TOEFL and IELTS, well both of these are gateways to foreign destinations. Students have many doubts about which one they should choose. They usually have doubts about which is more preferred. There is much research done on this and people have different points of view. But, which one should we go with, that is also a big question which might come to your mind. Well, let’s stop the scratching of your brain and give it rest. Read the full article, so that you can get a clear picture in your mind as to what to choose between IELTS or TOEFL.
Also Read: IELTS vs TOEFL: What is the Difference? Things You Must Know
TOEFL
#TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language is a standardised test which is to measure English to have the students enrolled in English-speaking institutes.
#TOEFL is accepted by more than 150 countries and 11,000 institutes.
#Skills that are tested: Writing, Reading, Speaking and Listening
#Duration of the exam: For Internet-based: 2 hours 47 minutes to 3 hours 23 minutes with an extra ten minutes for a break.
For Paper-delivered test: 2 hours 25 minutes
#iBT score range: 0 to 30 (in 1 point increments) on each of the 4 sections. So a total of 0 to 120.
#PBT score range: Reading: 0 to 30, listening: 0 to 30, Writing: 0 to 30. No overall score.
#Score Validity: 2 years
#Fee: iBT: US$ 185 and up, depending on the country.
Paper-Delivered Test: US$ 180.
Also Read: Duolingo Test Scores Explained: Comparison with IELTS and TOEFL
TOEFL Exam Pattern and Duration
Computer-Based Test
| Task | Description | Approximate time |
| Reading | 3-4 passages, each containing 10 questions | 54-72 minutes |
| Listening | 5-7 passages, each containing 5–6 questions | 41-57 minutes |
| Break | Mandatory break | 10 minutes |
| Speaking | 4 tasks | 17 minutes |
| Writing | 2 tasks | 50 minutes |
Home-Based Test
Due to covid-19 TOEFL iBT has introduced the home-based test which can be accessed from your home. There is a human proctor who watches you through a web camera and via sharing your computer screen. If there are no disruptions and the test runs smoothly then the test is accepted.
Paper-Delivered Test
| Task | Description | Approximate time |
| Listening | 3 parts
The first part has 30 questions The second part has 8 questions The third part has 12 questions |
30 – 40 minutes |
| Structure and Written Expression | 15 exercises for completing sentences
25 exercises for identifying errors |
25 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 50 questions | 55 minutes |
| Writing | One essay question with 250-300 words | 30 minutes |
IELTS
#IELTS or International English Language Testing System is a standardised international exam for testing the English language which is managed by Cambridge Assessment English, IDP and British Council.
#IELTS is accepted by more than 10,000 institutes and in over 140 countries.
#Skills that are tested: Writing, Reading, Speaking and Listening
#Duration: 2 hours, 55 minutes.
#Score range: 0 to 9, in 0.5 band increments.
#Score validity: 24 months
#Fee: $250
IELTS Exam Pattern and Modules
There are modules of the exam
#Academic Module
#General Training Module
#IELTS Life Skills
Also Read: IELTS Exam Pattern 2021: Important Dates, Paper Pattern, and Much More!
Exam Pattern
| Task | Description | Approximate time |
| Listening | Four sections, ten questions each | 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes’ transfer time) |
| Reading | Academic: three reading texts
General: three sections |
60 minutes |
| Writing | Two tasks in academic and general | 60 minutes |
| Speaking | Three sections | 11-14 minutes |
IELTS vs TOEFL Scores
| IELTS Score | TOEFL Score | CEFR | IELTS Description |
| 9.0
8.5 |
118-120
115-117 |
C2 | Expert User |
| 8.0
7.5 7.0 |
110-114
102-109 94-101 |
C1 | Very Good User
Good User |
| 6.5
6.0 5.5 |
79-93
60-78 46-59 |
B2 | Competent User |
| 5.0
4.5 |
35-45
32-34 |
B1 | Modest User
Limited User |
| 0.0-4.0 | 0-31 | A1-B1 | Extremely Limited/Intermittent/Non User |
TOEFL vs IELTS – Which is more Accepted in the USA?
TOEFL is preferred in American institutes and IELTS is preferred overseas. Generally, if we look into the statistics, many institutions in the USA prefer TOEFL majorly.
TOEFL vs IELTS
As read above you will have a clear idea of how different are IELTS and TOEFL though they measure the same aspect
#When you look at the multiple-choice questions vs the short answer questions, for IELTS one needs to come up with their own answers for many questions. If one is looking for having more MCQs then prefer TOEFL.
#If you prefer typing to write then going for TOEFL is good and if you prefer pen and paper-based exams then IELTS can be chosen.
#If you have weak reading skills, or are not confident about reading, then IELTS can be easier for you.
#If you prefer having a speaking exam with a real person directly then choose IELTS, if you are comfortable with computer-based speaking then prefer TOEFL.
#If you feel that the writing section is a weak factor for you then, prefer going for IELTS.
Which One to Choose?
As read and analysed the exam pattern, scores, and different sections, one should ask these four questions to choose
#What are the institutes you are interested in and what do they accept?
#Which exam works more towards your strengths?
#Which one is easy and comfortable for you, remember to even take duration in your mind?
#Which one is cheaper?
Also Read: Is IELTS Easy or TOEFL? Which is Better and What are the Reasons?
Some More
Answer these in yes/no
#Are you comfortable with computers/laptops?
#Are you comfortable speaking in a microphone?
#Are you able to type quickly?
#Do you prefer American English more?
#Are you good at multiple-choice questions or questions with options?
#Is it easy for you to take notes while you listen to a recording for the listening section?
#Are the English sources which you listen from, watch them or read give you information rather than entertainment?
If most of your answers are yes then go for TOEFL and if most of your answers are no then go for IELTS. In this case, you should definitely look for our IELTS courses which will help you prepare. IELTS Ninja is the best platform for IELTS preparation and will help you with 360 degrees round.
Is IELTS Accepted in the USA?
IELTS is accepted in more than 3,300 institutions in the USA and is trusted by the USA’s top 25 universities. It is accepted by all Ivy League colleges.
H5 Conclusion
IELTS and TOEFL are the biggest exams for getting into foreign universities. Both exams are largely preferred and many aspirants have these doubts about choosing. Hopefully, the above content helped you to choose between the two. Both the exams measure your English language skills but they have their own exam patterns and criteria.
If you have any doubts or are still in confusion about choosing between them both, then please drop your queries in the comments section below.
What did you choose? Which one is your preference? Do let us know your answer in the comments section below.
Also Read: How do I know Which is more Suitable for Me IELTS or TOEFL?
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