Understanding The IELTS And TOEFL Tests
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are two major tests that examine the English language proficiency of students from non-English speaking countries who are accepted by most universities abroad. Students aspiring to seek admission in universities abroad will be requested to take the IELTS and/or TOEFL tests.
While these tests may seem difficult, students are encouraged to prepare in advance to ensure that they best understand the format of the test so showcase their English proficiency. Good grades in the IELTS and TOEFL tests prove your competency in English and can help you secure admission into the university of your choice.
Let’s understand the difference between these tests, so that you know best how to prepare for them.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) was established in 1989 and is an international standardized test that examines the English abilities of non-speaking English students. This test is managed by the British Council, the Cambridge Assessment English and the IDP: IELTS Australia. Students who pass this test stand a favorable chance of securing admission into universities in New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland and Europe. Universities in the United States of America also accept these test scores.
Students must understand that there is no minimum score to pass this test. A test report form is issued to every student who takes the test. The results are categorized from scores with Band 1 and Band 7. Band 1 is classified as a non-taker and Band 7 as an expert user in the English language. The Band 0 is for those who did not attempt the test. Test results are valid for two years.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is another major standardized English adeptness examination that tests your English language proficiency. This test is owned by the Educational Testing Service, a private and nonprofit organization that designs and manages tests. The Test of English as a Foreign Language is offered in over 4000 test centers across 165 countries.
The results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language are requested by over 10 000 universities and corporate companies in more than 130 countries. The test score is valid for two years only.
A study showed that most students find the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test a little easier than the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). However do not be discouraged. Exact preparedness will ensure that you score well in the chosen tests.
Feeling overwhelmed already? Stop. Relax. The following comparisons will help you better prepare for the tests:
General Factors
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | |
| Language Type | American or British | American only |
| Duration of Test | 2 hours 45 mins | 4 hours |
| Fees | +/- Rs 14 000 | +/- Rs 13 500 |
| Passing Score | Band 7 is excellent | 75% and above is considered excellent |
| Accepted By | 9 000 universities and companies | 10 000 universities and companies |
| Format of Test | 4 sections | 4 sections |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
Sections: Reading
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | |
| Time | Up to 60 minutes | Up to 72 minutes |
| Type | Multiple choice and others | Multiple choice |
| Sections | 3 sections | Up to 4 passages of reading |
| Questions | 40 questions | Each passage has 10 questions |
| Genre | Each section will be on general knowledge | Each passage will have an academic concentration |
Sections: Listening
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | |
| Time | Up to 40minutes | Up to 57 mins |
| Type | 10 questions per section | Up to 3 conversations Up to 7 lectures |
| Sections | 4 | Up to 10 |
| Questions | 40 questions | 5 per conversation 6 per lecture |
| Genre | General and academic | Academic |
Sections: Speaking
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | |
| Time | Up to 15 mins | Up to 17 mins |
| Type | Speaking face to face with the examiner | Speaking to a recorder |
| Sections | 3 | 4 Tasks |
| Questions | Up to 5 questions | Up to 4 questions |
| Genre | Personal and general | Academic |
Sections: Writing
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | |
| Time | Up to 40 mins | Up to 50 mins |
| Type | Descriptive Writing | Listening and Academic Writing |
| Sections | 2 | 2 |
| Questions | Write up to 400 words | Write a summary and an essay |
| Genre | General | Academic |
Scoring
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is scored from a scale of 0 to 120 points. All sections are added to give you the final score. Scores from 118 -120 are considered expert users while scores from 0-31 are considered extremely limited. A good score can range from 97 to 115.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is scored on a band scale with 7 being a good user, 8 being a very good user and 9 being an expert user. The band score 1 is non user or non competent.
Contact us and be better prepared
We hope that this information will help you to better under these two major tests. At Maven Consultancy, we have expert overseas education consultants that can help you to best prepare for these proficiency tests that can boost your application to some of the world’s best universities and institutes of higher learning. We have a library filled with a wealth of informational books and booklets that would help you to ace these tests.
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