What is IELTS vs TOEFL?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely recognized language proficiency exam taken by individuals seeking overseas education or for professional purposes. Accepted in over 140 countries, IELTS offers two versions: IELTS General Training (for work or immigration) and IELTS Academic (for educational purposes).

In contrast, TOEFL, which stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language, is another popular language proficiency test commonly chosen by students aiming to study abroad. This exam focuses on evaluating applicants’ abilities to communicate effectively in English-based academic settings and is accepted in approximately 130 countries.

IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is Easier for Indian Students?

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are two of the most well-known and respected tests of English ability. All individuals who are not native English speakers must take these exams as part of their application process. 

This article has been crafted to aid individuals who are undecided between TOEFL and IELTS. This informative post compares both exams to help readers make a well-informed choice.

IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is Easier for Students

Table of Content

  • IELTS Vs TOEFL: Key Differences
  • IELTS vs TOEFL: Differences
  • What is IELTS?
  • What is TOEFL?
  • What is IELTS vs TOEFL?
  • IELTS vs TOEFL: Format
  • IELTS Test Format 
  • TOEFL Test Format 
  • IELTS vs TOEFL- Writing Section
  • IELTS vs TOEFL- Speaking Section
  • TOEFL vs IELTS- Reading Section
  • TOEFL vs IELTS- Listening Section
  • IELTS vs TOEFL- Score Comparison
  • Score Description 
  • How to Choose Between IELTS and TOEFL?
  • Which Universities Accept IELTS vs TOEFL?
  • IELTS Vs TOEFL: Result and Acceptance
  • IELTS vs TOEFL: Exam Fees

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IELTS Vs TOEFL: Key Differences

Details  IELTS  TOEFL  Conducting Body British Council and IDP Education Ltd. Educational Testing Services  Medium  Online and Offline  Online and Offline(Note: TOEFL Offline has been discontinued)  Variants  IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training IELTS Indicator TOEFL iBT Duration  2 hours 45 minutes 1 hour 56 minutes (latest revised duration) Breaks No breaks during the listening, reading and writing sections, but the speaking portion can be taken up to a week before or after the rest of the test A 10-minute break between listening and speaking sections Sections  Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking* Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking Score Range  0-9 0-120 Average Minimum Score 6.3 78 Exam Frequency  48 times in a year  More than 50 times a year  Results Timeline Results are issued 13 days after the test Results are issued approximately 10 days after the test Where All are the Scores Accepted Accepted by more than 11,000 universities globally Accepted by more than 10,000organizations globally Cost  INR 16,250 INR 16,900  (TOEFL iBT)...

IELTS vs TOEFL: Differences

IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is Easier for Students...

What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognized English proficiency exam designed to assess the language skills of non-native English speakers. Developed jointly by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English, IELTS evaluates individuals’ abilities to listen, read, write, and speak in English....

What is TOEFL?

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an internationally recognized English proficiency exam administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Designed to assess the English language skills of non-native English speakers, TOEFL evaluates individuals’ abilities to listen, read, write, and speak in English....

What is IELTS vs TOEFL?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely recognized language proficiency exam taken by individuals seeking overseas education or for professional purposes. Accepted in over 140 countries, IELTS offers two versions: IELTS General Training (for work or immigration) and IELTS Academic (for educational purposes)....

IELTS vs TOEFL: Format

The primary distinction lies in the question format, with TOEFL featuring multiple-choice questions while IELTS incorporates varied question types like fill in the blanks and short answers. Additionally, there’s a notable difference in exam duration, with IELTS requiring 2 hours and 45 minutes compared to TOEFL’s shorter duration of 1 hour and 56 minutes....

IELTS Test Format

Sections  Duration  Number of Tasks/Activities  Listening  30 minutes  4 Reading  60 minutes  3 Writing  60 minutes  2 Speaking  11-15 minutes  3 Total  2 hours 45 minutes...

TOEFL Test Format

Sections  Scoring Number of Questions  Duration  Reading 0-30 20 35 minutes Listening 0-30 28 36 minutes Speaking 0-30 4 tasks 16 minutes Writing 0-30 2 tasks 29 minutes Total 120 1 hr 56 minutes...

IELTS vs TOEFL- Writing Section

In the IELTS exam, candidates tackle two writing tasks. The first task involves interpreting information from diagrams or charts, while the second task requires writing a 200-250 word response to an argument or viewpoint. Conversely, in the TOEFL exam, the first task involves crafting a five-paragraph essay within 300-350 words, while the second task entails responding to notes from a text in 150-225 words....

IELTS vs TOEFL- Speaking Section

TOEFL’s speaking assessment is recorded via microphone and sent to examiners, while IELTS conducts face-to-face interview-style assessments. TOEFL’s speaking test lasts 16 minutes, whereas IELTS ranges from 10 to 15 minutes. A distinguishing factor is the option to attempt the speaking test before other sections in IELTS, unlike TOEFL....

TOEFL vs IELTS- Reading Section

Both exams’ reading sections feature texts similar to those encountered in academic programs. TOEFL offers 2 reading passages to be completed in 35 minutes, while IELTS presents 3 passages with questions in various formats like gap fillings and short answers....

TOEFL vs IELTS- Listening Section

IELTS allows answering questions while listening to the recording, with various types of questions. TOEFL is based on classroom lectures, requiring note-taking while listening. Students answer MCQs within 36 minutes in the TOEFL listening component....

IELTS vs TOEFL- Score Comparison

The assessment criteria for the speaking and writing sections differ between TOEFL and IELTS. TOEFL evaluates primarily on the appearance of responses, focusing on aspects like vocabulary range, writing style, and grammar. In contrast, IELTS employs distinct criteria such as logic, coherence, grammar, and fluency....

Score Description

Band score Skill level Band 9 Expert user Band 8 Very good user Band 7 Good user Band 6 Competent user Band 5 Modest user Band 4 Limited user Band 3 Extremely limited user Band 2 Intermittent user Band 1 Non-user Band 0 Did not attempt the test...

How to Choose Between IELTS and TOEFL?

Ultimately, the choice between IELTS and TOEFL depends on your preferences, goals, and the specific requirements of the institutions or organizations you’re applying to. Take the time to research and consider all factors carefully before making your decision....

Which Universities Accept IELTS vs TOEFL?

More than 11,000 universities worldwide recognize either the IELTS or TOEFL, or both, for English language proficiency. When applying to universities in the UK or Australia, IELTS is generally the preferred option, whereas many universities in the USA primarily accept TOEFL scores....

IELTS Vs TOEFL: Result and Acceptance

Worldwide, scores on the TOEFL and IELTS are recognized as indicators of English competence. More than 9,000 universities worldwide, including those in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, recognize IELTS exam results....

IELTS vs TOEFL: Exam Fees

The exam fees for IELTS and TOEFL are mentioned below:...

IELTS vs TOEFL- FAQs

What is the difference between IELTS and TOEFL?...

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