IELTS vs. TOEFL: Which is Preferred for Studying in the USA?

IELTS English proficiency exams are a superior alternative to TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials for a variety of reasons. To begin, IELTS is generally accepted by colleges, companies, and immigration agencies in all English-speaking nations. Second, IELTS examines both British and American English, whereas TOEFL is primarily concerned with American English. Third, IELTS provides a more personalised speaking examination, in which the applicant converses with an examiner, as opposed to the TOEFL's speaking component, which is recorded and graded afterward. Finally, IELTS provides a paper-based exam alternative that is not accessible on TOEFL iBT or TOEFL Essentials. With these benefits, IELTS is a viable alternative to TOEFL examinations for anyone looking to study, work, or move to an English-speaking country.

IELTS vs. TOEFL - Overview

The IELTS is a standardised test that assesses the language skills of persons who wish to study or work in an English-speaking environment. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an examination that assesses a candidate's English language ability. The IELTS test is divided into four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Each section has its own time restriction and a variety of activities to perform.

The Speaking portion of the exam is meant to measure your ability to communicate in English. The examiner will inquire about your identity and history, as well as basic inquiries about the world around you.

On the other hand, The abbreviation TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is a standardised exam that evaluates the English language abilities of non-native speakers. TOEFL results are valid for two years from your exam date, but you can repeat the test as frequently as you desire. The TOEFL test measures competency in four core skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The test is primarily made up of multiple-choice questions with four options (the exception being listening comprehension).

IELTS vs. TOEFL  - Which is better?

If you're an international student planning to study in the United States, you might be wondering which English language exam is best for you: IELTS or TOEFL. Both examinations are commonly accepted by US schools and universities, however, there are some significant variations between the two that may make one a better choice than the other depending on your specific situation.

The decision between IELTS and TOEFL is influenced by a variety of parameters, including scope, kind, location, popularity, exam duration, result turnaround, testing frequency, and more. Personal preferences, such as comfort with direct connection with examiners, or the specific needs of one's academic or professional aspirations, may affect the decision.

Here are some considerations to consider while choosing between IELTS and TOEFL for studying in the United States:

IELTS vs. TOEFL - Exam Structure

IELTS consists of four sections:  reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The speaking section involves a face-to-face interview with an examiner. During the IELTS speaking section, the test taker interacts with an examiner who evaluates the candidate's spoken English skills. In contrast, the TOEFL test is divided into four sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The TOEFL speaking component is a recorded interview in which the test taker's speaking abilities are evaluated. Some students may prefer the face-to-face engagement with IELTS, whilst others may prefer the ease of recording their answers on TOEFL.

IELTS vs. TOEFL - Score of Acceptance

While both IELTS and TOEFL are excellent examinations for assessing students' language skills and eligibility for certain destinations and programs, IELTS has a larger scope. IELTS is used for more than only academic objectives; it also serves as an English proficiency exam for study-abroad candidates, vocational endeavors, and immigration to English-speaking nations.

In contrast, TOEFL is primarily designed for academic purposes. While it is recognized as a language skills exam for immigration in Australia and New Zealand, it is most commonly used by students to demonstrate English proficiency for academic purposes.

Although both IELTS and TOEFL are widely recognized by US colleges and universities, some institutions may favor one over the other. Before registering for a test, you should discover which exam your selected universities favor. Some institutions may accept both examinations, whereas others may only accept one. Some institutions may have varying minimum score criteria for each test.

IELTS vs. TOEFL - Test Availability

IELTS is given in over 140 countries, whereas TOEFL is available in over 160. However, the availability of exam centers and dates may differ based on your region.

IELTS vs. TOEFL - Scoring System

The scoring systems used for IELTS and TOEFL are fundamentally different. IELTS has a band system that ranges from 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest). The total IELTS score, as well as individual part scores, are evaluated on a scale of 0 to 9.

TOEFL, on the other hand, is assessed on a 120-point scale. Each section—reading, listening, speaking, and writing—is rated on a scale of 0 to 30, and contributes to the total TOEFL score. This numerical scoring system gives a clear and consistent assessment of a test taker's English ability across several skill areas.

Using ETS's TOEFL to IELTS conversion chart, you may get a general estimate of your performance on one exam based on your practice test scores for another.

IELTS vs. TOEFL: What is an acceptable academic score?

A high GPA is required for admission to several universities abroad. Now the question of what makes "good" arises. It does vary by country and university. In the United States, the majority of elite colleges, including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Stanford, admitted candidates with a minimum score of 7. It is feasible to boost it to 7.5 for MIT or even 8.5 for Columbia. The majority of institutions will accept a student who scores a 7.

IELTS vs. TOEFL - Test Format

The IELTS can be taken in both paper and computer versions, but the TOEFL is solely available in computer format. The IELTS paper-based version is given in regions where computer-based examination is not available. IELTS listening, reading, and writing portions are all performed on the same day, with the speaking section taking place on a separate day. The TOEFL listening, reading, speaking, and writing portions are all administered on the same day and are computer-adaptable. Some students might choose IELTS' paper-based approach, whilst others may prefer TOEFL's computer-based format.

IELTS vs. TOEFL - Test fee

The cost of taking IELTS or TOEFL varies according to your location and test centre. In general, IELTS is slightly more costly than the TOEFL.

• The IELTS exam fee as of 2024 is INR 16,250.

• The TOEFL exam fee as of 2024 is INR 16,900.

IELTS vs. TOEFL - Frequency

The TOEFL iBT exam provides flexibility with a schedule of over 60 sessions per year at authorized test centres worldwide. In many places, the exam is available five days a week. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition offers even greater ease, allowing testing four days a week and scheduling at any time during the day.

In contrast, the IELTS exam provides for a weekly testing schedule. With test dates accessible on 48 days per year, applicants have several options for scheduling their IELTS exam, providing a blend of regular availability and flexibility.

IELTS vs. TOEFL - Result Declaration

TOEFL results are normally available within 4-6 days after the exam date. On the other hand, IELTS test results are published quickly, with online results available within a week and offline results, distributed by traditional mail, taking up to 13 days following the exam. These schedules allow test takers to receive immediate feedback on their performance.

IELTS vs. TOEFL - Types

The IELTS has two main variations: academic and general training. The IELTS Academic test is designed for students preparing for higher education, including undergraduate, master's, and doctorate programs. In contrast, the TOEFL is preferred for academic purposes. TOEFL is widely acknowledged by universities in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and other nations as a means of assessing academic English proficiency.

IELTS vs. TOEFL - Popularity

Both exams are popular, with a significant number of test takers each year. In 2018, IELTS had an exceptional turnout, with over 3.5 million students expected to take the exam. Meanwhile, more than 2.3 million people take the TOEFL every year. Its widespread popularity in the United States and Canada cements its status as the primary option for many people seeking English proficiency evaluation in educational institutions in these countries.

IELTS vs. TOEFL - Interaction with Examiner

Another important distinction between IELTS and TOEFL is how they are administered, particularly the speaking portion. In the IELTS exam, the speaking section requires direct communication between the student and the examiner. This interactive format is intended to measure the candidate's oral communication abilities in real-time.

In contrast, the TOEFL takes an entirely computer-based technique. Students do not have direct conversations with examiners. Instead, students record their comments and then submit them for review. This approach guarantees an unbiased assessment of the speaking section since examiners review recorded replies without personally interacting with the test taker.

IELTS vs. TOEFL - Locations Available

While both tests are generally available, they differ in terms of availability. The IELTS exam is administered in over 140 countries, with testing centres available at over 1,600 sites worldwide.

TOEFL, on the other hand, permits students to take the exam from virtually anywhere in the world. TOEFL testing centres are spread throughout more than 170 countries and 6,000 locations, providing wide accessibility. Furthermore, students who choose the TOEFL iBT Home Edition can schedule the exam 24 hours a day on four weekdays, providing even more flexibility.

Finally, the best way to decide which examination is right for you is to conduct a study and analyse your particular preferences and circumstances. Both IELTS and TOEFL are authentic and generally acknowledged English language examinations that can help you accomplish your academic goals in the United States.