When it comes to test English for advanced purposes like immigration, occupation or education overseas, two international open tests that are considered standardised and common are IELTS and TOEFL respectively. The aim and purpose of both the tests is to examine the proficiency in English language for non-native speakers. Both the tests and their scores are widely accepted and comprehensive.
Here is a comparative study between IELTS and TOEFL.
Similarity between IELTS and TOEFL
- Well known and most dreaded English language test among students
- Four common sections in both TOEFL and IELTS – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
- Both IELTS and TOEFL score is valid for two years.
- Conducts and maintains an international standard.
- Assesses English proficiency of non-native speakers.
- Hear and answer to audio clips in listening section.
- Both scores accepted in US and Australia.
- In both IELTS and TOEFL, the speaking section is divided into three parts.
- The Writing section of both the tests have two distinct sections.
Difference between IELTS and TOEFL
| Points of Difference | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | International English Language Testing System | Test of English in Foreign Language |
| Managed & administered by | The British Council, University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations and IDP Education Australia | Educational Testing Service (ETS) |
| Examination duration | 2 hours 45 minutes | 4 hours |
| Score Acceptance |
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| English accent | British English | American English |
| Nature of test | IELTS exam is designed in two patterns:
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There is only one kind of TOEFL exam |
| Mode of exam | Computer or paper based | Computer based |
| Nature of questions | Short answer, elaborate writing, fill in the blanks, Multiple choice questions (MCQ) and so on | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Pressure on candidates | In IELTS, students need to be vivid and analytical | In TOEFL students need to be crisp, brief and reasonable |
| Reading section |
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| Speaking section |
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Exam divided in three parts: |
| Writing Section |
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| Score | 1-9 band | 120 points |
| Focus area |
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