TOFEL vs IELTS

TOFEL vs IELTS: What’s the difference?

Introduction :

For one to study, work or reside in an English-speaking country, it is a norm that they confirm their aptitude in the language. One chooses to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).  Submitting a score in either one of the systems is a must.

 Both of these are standardised tests that determine your English level by assessing your writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills. One needs to study and prepare for these tests by enrolling themselves in IELTS online classes and the same for TOEFL.

A Short Note On IELTS.

IELTS is an English language test that is accepted by over 11,000 schools, colleges, and universities in 140 countries. It's a global test that is owned and operated by three organisations: British Council, IDP, and Cambridge Assessment English. Depending on what you want to study, you might need to take either the Academic or General Training IELTS test. IELTS tests your English skills in four areas: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. 

A short note on TOEFL.

The TOEFL test assesses English proficiency in academic settings. Over 11,500 institutions in 160 countries accept it. Among these institutions are some of the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK) and Australian top universities. This examination is largely preferred by people going to American schools. The test consists of four sections: reading, listening, speaking and writing. 

What to choose? : Let's study the  differences

IELTS vs TOEFL: 

The IELTS vs TOEFL debate often confuses the students. Various factors such as study material availability, pattern of the exam, toughness level, the demand of universities, test centre availability, etc. must be kept in mind.

1)  Scope:

       IELTS is designed mainly for higher educational purposes like college or university and also for professional registration. However, it is also used for immigration purposes in the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand.TOEFL is a standardised test specifically designed for non-native speakers who want to further their education in the United States. Yet, when we speak about TOEFL, it is also organised for immigration in Australia and New Zealand. 

2)    Types:

      The two main types of IELTS are Academic and General Training. This test is for those who want to pursue a liberal arts, master's, or doctorate.TOEFL is also an academic exam which is accepted by various universities around the world including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand."

3)  Availability:

      More than 140 countries have the IELTS exam, and the facilities are worldwide available, with about 1,600 testing facilities. TOEFL has more than 170 countries and a variety of over 6,000 test locations. 

4)    Interaction With Examiner:

      IELTS and TOEFL differ very much in their speaking parts, choosing the method of examination highlights what students are supposed to do. What's more, IELTS speaking tests are particular, the student is interviewed directly by an instructor. Whereas, TOEFL is purely computer-based, where participants do not speak with the tester. They only need to record the answers, which are then submitted for evaluation. 

5)    Scoring:

      The difference in basic nature is that IELTS and TOEFL are in their scoring systems. The IELTS scale from 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest) is used by the IELTS band system. TOEFL on the other hand is esteemed by a maximum of 120 points. Referring to each section, "reading", "listening", "speaking", and "writing", they are graded on a scale of 0 to 30, thereby the whole TOEFL score is a sum of the mentioned qualities. 

6)   Exam Duration:

      The IELTS exam lasts for 2 hours and 45 minutes in terms of the duration. On the other hand, TOEFL iBT (Testing on the Internet) will take 2 hours to complete. In the paper version of the TOEFL test, candidates need the necessary 3 hours. 

7) Frequency:

  The TOEFL iBT exam is very flexible as it lasts over 60 sessions in a year at various places worldwide. The test is open five days a week in many cities. On the contrary, the IELTS exam is designed to be weekly.IELTS has numerous opportunities for the students to take the exam at their convenience. 

8) Result declaration:

  Most students get their TOEFL scores around 4-6 days. On the contrary, IELTS results are released very quickly, allowing a person to consult online results within a week.

Conclusion:

The Right Fit for Your Immigration:

 IELTS is the better option as it examines the language skills of the individual more exhaustively and in more flexible forms than TOFEL. Thus,it is acknowledged by a large range of academic institutions, professional bodies and immigration departments in many countries of the world. One has to enroll themselves in IELTS online classes for the best results.