IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is Best for Your Study Abroad Dreams? 2024

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If you’re an Indian student dreaming of studying abroad, one of the key requirements you’ll face is proving your English proficiency. Whether you’re looking to study in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, or other popular destinations, the two most widely recognized tests to demonstrate your English skills are the IELTS vs TOEFL exams.

Both the IELTS and TOEFL are accepted by universities around the world. However, choosing between the two can be a tough decision. Are you more comfortable with a face-to-face speaking test, like IELTS, or do you prefer a computer-based format, like TOEFL? How do the scoring systems and test formats compare?

In this blog, we will explore the key differences between IELTS vs TOEFL, covering everything from test formats and scoring systems to cost, preparation, and more. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently decide which test is best for your study abroad journey.

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What Are IELTS And TOEFL?

IELTS and TOEFL are both standardized tests designed to measure the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. These exams are for students looking to study abroad, especially in English-speaking countries. While they serve the same purpose, there are key differences between them in terms of format, approach, and focus.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is recognized by over 10,000 schools, universities, and organizations in more than 140 countries. It tests your skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. There are two main types of IELTS: Academic IELTS, which is for students applying to universities for undergraduate or postgraduate courses, and General Training IELTS, which is used for people who want to work or migrate to English-speaking countries.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is another exam widely accepted test, especially in the United States, but it is recognized by universities all around the world. It also tests your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, but the test is computer-based. TOEFL is often seen as more focused on academic English, as it is designed to measure how well you can use English in a university setting.

What Is The Full Form Of IELTS And TOEFL?

Full Form of IELTS is International English Language Testing System. It is a widely recognized test that checks how well non-native speakers can use English, especially for those who want to study or work in places where English is the main language.
Full Form of TOEFL is Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is an academic test that measures how well non-native speakers can understand and use English, particularly in a university or academic setting.

IELTS vs TOEFL: A Detailed Comparison

Here is the detailed comparison of both exams in table:

Feature	IELTS	TOEFL
Full Form	International English Language Testing System	Test of English as a Foreign Language
Conducted By	Managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. These organizations ensure global availability.	Created and administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), a US-based organization.
Purpose	Available in two formats: . Academic (for university admissions) · General Training (for migration or work).	Designed specifically for academic purposes to test skills required in universities.
Test Format	Computer-based or paper-based	Computer-based.
Test Duration	2 hours 45 minutes,	Around 3 hours
Test Sections	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
Speaking Section	A live, face-to-face interview with an examiner	Responses are recorded via a microphone and assessed later by evaluators.
Accent Focus	Includes accents from British, Australian, Canadian, and other global varieties, which could benefit students familiar with international English.	Primarily focuses on American accents, reflecting typical academic contexts in the USA.
Writing Tasks	Two tasks: · Task 1 involves describing a graph, chart, or process (for Academic) or writing a formal letter (for General Training). · Task 2 is an essay on a given topic.	Two tasks: · Task 1 requires writing an essay based on reading and listening material · Task 2 involves writing a well-structured academic essay.
Reading Section	Features shorter passages with a mix of academic and general topics, often easier for those who prefer varied question formats.	Consists of longer passages, typically academic articles or textbooks, requiring focused reading skills.
Listening Section	Shorter audio clips with a variety of accents, often conversational or instructional.	Longer audio recordings, mainly with American accents, such as lectures and campus discussions.
Scoring System	Scored on a band scale of 0–9 for each section, with an overall band score that averages the four sections.	Each section is scored out of 30 points, leading to a total score of 120.
Cost in India	Costs approximately Rs.17,000, but prices can vary slightly by location.	Costs around Rs.16,000, depending on the USD-INR exchange rate at the time.
Preferred In	Accepted globally but highly preferred in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.	Accepted globally but widely recognized and preferred in the USA for academic admissions.
Test Difficulty	Balanced across all sections, offering varied question types. Suitable for candidates who prefer structured yet diverse tasks.	Focuses on academic-style English, which can be more challenging for candidates unfamiliar with US academic environments.
Result Availability	Results are usually available in 3–5 days for computer-based tests (slightly longer for paper-based).	Results are typically available in 6 days online, with paper score reports taking longer.

IELTS vs TOEFL: Test Format

IELTS Test Format

The IELTS exam is divided into four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Here’s a breakdown:

Listening (30 minutes): You will listen to four recordings of native English speakers, followed by a series of questions. This section tests how well you understand spoken English in various contexts, such as conversations, lectures, and discussions.
Reading (60 minutes): This section consists of 40 questions based on three reading passages. The texts are taken from books, magazines, newspapers, and websites, and they can vary in complexity. You’ll need to answer questions that test your comprehension, vocabulary, and understanding of the main ideas.
Writing (60 minutes): There are two tasks in the writing section: Task 1 involves describing a graph, chart, or diagram, and Task 2 asks you to write an essay in response to a question or problem.
Speaking (11-14 minutes): The speaking test is an in-person interview with an examiner, where you’ll be asked questions about familiar topics, as well as discuss a topic in depth. This section tests your ability to communicate clearly and fluently in English.

TOEFL Test Format

The TOEFL exam is also divided into four sections, but it is entirely computer-based:

Listening (41-57 minutes): You will listen to conversations and lectures, then answer questions about the content. This section focuses on understanding spoken English in academic settings, such as university lectures or conversations between students and professors.
Reading (54-72 minutes): The reading section includes 3-4 academic passages, and you will answer questions that test your ability to understand and analyze the information presented.
Writing (50 minutes): You will be required to complete two tasks: one integrated task, where you’ll read a passage and listen to a lecture before writing your response, and one independent task, where you write an essay on a given topic.
Speaking (20 minutes): In TOEFL, the speaking section is computer-based. You’ll record your responses to six questions, which are then scored by human raters. The questions focus on both personal opinions and academic topics.

IELTS vs TOEFL: Scoring System

IELTS Scoring System

In IELTS, each of the four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) is scored on a band scale from 0 to 9. These band scores are then averaged to give you an overall score. Here’s how the bands are defined:

Band Score	Proficiency Level	Description
Band 9:	Expert User	Fully operational command of the language
Band 8:	Very Good User	Occasional unsystematic errors
Band 7:	Good User	Generally effective command with occasional mistakes
Band 6:	Competent User	Generally effective, but with some mistakes
Band 5:	Modest User	Partial command, frequent mistakes
Band 4:	Limited User	Basic competence but frequent errors
Band 3:	Extremely Limited User	Difficulty understanding even basic language
Band 2:	Intermittent User	Can understand only a few words
Band 1:	Non-User	Essentially no ability to use the language
Band 0:	Did Not Attempt the Test	Did not attempt the test

Your overall score is the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest half-band (for example, 7.5 or 8.0).

TOEFL Scoring System

In TOEFL, each of the four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) is scored between 0 and 30, and your total score is the sum of all these sections, with a maximum possible score of 120. Here’s a breakdown:

Section	Score Range	Proficiency Level
Listening: Score Scale is (0 and 30)	24–30	Advanced
	18–23	High-Intermediate
	4–17	Low-Intermediate
	0–3	Below Low-Intermediate

Reading: Score Scale is (0 and 30)	22–30	Advanced
	17–21	High-Intermediate
	9–16	Low-Intermediate
	0–8	Below Low-Intermediate

Writing: Score Scale is (0 and 30)	25–30	Advanced
	20–24	High-Intermediate
	16–19	Low-Intermediate
	10–15	Basic
	0–9	Below Basic

Speaking: Score Scale is (0 and 30)	24–30	Advanced
	17–23	High-Intermediate
	13–16	Low-Intermediate
	7–12	Basic
	0–6	Below Basic

To get a good TOEFL score, you should aim for a total above 100. This usually shows that you have strong English skills, which are suitable for studying or working in most academic or professional settings.

IELTS vs TOEFL: Question Types

Section	IELTS Question Types	TOEFL Question Types
Listening	Multiple choice Matching Short answer Note completion Map labeling (sometimes)	Multiple choice Summarizing Questions on main ideas and details Inference-based questions

Reading	Multiple choice True/False/Not Given Matching information/headings Summary completion Short answer	Multiple choice Sentence completion Inference-based questions Vocabulary questions

Writing	Task 1: Describe graph/chart (Academic) or write a letter (General) Task 2: Write an essay	Task 1: Summary based on reading and listening Task 2: Write an essay on a given topic

Speaking	Part 1: Introduction and general questions Part 2: Speak on a given topic for 1-2 minutes Part 3: Discussion with examiner	Task 1: Answer personal questions Task 2: Summarize a passage and respond Task 3-6: Express opinions on specific topics

IELTS and TOEFL: Comparing Score

Many students wonder how IELTS and TOEFL scores compare because both exams have different scoring systems. Let’s break it down to help you understand how they match up.

IELTS: The IELTS exam gives a band score between 1 and 9. Your overall score is the average of the four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
TOEFL: The TOEFL exam is scored on a scale from 0 to 120. Each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) is scored out of 30, and the total score is the sum of all section scores.

Here’s a simple chart to help you compare IELTS and TOEFL scores:

IELTS Band	TOEFL Score Range
9	118–120
8.5	115–117
8	110–114
7.5	102–109
7	94–101
6.5	79–93
6	60–78
5.5	46–59
5	35–45
4.5	32–34
4	31 and below
3	0–30
2	0–30
1	0–30

IELTS vs TOEFL: Comparing Score Section-wise

Listening Section Score Comparisons

IELTS: The IELTS exam gives a band score between 1 and 9. Your overall score is the average of the four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
TOEFL: The TOEFL exam is scored on a scale from 0 to 120. Each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) is scored out of 30, and the total score is the sum of all section scores.

IELTS Score	TOEFL Score
4	0
4.5	3
5	4–6
5.5	7–11
6	12–19
6.5	20–23
7	24–26
7.5	27
8	28
8.5	29
9	30

Speaking Section Score Comparisons

IELTS Score	TOEFL Score
–	0–11
4.5	12–13
5.0	14–15
5.5	16–17
6.0	18–19
6.5	20–22
7.0	23
7.5	24–25
8.0	26–27
8.5	28–29
9.0	30

Reading Section Score Comparisons

IELTS Score	TOEFL Score
–	0–2
4.5	3
5	4–7
5.5	8–12
6	13–18
6.5	19–23
7	24–26
7.5	27–28
8	29
8.5	29
9	30

Writing Section Score Comparisons

IELTS Score	TOEFL Score
–	0–11
4.5	12–13
5.0	14–17
5.5	18–20
6.0	21–23
6.5	24–26
7.0	27–28
7.5	29
8.0	30
8.5	30
9.0	30

IELTS vs TOEFL: Cost Comparison

The cost of the IELTS and TOEFL exams in India is almost the same. The IELTS exam costs around Rs.17,000 for both the paper-based and computer-based versions. The TOEFL exam costs about Rs.16,900. So, the price difference is not much, but it’s still something to keep in mind when planning your budget.

However, the exam fees are just one part of the total cost. You’ll also need to consider extra costs like study materials, practice tests, and prep courses. These can add up, so it’s important to plan for all of these expenses when preparing for the exam.

TOEFL vs IELTS Which Is Easier For Indian Students

When choosing between IELTS and TOEFL, the test that feels easier depends on your preferences.

IELTS has four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, with the Speaking test being an in-person interview, which some students find more comfortable. TOEFL also has four sections, but the Speaking test is computer-based.

IELTS uses a variety of question types like matching and fill-in-the-blanks, while TOEFL focuses mainly on multiple-choice and short-answer questions. IELTS uses British English, while TOEFL uses American English, so choose based on which you’re more familiar with.

IELTS takes about 2 hours 45 minutes, while TOEFL takes 3 hours, with the Speaking section included in the main exam. IELTS features various accents, while TOEFL mainly uses American accents.

Ultimately, if you prefer face-to-face interaction, IELTS might be easier. If you prefer a more structured, computer-based test, TOEFL could be better. Try practice tests to see which one suits you.

Which Test is Best for Your Study Abroad Dreams?

When choosing between IELTS and TOEFL for your study abroad goals, it largely depends on the universities or countries you’re targeting. IELTS is preferred by institutions in the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, while TOEFL is more commonly accepted in the United States. However, both tests are widely recognized worldwide. If you feel more comfortable with a face-to-face speaking interview, IELTS might be the better choice, while TOEFL offers a more structured, computer-based test format. Check the requirements of the universities you’re applying to, and choose the test that aligns with your strengths and preferences. Both tests are valid, so consider your comfort with the test format and availability of test centers in your region.

IELTS and TOEFL Test Preparation Tips

Understand the Test Format: Learn the structure of each test. Both have Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections, but the formats differ.
Use Official Materials: Practice with real test materials like IELTS Official Practice or TOEFL Practice Tests to understand the question types.
Take Practice Tests: Simulate test conditions to improve time management and identify weak areas.
Focus on Weak Areas: If listening or speaking is difficult, practice with podcasts or by talking with friends. Work on writing essays and reading articles.
Build Vocabulary: Read books, watch movies, and use new words in your writing and speaking.
Use Online Resources: Take advantage of free resources like Magoosh, IELTS Liz, and YouTube channels.
Consider a Prep Course: If needed, join a prep course for personalized feedback and better focus.
Stay Consistent: Stick to a study schedule, and stay positive and calm throughout your preparation.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between IELTS and TOEFL depends on your goals and where you plan to study. Both tests are accepted by universities worldwide, but they are different in some ways. If you’re planning to study in countries like the UK, Australia, or Canada, IELTS might be a better fit because it has a face-to-face speaking test. On the other hand, TOEFL is more common in the United States and is completely computer-based, which some people find easier.

No matter which test you choose, preparation is important. Focus on areas where you need improvement, take practice tests, and use study materials to help you get better. The best test for you will depend on your personal preferences and the requirements of the universities you’re applying to.

With the right preparation, both IELTS and TOEFL can help you reach your study abroad goals. Stay focused, practice regularly, and you’ll be ready to succeed.

FAQ

Q1. How long are IELTS and TOEFL scores valid?

Ans: Both IELTS and TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years. After that, you’ll need to take the test again if you’re still applying to universities or institutions.

Q2. How much preparation time is needed for IELTS and TOEFL?

Ans: The preparation time depends on how good your English is. If you already have strong English skills, a few weeks of study might be enough. If not, it could take a few months. It’s important to create a study plan and follow it.

Q3. Can I retake the test if I don’t get the score I want?

Ans: Yes, you can retake both IELTS and TOEFL if you don’t get the score you want. You can choose a new test date and try again.

Q4. What is 7.5 in IELTS equivalent to in TOEFL?

Ans: A 7.5 in IELTS is usually around a 94-101 score in TOEFL. But remember, different universities may have different score requirements.

Q5. Is TOEFL or IELTS better for the USA?

Ans: TOEFL is more commonly accepted by universities in the USA, but many universities also accept IELTS. It’s best to check what each university requires.

Q6. Can I go to the USA without IELTS or TOEFL?

Ans: Yes, some universities in the USA may allow you to apply without IELTS or TOEFL if you have other proof of your English skills, like completing your education in English or passing a different test. Always check the university’s requirements.

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