Are you preparing to study abroad? Get ready to hand in an English test score proof of your English qualification. TOEFL and IELTS are the most popular and internationally accepted tests that you can take. Check out the differences between TOEFL vs IELTS here!
TOEFL and IELTS: What are They?
TOEFL and IELTS are different tests conducted by different organizations.
IELTS[1] is conducted by IDP: IELTS Australia, Cambridge Assessment English, and British Council. Meanwhile, TOEFL[2] is held by ETS (Educational Testing Service).
The scores you get from these tests are valid proof of your English proficiency; both mean that your English ability has met the standard. However, it is up to each university in different countries to require TOEFL or IELTS for the applicants.
Usually, TOEFL is more prevalent in universities in the US and Canada. Meanwhile, there are over 140 countries that accept IELTS, including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and Canada.
In addition, TOEFL is more American English oriented while IELTS is more British English oriented.
TOEFL vs IELTS Differences
There are significant differences between TOEFL and IELTS as internationally standardized English proficiency tests. The TOEFL vs. IELTS price, scoring scale, questions type, and duration differences. Here is the full explanation.
1. Price
Based on the official site of TOEFL[3], the price of each test is different in each testing location. The range of the TOEFL price plus tax in Indonesia is Rp500.000,00-Rp3.382.000,00.
Meanwhile, the price range for IELTS[4] is relatively more expensive than TOEFL. There are different prices for different test purposes. The price range is Rp2.700.000,00-Rp3.000.000,00.
2. Questions Type
Both tests require you to complete a set of the 4 English skills. However, there are slight differences in how the test-taker should answer the questions.
First, you only have to answer multiple-choice questions in TOEFL. Meanwhile, there are short answers, essays, and gap-filling questions in IELTS.
Second, in the IELTS speaking section, you have to speak to the examiner face-to-face to complete the section. However, this part does not exist in TOEFL since everything is conducted computer-based.
3. Duration
If you compare the two tests, IELTS is shorter in duration than TOEFL. TOEFL iBT has a maximum duration of 4 hours, whereas IELTS only has 2 hours and 25 minutes.
4. TOEFL vs IELTS Score
While TOEFL vs IELTS difficulty is relatively similar, those two have different different scoring systems. TOEFL has different scoring scales for each type of the test; the range is 0-300 for TOEFL CBT, 310-677 for TOEFL PBT, and 0-120 for TOEFL iBT. Meanwhile, IELTS uses a 9-band system, with a scoring scale from 0 to 9.
Fun English Course: Prepare Yourself to Take TOEFL or IELTS Test
Have you understood the fundamental information of those tests? If so, the next step is to prepare yourself to get the best result out of them. You can join an English examination preparation program to ensure that you are ready to pass tests with flying colors.
Are you expecting the best place to take English exam preparation? Test Preparation Program by Fun English Course is a great alternative. When the program ends, the students are expected to be ready to master the exam and reach their target.
Fun English Course is an excellent option with an internationally standardized curriculum, qualified tutors, and the best learning activities! Learn more about TOEFL vs IELTS and other related topics here. Contact us for the Test Preparation program by Fun English Course now!