TOEFL vs IELTS, which is a better test?

Sanjay Arora

If you intend to study abroad to pursue higher studies, the getaway is to secure a high score in GRE, as many of you may already know. There are other factors that contribute to a higher chance of getting selected by a university such as research experience, practical contribution to a field and one such semi-mandatory tool is a Language Test. It is to test your English proficiency and comprehension skills if you are not from a native English-speaking country. A Language Test is mandatory to majority of universities abroad, sometimes the only requirement (not even GRE Scores). Two of the most popular Language Tests widely accepted are IELTS and TOEFL.

 Before moving on to the tests, it is of utmost importance to point out that these tests check on your basic understanding of the language, mostly the speaking, listening, writing and reading abilities. If your base of the language is strong, you can easily score well in these tests.

 Academic and General-these are the two modes of test in case of IELTS. You can opt for a subject-specific test or a general test for TOEFL. The general test is more beneficial, as most of the universities accept the scores of a general test and it also does not restrict you to a particular subject.

What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a Language Test promoting higher education and global migration in more than 140 countries, including China. In case of both Academic and General Training segments, Listening and Speaking Tests are the same, differing only in case of Reading and Writing Tests (pertaining to the subject matter). All the segments (other than Speaking, as per your convenience) must be completed in a single day in 2 hours and 45 minutes. In general and broad terms, the test is segregated in various categories-Listening, Academic Reading, General Training Reading, Academic Writing, General Training Writing, Speaking, taken on both paper or computer. IELTS Scores are easy to read. They are reported on a 9-band scale i.e. on a scale from 1 to 9, 1 being the lowest. The scores are valid for 2 years, although this period can be flexible as per the guidelines of the universities.

 Research shows that in over 140 countries, around 3.5 million students have opted for IELTS in the last year.

IELTS and TOEFL, both being of the same nature, offer vast acceptance of scores in all the key immigration bodies in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. IELTS is one of the most widely taken tests as it can provide a more accurate state of the applicant through the provision of one-to-one in person Speaking Test.

 What is TOEFL?

 Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an equally effective and competent test, accepted in over 150 countries by more than 11,000 universities for university study, work and immigration across Europe and Asia. Their classroom-friendly tests include TOEFL ITP Tests (for learners ages 16+), TOEFL Junior Tests (for learners ages 11+), TOEFL Primary Tests (ages 8+) and TOEFL Research (55+).TOEFL too can be paper-based (TOEFL PBT) and computer-based (TOEFL IBT).

 Which test to choose?

 Now coming to the dilemma on which test to go for can be resolved through a configured understanding of which test can be beneficial for you. Whereas TOEFL consists of Multiple-Choice Questions only in some segments, IELTS offers a mix of essay questions and short answers. Also, TOEFL IBT can last for almost four hours, whereas, as mentioned earlier, IELTS can be completed in 2 hours 45 minutes. Another difference is in terms of the scaling score.

TOEFL scores are assessed on a scale of 0 to 120, compared to the 9-band scale adopted by IELTS. Each section is graded from 0 to 9, then an average of all the scores is represented through a final score between 0 and 9. That means if you don’t perform well in one section, chances are it will show in your final average. But TOEFL grades each section on a scale of 0 to 30 and also provides a performance-based report along with the result.

 Now the major difference comes in the Speaking section of the test. If you are more comfortable with talking to a real interviewer rather than a computer-integrated system, you can easily choose IELTS. It takes 11 to 14 minutes and is conducted on a one-to-one basis like a normal conversation.

 Simply put, both the tests assess quality proficiency and communication skills effectively and with competence. Choose the test keeping in mind the aforementioned differences and which test suits your level of comfort and understanding.