TOEFL vs. IELTS: Key Differences

Understanding the differences between the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is crucial for anyone aiming to prove their English proficiency globally. These English language tests open doors for educational and professional opportunities but differ significantly in format, acceptance, and approach. 

TOEFL, favored in the USA, offers a structured, often multiple-choice framework, while IELTS, preferred in the UK and Commonwealth countries, features a mix of question types, including a unique face-to-face speaking test. 

This article will briefly compare these two tests, guiding you in choosing the right one for your academic or professional journey.

Understanding the basics

While serving the same fundamental purpose of assessing English language proficiency, the TOEFL and IELTS tests have distinct origins and administrative bodies.

TOEFL, developed in the 1960s, is administered by the American Educational Testing Service (ETS). Initially created to measure the English proficiency of non-native speakers wishing to enroll in US universities, TOEFL has grown into a globally recognized test. American educational institutions particularly favor this language proficiency test, but it is also accepted worldwide and often used for professional certification and immigration purposes.

On the other hand, IELTS began in 1989 as a group effort by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge English. Its design caters to both academic and immigration requirements, particularly in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. IELTS is acknowledged by universities, employers, and immigration bodies globally, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of applicants.

The primary purpose of both TOEFL and IELTS is to provide a reliable measure of how well a person can speak and understand English in an academic or professional context. Despite their different administrative origins, both tests enjoy high credibility and recognition worldwide, serving as a standardized benchmark for English language proficiency. Understanding these foundational aspects is key for test-takers in making an informed decision aligned with their educational or professional goals.

Test formats

The formats of the TOEFL and IELTS tests are tailored to assess English language proficiency, but they differ in structure and delivery methods.

TOEFL formats

• TOEFL iBT (internet-based test). The TOEFL iBT test is completely online and is this exam's most widely available format. It encompasses reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections, all completed on a computer. This format tests the ability to integrate these skills, which is essential for academic success in an English-speaking environment.
• Paper-based TOEFL. Offered in locations where internet-based testing is impossible, the paper-based version still includes reading, listening, and writing sections but lacks a speaking component. Test-takers who opt for this format might need to take additional tests to assess their speaking skills.

IELTS formats

• IELTS Academic. For students planning to study abroad at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, IELTS Academic assesses whether candidates are ready to begin studying in an English-language environment.
• IELTS General Training. This version, aimed at individuals migrating to English-speaking countries or those taking non-academic training, focuses more on the broad language skills required in social and workplace contexts.

The IELTS offers both computer-based and paper-based test formats, giving test-takers the flexibility to choose based on their comfort and availability. The computer-based IELTS provides a more modern testing experience, with candidates typing their responses and taking the listening test with headphones. This format can be more appealing to those who are comfortable with digital interfaces. The paper-based format, conversely, might suit candidates who prefer the traditional method of writing responses by hand and are more at ease with paper-based examinations.

Test sections

Both TOEFL and IELTS encompass four main sections: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. However, the format, duration, and types of questions vary between the two tests, catering to different assessment styles.

Reading section

• TOEFL. The TOEFL reading section (60-80 minutes) includes 3-4 reading passages, each followed by 12-14 questions. Test takers answer primarily multiple-choice questions, assessing their ability to understand and analyze academic texts.
• IELTS. For both Academic and General Training test formats, the IELTS reading section is 60 minutes long. The Academic test includes three long texts from books, journals, or newspapers, while the General Training test involves extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks, and guidelines. Reading test questions range from multiple-choice questions to matching headings, identifying the writer's views, and completing summaries.

Listening section

• TOEFL. The TOEFL listening section takes about 40-60 minutes and includes listening to lectures, classroom discussions, and conversations, and then you answer questions about them. The listening section measures how well you understand spoken English in an academic setting.
• IELTS. The IELTS listening section (about 40 minutes long) includes four recordings of native English speakers and then asks a variety of question types like multiple-choice, matching, short answer, and fill-in-the-blank.

Writing section

• TOEFL. In the 50-minute TOEFL writing section, there are two writing tasks: an integrated task that requires reading a passage and listening to a short lecture before writing a response and an independent one that requires writing an essay based on personal experience or opinion.
• IELTS. The IELTS writing section, also 60 minutes, differs between the Academic and General Training tests. The Academic test includes describing a diagram or data and writing an essay in response to an argument or problem. The General Training test involves writing a letter and an essay on a given topic.

Speaking section

• TOEFL. The TOEFL speaking section is approximately 20 minutes long and conducted via computer. Test-takers respond to questions on familiar topics, speaking based on reading and listening tasks.
• IELTS. Lasting 11-14 minutes, the IELTS speaking section is a face-to-face interview with an examiner. It includes a short speech about a familiar topic and a structured discussion.

Scoring systems 

The scoring systems for the TOEFL and IELTS tests are distinct, each with its own range and method of calculating proficiency levels.

TOEFL scoring

• Range and calculation. The TOEFL score ranges from 0 to 120, with each of the four sections (reading, listening, writing, speaking) scored out of 30. These section scores are then added together for the overall score. The test uses both human raters and automated scoring methods to ensure consistency and objectivity.
• Interpretation. Higher test scores indicate higher proficiency in English. Many universities set minimum score requirements, often around 80 for undergraduate admissions and higher for graduate programs. However, score requirements vary widely between institutions.

IELTS band score system

• Band scores. IELTS scores are band scores on a scale from 1 (non-user) to 9 (expert user). Each section gets a band score, and they are averaged to get the overall band score.
• Proficiency reflection. The band scores provide a detailed assessment of a test taker's language abilities. For instance, a band score of 6 indicates a competent user, whereas a score of 8 reflects a very good command of the language.

Nuances in scoring

• Subjective sections. Scoring can vary in the writing and speaking sections, where responses are more subjective.
• TOEFL. Uses rubrics that assess the quality of ideas, organization, language use, and speaking ability.
• IELTS. The writing and speaking parts are evaluated on criteria such as task achievement/response, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and accuracy.
• Consistency and fairness. Both tests use multiple raters to ensure fairness. For IELTS, the face-to-face nature of the speaking test allows examiners to assess communicative competence in a real-life context, while TOEFL's standardized speaking responses via computer ensure consistency in evaluation.

Geographical preferences

The preference for TOEFL or IELTS often varies geographically as regional educational systems, immigration policies, and university requirements influence it. 

TOEFL is the preferred choice for most American universities due to its alignment with the US educational system. While accepted globally, TOEFL is less prevalent than IELTS in countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada.

IELTS is highly favored in the UK and Australia and is essential for university admissions and immigration. It's also preferred in Canada and New Zealand, particularly for immigration purposes. Despite its stronghold in these areas, IELTS is recognized worldwide, including in the USA.

Choosing the right test

Selecting between TOEFL and IELTS depends on personal preferences, destination requirements, and institutional demands.

Consider your comfort with test formats. If you prefer multiple-choice and typing, TOEFL might suit you. For varied question types and face-to-face speaking, consider IELTS. Assess whether you're more comfortable with academic-style texts and North American accents (TOEFL) or everyday English usage and various dialects (IELTS).

Research the preferred test for your study or migration destination - TOEFL is often favored in the USA, while IELTS is preferred in the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Check specific test requirements of the universities or professional bodies you're targeting.

Tips for non-native speakers and international students:

• Practice with materials from both tests to see which aligns with your skills and test-taking style.
• Consider which English variation (American for TOEFL, British/Australian for IELTS) you are more comfortable with.
• Use available resources and support in your region for the chosen test.

Preparing for the tests

Preparing effectively for TOEFL and IELTS is essential for success. For the TOEFL test, use official online practice tests and third-party resources to familiarize yourself with the test format and question types. The IELTS preparation should involve exploring practice tests from the official IELTS website and resources provided by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge.

For the speaking sections, TOEFL exam preparation involves practicing speaking into a microphone to adapt to its computer-based format, focusing on clear and organized responses. In contrast, in this section of the IELTS, preparation should include conversational practice with a partner or tutor, emphasizing fluency and diverse language use due to its face-to-face interview format.

Overall, thorough familiarity with each test's format is crucial. Practice under timed conditions, concentrate on specific skill development for each part of the test, and review the kinds of questions you will face. Consistent practice and strategic preparation are key to performing well in either English proficiency test.

Test taking experience

On exam day, both TOEFL and IELTS test-takers can expect a formal and structured environment at test centers, with strict adherence to rules and a quiet, focused atmosphere. Personal belongings are typically not allowed in the testing area, and test administrators are present to ensure the process runs smoothly.

The choice between a paper-based and a computer-based test can greatly affect the experience. Computer-based tests, like the TOEFL iBT, require comfort with digital interfaces, including reading from a screen and typing responses. This format allows test-takers to progress at their own pace.

On the other hand, paper-based tests involve traditional reading and writing on paper, which might suit those who prefer handwriting and a more tangible test format. This method often involves simultaneous progression through the test sections with other test-takers.

Choosing the right format for you is important, as familiarity with the test environment and method can help reduce anxiety and improve performance. Preparation for a formal testing atmosphere is also key, regardless of the chosen format.

Making the right choice for your English proficiency journey

Choosing between TOEFL and IELTS is a big step in your English proficiency journey. TOEFL is preferred in the USA for its structured format, while IELTS is favored in the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand for its diverse question types and face-to-face speaking tests. Consider the format differences, such as TOEFL's online approach versus IELTS's option for paper-based testing, and the formal, structured environment of test centers.

Your decision should align with your academic or professional goals, comfort with the test format, and target institution or country requirements. Preparation is key, so choose the test that best suits your strengths and prepare thoroughly.

As you embark on this journey, College Rover is here to assist. We offer resources to help you research higher education schools and programs, supporting you in making informed decisions for your future. Visit College Rover to explore how we can help with your educational and professional journey.