TOEFL vs IELTS: Which Is the Best Choice?

If you are a student who desires to study abroad, then well done, buddy! You are planning the right decision. It is better to do something unique in a world where everyone follows the same crowd. There are many reputed universities worldwide that provide high-quality education. Have you ever heard about IELTS TOEFL? If not, then you must know about these terms. You should pass the English proficiency test to get admission to these universities. However, it is a long process of studying abroad, and you can take the help of our study abroad platform Gradding.com. But this blog will tell you about TOEFL vs IELTS. There are several international tests, but these two are the primary language tests you must pass to enter your life's dream campus.

What Is TOEFL and IELTS? 

IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, is a language competency exam for scholars attempt who wish to pursue study abroad or for professional reasons m. It is recognised in 140 nations. IELTS has two versions: IELTS Academic, which is used for academic purposes, and IELTS General Training, which is used for working professionals and immigration purposes.

But, to know the difference between IELTS and TOEFL, it is also necessary to know the definition of TOEFL.

On the other hand, the Test of English as a Foreign Language or known as (TOEFL) is a well-known language competence test frequently chosen by students hoping to study abroad. The exam strongly emphasises evaluating candidates' communication skills in English used in a classroom; as a result, it is recognised in almost 130 countries.

TOEFL vs IELTS: A Quick Comparison 

As a study abroad aspirant, you may think IELTS or TOEFL which is better. Well, to answer this most shortly, Gradding.com is bringing you a quick comparison in this blog. 

Format of IELTS and TOEFL 

In contrast to IELTS, which uses a variety of question formats, including short responses, fill-in-the-blank questions, and more, TOEFL uses multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The length of the two tests is another noticeable difference in addition to this. IELTS time duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes. However, the TOEFL will take 4 hours to complete.

It is not easy to find TOEFL or IELTS which is easy to know; we can check out their format. IELTS is offered in two types, General Training and Academic, and candidates can select their version test according to their intended use for the test. The single exam type offered by TOEFL is the one that most students who are studying abroad choose to take. IELTS requires candidates to demonstrate their critical thinking and comprehension capabilities; in contrast, the TOEFL assesses your analytical thinking and capacity to weigh your options. As a result, this becomes one of the critical differences between TOEFL and IELTS.

Now, many of you will think that is IELTS easy than TOEFL. To know this answer, you can check out the below-mentioned format for both tests.

IELTS Format 

TOEFL Format 

Sections of TOEFL or IELTS 

Reading Section 

Both TOEFL and IELTS reading sections will contain texts similar to what they would encounter throughout their programmes. To be answered in 20 minutes, there will be 3-5 reading questions on the TOEFL. Three questions will be included in this area of the IELTS exam, and candidates will be required to respond in various styles, such as short responses, gap-filling, etc.  

Listening Section 

The IELTS vs TOEFL exams include listening skills tests, although they are significantly different from one another. Students can respond to the questions in the IELTS test while listening to the recording. There will be a variety of long and short questions. In contrast, the TOEFL exam will be based on lectures given in a classroom, and candidates take notes as they listen to the audio. For the TOEFL hearing section, students have 40 to 60 minutes to complete MCQs. 

Speaking Section 

Suppose you want to know that IELTS or TOEFL is more accessible. For that, you need to understand the speaking section. While the IELTS speaking test will be face-to-face for all candidates, the TOEFL speaking assessment will be recorded using a microphone and submitted to the examiners. The TOEFL test would last 20 minutes. IELTS test duration could be as long as 10-15 minutes. The ability to undertake a speaking test before the other tests is one of the critical differences between TOEFL and IELTS, although there is no such option in TOEFL.

Writing Section 

When you think that is TOEFL or IELTS easier, in such case, it is a must for you to look at its writing section. You will have to respond to two writing questions on the IELTS exam. You'll need to explain the data presented in the first one as a diagram, table chart, etc. The second one requires you to write 200–250 words about an argument or point of view. If you decide to take the TOEFL exam, you must write a five-paragraph essay between 300 and 350 words. For the second question, you must gather some notes from the provided text and compose a 150–225 word response.

Score Comparison of IELTS vs TOEFL 

If you also think about which is easy TOEFL or IELTS, you must know the score comparison between both tests. Your vocabulary range, writing style, and grammar are all considered when scoring your speaking and writing on the TOEFL. Logic, coherence, grammar, and fluency are only a few of the precise criteria for the IELTS evaluation. For instance, a TOEFL essay with a logical flow of ideas but bad grammar will score higher. Still, IELTS requirements favour essays with better grammar and vocabulary but less effective concept communication. There is no doubt in the statement that there is always excitement for IELTS results in India. The IELTS score is on the scale of 1-9, and your overall score is calculated as the average of the points you receive on each of the four examinations. Your final grade will be rounded to 6.5 if your overall average is 6.25. TOEFL is one test with a maximum score of 120 points.

Which Universities Prefer IELTS or TOEFL? 

IELTS or TOEFL which is easy? The answer to this question is simple: both tests play their role in your study abroad journey. Worldwide, almost 9000 universities accept the IELTS, TOEFL, or both. Is IELTS accepted in the USA? IELTS is more frequently recognised if you apply to universities in the UK or Australia. Most American universities accept the TOEFL. Different institutions worldwide have distinct English language proficiency requirements for various programmes.

Main Difference: IELTS vs TOEFL 

Are you here to know if "is TOEFL easy or IELTS”? After reading the entire blog, here is a comparison of IELTS and TOEFL for candidates looking to pursue their studies overseas.

• Compared to the TOEFL, the IELTS exam takes less time to complete.
• Speaking tests for the IELTS are given in front of an examiner.
• Although the IELTS seems a little more liberal, the TOEFL often requires you to use only US or UK English throughout the exam and not a combination of the two.
• Most TOEFL questions are multiple-choice, whereas the IELTS has a broader range of question types and required replies.

Apart from that, there are some significant difference between TOEFL and IELTS, which are correctly explained in the below-mentioned pointers. 

1. Short Answers vs Multiple-Choice Questions 

It is a must in IELTS to create many answers to many questions in the Reading and Listening portions, whereas the TOEFL provides all of the response options. This is a difference between these two examinations. However, not all TOEFL questions in these sections are MCQs. Most of them are, so you won't need to develop your own answers. Many of the questions on the IELTS require you to provide your answers.

For Example, both IELTS vs TOEFL have questions that require compiling an appropriately arranged list of actions or events. You need to follow the procedures on the TOEFL and arrange them in the correct order. You must appropriately order and write out the solutions for the IELTS.

TOEFL may be more comfortable and best for you if you like more multiple-choice questions or ones where you can choose an answer from a list of possibilities. 

 2. Paper-based Tests vs Computer-based tests 

If you think that TOEFL is easy or IELTS is not, then it can be your opinion because the modes of both these tests are different. The majority of people who takes the TOEFL do it online. While you can take notes on scrap paper, all your formal responses must be entered into a computer. On the other hand, many test centres give the IELTS on a computer or by using pencil and paper.

One can prefer TOEFL if you will type fast, have sloppy handwriting, or prefer computer examinations to paper ones. The IELTS may be simpler if you choose to write down your answers, not interested in taking computer-based assessments, or are less accustomed to English language keyboards.

3. Length of an Essay 

In the tug of war between IELTS vs TOEFL, you must write two essays for the Writing part of both tests. Conversely, IELTS allows you 60 minutes to write the suggested 400 words, while TOEFL allows you 50 minutes and suggests roughly 500 words. You can submit your essays for both the exams. Even, if they don't fit inside those word limits, you'll get penalised for not having a complete answer. The IELTS writing section may be more straightforward for you if writing in English is difficult and takes a lot of time because fewer words are required.

 4. CBT vs Oral Interview 

Like all other parts of TOEFL, the Speaking section is completed on a computer. You'll hear previously recorded questions and use a microphone to answer them. With the IELTS, you have to speak with a live person.

One of the most remarkable and significant differences between IELTS and TOEFL is this, which should be considered. Speaking to a natural person can be nerve-wracking for some who would instead take the TOEFL. However, for others, speaking to a real person is more comfortable and natural than speaking into the void for several minutes.

Additionally, the TOEFL speaking section is usually the third component of the test. Still, IELTS allows to take this component up to a week before or after the remainder of the exam. Some people like to finish their exams in one go, while others prefer to divide them into smaller, more manageable chunks.

5. Text Used in Reading Section 

Questions follow each passage in the TOEFL and IELTS reading sections. The texts used in the two exams are different, though. Both academic texts and news from newspapers and magazines are used in the IELTS. The TOEFL primarily uses academic books. Therefore, its reading sections are frequently denser and have harder-to-understand language and topics. The IELTS Reading section may be more straightforward if you need more confidence in your English reading abilities. 

Which Test Can Be the Best Choice for You? 

To determine which is the best exam for you in the discussion between the TOEFL and IELTS, ask the following four questions to yourself:

• Which exam is accepted by the colleges you are interested in?
• Which exam utilizes your strengths?
• Which one is more accessible?
• Which one cost less?

Final Thought 

You may know a gist about these tests when you have thoroughly read about the TOEFL or IELTS. It is not inappropriate to say there are many reasons to give these English proficiency tests, especially for studying abroad. Now, it is your choice that you can choose any test between these two because both are equally required worldwide. We know it is hard to select because the TOEFL fee differs from the IELTS fee, and the cost is equally important. Well, the difference between both the cost is not enough. Apart from this hassle, if you are facing any issues in your study abroad journey, you can contact our experts at Gradding.com. We will surely provide you with services regarding visa assistance, selection of courses, accommodation details, scholarship aid and much more.

Lastly, it is not simple to say which is easy TOEFL or IELTS, but you can surely get the whole information about these exams in this blog. We hope the best for you and that you get all academic success and the chance to be admitted to your dream university. If you get stuck anywhere or in any process, you can easily reach us for support. So, keep your ambitions high and turn your study abroad dreams into reality.