What are IELTS and TOEFL?

What are these tests, and who needs to take them?

Taking an IELTS or TOEFL test is often essential for non-native English speakers who want to study or work in English-speaking countries, or obtain an internationally-recognised certification of their level of English.

Along with the well-known Cambridge tests, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are the three main internationally accepted tests used to measure a student's proficiency in English.

All  tests evaluate the four key skills of literacy, which are reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Linguapress has a number of free IELTS-style reading practice tests. Check them out in our advanced reading comprehension index.

The differences between IELTS and TOEFL

Both IELTS and TOEFL are recognised worldwide by universities, colleges, and employers; however the biggest difference between the two schemes is that IELTS is run from Britain, while TOEFL is run from the USA.

Both tests can be prepared worldwide in schools, colleges and and home, and there  are test centres in most countries of the world.

The two tests have similar formats, covering reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

• IELTS, which is available in two formats (Academic and General Training),  can be taken in a test centre, or from home, but the Speaking test involves a direct face-to-face interview either in-person or by video link.
• TOEFL is generally an online test which can be taken in a test centre, or from home.  Speaking answers are recorded and scored by computer and human assessors.

Scoring

• IELTS: Students achieve an overall score on a scale from 1 to 9, with individual scores for each of the four skills. A score of at least 6.5 is generally required for study at university in an English-speaking country
• TOEFL: Students achieve a general score out of 120.  The minimum score generally required for study at university in an English-speaking country is 65/120

Note that each university has its own requirements concerning TOEFL and IELTS scores, and that the level required may vary from course to course, with postgraduate courses requiring higher scores.

Length of test

• IELTS: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, with the Speaking test taken separately.

• TOEFL: Approximately 3 hours.

Recognition

• IELTS: Widely recognized by universities  and employers in the UK, Australia, Canada, and other English-speaking countries (including the USA).

• TOEFL: Primarily accepted by North American institutions.

Many Linguapress C1 reading texts are accompanied by exercises of different types used in IELTS and TOEFL tests.
    You may like to check out a ► sample IELTS reading test

How to succeed with IELTS or TOEFL

Preparing for an IELTS test or a TOEFL test involves two key strategies, the most important of which is the first strategy.

Strategy 1 - learning - general language development

Both IELTS and TOEFL test a student's ability to understand written and oral English, and to read and write English. It follows that the best way to prepare for either test is to develop your general command of these four key language skills. 

The most important of these skills are reading and listening, given that the best way to improve writing skills is through reading, and that listening is one of the best ways to develop one's speaking skills.

Linguapress has a great selection of free graded reading texts at at advanced level and intermediate level, with audio files to listen to and exercises to test reading skills and develop writing skills.

General language skills are also developed through conversation, online activities, watching films and video, and any other activity that brings the student into real contact with the English language.

Strategy 2 - test preparation - know what the tests involve.

Preparing for a language test is NOT the same as learning a language - and this difference should not be underestimated. Preparing for a test means learning techniques and knowing what to expect. This may or may not involve improving one's language skills.

 Both TOEFL and IELTS tests follow standard models, and sample test papers can be found on the official web pages for the two testing organisations, ielts.org and ets.org .

   Most language schools, most reputed online course providers, and many secondary schools and colleges worldwide are signed up to one or both of these organisations, as recognised preparation and testing centres, and have teachers who specialise in preparing students for one or both of the tests.

Conclusion

Which is harder, which is better? IELTS or TOEFL? 

There is no answer to these questions. Choosing between TOEFL and IELTS often depends on personal preference, test format familiarity, and the requirements of the institutions you are applying to.