TOEFL vs. IELTS: Differences, Advantages, and Which One to Choose

Introduction - 

If you're planning to study abroad in an English-speaking country, one of the most important steps is proving your English proficiency. The two most popular English language proficiency tests are the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Both tests are widely accepted by universities, employers,  and immigration authorities, but they are different in several ways. So, how do you decide which test is right for you? Let’s break down the key differences, and advantages, and help you choose the best test for your needs. 

1. Test Format: The Key Difference 

One of the first things you’ll notice when comparing TOEFL and IELTS is their format. The structure of the two tests is different, and this affects how you'll prepare and perform. 
∙TOEFL is primarily an internet-based test (iBT) and evaluates your English skills through reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections. The total test duration is around 2 hours and 30 minutes. For students who prefer a more traditional setup, there is also a paper-based test (PBT) in areas where internet testing is not available. The focus is on academic language, with questions centered around university-level content. 
∙IELTS comes in two versions: Academic (for university admissions) and General  Training (for work or immigration). It includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking sections, but the speaking test is face-to-face with an examiner. The entire test takes about 3 hours, making it slightly longer than the TOEFL. It’s more varied in terms of language use, testing both academic and general English skills.

2. Scoring System: Which One is Easier to Understand? 
Another major difference is the way the tests are scored. 

∙TOEFL scores each section on a scale of 0-30, giving you a total score between 0-120. 
The scoring is relatively straightforward and focuses on your ability to understand and use academic English in real-life situations. 
∙IELTS uses a band system, with scores ranging from 1-9 for each section. The overall score is an average of the four section scores. A score of 7 or higher is usually considered a good score for most universities. IELTS scores are also more nuanced, giving a better 
reflection of your overall proficiency. 

3. Question Types: Which One Is More Challenging? 

Both tests assess similar skills, but the question formats are different. Here’s a look at the  question types for each section on both tests: 
TOEFL: 
Reading: You’ll be asked to read academic passages and answer multiple-choice questions. The passages are typically around 700 words and may include topics from a range of academic disciplines, like history, literature, and the sciences. The questions 
assess your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze the material. 

Listening: The listening section involves lectures and conversations. You’ll hear short conversations between students and professors, or lectures, and then answer questions about the content. Some questions test your ability to pick up on specific details, while 
others assess your understanding of the overall main ideas and concepts. 
Speaking: The speaking section is completed on a computer, where you are asked to respond to prompts and record your answers. There are four tasks in total: two independent tasks (where you give your opinion on a familiar topic) and two integrated tasks (where you read a passage or listen to a lecture before answering questions). 
Writing: You’ll complete two tasks in the writing section. The Integrated Writing task requires you to read a passage, listen to a lecture on the same topic, and write a response that summarizes the key points. The Independent Writing task asks you to write an 
essay expressing your opinion on a particular topic. 

IELTS:

Reading: The reading section has three sections of long academic passages for the  Academic version, and shorter general texts for the General Training version, followed  by a variety of question types, such as multiple-choice, matching headings, fill-in-the-
blanks, and true/false/not given. The reading passages often deal with academic content,  such as reports, studies, or descriptive texts for the Academic test, while the General test includes more everyday English texts. The questions test your ability to identify main 
ideas, specific details, and inferences. 
Listening: The listening section includes four recordings: two are conversations between two people, and two are monologues, such as a lecture or a talk. Questions range from multiple-choice and matching to form completion. The test includes a variety of 
accents, so it’s useful for testing comprehension across English-speaking regions. 
Speaking: In the speaking section, you have a face-to-face interview with an examiner.  It’s divided into three parts: a general introduction and short questions, a longer response based on a topic card, and a discussion with the examiner on abstract ideas related to the 
topic. This test assesses how well you can express yourself verbally and interact with the examiner. 
Writing: IELTS includes two tasks: Task 1 requires you to describe visual information  (graphs, charts, diagrams) for the Academic version and write a letter for the General  Training version. Task 2 is an essay in response to a question or opinion. The focus is on 
clarity and the ability to organize ideas logically. 

4. Test Duration: How Much Time Do You Have? 

Time management is crucial in both exams, but each test has a slightly different approach to how it’s timed.

 
TOEFL:

The entire exam takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The reading, listening,  and speaking sections have a more rigid structure, with set time limits. The speaking 
section is recorded on a computer, which can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on your preferences. You may also encounter a paper-based test (PBT) in specific locations, which has a slightly different format but is still commonly used for test-takers in areas with no internet availability.

 
IELTS:

This test takes around 3 hours, with the speaking test often conducted on a different day, either in person or by video call. You might find the overall time commitment to be slightly longer, but you’ll need to be prepared to sit for the writing and listening sections without a break. 

5. Which One Should You Choose? 

Now that you know the key differences, how do you decide which test is right for you? Here are a few factors to consider: 
∙Your Strengths: If you are more comfortable with writing essays, face-to-face interaction, and dealing with varied accents, IELTS may be a better fit for you. On the other hand, if you’re more familiar with computer-based testing and prefer structured,  multiple-choice formats, TOEFL might be your best option. 
∙Test Requirements: Some universities or organizations may have a preference for one test over the other. Always check the requirements of the institutions you’re applying to. 
For example, universities in the United States tend to prefer TOEFL, while those in the  UK, Australia, and Canada may accept both, but IELTS is often preferred. 
∙Test Environment: Consider the testing environment. If you’re nervous about speaking with an examiner, TOEFL’s computer-based speaking test may feel more comfortable. If you want personal interaction, IELTS is a better option. 
∙Test Availability: TOEFL is widely available in more than 150 countries, while IELTS is available in over 140 countries. Check the availability of both tests in your region, as it 
may affect your decision. 

Final Thoughts: There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Answer 

Both TOEFL and IELTS are excellent tests to measure your English proficiency, and the decision ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and goals. Remember, the best way to  choose is by considering your strengths, the test format, and the requirements of the universities 
or organizations you’re applying to. 
If you want a more structured test with a focus on academic English, TOEFL might be the way to go. But if you’re looking for a test that allows for more real-world application and personal interaction, IELTS might be the better choice. 
Whichever test you choose, make sure you prepare thoroughly and practice as much as possible. 
Good luck with your journey to achieving your dream score! 

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