English proficiency exam results are critical to university admissions in English-speaking nations. These tests are required of all non-native English speakers to finish their registrations. IELTS and TOEFL are the two most often used tests. They evaluate candidates' reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities, but in different ways. 

All foreign students who wish to pursue their studies in an English-speaking state must prove that they possess the necessary level of English. We'll concentrate on IELTS and TOEFL, two English language tests that are approved by institutions all around the world.

To apply to a university, you must take the TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic test. You can take these exams at testing institutes in your nation. 

Top colleges across the globe accept both exams. However, they differ significantly in test design and question patterns. To select which test you must take and which is best for you, continue reading to learn more about each assessment.

Why should I choose the ILETS over the TOEFL or vice versa? Check out this exciting blog comparing IELTS and TOEFL.

Differences: IELTS & TOEFL

Meaning

Candidates who wish to pursue an education abroad or must demonstrate their language skills for employment purposes take the prestigious International English Language Testing System (IELTS). 140 nations have accepted it. 

IELTS has two versions: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training, which are used for immigration and professional career (for education purposes).

On the other hand, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a well-known language competence test regularly chosen by students who wish to pursue studies overseas. The exam strongly emphasizes evaluating candidates' communication skills in English as a second language, which is why it is recognized in more than 130 countries.

Conducting Body

The International English Language Testing System is known as IELTS. IDP Australia, The British Council, and Cambridge Examinations are the owners and managers of the exam.

Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL, is a test of English language competency created by the US-based ETS (Education Test Service).

Format

The primary distinction between the two tests is the format of the questions; while the TOEFL uses multiple-choice questions, the IELTS will need you to respond to various forms, including short answers and fill-in-the-blanks.

IELTS is offered in two versions: Academic and General Training. Applicants can select their version test based on the reason for their visit. Only one exam type is available through TOEFL, which is typically chosen by students enrolled in international programs. 

In contrast to TOEFL, which looks at your analytical thinking and capacity to balance your options, IELTS requires applicants to demonstrate their creative and interpretation abilities.

Reading Section

Both tests' reading portions will consist of texts similar to what they may encounter during their programs. 3-5 reading questions on the TOEFL will be answered in 20 minutes.

This segment of the IELTS test will have three questions, and applicants will be required to respond in various styles, such as short responses, gap fillings, etc.

Listening Section

Both exams include listening skills tests, although they are significantly different from one another. 

The ILETS exam allows students to respond to the questions while listening to the audio. There will be many different kinds of long and short questions. 

While the TOEFL exam will be based on lectures in a classroom, candidates must take notes while listening to the audio. In the 40–60 minute listening section of the TOEFL exam, students must complete MCQs.

Speaking Section

While the IELTS speaking exam will be a face-to-face assessment for all candidates, the TOEFL speaking evaluation will be recorded using a microphone and submitted to the examiners. 

The TOEFL test would last 20 minutes. IELTS test durations could be as long as 10-15 minutes. The ability to undertake a speaking test ahead of the other tests is one of the critical differences between TOEFL and IELTS, although there is no such option in TOEFL.

Writing Section

You will be required to answer two writing questions on the ILETS exam. First, you must illustrate the data presented as a diagram, table chart, etc.

In contrast, for the second, you will need to write 200–250 words about an argument or point of view. 

If you decide to take the TOEFL exam, you must write a five-paragraph essay between 300 and 350 words. You will need to gather some notes from the provided text for the second part of the questionnaire and compose a 150–225 word answer.

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Time Duration

IELTS must be finished in 2 hours and 45 minutes. However, the TOEFL will take 4 hours to complete.

Country

The TOEFL measures a student's proficiency in academic English in contexts like the classroom and university. 

The test is more frequently used by American organizations, including schools and graduate programs, and has a stronger connection to the USA. However, most nations and institutions accept the test, including those in the UK and Australia.

Though the TOEFL is still acceptable for applicants to UK universities, applications for student visas are no longer allowed due to fraud cases from a few years ago.

IELTS is divided into two sections: the Academic Module, which assesses candidates in classroom environments, and the General Training Module, which evaluates candidates in workplace settings and for general immigration purposes.

So, the test primarily benefits anyone looking to work, study, or immigrate to nations that speak English as their first languages, such as the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the USA.

Nevertheless, it is acknowledged globally by over 10,000 enterprises, colleges, schools, and immigration organizations in several nations.

Scoring method

The TOEFL Speaking and Writing sections are graded primarily on their appearance, including your vocabulary variety, paragraph structure, and grammar. The IELTS is graded based on specific criteria such as reasoning, coherence, grammar, and fluency. 

For example, an essay with a logical flow of ideas but poor grammar may score higher on a TOEFL exam.

In contrast, an article with solid grammar and vocabulary but a lower ability to express a topic will score higher on IELTS criteria.

For IELTS, you have assessed a band score ranging from 0 to 9 for each skill and an overall band score. 

TOEFL iBT scores vary from 0 to 30 for each skill, with a total score of 0 to 120. 

Score Comparison

Which one to choose: IELTS or TOEFL?

First and foremost, identify which test(s) the institutes of interest will permit. If you are not restricted, examine which test is ideal for you: IELTS or TOEFL.

TOEFL is longer but entirely computer-based, so it might be a suitable choice if you're anxious about your handwriting or English speaking with a native speaker. IELTS is a shorter, possibly more rigorous test with a more excellent range of questions and assignments, including direct communication with an examiner.

TOEFL often costs between CAD 200 and CAD 320, whereas IELTS can cost between CAD 255 and CAD 395. This may be an issue if you're on a tight budget.

Finally, which test is best for you is a matter of personal opinion. Each exam is accepted by dozens of global institutions and has yearly test dates. The IELTS and TOEFL examinations are widely used in Canada, and if the colleges you're interested in accept, you can take your pick.