BackIf you are applying to university in an English speaking country and English is not your first language, you may need to meet certain language requirements dictated by the institution. In the majority of cases this involves taking a standardised test. There are two main English language tests accepted by universities around the world, IELTS (International English Language Testing Service) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). But the big question that faces students is; which one is better?
The similarities
Both are English language tests aimed at pre-university students planning to make the step to higher education. Both evaluate how well you can combine your listening, reading, writing and speaking skills. You have to pay a fee to take both tests, for both it can vary depending on where exactly you take the test but expect to pay between $150 to $250.
The differences
Although both tests ostensibly focus on the same thing, they do so in different ways, which is why so many students want to know which is better (and even more commonly, which is easier). One of the main differences is the speaking part of the test. For IELTS you are required to take this with an IELTS examiner face to face. For TOEFL the speaking test consists of six questions which you answer into a microphone. These are recorded and sent to an examiner to mark.
The scoring system is also different, with IELTS rating between 0 and 9, with halfway points in between. TOEFL gives a more numerical SAT-type grade, totalling your scores from all the areas. This gives an insight into another key difference. TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service, a non-profit US based organisation, and conducts its test according to US English. IELTS is administered jointly by the British Council, the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations and IDP Education Australia, and conducts its test in UK English. While the differences are not as great as some assume, accents and spelling variations can cause a problem for some students.
So which is better?
The answer really depends on you; what kind of learner you are and where you want to study. The question of which is easier is largely irrelevant as both tests will grade you accurately according to your level of English. TOEFL may tend to favour more abstract learners as many of the questions are multiple choice whereas IELTS may be more suited to concrete learners as it involves memory recall. The face to face speaking section of the IELTS may be daunting to some candidates who would be more comfortable speaking into a microphone
Finally, it may be necessary to check that your chosen institution accepts the test. Although both are accepted at more than 6,000 institutions and organisations worldwide, so there is a fairly good chance you will be able to use either, it is always necessary to check beforehand.
Have you taken either or perhaps both of these tests? Let us know your impressions, what you thought was good and bad about each test and most importantly which you would recommend. Your experiences can help fellow learners.
I guess they are both okay and real good to used.
A+ would read again
people choose easy one to take. That’s why IELTS is now very popular.
I want to take IELTS test but I do not have any money to cover all my recuirements such as Passport,Test IELTS,Letter of medichal checkup.
I am from Indonesia
My name is Rahman
Thanyou I hope you can reply as soon as possible because I want to countinue my study and get a job in overseas.I am really a poor person, help me please!
From my experience:
Reading section = TOEFL is easier than IELTS
Listening section = TOEFL is harder than IELTS
Speaking section = TOEFL is harder than IELTS
Writing section = TOEFL is easier than IELTS
Good luck!
my teacher said if I would study in England, I should take IELTS,but if I would study in USA i should take TOEFL. is my teacher right? and pleas, would you recommend what to choose.
thanx
Dear Kapulito,
Thank you for your comment. That isn’t necessarily correct; the language tests accepted will vary from institution to institution – you should contact the institutions you are interested in to ask about their English language requirements and what tests they will accept as proof of your ability. We can’t recommend one over the other, as which one is best will depend on your individual circumstances. If you would like more information about studying in the USA or the UK, see our USA magazines (click here), and our UK magazine (click here). You could also fill out an enquiry form at i-studentenquiry - our free matching service that can help match you with institutions according to your preferences.
Hopefully this information will help, best of luck with your research
Best wishes from the i-studentgroup team
hello everyone,
i see a lot of opinions right here and really i’m not quiet sure what is the best to study?
the problem isn’t the course type or name but the real problem is the difference between the two courses and how their vocabulary spilling various ,,,
any way good luck with any of them ,,, lol,,lol
IELTS is better than toefl
application requirement to study English as a second Language
hi, which IELTS should I do the General or the Academic module for undergraduate studies at UK universities.
“IELTS is administered jointly by the British Council, the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations and IDP Education Australia, and conducts its test in UK English.”
This is actually not true. The IELTS listening section features dialog from English speakers all around the world; British, North American, Australian etc. Moreover, the examiners are from numerous English speaking countries as well. This is in my opinion one advantage the IELTS has over the TOEFL.
I will prefer IELTS as no sectionwise cut off scors are mentioned as they have given for TOEGFL by universities.
will there be any problem regarding VISA if take IELTS exam for entering US
does American Embassy accept IELTS even if i get i20 with IELTS
I think a student having better toefl score is much more qualified than having better IELTS scores.Many more students who make better score in IELTS fail to make 80 in toefl ibt. IELTS is actually a much easier test than toefl ibt.
Hello everybody. I took both IELTS and TOEFL(IELTS: listening-7.5, writing-7.0, speaking-7.5 nad reading:7.0. In total:7.0 I havent recieved TOEFL score yet) so here are my impressions( i would like to describe each section of one test and compare it to respective one in another and give my honest opinion):
Let me start with listening:
As you know in IELTS it consisitsof 4 sections and 10 questions inn each. You have time to read questions before you listen. This structure is quite simple, and you can spend less energy on each question. However, in TOEFL, you are given slightly more questions but more situations. So i thought in this section TOEFL was more difficult.
Speaking. Speaking to microphone(conversation with computer) in TOEFL, for me was more complicated for several reasons:
1. Microphone itself was not of good qualiti and i had to halfy close it with hands.
2. Some other students were talking when i was trying to do the same.
In IELST test you are given separete room with examiner(HUMAN). They are trained to make you feel as if you are talking to one of your friends.
By now :IELTS :2 TOEFL: 0
Reading: Here i’d prefer TOEFL to IELTS also for some reasons:
1. Reading passages are not so long
2. Question types.
Writing:
Absolute winner, in my opinion, is TOEFL IBT. let me explain why:
First of all you type essays instead of writing it by hand. As a result you can easily correct it or reorgonize without changing the visiual impression.
secondly, you are given plenty of time(so if you can type quickly it is big plus)
Conclusion: Everything i have written is only my opinion of both tests and i hope that my ” review will be helpful for some of you in future.