Many students wonder if they should take the IELTS or the TOEFL test. They also want to know which is the easiest option among TOEFL vs IELTS.
We’ve looked at the significant differences and similarities between the two examinations in this post. And we’ve given you all the information you need to make an informed decision about which exam to take depending on your abilities. So, let’s start!
Check the availability of TOEFL and IELTS
The first and most important thing you should do is find out which universities accept these tests. This is important to know because if an institution only accepts IELTS and you are taking the TOEFL, you will have an issue. So, if a certain university only accepts one sort of test, take it.
Furthermore, constantly check the material provided on the websites to see what scores they are looking for. This will support you to make a plan properly. Always check to see if there is a test center in your region where these tests may take. Because giving an exam after so much traveling will be quite stressful for you.
Furthermore, you must understand the test’s objective. There isn’t much of a difference between TOEFL vs IELTS if you’re taking the test for university entrance. However, if you wish to take the test for immigration purposes, the IELTS general test is the best alternative to consider.
Do IELTS and TOEFL have certain similarities?
Both examinations feature four portions that assess listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Furthermore, because these examinations are standardized, they are generally acknowledged across the world.
The costs of these tests are nearly the same. Because they are both between $150 and $250. The cost, however, may vary depending on where you reside.
TOEFL vs IELTS: Speaking Section
You will have 20 minutes to complete the TOEFL speaking test. And this will consist of 6 questions. The computer will ask you about your family or hometown in the first two questions. And you will be familiar with it. In addition, you will be given a discussion to summarize and express your thoughts. Finally, you must describe a brief chat in the last question.
The IELTS speaking test, on the other hand, normally consists of three portions and lasts 15 minutes. In IELTS, however, you will be interviewed by a real person, as if you were having a real-life discussion. The questions in the first part are about your life, home, career, or studies. The second phase gives you a topic on which you must talk for two minutes. In the third portion, you’ll be given questions about the subject you just discussed in section 2.
TOEFL vs IELTS: The Writing Section
To begin, in the TOEFL writing part, you will be given a passage as well as 2-minute audio on the same topic as the passage. You must write a summary response to the question from that topic. Some individuals love these questions since they don’t need any prior knowledge.
Second, you will be given a topic to write a descriptive essay about in the second question. It’s the same as writing an academic essay.
When it comes to the IELTS exam, however, the IELTS general training and IELTS academic include two separate writing components. The academic module of the IELTS is typically appropriate for students who wish to join university. And general training is essential for immigration purposes.
There are two questions in the IELTS writing part, each of which takes an hour to complete. You will give a chart, graph, diagram, or table in the academic writing portion. And you must describe the information in the visual. In contrast, in general training, you must write a letter in response to question one. The second question in all modules, however, is identical, and you must write an opinion essay.
TOEFL vs IELTS: Listening Section
The TOEFL exam lasts 60 minutes, but the IELTS exam lasts 30 minutes. Many people struggle with the TOEFL listening part because they do not use to listening to English for extended periods. This bores them and causes them to lose attention, causing them to miss answers.
The TOEFL test is entirely academic. But the IELTS exam is divided into two parts: social and academic.
Also, the TOEFL listening test only has multiple-choice questions. Thus if you like multiple choice questions, you should take the TOEFL test. The IELTS test, on the other hand, includes a variety of question types such as sentence completion, True/False, and so on.
Furthermore, in the TOEFL exam, you will only hear an American English accent. But in the IELTS exam, you will hear a variety of accents. Accents from Scotland, Ireland, Canada, the United States, and Australia, for example.
TOEFL vs IELTS: Reading Section
Only multiple-choice questions appear on the TOEFL reading test. The IELTS reading test contains a variety of question kinds. So, if you are comfortable with multiple-choice questions and enjoy them, you should take the TOEFL exam. However, if you are comfortable with various kinds of questions in the IELTS exam, you should take the IELTS test.
Through its academic and general modules, IELTS offers both academic and non-academic assessments. The TOEFL, on the other hand, just offers academic examinations.
Which is easier to score: TOEFL or IELTS?
Both types of tests have been undertaken by certain individuals. There have also been cases where individuals have taken both exams at the same time. All of these claims that IELTS is simple and that they have a high IELTS score.
There are also various Facebook groups and sites that ask individuals which test is the easiest. The responses are likewise comparable, with respondents ranking IELTS as being easier than TOEFL.
According to one of the applicants, he felt quite tired while taking the TOEFL test and was unable to keep 100% concentrate for an extended time. When he took IELTS, on the other hand, he claimed he felt psychologically comfortable. And that IELTS was an excellent option to showcase his English talents.
Others, on the other hand, stated that they spend most of their time in front of a computer. That is why TOEFL was the best option for them.
It is entirely dependent on your abilities and comfort level as to which tests you will find simple. Therefore, make an informed decision after considering all these.
Let’s wrap it up!
Which of the TOEFL and IELTS tests should I take?
Consider the following questions before deciding which test (TOFEL vs IELTS) to take.
Answer yes or no to the following questions. And if you answered yes to the majority of them, you should take the TOEFL exam.
- Listening to an American accent is simple for me.
- In an academic setting, I enjoy listening and reading.
- I enjoy taking MCQs.
- Working with computers is something I’m comfortable with.
- I can concentrate for longer periods.
- My typing speed is good.
- A chat with a computer is something I’d want to do.
- While listening to a lecture, I can take notes.
If you answered yes to the majority of the following questions, you should take the IELTS test.
- MCQs are not something I enjoy doing.
- I enjoy a variety of inquiries.
- I am at ease conversing with others.
- In academic settings, I feel uncomfortable with listening or reading.
- I can understand a variety of English accents.
- I like to write by hand since it is more comfortable for me.
- Shorter tests appeal to me.
- I’m not able to focus for an extended time.
Now, we have discussed the TOEFL vs IELTS differences. Finally, it is up to you which you would like to go with. Take a decision wisely by considering the above-mentioned points.
