELTS are the two main English-language proficiency tests available for the students and employees of non-English speaking countries. 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 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.

As it is up to the English test taker to decide which of these two exams, here is a guide to making the decision.

IELTS vs TOEFL Exam Structure

The table given below provides differences between all the sections of both the examinations:

Total Score Comparisons

The table given below provides a comparison between the overall scoring of both the examinations:

IELTS vs TOEFL: North American or British / UK accent?

• For British or Australian accent - IELTS
• For American accent - TOEFL

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 slow, go for IELTS as you have to handwrite your essay responses.

IELTS vs TOEFL: Test duration

• If you want to finish fast, consider IELTS as it is comparatively shorter - about 2 hours 45 minutes. However, shorter does not necessarily mean easier.
• If you want to take your time, you can take TOEFL - it lasts approximately 4 hours.

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:

Speaking Section Score Comparisons

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

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:

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.

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