IELTS vs. TOEFL: Full Comparison for Study Abroad and Immigration

I’m in secondary school and I think I’d like to study abroad, especially in the UK or Ireland. I know I will probably need to take an English exam like the IELTS or the TOEFL. What’s the difference between them? Which one should I take?

— Esteban

Are you planning to study or work in an English-speaking country? If so, you will probably need to take a standardized English proficiency test. Some countries, schools, and programs require a particular test. But in other cases, you might have to decide whether to take the IELTS or the TOEFL.

Each of these tests was designed to assess your English skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. But the IELTS and the TOEFL are not identical. Understanding the main differences between them can help you choose which test suits your strengths so you can improve your chances of earning a high score.

IELTS: What should you expect?

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) offers two different versions of their test, Academic and General Training. Most test-takers aiming for higher education or professional registration choose the Academic version, while the General Training exam is primarily for employment purposes.

The standout feature of the IELTS is the speaking section. If you take this test, you will have a live, face-to-face conversation with a trained examiner. Some people find this format more natural, while others find it intimidating.

The listening and reading sections include a variety of English dialects and types of texts. The writing section includes one task that involves describing visual information (like a graph or chart), plus one essay task.

What should you expect if you take the TOEFL?

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is usually taken entirely on a computer. Even the speaking section is done on a computer. You record your responses into a microphone and these are scored by both AI and human raters.

The reading and listening sections include longer passages, which are often taken from university textbooks or lectures. The writing section has two tasks. The first is integrated, where you respond to a reading and listening passage; the second one is an independent essay.

If you’re comfortable using computers and prefer a more structured test format, you might feel more at ease with the TOEFL compared to the IELTS. If you want/need to take the TOEFL but you prefer a paper-and-pencil exam, this is available in some regions.

Quick overview

The table below highlights some of the main differences between the IELTS and the TOEFL. As you look over the different categories, think about your own needs and goals. Does one of these tests seem to be a better fit for you?

	IELTS (International English Language Testing System)	TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Format	Paper-based or computer-based	The TOEFL iBT is internet-based; paper tests are available in some regions
Speaking Test	In-person interview with an examiner	Recorded responses via computer
Used For	Academic or General Training (these are two separate tests with different purposes)	Mainly university admissions
Scoring	Band score (1.0 to 9.0)	0-30 points for each subtest; total score out of 120
Duration	About 2 hours 45 minutes	Over 3 hours
Most Widely Used In	UK, Australia, New Zealand, Europe	USA and Canada, but increasingly global

 

Which test should you choose?

If your circumstances allow you to choose between the two tests, ask yourself the following questions to find out which one suits you best:

• Are you applying to a specific country or institution?
  Always check the requirements. Some universities or immigration programs may require one test over the other.
• Do you prefer face-to-face interactions or talking into a microphone?
  Choose the IELTS if you want a live interaction with a real human being. The TOEFL will work best if you feel more comfortable recording your responses.
• Are you better with short questions or long academic passages?
  The IELTS tends to have more variety, while the TOEFL often features longer, more academic-style content.
• Are you more comfortable with British English or American English?
  The IELTS leans British while the TOEFL leans American. This affects the vocabulary, spelling, and dialects used on the test. Someone like Esteban, who wants to study in the UK or Ireland and who has studied British English, would probably fare better with the IELTS.
• Who is helping you prepare for your exam?
  Before you choose which test you’re going to take, consider how you will prepare for it and what kind of help is available. For example, Esteban’s English teacher is more familiar with the IELTS and can give him clearer guidance about that test compared to the TOEFL. However, you might be able to find tutors, prep classes, or study groups that are focused on the TOEFL.

Test-Taking Tips

Regardless of which test you choose, here are some tips to boost your performance:

• Take practice tests. Familiarize yourself with the format and timing so you don’t experience any odd surprises when you take the actual exam.
• Focus on time management. You’ll want to pace yourself so you don’t wind of scrambling to complete a section.
• Practice speaking English aloud. You’ll feel more comfortable taking the speaking portion of the IELTS or TOEFL if you’ve spent plenty of time talking to a study partner, a tutor/teacher, or even a computer.
• Use sample writing prompts. Develop the habit of outlining, organizing, and writing essays on various topics.
• Review test-specific vocabulary. Learn words and phrases that are commonly used for the instructions and questions on standardized tests.
• Get feedback on your practice essays from a native speaker. Find someone who can read through your essays and let you know if there’s anything specific you need to improve, such as subject-verb agreement or making sure your sentences are complete.

How TextRanch can help

Many of our customers use TextRanch to get fast, human feedback on their practice essays for both the IELTS and TOEFL. Our expert editors will correct your grammar, suggest more natural phrasing, and offer clear explanations. It’s a great way to build your writing skills and learn from your mistakes before you take your actual exam.

Do you have a question about English writing, or a suggestion for a future blog article? Leave a comment below!