10 Differences Between IELTS And TOEFL.
Differences Between IELTS And TOEFL: While both tests are used to measure the competency of students of English, there are differences between both tests, which will be provided later in this article. IELTS or TOEFL scores are qualifications in order for a foreigner English speaker to be admitted into higher institutions of learning in native English speaking countries. Keep reading this article to know the difference between IELTS and TOEFL.
The two tests are different in their methods of scoring, in the formats of their questions and more. IELTS stands for International English Language Tests System while TOEFL means Test of English Language as a Foreign Language. Below are 10 differences between IELTS and TOEFL.
10 Differences Between IELTS And TOEFL
1. English: Though both tests test English competency, they appeal to several Englishes. However, the IELTS tests use British English – that is, they test a student’s competency in British English. While TOEFL was developed by an American English.
2. Cost: However, the costs of taking both exams differs by country. In the United States, IELTS cost in the range of $215 and $245. TOEFL cost between $165 and $300 but is allegedly under $200 in most countries.
3. Exam duration: TOEFL exams allegedly last much longer than IELTS by a huge 1 hour 15 minutes. The time scale of IELTS exams is 2 hours and 45 minutes while that of TOEFL exams lasts for 4 hours.
4. Order of Test Sections: In preparation for these exams, it is important that one knows the different sections one is to face in the course of the exams. The sections usually come in different orders for both IELTS and TOEFL and they are always presented as follows:
IELTS exams have 4 parts – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking – showing in this order. Although, the speaking part can be taken before the other three. The Listening part lasts a maximum of 30 minutes, the Reading and Writing parts 60 minutes respectively, while the Speaking part lasts 11 – 14 minutes tops.
As for the TOEFL exams, the part order moves from Reading first, then to Listening, then Speaking, then Writing – four parts as with IELTS but with distinct durations. The Reading part lasts 60 – 80 minutes. The Listening section, 60 – 90 minutes, the Speaking part lasts for 20 minutes while the writing part lasts 50 minutes.
5. Frequency: All over the world, IELTS exams come up 48 times in a year, while TOEFL exams are carried out more than 50 times in a year.
6. Scoring Scale: As discussed earlier, the scoring systems of both IELTS and TOEFL are different. The scale for IELTS is from 0 – 9, while that of TOEFL is from 0 – 120.
7. Reachable Locations: IELTS are offered in over 1100 locations in more than 140 countries worldwide. While the TOEFL exams are offered all over the world.
8. Average Minimum Score: It is one thing to participate in the test and another to pass. What is seen as a pass score varies from institution to institution? But, ranking universities in the United States takes a minimum of 6.3 for IELTS and 78 for TOEFL exams.
9. Exam Format: Typically, TOEFL exams are almost completely multiple-choice questions that need you to pick a correct option from an arrangement of options. IELTS exams however do require that you respond to a range of distinct question types such as gap-filling, short-answer and short essay tasks.
10. Exam Type: In Conclusion, there are two types of IELTS that are enumerated on paper. Only one type of TOEFL is completely done on the computer.