TOEFL vs IELTS 2024: Which is easier for Indian Students

English proficiency test scores play a crucial role in university applications, especially those aspiring to study in English-speaking countries. 

All individuals who are not native English speakers must take these exams as part of their application process. 

The two most widely recognised tests are TOEFL vs IELTS, which evaluate candidates’ reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities in distinct formats. 

If you are uncertain whether to choose TOEFL vs IELTS, an informative blog comparing the two exams has been created to assist you in making an informed decision. 

IELTS and TOEFL Difference

Let’s explore the differences between TOEFL vs IELTS.

1. IELTS

• International English Language Testing System is a recognised language proficiency test taken by individuals aiming for overseas education or professional reasons. 
• It holds credibility in 140 countries globally. IELTS offers two versions: IELTS General Training, designed for working professionals and immigration purposes, and IELTS Academic, tailored for those pursuing education.

2. TOEFL

• In contrast, the Test of English Language as a Foreign Language is another renowned language proficiency test commonly chosen by students aspiring to study abroad. 
• This test evaluates applicants’ abilities to communicate effectively in a classroom setting, and it is acknowledged in approximately 130 countries worldwide. 

The table below depicts the difference between TOEFL vs IELTS.

Features	IELTS	TOEFL
Different Types of Exams	Academic General Training	TOEFL iBT (TOEFL Internet-based Test) TOEFL Test on Paper
Organiser	IELTS IDP India	Educational Testing Service (ETS)
Fee	INR 16,250	INR 16,900
Structure	Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening	Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening
Duration	2 hours 45 minutes	1 hr 56 minutes
Score	1 to 9	0 to 120
Results after the test date	3 to 5 days	6 to 10 days
Popularity	Popular in Canada, the UK, and Australia	Popular in the USA and Canada
Acceptance	11000+ International Colleges	11500+ International Colleges

Note: 

1. TOEFL and IELTS academic tests are more challenging than the general test. 
2. You will need the TOEFL or IELTS academic scores if you’re aiming for admission into a degree program beyond the secondary level. 
3. Scores are valid for only two years, regardless of your chosen test.

TOEFL vs IELTS: Test Format

When comparing the formats of TOEFL and IELTS, some key differences become evident. 

IELTS offers a more real-world experience than TOEFL, and the ease or difficulty may depend on your English background.

TOEFL Test Format

Let’s explore the TOEFL test format with the help of the table given below.

Name of the Section	Number of Tasks	Duration
Reading	20	35
Listening	28	36
Speaking	4	16
Writing	2	29

IELTS Test Format

Let’s explore the IELTS test format with the help of the table given below.

Name of the Section	Number of Tasks	Duration (in minutes)
Reading	3	60
Listening	4	30
Speaking	3	11 to 15
Writing	2	60

TOEFL vs IELTS: Reading Section

Let’s understand the difference between the reading section of TOEFL vs IELTS.

• In the IELTS Academic test, you’ll encounter three reading passages covering various topics, up to 2,150-2,750 words. These topics are sourced from books, magazines, newspapers, journals, or websites. 

• On the other hand, the TOEFL test provides only two reading passages, each around 700 words. Importantly, you don’t have to be an expert to answer questions.

• IELTS and TOEFL expect you to determine answers based on their understanding of the passages. So, it’s more about comprehending the information than being a specialist in the topics presented.

TOEFL vs IELTS: Listening Section

Let’s delve into the differences between the listening section of TOEFL vs IELTS.

IELTS Listening Section:

• In the IELTS Listening section, there are four parts, and each part has 10 questions. 
• The initial two sections focus on everyday life and social situations, while the latter are more academic. 
• Sections 1 and 3 include multiple speakers, providing a varied listening experience, while sections 2 and 4 feature monologues.

TOEFL Listening Section:

• In TOEFL listening, the structure involves five parts, incorporating conversations and lectures in a language applicable to studying abroad.
•  Within this format are three lectures, each followed by six questions and two conversations involving two speakers, adding diversity to the listening tasks.

TOEFL vs IELTS: Speaking Section

Let’s learn more about the differences between the speaking section of TOEFL vs IELTS. The critical contrast between the speaking sections of TOEFL and IELTS lies in how they are conducted. 

• In the IELTS speaking section, you engage in a face-to-face conversation or a video call with an IELTS examiner. 

• On the other hand, TOEFL’s speaking section involves responding to questions through a microphone, relying on listening skills. It makes TOEFL’s speaking section a blend of listening and speaking tasks. 

• Additionally, IELTS speaking responses are evaluated by human examiners, whereas TOEFL employs a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and human evaluators for its speaking section assessment.

TOEFL vs IELTS: Writing Section

Let’s learn more about the differences between the TOEFL writing section and IELTS. Both IELTS and TOEFL encompass two writing tasks, each with distinct formats.

IELTS Writing Section: 

• In IELTS Writing Task 1, candidates are presented with information in a graph, chart, table, or diagram. They are required to write a minimum of 150 words within a time frame of 20 minutes.

• For IELTS Writing Task 2, candidates must compose a response of at least 250 words addressing an argument, problem, or point of view. This task allows 40 minutes for completion.

TOEFL Writing Section: 

• Regarding TOEFL, Task 1 involves an integrated listening, reading, and writing assignment. Candidates listen to a short lecture, read a brief passage, and then craft a response based on the information presented. 

• Moving to TOEFL Task 2 entails essay writing to support an opinion within an online classroom discussion. This task assesses the ability to express ideas coherently and cohesively in a written form.

TOEFL vs IELTS: Score Comparison

IELTS scores range from 1 to 9; your overall score is the average of individual scores in all four sections. If, for instance, your average is 6.25, it is rounded up to a final score of 6.5. In comparison, TOEFL is a test with a maximum score of 120 points. 

A rough comparison between TOEFL and IELTS total 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

TOEFL or IELTS for Indian Students: Which is Easier?

If you’re trying to decide which English proficiency test to take, here are some helpful points to consider:

1. University Requirement:

• Over 10,000 universities recognise TOEFL-IBT in more than 150 countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, the USA, the EU, and Asia. 
• IELTS is accepted by educational institutions in Australia, the UK, Canada, and over 3,000 academic institutions in the USA. 

2. Test Structure:

• TOEFL’s computer-based version is more popular, while IELTS introduced its computer-based version in 2018. 
• Both tests consist of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. TOEFL is more academically oriented, resembling university textbooks, while IELTS is more real-life context-based. 

3. Variety of Questions:

• TOEFL mostly has multiple-choice questions, including rearranging options to find the correct answer. 
• IELTS often requires writing your answers. If you’re more comfortable with MCQs, TOEFL might be better.

4. Time Duration of the Test:

• IELTS has a total testing time of 2 hours and 55 minutes, while TOEFL is a longer exam lasting up to 4 hours and 20 minutes. 
• IELTS may be a more suitable choice if you prefer shorter testing durations.

5. Individual Preference:

• TOEFL’s Speaking section involves talking to a computer, evaluated by certified assessors. IELTS, in contrast, includes a face-to-face interview with an examiner. 
• The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference.

To Sum Up

In conclusion, determining whether TOEFL vs IELTS is easier depends on individual preferences and strengths. 

Both tests assess English language proficiency but have distinct formats. Some may find TOEFL’s computerised format more comfortable, while others may prefer IELTS’ face-to-face speaking component. 

Test-takers need to understand their strengths and choose accordingly. 

Leap Scholar Counselling stands ready to assist with personalised guidance in making such decisions. 

Their expertise ensures students receive the support needed to navigate language proficiency exams and pursue their academic goals effectively.

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