10 Noteworthy Differences Between IELTS And TOEFL

Filed in Education by on May 19, 2021

Difference Between IELTS And TOEFL: While both tests are used to measure the proficiency of students of English, there are differences between both tests, which will be provided later in this article. 

The two tests differ in their methods of scoring, in the formats of their questions, and more. IELTS stands for International English Language Tests System while TOEFL stands for Test of English Language as a Foreign Language. Below are 10 differences between IELTS and TOEFL.

10 Noteworthy Differences Between IELTS And TOEFL

IELTS or TOEFL scores are requirements in order for a non-native English speaker to be admitted into higher institutions of learning in native English-speaking countries.

10 Differences Between IELTS And TOEFL

1. Englishes: Though both tests test English proficiency, they appeal to different Englishes. The IELTS tests use British English – that is, they test a student’s proficiency in British English. TOEFL was developed by an American English.

2. Cost: Although the costs of taking both exams vary by country. In the United States, IELTS cost in the range of $215 and $245. While TOEFL cost between $165 and $300 but is reportedly under $200 in most countries.

3. Exam duration: TOEFL exams reportedly last much longer than IELTS by a whopping 1 hour 15 minutes. The duration of IELTS exams is 2 hours and 45 minutes while that of the later exams lasts for 4 hours.

4. Order of Test Sections: In readiness for these exams, it is significant that one knows the different sections one is to face in the course of the exams. The sections come in different orders for both IELTS and TOEFL and they are presented as follows:

IELTS exams have 4 sections – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking – appearing in this order. However, the speaking section can be taken before the other three. The Listening section lasts a maximum of 30 minutes, the Reading and Writing sections 60 minutes apiece, while the Speaking section lasts 11 – 14 minutes tops.

Whereas for the TOEFL exams, the section order proceeds from Reading first, then to Listening, then Speaking, then Writing – four sections as with IELTS but with different durations. The Reading section lasts 60 – 80 minutes. The Listening section, 60 – 90 minutes, the Speaking section 20 minutes while the writing section lasts 50 minutes.

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5. Frequency: Around the world, IELTS exams come up 48 times in a year, while TOEFL exams are conducted more than 50 times in a year.

6. Scoring Scale: As stated earlier, the scoring systems of both IELTS and TOEFL are different. The scale for IELTS goes from 0 – 9, while that of TOEFL goes from 0 – 120.

7. Accessible Locations: IELTS is offered in more than 1100 locations in over 140 countries worldwide. The TOEFL exams however are offered all over the globe.

8. Average Minimum Score: It is one thing to take the test and another to pass. What is considered a passing score differs from institution to institution? However, raking universities in the United States accept a minimum of 6.3 for IELTS and 78 for TOEFL exams.

9. Exam Format: Usually, TOEFL exams are almost entirely multiple-choice questions that require you to pick a correct option from an array of options. IELTS exams however usually require that you respond to a range of different question types such as short answer, gap-filling, and short essay tasks.

10. Exam Type: Finally, there are two types of IELTS that are computed on paper. Only one type of TOEFL is entirely done on a computer.

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CSN Team.

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