IELTS – What Is It?
The IELTS language test comes in two versions: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Both versions share similar scoring systems and formats, each comprising four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
This widely accepted language proficiency test spans 2 hours and 45 minutes, divided over two separate test sessions.
Each section can score up to 9 points, culminating in a total score that is an average of all four sections.
TOEFL – What Is It?
The TOEFL test closely resembles the IELTS. Unlike IELTS, TOEFL assessments occur on the same day, with breaks interspersed between the Listening and Speaking sections. Like IELTS, TOEFL also encompasses four sections: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
The TOEFL is also a well-recognized language proficiency test, evaluated on a 120-point scale.
Learn more about IELTS and TOEFL : Comparison of language proficiency tests
- Test Format and Structure:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): IELTS consists of four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Listening and Speaking modules are the same for both Academic and General Training versions, while the Reading and Writing modules differ.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): TOEFL evaluates English language skills in Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Unlike IELTS, TOEFL is entirely conducted via computer and includes integrated tasks that assess multiple skills simultaneously.
- Scoring and Test Duration:
- IELTS: IELTS scores range from 1 to 9, with half-point increments. Each module receives an individual score, and an overall Band Score is provided. The test duration is about 2 hours and 45 minutes for Listening, Reading, and Writing, with an additional 11 to 14 minutes for the Speaking module.
- TOEFL: TOEFL scores range from 0 to 120. The test is divided into four sections, and each section is scored on a scale of 0 to 30. The total test duration is around 4 hours.
- Content and Accents:
- IELTS: IELTS incorporates a variety of English accents, including British, American, Australian, and Canadian. The Listening and Speaking sections feature diverse accents to represent global English.
- TOEFL: TOEFL primarily features American English accents in its Listening and Speaking sections, which might be advantageous for those planning to study in the United States.
- Preferred by Institutions:
- IELTS: Widely accepted by universities and institutions in English-speaking countries, including the UK, Australia, and Canada. Some institutions in the United States also accept IELTS scores.
- TOEFL: Particularly favored by American universities and colleges. However, it’s essential to check specific institution requirements, as many institutions around the world accept both IELTS and TOEFL scores.
Ultimately, the choice between IELTS and TOEFL depends on the specific requirements of the institutions you are applying to and your personal preferences in terms of test format and content. It’s advisable to research the institutions you plan to apply to and ensure that you select the test that aligns with their admission criteria.
To know more about IELTS scores.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores are used to measure the English language proficiency of individuals who wish to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries. The IELTS test assesses four key language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Here are more details about IELTS scores:
Scoring Scale:
- IELTS scores range from 0 to 9, with 0 being for individuals who did not attempt the test and 9 indicating expert English proficiency.
- Scores are reported in half-band increments, for example, 6.5 or 7.5.
- Each of the four skills is scored individually and then averaged to give an overall band score.
Score Interpretation:
- Band 1 to Band 3: Non-user – Essentially has no ability to use English.
- Band 4 to Band 5: Limited User – Basic communication skills, often struggling to understand and express complex ideas.
- Band 6 to Band 6.5: Competent User – Effective communication in familiar situations, but may struggle in unfamiliar or complex contexts.
- Band 7 to Band 8: Good User – Effective communication in a wide range of situations, with only occasional inaccuracies.
- Band 8.5 to Band 9: Very Good User – Very fluent, accurate, and well-nuanced use of English.
Overall Band Score:
- The overall band score is an average of the scores obtained in each of the four skills.
- Some institutions may have specific score requirements for each skill in addition to the overall band score.
Validity Period:
- IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date.
Minimum Required Scores:
- The minimum required IELTS score varies depending on the institution, program, or country you are applying to. Different programs or institutions may have different score requirements.
Comparing Scores:
- IELTS scores can be compared to other English proficiency tests, like TOEFL or Cambridge English exams, using conversion tables provided by various organizations.
It’s essential to research the score requirements of the institutions or organizations you’re applying to and aim for a score that meets their criteria. Adequate preparation, practice tests, and understanding the format of the test can help you achieve your desired IELTS score.
Different sections of IELTS
The IELTS test is divided into the following categories:
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Given |
| Listening | 40 | 30 minutes |
| Reading | 40 | 60 minutes |
| Writing | 2 tasks | 60 minutes |
| Speaking | 3 tasks | 11-14 minutes |
Listening Section: The test includes four recorded conversations played during the session. Two of these conversations occur in a social context, while the remaining two are situated within an educational environment. Following each recording, there are ten questions designed to assess your comprehension of the dialogues. This entails a variety of question types, ranging from multiple-choice to sentence completion.
Reading Section: Three paragraphs are presented for reading, followed by a set of questions. These passages are excerpts extracted from books, newspapers, and journals. It is advisable to engage in multiple practice tests prior to your official examination. Despite the changing passages in each test iteration, the skills evaluated remain consistent due to standardized testing.
Writing Section: The writing component consists of two sections. The first evaluates your aptitude for interpreting visual data representations. The second assesses your capacity for constructing persuasive arguments.
For the visual data interpretation, examinees analyze the information and compose a minimum of 150 words about it. A 30-minute time frame is allocated for this task, with a recommended completion time of 20 minutes.
In the second section, test takers must produce a minimum of 250 words, adopting an argumentative or discursive approach.
This segment gauges the student’s articulation and responsiveness to English language prompts. A 60-minute duration is provided, with a suggested distribution of 20 minutes for the first task and 40 minutes for the second. Vocabulary breadth is also scrutinized within this section.
Speaking Section: An interactive dialogue with an examiner constitutes the speaking segment. Participants are permitted to use either British or American English, prioritizing grammatical accuracy and effective communication. The conversation is recorded for assessment.
The initial interaction with the interviewer encompasses various facets of your life, fostering a natural conversational atmosphere. This examination phase assesses your ability to sustain real-life discussions, spanning topics related to work, studies, and family.
The subsequent part of the speaking test evaluates your capacity to articulate impromptu subjects. Following one minute of preparation, you are expected to initiate a discourse on the given topic.
The third phase of the English assessment extends the thematic conversation introduced in the first part, delving into more comprehensive discussions.
Different sections of TOEFL
The following are the different sections of IELTS:
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Given |
| Reading | 36-56 | 60-80 minutes |
| Listening | 34-51 | 60-90 minutes |
| Speaking | 6 tasks | 20 minutes |
| Writing | 2 tasks | 50 minutes |
Reading Section: During this segment, you will encounter several passages that require you to respond to questions. The test content is at a university level, sourced from English textbook discussions. Following the passages, you’ll be presented with a series of questions, primarily in the form of multiple-choice or sentence completion.
Listening Section: Similar to the IELTS exam, this section entails listening to various recordings attentively. These recordings will encompass snippets from everyday life, student discussions, and lectures. Subsequently, you’ll be required to answer multiple-choice questions pertaining to these audio materials.
Speaking Section: In the initial two phases of this test, you will be prompted to speak on assigned topics, constituting independent speaking tasks. The ensuing four stages intermingle reading, listening, and speaking. You might be asked to read and listen, then speak, or listen and then speak. These tasks often involve expressing your opinions about the content or addressing posed questions.
Writing Section: This portion comprises two segments—Integrated Writing and Independent Writing. The former involves listening to a recording and reading a passage. Subsequently, you have 20 minutes to organize your information and compose a passage comparing these two information sources.
The latter is straightforward, requiring you to elaborate on a given topic within 30 minutes.
Cost of IELTS: The fee for IELTS is approximately between $245 – 255 USD
Cost of TOEFL: The TOEFL fee is approximately between $120 – 225 USD
Note: Country-Wise IELTS and TOEFL exam fees may be different.
Result Turnaround for IELTS: If you opt for the computer-based test, you’ll receive IELTS Academic results within 3 to 5 days after the exam. For the paper-based test, results are available after 15 days.
Result Turnaround for TOEFL: You can expect TOEFL results within 6 days after taking the test. You can view and download your results within 8 days.
Choosing Between IELTS and TOEFL: Your choice should hinge on a few factors, including where your strengths lie. If you excel in reading and writing compared to speaking and listening, consider these aspects. If writing is not your strong suit, TOEFL might be a better option, as it features relatively easier written answers and more multiple-choice questions.
Which exam would be more suitable for you?
If your typing speed is proficient, then the TOEFL test is tailored to your skills as it is computer-based. Conversely, if you write more effectively on paper, selecting the IELTS might be a better fit, as it offers both paper-based and computer-based formats. Additionally, you might find that IELTS provides more test locations than TOEFL. If you reside in a metropolitan area, both exams should be equally accessible to you.
Which set of texts aligns better with your abilities?
The TOEFL exam exclusively employs academic texts, whereas the IELTS incorporates a mix of academic passages and excerpts from magazines and newspapers. This signifies that the reading material in the TOEFL test is more demanding to grasp, and it would be manageable only if your English language proficiency is at a university level.
If uncertain about your reading skills, leaning towards the IELTS test is advisable, as their provided texts are more comprehensible with a limited vocabulary.
Do you feel comfortable engaging in real-time conversations?
Conversing with an examiner can be daunting for some individuals and might impact their performance. If you feel anxious about direct interactions for the speaking section, then opting for the TOEFL exam could be preferable.
The TOEFL exam is entirely computer-based, enabling you to use a microphone for the speaking component. On the other hand, the IELTS requires you to engage in an actual conversation with an individual.
Select the test that aligns with your comfort and natural abilities.
Which test is preferred by your desired school or country?
It is essential to be aware of your school’s preference for testing. Certain countries favor the TOEFL, while others lean towards the IELTS. For instance, the US typically prefers TOEFL, while other countries lean towards IELTS.
Ideal score for IELTS: An IELTS score above 7 is considered commendable. Achieving a perfect score is attainable and significantly enhances your application.
To aim for a perfect score, arrange a free consultation with us now!
Ideal score for TOEFL: Scores ranging from 80 to 90 are regarded as favorable, and even higher scores enhance your application.
In Conclusion: Both IELTS and TOEFL effectively demonstrate your language proficiency. Your choice between the two should be based on the following factors:
* Highlight your strengths * Convenience * Preferred by chosen school and country * Vocabulary range
Apart from a few distinctions, the two tests share similar formats and content. Proper preparation can lead to success in both cases. To find out more, contact us now!
Additional FAQs:
Is one exam more cost-effective than the other?
Both tests have similar costs.
How are the sections divided in the IELTS?
The division of sections is as follows:
They are divided in the following manner:
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Given |
| Listening | 40 | 30 minutes |
| Reading | 40 | 60 minutes |
| Writing | 2 tasks | 60 minutes |
| Speaking | 3 tasks | 11-14 minutes |
How are the sections divided in the TOEFL?
They are divided in the following manner:
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Given |
| Reading | 36-56 | 60-80 minutes |
| Listening | 34-51 | 60-90 minutes |
| Speaking | 6 tasks | 20 minutes |
| Writing | 2 tasks | 50 minutes |
What are the main differences in time allowed and score range between IELTS and TOEFL?
The following are the main differences in time allowed and score range:
| TOEFL | IELTS | Column1 |
| Total Test Time | 3 hours and 30 minutes | 2 hours and 45 minutes |
| Score Range | 0-120 | 0-9 |
| Sections (in order) | Reading | Listening |
| Listening | Reading | |
| Speaking | Writing | |
| Writing | Speaking | |
| Numbers of Institutions That Accept These Tests | Over 9,000 | Over 9,000 |
How can you get ready for IELTS and TOEFL?
Many choices and a range of online resources are available to help you prepare for the exams. In addition, you have the option of enrolling in specialized coaching courses tailored to these exams. For personalized advice, you can contact us at any time!