Which is better - Toefl or Ielts? What is easier to take and what is the difference

This article discusses the differences between exams at the international level: TOEFL and IELTS.

What do TOEFL or IELTS certificates give?

Successfully passing one of the tests is the best way to prove your knowledge of the language. Obtaining a certificate is a prerequisite for admission to foreign higher education institutions, and also greatly expands your opportunities in the English-speaking world. Both documents are valid for two years, after which the results of your test are deleted.

Difficulty level

All texts for listening and reading, offered to test knowledge, are authentic. That is, they are not adapted for a certain level. But even limited knowledge will make it possible to get a minimum number of points. You will definitely be able to pass one of the above tests if you speak English at least at the level of B2 (Upper-Intermediate) - above average.

Format

International exams TOEFL, IELTS differ in the format of the conduct. There are also a number of features that should be considered when deciding on a choice. There are 2 IELTS modules:

• Academic - testing at the level of academic knowledge. Tasks are based on scientific articles. This module must be taken to those who plan to study abroad or work in scientific organizations.
• General - proof of English proficiency at the household level. This is quite enough for communication, secondary education or work.

TOEFL is in only one version. And in terms of complexity, it corresponds to the academic module.

Reading

There are differences too. TOEFL: 3-5 texts on various topics are given to test reading skills. As a rule, these are fragments of a scientific orientation. The vocabulary is rather difficult, but not highly specialized. Each article is approximately 700 words long. The difficulty level of all texts is approximately the same. The development of each of them takes 20 minutes. Verification is carried out in the form of a test task, in which it is proposed to choose one correct answer among others. The number of questions for each passage is from 12 to 14.

As part of the IELTS testing, 3 excerpts are offered for reading, each of which takes 20 minutes. The volume of the text ranges from 650 to 1000 words. Articles of different difficulty levels. To test the understanding of the texts, it is proposed to answer 40 questions. The tasks are quite diverse: fill in the gaps, substitute the missing words or phrases, indicate whether a statement is true, compare lexical units and sentences. In addition, the subject of the texts differs depending on the chosen exam format:

1. Academic. It offers texts of scientific topics. The vocabulary is rather complicated, but it is quite accessible to a wide circle of readers who do not have a special education.
2. General The general format involves reading excerpts from fiction, magazines and newspapers. The subjects are diverse, the vocabulary is common. As a rule, texts are offered on the culture and everyday life of the British.

Writing section

The TOEFL and IELTS exams differ in how they are conducted. The first is computerized. In the second, an essay is written by hand. There are also significant differences in the tasks. If we talk about TOEFL, then the Writing section includes two tasks. The first suggests writing an essay of approximately 310-350 words. The second part is integrated, that is, of a mixed type. First you should listen to the audio recording and read the text, and then based on this write a summary and conclusions. The length of the essay is approximately 200 words. While listening to the recording is allowed to take notes. Each part has 30 minutes to complete. The total amount of time spent on passing the written section is 1 hour.

IELTS also has two parts. However, the structure of the tasks is slightly different. If you have chosen the academic version of the exam, then you have to describe a schedule or table. Those who pass General will have to write a letter of about 150-200 words. But that is not all. In the second part, it is proposed to write an essay 210-250 words long. An hour is given for execution: 40 minutes for writing, 20 minutes for describing infographics or writing a letter.

Listening

As for testing listening comprehension skills and control tasks, the difference in TOEFL and IELTS exams is quite significant. In the first case the number of audio recordings is inversely proportional to the number of texts to read. It varies from 2 to 4. The more articles that appear in the Reading section, the less audio texts appear in the Listening. After listening, you need to answer a number of questions - 5 or 6 for each part. The list is given after listening. Subject issues range from academic lectures to informal student dialogs. The total time is about 65-90 minutes.

IELTS is invited to listen to 4 passages. As a rule, these are monologues and dialogues. Sample structure:

• Conversation on household subjects.
• Monologue on a daily topic. This part is a bit more complicated than the previous one.
• Dialogue. As a rule, on a topic related to the educational process, exams or research.
• Monologue. The topic is approximately the same as in the above paragraph.

After that, you have to answer 40 questions. The test takes 40 minutes. This section of the exam tests not only the ability to understand foreign speech. It is also important to draw conclusions based on what you hear, be able to summarize, structure information and express your own opinion.

A significant advantage of IELTS is that a list of questions is given immediately before listening. This greatly simplifies understanding, as there is the ability to respond in the process of passing the test. In addition, a preview of the tasks helps to pre-imagine what will be discussed, tune in to the search for the right answers. After that, another 10 minutes are given for revision and systematization.

Oral part

During TOEFL, the candidate’s responses are recorded on the computer. 6 jobs of mixed type are offered. After listening to a small passage, you need to answer questions. Total time is 20 minutes. During IELTS, testing of speaking skills involves communication with the examiner on various topics.

Approximate structure of the Speaking section:

1. A short conversation. The candidate is asked questions regarding his personality, activities, hobbies and surroundings. The duration of this part is about 5 minutes.
2. Monologue on a specific topic. After this, you still need to answer a few questions.
3. Dialogue with the examiner. You should not only answer questions, but also fully participate in the discussion: summarize, prove your point of view, draw conclusions, ask clarifying questions. It is also very important to demonstrate good knowledge in many areas, as various issues are raised: from your personal beliefs to the political situation in English-speaking countries.

The duration of this part of the exam is 10-15 minutes.

Grade Scale

There are various systems for assessing the level of proficiency in any foreign language. Below is a table of the ratio of English levels by various standards, as well as the TOEFL, IELTS scale (points):

To emigrate, it is enough to have level B1.

Points system

As part of IELTS each section (reading, listening, speaking, writing) is evaluated separately on a scale from 0 to 9 points. The result is calculated by finding the arithmetic mean of the sum of the results.

Approximate number of points required for admission to a particular university:

• Admission to the magistracy: minimum 6.5, not lower than 5.5 in each module.
• Undergraduate: minimum GPA is 6.0.
• Training program for admission to a foreign university: 5.5.

However, many educational institutions have their own requirements. In some you need to dial at least 7.0.

As for TOEFL, here is a different rating system. For the passage of each module points are awarded from 0 to 30.

The maximum number of points is 120.

TOEFL or IELTS: which is better for you?

To finally decide, it is important to consider not only the level of English proficiency, but also some psychological characteristics of the person. Here are a few nuances that will help you make the choice in favor of a particular exam:

1. How communicative are you? Is it easy for you to communicate with native speakers of a foreign language? If you answered yes, then you can very well choose IELTS. In this case, you will not only answer questions, but also participate in a dialogue, lead a discussion. In case of contentious issues, you can ask the examiner clarifying questions. In addition, there are chances to make a good impression thanks to good non-verbal communication skills . Indeed, during live communication, you read and transmit information not only through words. Intonation shades, manners, facial expressions and gestures are equally important.
2. If it’s psychologically more comfortable for you to work with a computer, and there are difficulties when communicating with foreigners, it is preferable to choose TOEFL. Here, speaking skills are tested differently. You give answers while sitting in front of the computer. And they record through the microphone. This section provides several mixed-type assignments. You need to listen to the texts and express your point of view. This method avoids the fear of communicating with native English speakers.
3. Do you like to improvise or feel more confident when everything goes according to a predetermined plan? TOEFL has a clearer structure. To test the understanding of the material, it is proposed to choose the correct answer from several points. In the IELTS exam, the tasks are quite diverse: fill in the gaps, determine whether a statement is true or not, match or enter words.
4. The speed of computer printing is another important factor. TOEFL is a computerized exam. To successfully write an essay, you need to not only have a good command of written English, but also quickly type the text. IELTS assignments are written by hand.
5. In what English-speaking environment are you going to communicate? If you do not study at a university or work in research institutions, General IELTS is quite enough for you. For those who are faced with academic English, it is important to obtain a TOEFL or IELTS (Academic) certificate.
6. Which dialect is closer to you? British and American options are significantly different. Despite the general grammar rules, there are a number of inconsistencies. Many lexical units, idiomatic expressions and speech constructions are inherent in only one of the above variants of English. While carriers of another may have difficulty understanding these or those revolutions. In addition, almost every dialect has a number of pronunciation features. If you studied mainly in American books, magazines and films, then TOEFL will seem to you much easier than IELTS.
7. Before deciding with which exam to confirm your English (TOEFL, IELTS or any other), determine which option will be more in demand in your case. For example, if you set a goal to enter a specific educational institution, you should specify in advance which certificate of a test is taken at a particular university.
8. Duration of testing is another point that will help determine what to prefer: TOEFL or IELTS. The first exam takes about 4 hours, the second - 2 hours 45 minutes.

There are many trial tests on the Internet in the public domain. Samples will help you understand which exam has more difficulties. In addition, this will allow you to determine your own level of ownership of various skills: listening, writing, reading.

English in different countries

As mentioned above, before deciding which exam to take (TOEFL, IELTS or some other), you need to consider the following:

• IELTS is required in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and 140 other countries.
• TOEFL is needed in the USA, Canada and 130 countries of the world.
• The presence of one of the certificates allows you to enter 9 thousand higher educational institutions around the world.

Successful passing tests requires good preparation. TOEFL, IELTS and other international exams require knowledge of specific speech structures and grammatical structures. Of course, with the help of the Internet and textbooks you can prepare well. But each exam has a number of features. Therefore, it is best to contact a certified specialist who will tell you what you should pay special attention to.