Which Is Easier – IELTS or TOEFL and IELTS can be challenging?

Studying abroad is huge and is also a very crucial decision to make on your part. But the process is not very easy. There is a lot that you need to do before you enter your dream college. The most important one among them is passing the English proficiency test. It is because no institute will allow you admission. 

Coming to the options of English proficiency tests, today, there are several ones. But among them, the most popular ones are IELTS and TOEFL. Students often attempt to crack both of these. But my word of advice is you must concentrate on one. This helps in better preparation, increasing the chances of you passing the test. 

After you decide which one you want to apply for, start taking either IELTS Coaching online or TOELF Coaching online from brands like AbroAdvice.com. Strategic tutoring is essential for the best preparation. And you will be able to engage in strategic learning only via reliable coaching. 

Study abroad consultants at brands like AbroAdvice are well-trained and know the best way to guide the aspirants. They can give you tips as well as scope for attempting several mock tests. All these only help in better preparation. But before all these, you need to decide which test you want to concentrate on. This post will help you to choose one. You can get IELTS Coaching from top tutors as well.

Here, I bring to you a comparison between IELTS and TOEFL. 

The Basic Idea

The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is a highly regarded language competency exam that applicants take for employment or for the purpose of pursuing education abroad. It is recognised in 140 nations. There are two versions of the IELTS exam: IELTS Academic (for educational purposes) and IELTS General Training (for working professionals and immigration purposes).

Conversely, TOEFL stands for the Test of English as a Foreign Language, a well-known language proficiency exam that many students who want to study abroad choose to take. The exam is recognised in about 130 countries because it places a strong emphasis on evaluating candidates’ ability to communicate in English in a classroom.

ILETS VS TOEFL Test Format 

The primary distinction between the TOEFL and IELTS is the question format; the former has multiple choice questions (MCQs), while the latter requires you to provide answers in various formats, such as short answers or fill-in-the-blanks. The length of the two exams is another notable difference in addition to this. While you have two hours and forty-five minutes to finish the IELTS, you will only need one hour and sixteen minutes to finish the TOEFL.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is available in two versions: Academic and General Training. Test takers can choose the version that best suits their needs. Meanwhile, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) only has one exam type, which is mostly taken by students enrolled in international programs. The TOEFL assesses your analytical thinking and ability to weigh your options, while the IELTS measures your creative thinking and comprehension skills. This is one of the primary differences between the two tests.

Here is an easy overview of both the tests – 

IELTS 

TOEFL

Here are the details – 

Writing Section 

To attempt the IELTS paper, you will have to complete two writing tasks. The first task requires you to explain the data presented in a table chart, diagram, or any other form. In the second task, you will have to write 200–250 words regarding a specific point of view or argument. On the other hand, the first task of the TOEFL exam requires you to write a 300–350 word essay with five paragraphs. For the second task, you will be provided with a text, and you will need to gather some notes from it and write a response of 150–225 words.

Speaking Section

In contrast to the IELTS speaking test, which will evaluate each applicant in person, like an interview, the TOEFL speaking assessment will be recorded using a microphone and sent to the examiners. The TOEFL would take sixteen minutes, whereas the IELTS could take anywhere from ten to fifteen minutes. The ability to take a speaking test before the other tests in IELTS, which is not available in TOEFL, is a significant feature that sets IELTS apart from TOEFL.

Reading Section 

Both exams include reading sections with texts that are similar to what candidates will read in their respective programs. The TOEFL will provide two reading passages to complete in 35 minutes. The IELTS reading section, on the other hand, includes three passages and requires candidates to answer questions in various formats, such as gap fills and short answers.

Listening Section 

The listening comprehension sections in the two exams are significantly different from each other. In the IELTS exam, students are required to listen to the recording and answer questions based on it. The questions could be lengthy or brief. In contrast, in the TOEFL exam, candidates listen to audio that is based on lectures delivered in a classroom and take notes while doing so. The TOEFL listening component has multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that students need to answer within 36 minutes.

IELTS Vs TOEFL Score Comparison

The IELTS is scored on a range of 1 to 9, with the average of your individual scores across the four exams determining your overall score. Your final score will be rounded up to 6.5 if your overall average is 6.25. The TOEFL is a single exam with a 120-point maximum score. The total scores of the TOEFL and IELTS can be roughly compared as follows:

Whichever of the TOEFL and IELTS is better for you will depend on your requirements and a number of other factors. Selecting between the TOEFL and IELTS can be challenging, but it’s critical to select the test that best fits your objectives and degree of English proficiency. Comparing these two globally accepted English language competency exams requires consideration of several important aspects.

Your decision may be influenced by elements such as speaking abilities, length, cost, delivery style, and degree of difficulty. Which exam is best for you will ultimately depend on your personal preferences. There are test dates available throughout the year, and each exam is recognised by hundreds of institutions worldwide.