TOEFL vs IELTS: Which English Proficiency Test Should You Take?

When it comes to demonstrating your English proficiency for academic or professional purposes, two major exams stand out: the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Both tests are widely recognized by universities, colleges, and employers around the world. But which one should you take? Understanding the differences between these exams, as well as your personal preferences and requirements, can help you make the best choice.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between TOEFL and IELTS to help you decide which English proficiency test suits you best.

1. Overview of the Tests

TOEFL: Administered by ETS, TOEFL is widely used in the U.S., Canada, and countries with American universities. It evaluates reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills, and is entirely computer-based with speaking tasks recorded.

IELTS: Jointly administered by British Council, IDP, and Cambridge, IELTS is accepted in the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. It has two types: Academic (for university admissions) and General Training (for immigration/work). The test includes listening, reading, writing, and a face-to-face speaking interview.

2. Test Format and Structure

TOEFL:

• Total Time: Approximately 3 hours.
• Sections:
  • Reading: 36-56 questions based on academic texts (60-80 minutes).
  • Listening: 34-51 questions from recorded lectures and conversations (60-90 minutes).
  • Speaking: 4 tasks, including expressing opinions and describing images (20 minutes).
  • Writing: 2 tasks, including an integrated task (20 minutes) and an independent task (30 minutes).
• Format: Entirely computer-based with multiple-choice questions, listening tasks, and spoken responses recorded.

IELTS:

• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
• Sections:
  • Listening: 40 questions based on four recordings (30 minutes).
  • Reading: 40 questions based on three texts (60 minutes).
  • Writing: 2 tasks, including writing an essay and a report (60 minutes).
  • Speaking: 3 parts, including an interview with an examiner (11-14 minutes).
• Format: The Reading, Listening, and Writing sections are computer-based or paper-based (depending on the test center), while the Speaking test is face-to-face with an examiner.

3. Scoring System

TOEFL:

• Score Range: The TOEFL test is scored on a scale of 0 to 120.
  • Reading: 0–30
  • Listening: 0–30
  • Speaking: 0–30
  • Writing: 0–30
• The total score is the sum of your scores across all four sections.

IELTS:

• Score Range: The IELTS exam is scored on a band scale of 0 to 9, with each section receiving a band score.
  • Overall Band Score: The overall score is the average of the four individual section scores.
  • Band scores are interpreted as follows:
    • 9: Expert user
    • 7-8: Good to very good user
    • 6: Competent user
    • 5: Modest user
    • Below 5: Limited to very limited user

4. Test Availability and Location

TOEFL:

• Available Locations: TOEFL is available in over 165 countries and is typically offered at test centers throughout the year. It’s primarily computer-based (though a paper-based version is available in limited locations).
• Frequency: You can take the test multiple times per year, as long as there are available test dates.

IELTS:

• Available Locations: IELTS is available in 140 countries, and test dates are frequent throughout the year, with a mix of computer-based and paper-based options available depending on the test center.
• Frequency: Like TOEFL, IELTS is offered several times per month, depending on your loc

5. Who Accepts TOEFL and IELTS?

TOEFL:

• Accepted by over 10,000 universities and institutions globally, especially in the United States and Canada.
• It is often the preferred test for students applying to universities in North America.

IELTS:

• Accepted by over 10,000 organizations worldwide, including universities, employers, and immigration authorities.
• Particularly popular in Europe, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, and is often the test of choice for those looking to immigrate to English-speaking countries.

6. Which Test Should You Take?

The choice between TOEFL and IELTS depends largely on your personal preferences, the requirements of the institutions you’re applying to, and the region where you plan to study or work. Here are some considerations:

• Test Format: Choose TOEFL for a computer-based test with multiple-choice questions. Go for IELTS if you prefer a face-to-face speaking interview and varied question formats.
• Where You Plan to Study: TOEFL is more widely accepted in North America; IELTS is common in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
• Score System: TOEFL uses a numeric scale (0-120); IELTS uses a band score (0-9) with more flexibility.
• Test Style: IELTS offers a personal, interactive speaking test; TOEFL has a recorded, structured speaking section.

Final Thoughts

Both TOEFL and IELTS are great for proving English proficiency. Choose TOEFL if you prefer computer-based testing and are studying in North America. Go for IELTS if you prefer a personal speaking interview and are heading to the UK, Australia, or New Zealand. Always check the requirements of your university or institution. Both tests are widely accepted globally.

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