Demonstrating your linguistic competence to the authorities of English-speaking nations is pivotal for your visa application. Achieving a high score on your language examination establishes you as a valuable asset to their workforce or academic community.
This is because it showcases your flexibility in a foreign land, and being proficient in the language helps overcome the communication barrier between two distinct cultures.
What is IELTS
The IELTS language test comes in two variants: the IELTS Academic and the IELTS General Training. Both versions share identical scoring systems and adhere to a uniform structure. Each test comprises four sections, encompassing listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
This language proficiency examination is universally recognized. The test has a duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes, and the four sections are split across two testing sessions.
Every section has a maximum of 9 points. The cumulative score is the mean of all four sections.
The IELTS examination is segmented into the following divisions:
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Given |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 40 | 30 minutes |
| Reading | 40 | 60 minutes |
| Writing | 2 tasks | 60 minutes |
| Speaking | 3 tasks | 11-14 minutes |
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) consists of four sections, each designed to assess different language skills:
Listening:
- Format: A recording is played, and test takers answer questions related to the content.
- Objective: Measures the ability to understand spoken English in various contexts, such as everyday conversations and academic discussions.
Reading:
- Format: In the Academic version, test takers read three long texts and answer questions. In the General Training version, there are different types of texts, such as notices, advertisements, and workplace-related documents.
- Objective: Assesses the ability to comprehend and interpret information from written texts.
Writing:
- Format: In the Academic version, test takers write a report based on visual information and an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. In the General Training version, the tasks involve letter writing and essay writing.
- Objective: Evaluates the ability to express ideas in written form and organize them coherently.
Speaking:
- Format: A face-to-face interview with a certified IELTS examiner. The Speaking test is the same for both the Academic and General Training versions.
- Objective: Assesses the ability to communicate verbally and express thoughts, opinions, and ideas in English.
These sections collectively provide a comprehensive evaluation of a test taker’s English language proficiency across various skills – listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The Academic and General Training versions differ in the content of the Reading and Writing sections to suit the specific needs of test takers.
What is TOEFL
The TOEFL exam bears a strong resemblance to the IELTS. In contrast to the IELTS, the assessments occur on a single day, with intervals between the Listening and Speaking segments. There are also four sections—listening, speaking, reading, and writing.The TOEFL is a popular test as well. You are graded on a 120-point scale.
The TOEFL examination is segmented into the following divisions:
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Given |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 36-56 | 60-80 minutes |
| Listening | 34-51 | 60-90 minutes |
| Speaking | 6 tasks | 20 minutes |
| Writing | 2 tasks | 50 minutes |
The TOEFL examination is divided into four sections:
Reading Section:
- Questions: Approximately 36-56
- Time Allotted: 60-80 minutes
- Overview: Involves reading passages and responding to questions to evaluate reading comprehension skills.
Listening Section:
- Questions: Approximately 34-51
- Time Given: 41-57 minutes
- Overview: Requires listening to lectures, conversations, and discussions, followed by answering questions to assess listening comprehension.
Speaking Section:
- Tasks: 4
- Time Allotted: Approximately 17 minutes
- Overview: Focuses on expressing opinions, summarizing information, and responding to prompts to gauge spoken English proficiency.
Writing Section:
- Tasks: 2
- Time Given: 50 minutes
- Overview: Involves writing essays based on given prompts to evaluate written communication skills.
These four components collectively appraise different facets of English language proficiency, spanning reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The TOEFL test is commonly utilized for academic purposes, such as university admissions and meeting English language proficiency requirements for international students.
Cost of IELTS
The cost of IELTS is approximately USD 170
Cost of TOEFL
The cost of TOEFL is approximately USD 157
When do you get the results for IELTS?
You will receive the results for IELTS Academic within 3 to 5 days of sitting for the exam, if you have taken the computer-based test.
If you have taken the paper-based test you will receive your results after 13 days.
When do you receive the results for TOEFL?
You will receive the results for TOEFL within 6 days of taking the test. You can view your results and download them within 8 days of taking the test.
Which one should you choose- IELTS vs TOEFL?
Choosing between IELTS and TOEFL depends on various factors, including the requirements of the institutions or organizations to which you are applying. Here are some considerations that may help you decide:
Institutional Preferences:
- Check the requirements of the specific universities, colleges, or organizations you are interested in. Some institutions may have a preference for one test over the other.
Test Format and Content:
- Consider the format of each test and determine which one aligns better with your strengths. For example, if you are more comfortable with face-to-face interviews for the speaking section, you might prefer IELTS. If you prefer a fully computer-based test, TOEFL might be a better fit.
Accents and Pronunciation:
- IELTS incorporates a variety of English accents (British, American, Australian, Canadian) in its listening section. TOEFL primarily uses American English accents. If you have a preference or if your future communication will predominantly involve a specific English accent, this might influence your choice.
Test Availability:
- Consider the availability of test dates and test centers in your location. TOEFL is often available more frequently with multiple test dates each month.
Purpose of Taking the Test:
- The purpose for taking the test may also influence your choice. For example, if you are applying for university admissions, both IELTS and TOEFL are widely accepted. However, some immigration processes may have specific requirements for one test over the other.
Personal Preference:
- Some test-takers may find one test format more comfortable or preferable based on personal preferences. For example, some individuals may prefer the speaking format of one test over the other.
It’s crucial to research the specific requirements of the institutions or organizations you are applying to and then choose the test that aligns best with those requirements and your preferences. Many institutions accept both IELTS and TOEFL scores, so it’s often a matter of personal choice and convenience.
Ideal score for IELTS
The ideal IELTS score depends on the specific requirements of the institution or organization to which you are applying. Different institutions may have different score expectations for admission or employment. Generally, the IELTS scores are reported on a scale from 0 to 9, with half-band increments.
Here is a rough guideline for interpreting IELTS scores:
- Band 9 (Expert User): Fully operational command of the language.
- Band 8 (Very Good User): Very effective command in various situations.
- Band 7 (Good User): Good operational command, but occasional inaccuracies may occur.
- Band 6 (Competent User): Effective communication in familiar contexts, but mistakes are frequent.
- Band 5 (Modest User): Partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations.
- Band 4 (Limited User): Basic competence is limited to familiar situations.
- Band 3 (Extremely Limited User): Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations.
- Band 2 (Intermittent User): Limited understanding and communication, with frequent breakdowns.
- Band 1 (Non-User): Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond a few isolated words.
Your ideal score will be determined by the minimum score required by the institution or organization you are applying to. Always check the specific language proficiency requirements of the place you intend to apply to, as these requirements can vary. Keep in mind that different sections of the IELTS (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) contribute to the overall band score, and institutions may have specific expectations
Ideal score for TOEFL
The ideal TOEFL score depends on the requirements of the institution or organization to which you are applying. The TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) is scored on a scale of 0 to 120, with each of the four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) receiving a scaled score between 0 and 30.
Here is a general guide to interpreting TOEFL iBT scores:
Total Score:
- 100-120: Very high proficiency
- 79-99: High proficiency
- 57-78: Moderate proficiency
- 0-56: Limited proficiency
Individual Section Scores:
- 30: Advanced proficiency
- 24-29: High proficiency
- 18-23: Intermediate proficiency
- 16-17: Limited proficiency
- 0-15: Very limited proficiency
Always check the specific TOEFL score requirements of the institution or program you are applying to, as different institutions may have different expectations. Some highly competitive programs may have higher score requirements, while others may be more flexible. Additionally, some institutions may specify minimum scores for each section.
It’s essential to carefully review the admissions or employment requirements of the specific place you are applying to and aim to achieve a score that meets or exceeds those requirements. Keep in mind that achieving a higher score can enhance your application and demonstrate a strong command of the English language.
In summary
both the IELTS and TOEFL serve as excellent assessments for showcasing your language proficiency. The selection between the two should be guided by the following considerations:
Highlights your individual strengths Aligns with your convenience Accords with the preferences of your chosen educational institution and country Reflects your extensive vocabulary Apart from a handful of distinctions, the two tests share a high degree of similarity in structure and substance, and with adequate preparation, success can be achieved in either. For further information, feel free to engage in a conversation with us.