TOEFL vs IELTS: Format, Scores and Expert Tips to Ace Exam

What are TOEFL and IELTS?

If you are planning to take an English proficiency test and are confused between IELTS and TOEFL, then start by understanding the exams to make an informed decision. So, let’s first understand the TOEFL and IELTS full form.

IELTS: The International English Language Testing System

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language

The IELTS exam is accepted in over 150 countries and is available in two different formats: Academic and General Training. Moreover, you can take this test three times in a single day if you are taking it on a computer. However, the TOEFL exam is accepted by 160 countries and is organized 170 times a year, specifically in India.

Difference between TOEFL and IELTS

The key difference between IELTS and TOEFL is that IELTS is accepted globally, whereas TOEFL is primarily accepted in North American institutions. Although both exams assess English language skills, they have different formats, types, and scoring patterns. See the table below to understand these differences.

Basis of Differentiation	IELTS Exam	TOEFL iBT Exam
Module	Reading, Speaking, Listening, and Writing	Reading, Speaking, Listening, and Writing
Score	0-9 Band Score in each section	0-120 Scores for each section
Duration	2 hours and 45 minutes	2 hours only
Results	7 days for Paper Test 2 days for the Computer-based Test	Within 10 days
Marking Criteria	Marked by experts who understand various cultural nuances.	Marked through Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Validity	2 years	2 years
Fee	INR 17,000	INR 16,900
No. of Accepting Universities	Over 12,500 institutions across 140 countries accept the IELTS Exam.	Over 13,000 organisations in 160 countries are accepting TOEFL Exam.

TOEFL vs IELTS: Test Format

The test formats of IELTS and TOEFL differ from each other, offering diverse options to test takers. The IELTS offers two types of exams, computer-delivered and paper-based options, but TOEFL is mainly internet-based. Below is a comparison of TOEFL vs IELTS test formats to highlight the differences between the two tests. 

Test Structure	IELTS Academic Duration	No. of Questions in IELTS	TOEFL Exam Duration	No. of Questions in TOEFL
Reading Section	60 minutes	40 questions	54-72 minutes	30-40 questions
Writing Section	60 minutes	2 tasks	50 minutes	2 tasks
Speaking Section	11-14 minutes	3 parts	17 minutes	4 tasks
Listening Section	30 minutes	40 questions	41-57 minutes	28-39 questions

TOEFL vs IELTS: Scoring System

The IELTS and TOEFL differences can be understood by their scoring system. This is because both exam uses different scoring systems. The IELTS exam assesses your proficiency on a scale from 0 to 9 to evaluate each part: listening, speaking, writing, and reading.

On the other hand, the TOEFL iBT test scores range from 0 to 30 for each section, totalling 120.

Below is an easy overview of the TOEFL vs IELTS scoring systems, alongside the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference), which is another global benchmark used to assess the language proficiency of individuals. However, you can also take the TOEFL or IELTS mock test to learn about the scoring system in a better way.

CEFR	TOEFL Exam (120)	IELTS Exam (9.0)
B1	0-31	0-4
	32-34	4.5
	35-45	5
B2	46-59	5.5
	60-78	6
	79-93	6.5
C1	94-101	7
	102-109	7.5
	110-120	8
C2	N/A	8.5
	N/A	9

Score Comparison Between TOEFL and IELTS

IELTS and TOEFL exams are standardised tests that assess English language abilities, but they employ different scoring methods. Hence, below is a score comparison table between the IELTS vs TOEFL exams, which shows the lowest, average, and highest scores in the exams. 

IELTS Band Scores	TOEFL iBT Scores
0-4	0-31
4.5	32-34
5	35-45
5.5	46-59
6	60-78
6.5	79-93
7	94-101
7.5	102-109
8	110-114
8.5	115-117
9	118-120

Moreover, the score requirements of these English proficiency exams differ at diverse course levels in colleges around the world. See the table below to understand the diverse score requirements of IELTS vs TOEFL for each course.

Degree level	TOEFL	IELTS
Foundation	35-45	5
Undergraduate	60-78	6
Postgraduate	94-101	7

IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is Better for Study, Work, Migration?

IELTS is deemed a more competitive and versatile option for work, study, and migration. This exam is accepted by many universities and immigration professionals internationally, including those in the UK, which gives the IELTS greater preference in the immigration process.

Below is a detailed breakdown that may help you determine which exam is better, the TOEFL or IELTS, for Indian students seeking work, migration, and study opportunities.

1. For Study

If talking about TOEFL or IELTS, both exams are accepted for college admissions, but an IELTS score can make your application stand out from other applicants. English-speaking countries, including Canada, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia, consider IELTS the best choice when admitting students.

However, the TOEFL exam is highly considered in the United States institutions. In short, both exams are accepted in various countries for different academic levels.

2. For Work

The IELTS exam is frequently preferred by employers and professional authorities in English-speaking countries, particularly in fields such as engineering and healthcare. However, TOEFL is also gaining acceptance in a few workplaces, but IELTS is recognized universally for work applications. Additionally, some nations may have specific requirements for the IELTS for certain professions.

3. For Migration

While some migration authorities accept the TOEFL exam, the IELTS score has wider acceptance for immigration. IELTS offers more flexibility to test takers in terms of exam format for immigration, which includes computer-delivered and paper-based exams.

However, both exams have their importance, as Australia’s immigration authority accepts the TOEFL exam, while the UK and Canadian departments accept the IELTS exam.

From the above comparison, it can be considered that IELTS is usually more accepted and versatile for study, migration, and work, specifically if applicants are targeting countries such as the UK and Canada.

Tips to Choose for TOEFL or IELTS

Deciding which test you should take to prove your English proficiency can be very confusing. It is due to several factors linked to the exams, such as scores, university requirements, and the objective of taking the exam.

Hence, when determining between the IELTS and TOEFL English proficiency tests, you should consider a few tips that are given below.

• College Requirements- First, understand the college's needs and check which test is preferred by your selected college. It is because some colleges prefer IELTS over TOEFL or vice versa. Thus, it is crucial that you check the university's needs before selecting a specific test.
• Format Preference - Secondly, identify which test format is most suitable for you. For instance, if you are comfortable with typing, then TOEFL can be perfect for you. Also, determine whether TOEFL or IELTS which is easy for you before selecting the test. However, if you are comfortable with personal interaction and handwritten exams, then go for the IELTS exam.
• Test Purposes - Lastly, when selecting between the TOEFL or IELTS test, an applicant's specific test purpose is vital. Thus, applicants should check whether they are taking the test for study purposes or to work in a foreign country. Also, you can consider the country in which you are aiming to work or study. It is because the UK prefers people with IELTS scores, but the US prefers TOEFL exam scores.

Tips to Prepare for TOEFL or IELTS

Preparation for any exam is the most crucial part that can enhance the overall results. Therefore, to prepare for these exams, students require some expert tips. A few tips include developing vocabulary knowledge, understanding the TOEFL or IELTS syllabus, identifying exam format, and building a personalized study plan. Detailed information about these strategies is given below.

• Understand Exam Pattern- The first step in IELTS preparation begins with learning about the exam structure, whether you are preparing for the IELTS or TOEFL exam. Each exam possesses distinct features that candidates are required to know before taking the test. Thus, start by identifying their sections, including reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
• Personalize Study Plan- Once you learn about the exam structure, create a personal study plan by identifying the areas where you require more improvement. Also, ensure that you include realistic goals when creating a study plan. Moreover, you should plan a study plan according to the IELTS or TOEFL syllabus. Additionally, allocate precise time for each section to manage your time effectively.
• Regular Practice- Last but not least, don't forget to practice regularly for your exam. You can take the TOEFL mock test to simulate test conditions; it will also help you to get comfortable with the exam format. Moreover, practising with mock tests can allow you to develop time management skills.

Conclusion

If we compare the TOEFL vs IELTS exam, then both tests have some pros and cons of their own. Although both tests have similar test patterns, there are a few changes that can make a large difference in your overall scores. Hence, when selecting an exam, it is recommended to understand the purpose of the exam.

Therefore, this blog includes all the key differentiation areas to help you identify which is suitable for your IELTS or TOEFL. However, if you are still unsure about which test is best for you, please connect with our experts at Gradding.com for personalized guidance. Our experts ensure that you make the right decision under their guidance.

FAQs

1. Which exam is better IELTS or TOEFL?

The scores of the IELTS exam are approved by more than 140 countries for immigration and admission, whereas TOEFL is accepted within 160 countries. Also, the TOEFL exam is not recognized by several foreign visa departments. However, the IELTS is accepted in many countries for student visas and migration.

2. Which countries prefer TOEFL or IELTS?

IELTS is precisely famous in Australia, South Africa, the UK, and Ireland. On the other hand, TOEFL is accepted by universities in Canada, New Zealand, Germany, France, the US and Australia.

3. Which test is more expensive, IELTS or TOEFL?

The fees of the TOEFL exam usually range up to $209 (INR 18,000), depending on your country. The fees of the IELTS test cost around $196 (INR 16,900) and may vary based on the test centre or location.

4. Which is easier to pass, IELTS or TOEFL exam?

The ease of passing TOEFL or IELTS is subjective and highly depends on the knowledge of applicants, specifically the reading parts. However, candidates can easily pass the exam through constant practice and expert guidance. Also, to pass the reading section, you can practice through everyday sources, including newspapers and magazines.

5. Is the TOEFL exam easy for Indians?

It depends on the applicant’s skills and knowledge, as some may find TOEFL easier because of its structured and systematic academic approach. Whereas some candidates think IELTS is easy due to its informal speaking part. Thus, the difficulty level of TOEFL is subjective according to personal strengths.