How to start your preparation for IELTS and TOEFL?
IELTS and TOEFL are English Language proficiency tests that aspirants need to clear in order to study aboard. These are widely known and accepted tests that seal your fate to a foreign university. Therefore, if you are planning to study abroad, you need to appear for any of these tests to prove your ability in English Language.
Now, the question arises when should you start preparing for the test and what’s the right time to take the test? One more question that often confuses students is how long one should study to crack these English Language exams?
Before answering the aforementioned questions, let’s quickly get an overview of these two tests:
TOEFL & IELTS: Overview
| Structure |
TOEFL |
IELTS |
| Conducting body |
Conducted by Educational Testing Services (ETS) to test candidates English as a foreign language skill |
Conducted by British Council, Cambridge English Language Assessment and IDP IELTS Australia |
| Accepting countries |
USA, Europe, Australia and Canada. However, the criteria might vary from institute to institute |
Europe, Australia, Canada, Singapore and USA |
| Exam structure |
Tests candidate’s ability to speak, read, write and listen in English |
4 sections of speaking, listening, reading and writing |
| Score Range |
0 - 120 |
0-9 |
| Score Validity |
2 years |
2 years |
| Chances given |
The test can be taken multiple times provided there is a gap of 12 days between to tests |
Can be taken multiple times |
It is clear from the aforementioned table that both the tests are quite similar in manner and structure. In terms of repetition also both the exams follow same pattern. So, when should you start your preparation and write the exam?
TOEFL & IELTS: Preparation Timetable
The only thing to watch out for both the exams is the validity of 2 years unlike the validity of GRE/GMAT score which is for 5 years. The validity of the score is of great importance as the timeline for study abroad aspirants who are planning to go aboard is about 12 to 18 months. Now, for some courses you may have to provide the score for visa application while for some courses you might need the test score to prove proficiency in English Language. In addition, for admission processes, candidates need to have the scores 12 months ahead of the intake process. For visa process, the score is required only at the time of visa application, which will be about 4 months before the academic sessions.
Now, it becomes clear that you must be ready with the scores before 12 months of the start of the sessions. If you are planning to take admission to a foreign university, make sure to start preparing a year ahead for the IELTS or TOEFL exam.
If you are planning to take any of these tests, make sure to practice with these books to kick start your IELTS and TOEFL preparation:
Cambridge Grammar for IELTS with Answers and Audio CD
IELTS GT Essays and Letters from the Past Exams
IELTS Academic Readings for Exam Practice
Official TOEFL Vol 1 (With DVD)
Official TOEFL Vol II (With DVD)
400 Must - have Words for the TOEFL
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