IELTS or TOEFL: Which one is better For USA?
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Choosing between the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an important decision for international students who want to study in the USA. Both tests measure your English language skills, but they have different formats, scoring systems, and acceptance rates at universities.
In recent years, both exams have become popular, with USA universities accepting either one for admission. However, many schools seem to prefer the TOEFL, especially for students from countries where English is not the main language.
This article will help you understand the differences between IELTS and TOEFL so you can decide which test is better for you. We will look at how each test (IELTS and TOEFL) is structured, how they are scored, and which universities accept them.
- IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is Better for Indian Students?
- What is IELTS? Format, Sections, and Scoring Explained
- What is TOEFL? Key Features and How It is Used in the USA
- Comparison between IELTS and TOEFL
- IELTS vs TOEFL: Acceptance
- IELTS or TOEFL: How to Choose Based on Your Profile
- IELTS vs. TOEFL, What is a good academic score?
- Why TOEFL is More Popular Among US Universities?
- How to prepare for TOEFL?
IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is Better for Indian Students?
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TOEFL is more accepted in USA, especially by big universities like MIT and Stanford.
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IELTS is also accepted, but better for students going to UK, Australia, or Europe.
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TOEFL is 100% computer-based. IELTS has option for paper or computer test.
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In TOEFL, you speak into a mic. In IELTS, you speak with a real person.
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IELTS fees in India are INR 18,000. TOEFL fees are INR 16,900.
What is IELTS? Format, Sections, and Scoring Explained
IELTS is administered by IDP and is a standardized test that measures the language proficiency of people who want to study or work in an English-speaking environment. An examination that gauges a candidate's competency in the English language is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The IELTS test is split into four sections, Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Each section has its own time limits and requires different types of tasks to be completed.
The Speaking part of the test is designed to assess how well you can communicate in English. The examiner will ask you questions about yourself and your background, as well as general questions about the world around you.
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What is TOEFL? Key Features and How It is Used in the USA
TOEFL is administered by ETS, and the test is widely recognized by over 13,000 universities and institutions in 160+ countries, including nearly all universities in the United States. The TOEFL iBT is fully internet-based and evaluates reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills in academic contexts. It is a standardized test that assesses the English language skills of non-native speakers. TOEFL scores are valid for two years from your test date, but you can retake the test as often as you like. The TOEFL test is designed to assess proficiency in the four basic skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The test consists primarily of multiple-choice questions with four choices (the exception being listening comprehension). If you're planning to study abroad, it's essential to register for the TOEFL exam well in advance.
Comparison between IELTS and TOEFL
| Feature | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance in the USA | Accepted by many universities, but not universally | Widely accepted by almost all universities |
| Scoring Scale | 0 to 9 (band score) | 0 to 120 |
| Test Format | Paper-based or computer-based | Internet-based (iBT) |
| Duration | Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes | 116 minutes |
| Sections | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking |
| Speaking Test | Face-to-face interview with an examiner | Speaking into a microphone |
| Writing Tasks | Two tasks: Task 1 (150 words), Task 2 (250 words) | Two tasks: Integrated and Independent writing |
| Listening Section | Questions are available during listening | Questions shown after listening |
| Preparation Time | Varies; generally requires more extensive practice | Typically requires less preparation time |
| Result Availability | Results are typically within 13 days | Result in 4-8 Days |
| Fees in India | INR 18,000 | INR 16,900 |
IELTS vs TOEFL: Acceptance
When it comes to acceptance rates at US universities, TOEFL tends to be favored more than IELTS. Most American universities accept TOEFL scores because they are specifically tailored for academic environments. While many institutions also accept IELTS scores, there are still some that do not recognize them for certain programs. Therefore, students must check the specific requirements of their target universities before deciding which test to take.
IELTS or TOEFL: How to Choose Based on Your Profile
The choice between IELTS and TOEFL ultimately depends on your strengths and preferences:
Choose TOEFL if:
- You prefer a fully computer-based test.
- You feel confident in your reading and writing skills in an academic context.
- You want to take a test that is more widely accepted by US universities.
Choose IELTS if:
- You are more comfortable with face-to-face interactions during the speaking section.
- You want the option of taking either the Academic or General Training version.
- You are considering studying in countries where IELTS is more commonly accepted.
IELTS vs. TOEFL, What is a good academic score?
For entrance to several overseas colleges, a strong GPA is necessary. Now, the issue of what constitutes "good" comes up. Indeed, it varies from nation to nation and from university to university. In the USA, the majority of the prestigious institutions like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Stanford admitted applicants with a minimum score of 7. It is possible to raise it to 7.5 for MIT and even to 8.5 for Columbia. However, if a student receives a 7, the majority of colleges will accept.
Why TOEFL is More Popular Among US Universities?
Depending on the university a student plans to enrol in, TOEFL and IELTS are each regarded differently. However, because more colleges favour the TOEFL than the IELTS, the former is more likely to be accepted. IELTS is only widely used and regarded as essential for admission to graduate school in the United Kingdom and Australia. Because they are picky, American institutions only accept TOEFL results. Before taking the test, it is advised that students review the university's requirements.
More than 13,000 colleges across 160 nations, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Germany, recognise TOEFL results. You can use a microphone to take the TOEFL speaking component of the test as it is entirely computer-based. Scores between 80 and 90 are regarded as satisfactory, and even higher numbers will look excellent on your application.
The TOEFL iBT Home Edition, which employs a live proctor, was introduced as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The reading, hearing, speaking, and writing portions of the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition each consist of four timed sections.
A total score of 120 is available on the TOEFL, with a scoring range of 0 to 30 for each part. Depending on whether the TOEFL exam was taken, results are made public as soon as six business days following the test date.The test fee also covers the cost of up to four score reports, which can be submitted for free. Up to the night before the test, score report recipients can be added using the test taker's ETS account.
How to prepare for TOEFL?
Even fluent English speakers should take a practice exam because the test is so complicated. Test takers can get a feel for the exam's topics, structure, and regulations by taking practise exams. On its website, ETS, for instance, provides both free and paid TOEFL preparation tools. Students can enrol in, pay for, and complete a variety of courses to assist them learn the skills necessary to demonstrate their best language talents during the test.
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A TOEFL score of 100+ is considered strong for US universities. Ivy League schools may expect scores between 105 and 110.
There no one answer for this. Like, TOEFL is better if you good with computer and like multiple choice question. IELTS maybe easier if you like pen paper test or want talk face-to-face. PTE all computer and give result fast sometimes. So which English proficiency test easiest, it always depend on you.
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Yes. While both tests are accepted, TOEFL iBT is preferred by most US universities, especially for undergraduate and graduate-level STEM programs.