Introduction
An applicant applying to an English-speaking university has the option of taking either the TOEFL or the IELTS exam. The TOEFL exam focuses on American English used in an academic setting and the IELTS exam focuses on international English as spoken in America, Australia, Britain, Canada, and New Zealand.
If the applicant plans to study in Australia or Britain, for example, or is more proficient in British English, the applicant may want to consider the IELTS.
The TOEFL may be best for those applicants who are more familiar with American English or the American accent. The examples use American English and spellings, and the listening exercises are spoken by American speakers.
The IELTS may be best for applicants who are more familiar with British English and other non-American accents, for example, Australian. The examples use mainly British English and spellings. The listening exercises are spoken by people with British and other non-American English accents.
IELTS vs TOEFL
Both the TOEFL and the IELTS test your ability for these four skills: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. However, each test uses different question types.
The TOEFL exam uses mainly multiple-choice questions.
The IELTS offers a variety of question types: short answers, fill in the blanks, and short essay questions.
The Reading section is similar for both tests. Keep in mind that the TOEFL uses mainly multiple-choice questions while the IELTS uses a variety of question types: short answers, fill in the blanks, and short essay questions.
The Listening section between the two tests is different. In the TOEFL exam, the applicant listens to two conversations, one a college lecture, and the other, a conversation that the applicant might hear on campus, for example, a conversation between a college guidance counselor and a student.
The IELTS exam provides a wider range of conversations. The topics are of general interest and they consist of a variety of accents.
The IELTS exam provides a wider range of conversations. The topics are of general interest and they consist of a variety of accents.
The TOEFL exam requires the applicant to provide two writing samples, a five-paragraph essay of 300 to 350 words. The second writing example is based on a reading and listening exercise. The applicant takes notes and then writes a 150 to 225-word example based on the applicant's notes.
The IELTS exam also requires the applicant to provide two writing samples. The first sample is a 200 to 250-word essay. The second essay is a summary of an infographic, for example, a pie chart, bar graph, etc.
This sample illustrates your ability to read visual information and express it with written language.
The IELTS exam also requires the applicant to provide two writing samples. The first sample is a 200 to 250-word essay. The second essay is a summary of an infographic, for example, a pie chart, bar graph, etc.
This sample illustrates your ability to read visual information and express it with written language.
The TOEFL Speaking exam consists of six speaking questions. The applicant must speak for up to one minute for each question. The IELTS Speaking exam is a bit less formal. The questions are more general.
Summary
The TOEFL exam strictly tests the applicant's knowledge of academic English. All questions from all four sections of the test, examine the applicant's ability to think and respond in a logical manner. The test consists of American English. If the applicant plans to study at an American university, the applicant should seriously consider taking the TOEFL exam.
The IELTS exam focuses on the applicant's ability to understand English written and spoken by International English speakers (British, Canadian, Australian, etc.) This test covers a broader range of reading, listening, speaking and writing ability. If the applicant plans to study at non-American university, the applicant should seriously consider taking the IELTS exam.
The IELTS exam focuses on the applicant's ability to understand English written and spoken by International English speakers (British, Canadian, Australian, etc.) This test covers a broader range of reading, listening, speaking and writing ability. If the applicant plans to study at non-American university, the applicant should seriously consider taking the IELTS exam.
IELTS - Related Information
TOEFL Test Pattern
IELTS Test Pattern
TOEFL Test Syllabus
IELTS Test Syllabus
Are you looking for a Job? Stay Updated with Limitless Notifications!!
