TOEFL vs. IELTS: Which is the Easier English Test?

Choosing TOEFL vs. IELTS: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're planning to study or work in an English-speaking country, selecting the right English proficiency test can have a significant impact on your journey. Among the most recognized tests are TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Both exams are widely accepted but differ in format, scoring, and areas of focus. Understanding the nuances between these two tests is crucial in making an informed decision. This guide provides a detailed comparison, including test formats, scoring systems, and preparation strategies, to help you decide which test is the best fit for your academic or professional goals.

What is TOEFL?

Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), TOEFL has been a standard since 1964 for assessing the English proficiency of non-native speakers, especially in academic contexts. It’s widely accepted by over 13,000 institutions across 160 countries, with a notable preference in the United States.

TOEFL Test Format

The TOEFL Test Format underwent significant changes in July 2023 to make it more concise and user-friendly. Key updates to TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) include:

1. Reading (35 minutes)
   1. The number of reading passages was reduced from 3-4 to 2, each with 10 questions, allowing more time per question (approximately 1.4 minutes per question). The section is now 35 minutes long.
2. Listening (36 minutes)
   1. The Listening section now includes 3 lectures and 2 conversations, with the overall number of questions and random unscored questions removed, reducing the section to 36 minutes.
3. Speaking (16 minutes)

• The format remains unchanged with four tasks, but the tasks are now slightly modified to make them shorter and easier compared to previous versions.
• Task 1: Independent Speaking – You’ll respond to a personal opinion question on a familiar topic.
• Task 2: Integrated Speaking (Reading + Listening) – After reading a short passage and listening to a related conversation or lecture, you’ll briefly summarize and explain how the two sources connect.
• Task 3: Integrated Speaking (Listening) – This task involves listening to a conversation or lecture and summarizing key points. The focus is on understanding the context and expressing the main ideas concisely.
• Task 4: Integrated Speaking (Listening) – Similar to Task 3 but typically focused on academic material, requiring you to highlight essential arguments or explanations in a precise manner.
• Prep Time: You'll get 15–30 seconds of preparation time before each response, and your response will be 45 or 60 seconds long.

1. Writing (29 minutes)
   1. The Writing section now has two tasks:
      • Integrated Writing (20 minutes) remains unchanged. You'll read a passage and listen to a lecture that either supports or contradicts it. Then, in 20 minutes, you'll write a response summarizing both, highlighting how they connect or differ.
      • Academic Discussion (9 minutes) replaces the Independent Writing Task, involving a response to a given academic topic discussion.

Additional changes were made to TOEFL Test Format

• Test Duration: The overall duration of TOEFL iBT (internet-based testing) has been reduced to approximately 1 hour and 56 minutes compared to the previous 3 hours.
• No Break: The 10-minute break between the Listening and Speaking sections has been removed.
• TOEFL Scoring System: MyBest™ scores are now provided in the score reports, which combine your best scores for each section from all valid tests within the last two years to create the highest possible overall score.

What is IELTS?

IELTS, co-managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English was introduced in 1989. It assesses English proficiency for various purposes, including academic, immigration, and professional accreditation. While both IELTS and TOEFL are accepted worldwide, IELTS is particularly recognized in the UK, Australia, and Canada.

IELTS Exam Format

IELTS Exam format comprises two versions: Academic (for students and professionals) and General Training (for immigration and non-academic purposes). Both of these formats include four sections:

1. Listening (30 minutes): This section features four recorded monologues and conversations.
2. Reading (60 minutes): The reading section is made up of three sections, which contain texts ranging from descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical.
3. Writing (60 minutes): The writing section includes two tasks. Task 1 involves interpreting and describing some visual data, such as a graph, table, chart, or diagram, and Task 2 is an essay based on an argument or problem.
4. Speaking (11-14 minutes): This section involves a face-to-face interview with three parts: introduction and interview, long turn, and discussion. In Part 1, the examiner asks candidates general questions on everyday topics, such as home, family, work, study, and interests. In Part 2, also known as the "long turn," candidates are given a task card with a topic and key points to cover, then they must talk continuously using the provided points to structure their response. In Part 3, the "discussion," the examiner asks more in-depth and abstract questions related to the Part 2 topic, assessing the candidate's ability to express and justify opinions in greater detail.

While the Speaking and Listening tests are the same for both Academic and General Training formats, the Reading and Writing sections differ between the two versions. The test time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Types of IELTS Exam Questions

The IELTS exam uses a variety of question types across its four sections to assess a range of language skills:

• Listening: The section contains 40 questions, which typically include:
  • Multiple choice
  • Matching
  • Plan/map/diagram labeling
  • Form, note, table, flow-chart, or summary completion
  • Short-answer questions
• Reading: The reading section consists of 40 questions in different formats, tailored to each passage. These include the following—
  • Multiple choice
  • True/false/not given
  • Matching headings to paragraphs
  • Matching information to paragraphs
  • Sentence and summary completion
  • Short-answer questions
• Writing: The writing section contains two tasks:
  • In the Academic version, Task 1 involves interpreting visual data (e.g., graphs, tables, or charts), while Task 2 is an essay based on an argument or problem.
  • In the General Training version, Task 1 involves writing a letter (formal or informal), while Task 2 is also an essay but often on a more general topic.
• Speaking: The Speaking section is divided into three parts:
  • Part 1 involves short general questions (4-5 questions)
  • Part 2 is a structured, longer talk based on a topic card. It asks the candidate to speak for 1-2 minutes on a given topic after 1 minute of preparation.
  • Part 3 is an in-depth interview with the examiner, focusing on 4-5 abstract questions related to the topic from Part 2.

Unlike the TOEFL iBT, the IELTS Speaking test is conducted face-to-face with an examiner, allowing for a more interactive and conversational assessment. Each section of the IELTS uses specific question types designed to comprehensively evaluate the candidate's language skills.

Quick Overview of TOEFL vs IELTS

TOEFL vs IELTS Scores

The TOEFL and IELTS are two of the most widely recognized English language proficiency tests, each using distinct scoring methods to assess a test-taker’s skills across reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The TOEFL test is scored on a scale of 0 to 120, with each of the four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) scored between 0 to 30. The scores from all sections are combined to give a total TOEFL score out of 120. The IELTS uses a band system, with scores ranging from 0 to 9. Test-takers receive a band score for each of the four sections, which are then averaged to produce an IELTS total score. Each band corresponds to a specific competency level, from non-user (band 0) to expert (band 9).

TOEFL vs IELTS Scores Comparison

TOEFL vs IELTS: Key Factors for Choosing Your Test

Administration Method

- TOEFL: Delivered online and focused primarily on academic English, especially suited for university-level contexts.

- IELTS: Available in both computer-based and paper-based formats, applying to academic and general contexts. The test is relevant for those applying for study, immigration, or professional registration.

Geographical Preferences:

- TOEFL: For studying in the U.S. TOEFL is often the preferred test due to its academic focus and wide recognition in North American institutions. However, IELTS is increasingly accepted by U.S. institutions, and in some cases, it is treated equally with TOEFL.

- IELTS: For studying in the UK, Canada, or applying for immigration to countries like Australia and New Zealand, IELTS may be the better choice, as it is recognized by a wide range of institutions and is often required for immigration purposes, especially in countries like Canada and Australia.

Speaking Test Format

- TOEFL involves recording responses to questions, which are scored later by raters. This format removes face-to-face interaction and may feel less pressurizing for those uncomfortable with real-time communication.

- IELTS Speaking test is conducted face-to-face with an examiner. The test consists of three parts:

1. A personal introduction and interview with basic questions about familiar topics.

2. A short talk where you speak for 1-2 minutes on a specific topic.

3. A discussion with the examiner about abstract concepts or related topics. This format may feel more natural for those comfortable with interpersonal communication but can be more daunting for those anxious about live interaction.

Test Duration

- TOEFL: The test is shorter, taking about 1 hour and 56 minutes after the 2023 updates. - IELTS: The test lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes, offering a more extensive evaluation of both academic and general English skills.

Accessibility and Costs

- TOEFL is available at numerous test centers globally, with multiple test dates throughout the year. Additionally, the TOEFL iBT Home Edition allows you to take the test from the comfort of your home, offering flexibility without needing to visit a test center. Costs range from $160 to $250, depending on the country, with additional fees for services like score reports and rescheduling.

- IELTS offers similar availability with flexible test dates. For home testing, the IELTS Online was introduced as an online test you can take from home, though it’s limited in use for university applications and not accepted for immigration purposes. Costs generally range from $215 to $240, with extra charges for rescheduling and additional score reports.

Perceived Difficulty between TOEFL vs. IELTS

- TOEFL focuses on academic English may make it more challenging for those not accustomed to university-level language, especially in the Reading and Listening sections.

- IELTS provides a range of question types and the in-person Speaking Test may feel more challenging for those who prefer the structured, academic prompts found in TOEFL. However, IELTS’s broader skill evaluation provides a well-rounded assessment, making it ideal for test-takers seeking a comprehensive measure of their language abilities.

Preparation Strategies for TOEFL and IELTS

Preparing for the TOEFL and IELTS exams can be challenging, but tools like LingoLeap make the process easier by offering tailored support for key areas, especially speaking and writing. Here’s how LingoLeap’s features can add value to your study routine:

• Comprehensive Evaluation: Get detailed feedback based on the TOEFL e-rater rubric with sentence-by-sentence revisions. LingoLeap breaks down your performance, offering actionable insights that function like a progress report, guiding you toward targeted improvement.
• Extensive Question Bank: LingoLeap’s library of over 1,000 TOEFL practice questions helps you become familiar with the test format. Practicing with authentic questions prepares you for the demands of each test and hones your skills for exam day.
• Customized High-Scoring Answers: LingoLeap’s personalized feedback assists you in crafting high-scoring responses from your own ideas, ensuring your answers align with each test's expectations.
• Ideas & Vocabulary Boost: When you need inspiration, LingoLeap offers fresh concepts and vocabulary to help you articulate thoughts clearly and confidently—crucial for both speaking and writing sections.

Learn how Andrew Sun, a graduate student, boosted their TOEFL score with LingoLeap.With these tools at your disposal, you can build a structured and effective routine. However, consistency is the key. Set up a regular schedule for practice tests, focusing on areas needing improvement. LingoLeap’s tracking feature lets you monitor your progress and adjust your study plan according to the feedback you receive.

Summary: Deciding Between TOEFL vs IELTS to Achieve Your Goals

Choosing between TOEFL and IELTS depends on various factors, including your academic or professional goals, preferred test format, and comfort level. TOEFL and IELTS offer a valid assessment of your English proficiency, but understanding their differences can help you make an informed decision.

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