IELTS vs TOEFL: What is the Difference? Things You Must Know

Clearing a language proficiency test is the first step towards moving abroad; be it for studies or for work or even immigration. Any English speaking country like the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand requires candidates with impeccable English Language skills and IELTS/ TOEFL exam scores are regarded as benchmarks.

However, often aspirants get confused between these two exams and can’t decide on the dilemma of TOEFL vs IELTS.

This article attempts to present all the details you need to know about these two popular language tests.

All About TOEFL Exam

TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is an English proficiency test, developed by ETS, and is used to check an individual’s reading, speaking, writing, and listening proficiency in American English. TOEFL exam overall scores are popular in over 900 universities and other institutions in more than 130 countries.

All About IELTS Exam

IELTS is an abbreviation for International English Language Testing System. The test is available in two formats: “ IELTS Academic ,” for those planning to go for higher education in any English Speaking Country; and “ IELTS General Training ,” which mainly assess a person’s social skills and language proficiency at work.

IELTS is available at more than 1,600 locations worldwide, including more than 50 locations in the USA, and there are 48 test dates a year.

TOEFL vs IELTS: How to Choose?

Before you choose between the two, you must find out what test your university accepts. If you want to go to a certain university and it only accepts IELTS, then that is the test you must take.

You should also check if there is a test centre in your local area. The test is already quite a handful and too much travelling will easily wear you down.

You should also think about why you want to take a language proficiency test. If it is for university entrance there is not much difference between the two tests, but if you are not attending university and just need it for migration, the IELTS General Training is much more suitable for your needs.

Quick Fix to Make Your Decision Making Easier:

If you can answer “yes” to most of the following questions you should go for the TOEFL exam:

• Find American accents easy to listen to.
• Like multiple-choice questions.
• Prefer reading and listening in an academic context.
• Can concentrate for long periods of time.
• Good at typing.
• Can easily follow a lecture and take notes.
• Comfortable with computers.

For IELTS

If you can answer “yes” to most of the following questions you should do the IELTS test:

• Like talking to people one-on-one.
• Not a fan of multiple-choice questions.
• Don’t like reading or listening to academic contexts.
• Like to write by hand.
• Can understand a variety of English-speaking accents.
• Prefer shorter tests.
• Prefer a range of questions.
• Find it difficult to concentrate for long periods of time.

To know more difference between IELTS and TOEFL , Click Here