Foreign universities usually ask for IELTS or TOEFL score of international students. Scores of both the tests are accepted by international universities for admission purpose. What is the format of these tests? Which test should you take? Is there any special preference given to IELTS or TOEFL? Which test will fetch you more score?
As an English Test Taker, get all your answers in this article. This guide will provide you a detailed comparison between IELTS and TOEFL, and help you to choose the test according to your skill set and aptitude:
Let’s begin with some of the basic questions to get a glimpse of these two tests:
Question No. 1: Which English Accent Suits you most?
For American accent – TOEFL, and for British Accent – IELTS
Question No. 2: Are you comfortable with American Vocabulary or British Language
For American English – TOEFL, and for British English – IELTS
Question No. 3: Are you computer savvy?
If you can type fast and aware of basic computer skills you might opt for TOEFL and if you are not good in typing go for IELTS as it is a handwritten test.
Question No. 4: How good you are with time management?
Time duration of IELTS is about 2 hours and 45 minutes whereas TOEFL is quite lengthy and lasts for 4 hours approximately.
Question No.5: What type of question pattern suits you?
IELTS is generally a long test with various types of questions including MCQs, fill in the blanks, matching exercises and many more. However, in TOEFL exam only multiple choice questions are asked.
Question No. 6: How good are you in taking notes?
Though note taking is important for IELTS as well as TOEFL, nevertheless, it is much more crucial for TOEFL. In IELTS, you need to answer the questions as you listen.
Question No. 7: What is the difference in exam structure of IELTS and TOEFL?
| Structure |
TOEFL |
IELTS |
| Reading |
Multiple choice questions, Academic Study Materials, 3 to 5 reading selection of 20 minutes each |
Multiple choice questions along-with gap-filling and textual questions, Academic Study Material, 3 reading selection of 20 minutes |
| Listening |
40 to 60 minutes of listening selections from academic conversations, Take notes and answer MCQs |
Wide variety of question types, and exercises, Answer question by moving through the listening section |
| Writing |
Five paragraph essay of 350 words, Note taking is important, |
Short Essay for 300 words, Explanation of graphs, charts or infographics |
| Speaking |
Record responses on the computer of 60 seconds to six different questions based on short descriptions and the speaking section is of 20 minutes |
Speaking section of 15 minutes and short warm up exercises |
Question No. 8. What is the section-wise score of IELTS and TOEFL?
IELTS vs TOEFL: Total Score Comparison
| IELTS Score |
TOEFL Score |
| 0-4 |
0-31 |
| 4.5 |
32-34 |
| 5 |
35-45 |
| 5.5 |
46-59 |
| 6 |
60-78 |
| 6.5 |
79-93 |
| 7 |
94-101 |
| 7.5 |
102-109 |
| 8 |
110-114 |
| 8.5 |
115-117 |
| 9 |
118-120 |
Hope, this will give you a clear understanding of which test to choose according to your skill set and ability.
IELTS vs TOEFL: Best Books
Now that you have got a clear understanding of which test will suit you best, let’s take a look at the best books for IELTS and TOEFL preparation:
List of IELTS Books:
- IELTS Student's Book with Answers
- Grammar for IELTS with Answers and Audio CD
- GT Essays and Letters from the Past Exams
List of TOEFL Books:
- Official TOEFL Vol. 1 (With DVD)
- Official TOEFL Tests Volume II (With DVD)
- 400 Must Have Words for the TOEFL
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