Why IELTS is Better than TOEFL

WHAT ARE IELTS & TOEFL?

IELTS and TOEFL are the two most important English language tests for an aspirant planning to study abroad. IELTS (International English Language Testing Service) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) are available for prospective college students from non-English speaking countries. Depending on your native language and pre-college curriculum, taking either the IELTS or TOEFL may be a necessity. Although similar in ambition and focus, these tests differ broadly in their approach and testing criteria.

Both these tests evaluate a candidate’s English language proficiency and are accepted not just by universities abroad but also by various organizations including immigration departments.

In some countries, taking either of these tests may also be required for obtaining a visa.

DIFFERENTIATING FACTORS

1. Test style:

The most significant difference between IELTS and TOEFL is that the former arranges one-on-one interactions between a test-taker and an examiner to test the conversational capability of the test taker while the latter is a computerized test in which the test taker's voice is taped and analyzed by more than one examiner. You can thus take either of the two tests depending on your comfort level

2. Scoring

Although, the pattern and syllabus of both IELTS and TOEFL are similar, their scoring system differs. While TOEFL has a scoring range of 0-120, IELTS uses the 9-band system to evaluate a candidate. While, the yardstick of measurement is same in both the tests, the output differs in terms of acceptance by universities. In that case, it helps to understand the comparative points between the two tests.

3. Place of study

One of the most important factors which you should consider while taking an IELTS or TOEFL test is the university where you would be applying to.

TOEFL, organized by the ETS, is accepted in most American universities and across 165 countries, while IELTS conducted by the British Council is accepted in over 135 countries, including the UK. So, if you plan to study in one of the IVY league colleges in the USA, make sure you sit for TOEFL. However, many institutes and organizations accept scores of both the tests. The difference in acceptance will be the comparative degrees of score and band.

4. Format

A very significant point of difference between IELTS and TOEFL is that IELTS has been divided in terms of the purpose of the test taker.

IELTS Test is conducted in two versions - IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. While those who want to pursue UG or PG degree or join a professional organization can take the academic test, the general training test is taken by those who want to undertake work-related training in an English-speaking country. These customized versions make it easier for candidates as it is generally observed that the general test version is easier compared to the academic format.

In the case of TOEFL, candidates are required to take the same test irrespective of their purpose.

5. Cost

Testing fee for both TOEFL and IELTS varies between $150-$250 depending on your location and test type.

WHAT THEY TEST - Section Specific Differences

Besides the above, there are a few section specific differences among the tests as well:

· Writing

Since IELTS is offered by the British Council, it accepts both UK and US English spellings. TOEFL, on the other hand, uses predominantly US English spellings. If you’re more comfortable with UK than US English, consider taking the IELTS and vice-versa.

· Listening

Expect to hear a variety of different accents on the IELTS Listening section. This may include, but isn’t limited to, British, American, Australian and Canadian accents.

TOEFL, on the other hand, employs the standard American accent, which is much easier to handle than an Australian or Irish accent on the IELTS.

· Speaking

The IELTS speaking section is actually a one-on-one interview. Question topics can range from the academic to the mundane.

The TOEFL speaking section involves speaking into a microphone. Most questions will be academic in nature. You will also be asked to listen to a lecture or academic discussion and voice your thoughts on the same (such questions are called ‘integrated tasks’ on the TOEFL).

· Reading

Both tests provide you with texts that are academic in nature and followed by questions that test how well you understand the text.

In the IELTS, this section consists of 40 questions in three parts, with varying styles of questions that include short answer and fill in the gap questions that cover different aspects.

In the TOEFL, as with every other section on this test, the questions will be multiple choice and are divided into three to five parts, or “passages”.

Determining factors for IELTS

1. Person v/s computer

Direct interaction with the examiner can earn you more points than computer interaction alongside, voice and accent modulation can’t be misjudged by a person.

2. Content v/s structure v/s duration

Question topics can range from the academic (“talk about the theory of evolution for a minute”), to the mundane (“what is your favorite hobby and why?”) in IELTS, while in TOEFL questions are mostly academic.

IELTS doesn’t have multiple choice questions.

Duration of test is much less than TOEFL.

3. Single focus

For test taker who doesn’t have practice of fast typing, IELTS is the way out, because IELTS test is hand written. Therefore, no exclusive time is required to practice typing, and one can focus on course preparation. With the introduction of Computer based IELTS testing, it has become easier for the people who don’t want to write it by hand. The choice up to the candidate to choose what type of exam he wants to give, whether hand written or computer based.

4. Proficient language skills

Since TOEFL is computer adaptive test, therefore it tests only single American accents. But IELTS tests variety of English-speaking accents thus accuracy of the results and of your English language level increases.

5. Higher grading

TOEFL is scored on a sliding system between 0 and 120, while ILETS is scored on a bandwidth scale of 0 to 9. Obviously students want to score closer to the higher number to get a better final grade.

Preparation course for IELTS is easier than TOEFL, thus higher grading can be obtained.

6. IELTS is useful in:

Immigration

Government agencies use the IELTS exam as part their applications processes to obtain citizenship or the right to permanent residence.

Work

Providing proof of your language proficiency is an important step in obtaining a visa so that you can work abroad.

Study

If you are interested in studying abroad, remember that many universities worldwide and all universities and colleges in the UK accept IELTS test results.