Confused about which test format—TOEFL or IELTS—fits your strengths better? If you wish to study abroad or seek job opportunities, you’re often required to showcase your language skills.
Choosing between the TOEFL and IELTS frequently becomes difficult because both are highly credible examinations.
We’re here to help you make this decision! This blog will decode the key facts and differences between TOEFL and IELTS and provide insightful information to assist you in selecting the best option.
TOEFL or IELTS for Indian Students: Which is Easier?
Choosing TOEFL or IELTS ultimately depends on your strengths and preferences. TOEFL suits students who are comfortable with computer-based tests. At the same time, IELTS may be easier for those who prefer a face-to-face speaking test. Using British or American English won’t make any difference to your score.
Generic overview
| Parameter/Aspect | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| No. of universities accepting | 12,000+ organisations in more than 140 Countries | 10,000+ Universities in more than 160 Countries |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Organiser | IELTS IDP India | Educational Testing Service (ETS) |
| Fee | INR 17,000 | INR 16,900 |
| Duration | 2 hours, 45 minutes | 2 hours |
| Score | 1 to 9 | 0 to 120 |
| Popularity | Popular in Canada, the UK, and Australia | Popular in the USA, New Zealand, the UK and Canada |
| Test Modules | Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening | Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening |
| Reading Module | 3 Tasks (40 Questions) | 2 Tasks (20 Questions) |
| Listening Module | 4 Parts (10 Questions each) | 3+2 Tasks (28 Questions) |
| Speaking Module | 3 Tasks | 4 Tasks |
| Writing Module | 2 Tasks | 2 Tasks |
Being familiar with the structure of TOEFL and IELTS sections will help you know what to expect and give you valuable tips for both IELTS preparation and TOEFL preparation, ensuring you’re well-prepared for either exam.
TOEFL and IELTS Minimum Test Requirement
The TOEFL and IELTS exams are the most widely recognised English language proficiency tests required by universities and immigration authorities worldwide, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and more.
For students aiming to study abroad, achieving the minimum required score on either test is essential for admission into most undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The required scores vary by institution and program, but universities typically provide a minimum benchmark for eligibility.
| Test | Undergraduate Programs | Postgraduate Programs |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 – 6.5 overall (no band below 5.5) | 6.5 – 7.0 overall (no band below 6.0) |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 70 – 80 overall (out of 120) | 80 – 100 overall (out of 120) |
This table outlines the general minimum requirements for IELTS and TOEFL scores. However, individual institutions may have specific score thresholds depending on the program’s level and competitiveness.
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TOEFL vs IELTS: Detailed Comparison for Reading Section
In the IELTS Academic Reading Test, you’ll face three reading passages ranging from 2,150 to 2,750 words. These passages come from various sources covering various topics like books, magazines, newspapers, journals, and websites.
On the other hand, the TOEFL test includes two reading passages, each about 700 words long. You don’t need to be an expert on any topic to answer the questions.
| Exam Type | TOEFL | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 20 questions | 40 questions |
| Time Allocations | 35 mins | 60 mins |
IELTS and TOEFL focus on your ability to understand and interpret the information in the passages rather than your expertise on the topics. So, it’s all about reading carefully and grasping the main ideas rather than having in-depth knowledge of the subject matter.
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TOEFL vs IELTS: Detailed Comparison for Listening Section
The listening sections of both the TOEFL and IELTS are completely different, and hence, we will see them separately here:
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IELTS Listening Section:
The IELTS Listening section consists of four parts, each containing 10 questions.
- Part 1 and 2: Focus on everyday life and social situations. Expect conversations about common topics, like making plans or shopping.
- Part 3 and 4: Shift to more academic content. Part 3 involves multiple speakers in discussions, while Part 4 features a single speaker giving a detailed monologue, such as a lecture.
Parts 1 and 3 feature a mix of voices, such as conversations between different people, providing various listening experiences. In contrast, Parts 2 and 4 are dedicated to solo speakers who deliver longer, uninterrupted speeches or talks, allowing you to focus on detailed information from one person.
TOEFL Listening Section:
In TOEFL Listening, you’ll experience a format designed to reflect real-life situations you might encounter while studying abroad.
- Three Lectures: Each lecture is followed by six questions, simulating academic content from university classes.
- Two Conversations: Each lecture is followed by 5 questions. Each conversation features two speakers, introducing various speaking styles and interactions to prepare you for everyday and classroom situations.
This format helps you build the skills needed to understand and respond to different types of spoken English, ensuring you’re well-prepared for both academic and everyday conversations in an English-speaking environment.
| Exam Type | TOEFL | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 3+2 Parts (28 Questions) | 4 Parts (10 Questions each) |
| Time Allocations | 36 mins | 30 mins |
TOEFL vs IELTS: Detailed Comparison for Speaking Section
Let’s explore how the speaking sections of TOEFL and IELTS differ. The main difference is in their setup and execution.
- In the IELTS speaking section, you’ll have a face-to-face interview with the IELTS examiner. This setup lets you interact directly and have a natural dialogue.
- In contrast, the TOEFL’s speaking section requires you to record your answers using a microphone. You’ll listen to prompts through headphones and respond, mixing listening and speaking tasks.
| Exam Type | TOEFL | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 4 Questions | 3 parts |
| Time Allocations | 16 Mins | 11 to 15 mins |
| Did you know? IELTS responses are graded by human examiners who assess your speaking in a real-time conversation. TOEFL uses artificial intelligence (AI) and human raters to score your speaking. The AI checks things like pronunciation while humans evaluate your overall response. The TOEFL speaking tasks are graded by an examiner somewhere else, not someone at your test centre. |
TOEFL vs IELTS: Detailed Comparison for Writing Section
Let’s explore how the writing sections of TOEFL and IELTS differ. Both tests include two writing tasks, but they each have their own style and requirements.
IELTS Writing Section:
- In IELTS Writing Task 1, you’ll get information presented in a graph, chart, table, or diagram. You need to write at least 150 words within 20 minutes based on this data.
- For IELTS Writing Task 2, you’ll write a response of at least 250 words. This task asks you to address an argument, problem, or viewpoint and gives you 40 minutes to complete it.
TOEFL Writing Section:
- In TOEFL, Task 1 combines listening, reading, and writing skills. You’ll listen to a short lecture, read a passage, and then write a response based on both sources of information.
- In TOEFL Task 2, you’ll write an essay supporting an opinion or argument, often related to an online discussion topic. This task evaluates your ability to present and develop ideas clearly and logically in written form.
| Exam Type | TOEFL | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 2 Tasks | 2 Tasks |
| Time Allocations | 29 mins | 60 mins |
Knowing the formats and what to expect lets you focus your studies and do your best on exam day.
TOEFL vs IELTS: Score Comparison
IELTS scores range from 1 to 9, and your overall score is the average of your scores in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
On the other hand, TOEFL has a maximum score of 120 points. Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections add to your total score.
A rough comparison between TOEFL and IELTS scores can be made as follows:
| TOEFL Band Score | IELTS Band Score |
|---|---|
| 118-120 | 9 |
| 115-117 | 8.5 |
| 110-114 | 8 |
| 102-109 | 7.5 |
| 94-101 | 7 |
| 79-93 | 6.5 |
| 60-78 | 6 |
| 46-59 | 5.5 |
| 35-45 | 5 |
| 32-34 | 4.5 |
| 0-31 | 0-4 |
Knowing how these scores are calculated can help you set realistic goals and track your progress more effectively.
TOEFL vs IELTS: Cost Comparison
For the IELTS test, whether you choose the paper-based or computer-based version, it will set you back INR 17,000 in India. Meanwhile, the TOEFL test cost INR 16,900.
While the price difference isn’t huge, it’s good to be aware of it as you plan your budget. These fees are just one part of the overall cost of preparing for and taking these exams. You may also need to invest in study materials, practice tests, and prep courses just like us.
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To Sum Up: Is TOEFL Easier than IELTS?
Ultimately, choosing between the IELTS and TOEFL exams depends on several factors. The best test for you is the one that aligns with your skills and helps you meet the language proficiency requirements of your target universities or visa programs. Take the time to understand both exams and choose the one that sets you up for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What is the structure of the IELTS examination?
A. Listening, reading, writing, and speaking are the four components of the IELTS examination. Evaluations of various language skills are included in each segment. The sections on listening and speaking are identical for both the Academic and General Training test types. However, the sections on reading and writing are different for each edition.
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Q. What are the two types of IELTS examinations?
A. The Academic version is intended for individuals applying to learn at the university level, whilst the General Training version is designed for individuals seeking employment or immigration. Although the Listening and Speaking sections are the same in both editions, the Reading and Writing problems differ in each version.
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Q. What is the format of the questions on the TOEFL exam?
A. TOEFL consists of four sections: Read, Listen, Speak, and Write. The linguistic abilities that are evaluated in each segment are distinct. The test is administered using a format that is based on computers. The total time duration of the TOEFL exam is 1 hour and 56 minutes.
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Q. What is the average time required to finish the TOEFL exam?
A. The TOEFL exam usually takes approximately four hours to finish. During each segment of the examination, it is absolutely necessary for test takers to manage their time effectively—practice time management during your preparation and the actual exam. You can also set a timer for each practice session to simulate test conditions.
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Q. How is the Speaking component of the TOEFL administered?
A. Test takers react to tasks by speaking into a microphone in the TOEFL Speaking section. It evaluates their capacity to articulate their thoughts and ideas in English. Regularly take full-length TOEFL practice tests to assess your progress. Analyse your mistakes and focus on improving weak areas. Simulating test conditions will also help reduce anxiety on exam day.
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Q. If I am not happy with my result on the TOEFL exam, can I retake the test?
A. You are permitted to retake the TOEFL exam an unlimited number of times; however, there must be a minimum of twelve days between each try. Your most outstanding score is taken into consideration by educational institutions. Expand your English vocabulary by reading widely and using new words in sentences.
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Q. What is a decent score on the TOEFL exam, and how is the score determined?
A. The total number of points that can be earned on the TOEFL exam ranges from 0 to 120. Generally, a score higher than 90 is considered vital; nevertheless, the institution’s requirements to which you apply will determine what constitutes a good score. When applying to schools you are interested in attending, you must check the required precise score requirements.
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Q. How is the IELTS exam judged, and what is considered a good score?
A. The IELTS exam uses a scale that ranges from 0 to 9 bands to determine a score. The lowest possible band score is one, and the most excellent possible score is nine. The prerequisites for a good score vary from person to person, but according to most universities and immigration programmes, a score between 6.5 and 7.5 is typically required.
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Q. What is the recommended study time for preparing for IELTS or TOEFL?
A. The recommended study time varies depending on your English proficiency level, but most candidates benefit from at least 4-6 weeks of dedicated preparation. It’s essential to familiarise yourself with the test format, practice each section regularly, and consider taking practice tests to gauge your progress. Tailoring your study plan to focus on your weaker areas can also enhance your overall performance.
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Q. How often can I retake the IELTS or TOEFL?
A. You can retake both IELTS and TOEFL as often as you wish. However, it’s essential to allow time for improvement before rescheduling your test to increase your chances of achieving a higher score
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