Often universities abroad ask for either TOEFL or IELTS scores of international students. Then it is the students' choice as both exams are accepted as meeting the entry requirements for academic settings.
As it is up to the English test taker to decide which of these two exams, here is a guide to making the decision.
1. Are you more comfortable with North American or British / UK accent?
For British or Australian accent - IELTS
For American accent - TOEFL
2. What are you more comfortable with -- a wide range of North American vocabulary and idiomatic expressions or British English vocabulary and idiomatic expressions?
For British or Australian English - IELTS
For American English - TOEFL
3. Can you type relatively fast?
If you can type fast, you may opt for TOEFL as it requires that you type your essays in the written section of the test.
If you type slow, go for IELTS as you have to handwrite your essay responses.
4. Do you want to finish the test as quickly as possible?
If you want to finish fast, consider IELTS as it is comparatively shorter - about 2 hours 45 minutes. However, shorter does not necessarily mean easier.
If you want to take your time, you can take TOEFL - it lasts approximately 4 hours.
5. Do you feel comfortable with a wide range of question types?
If yes – then take IELTS. It has a much wider range of question types including multiple choice, gap fill, matching exercises, etc.
If you prefer multiple choice questions – then take TOEFL.
6. Are you proficient at taking notes?
Note taking is important for both IELTS and TOEFL. However, it is much more critical for TOEFL. The IELTS requires you to answer questions as you listen to the exam.
7. What are the major differences between IELTS and TOEFL exam structure?
TOEFL |
IELTS |
|
| Reading |
|
|
| Listening |
|
|
| Writing |
|
|
| Speaking |
|
|
8. What is the section-wise score comparison between these exams?
Listening Section Score Comparisons
IELTS Score |
TOEFL Score |
| 9 |
30 |
| 8.5 |
29 |
| 8 |
28 |
| 7.5 |
27 |
| 7 |
24-26 |
| 6.5 |
20-23 |
| 6 |
12-19 |
| 5.5 |
7-11 |
| 5 |
4-6 |
| 4.5 |
3 |
| <4 |
0 |
Speaking Section Score Comparisons
IELTS Score |
TOEFL Score |
| 9.0 |
30 |
| 8.5 |
28-29 |
| 8.0 |
26-27 |
| 7.5 |
24-25 |
| 7.0 |
23 |
| 6.5 |
20-22 |
| 6.0 |
18-19 |
| 5.5 |
16-17 |
| 5.0 |
14-15 |
| 4.5 |
12-13 |
| <=4 |
0-11 |
Reading Section Score Comparisons
IELTS Score |
TOEFL Score |
| 9 |
30 |
| 8.5 |
29 |
| 8 |
29 |
| 7.5 |
27-28 |
| 7 |
24-26 |
| 6.5 |
19-23 |
| 6 |
13-18 |
| 5.5 |
8-12 |
| 5 |
4-7 |
| 4.5 |
3 |
| <=4 |
0-2 |
Writing Section Score Comparisons
IELTS Score |
TOEFL Score |
| 9.0 |
30 |
| 8.5 |
30 |
| 8.0 |
30 |
| 7.5 |
29 |
| 7.0 |
27-28 |
| 6.5 |
24-26 |
| 6.0 |
21-23 |
| 5.5 |
18-20 |
| 5.0 |
14-17 |
| 4.5 |
12-13 |
| <=4.0 |
0-11 |
Total Score Comparisons
IELTS Score |
TOEFL Score |
| 9 |
118-120 |
| 8.5 |
115-117 |
| 8 |
110-114 |
| 7.5 |
102-109 |
| 7 |
94-101 |
| 6.5 |
79-93 |
| 6 |
60-78 |
| 5.5 |
46-59 |
| 5 |
35-45 |
| 4.5 |
32-34 |
| 0-4 |
0-31 |
If you have finalised either of the two: IELTS and TOEFL, you might want to know When to start preparing for IELTS or TOEFL?. In case you are still confused, consider reading IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Academic: Which test you should take.
With a plethora of knowledge of the education domain, Piyush Kohli has been involved with study abroad for over 5 years and counting. He comes with prior experience on the complexities of the study abroad applicatio... Read Full Bio
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(16)
J
5 months ago
Hello I want to ask is it after paying the online application fee before I can be eligible to take the TOEFL exams
P
Piyush KohliStudy Abroad Expert
4 months ago
Hi Jemea, you can take the TOEFL exam anytime after or before submitting your application. However,
it is good to take the test before going for the application process, as you'll have the TOEFL score with you while applying.
P
Piyush KohliStudy Abroad Expert
6 months ago
Hi Damien, please elaborate on your query and let us know which course you want to pursue abroad, so, we can assist you better.
g
8 months ago
hello
I have done 10th after 10th I did 3 year electrical diploma , and after diploma I did b.tech and I was doing part time job as a apple Technician let me know which course is best for me.
P
Piyush KohliStudy Abroad Expert
6 months ago
Hi Gunwant, as you have gained work experience, you can go for master's in this field:
https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/ms-in-electronics-electrical-engineering-from-abroad-ds11509263?country=usa-uk-canada
2 years ago
Hi Swaran,
Could you please elaborate your query? Are you looking for options to study after MA English? Which country do you aspire to study in? What exams have you given? What is your current profile?
D
3 years ago
Hello.what should i do for study IELTS and exam.....i am 12th passed and i have one year diploma in hotel management.....from Dehradun..i want study and give paper soon
3 years ago
Hi Deewan, you must create an online account on the official website of IELTS, thereafter you may pay the fees and schedule the test. Please find registration instructions here
https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/exams/ielts/how-to-register