Comparison of IELTS and TOEFL in 2024: Choosing the Right Exam for You
In the world of academic and professional pursuits, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are two globally recognized English proficiency exams that play a significant role in measuring an individual's English language skills. These tests have distinct differences that can impact academic and career goals in 2024.
## Key Differences
### Format and Acceptance
IELTS, widely accepted in the UK, Canada, Australia, and other countries, offers both paper-based and computer-based formats, while TOEFL, primarily accepted in the U.S. and other institutions worldwide, is mostly internet-based (iBT).
### Test Structure
The Listening section in IELTS consists of 30 minutes, with audio questions ranging from short to long, whereas TOEFL's listening section lasts for 41–57 minutes, featuring a more classroom lecture style, with note-taking and multiple-choice questions.
In the Reading section, IELTS presents three passages with 40 questions for 60 minutes, while TOEFL offers two passages each with 10 questions for 54–72 minutes.
The Writing section in IELTS comprises 60 minutes, including tasks like describing a graph, table, or diagram and writing an essay, whereas TOEFL's writing section lasts for 50 minutes, with tasks such as writing a short essay and summarizing a reading passage.
The Speaking section in IELTS is a face-to-face interview for 11–14 minutes, whereas TOEFL offers a computer-based speaking test with recorded responses for 17 minutes.
### Scoring System
IELTS uses a band scoring system ranging from 1 to 9, while TOEFL scores range from 0 to 120.
### Content Focus
IELTS is more focused on British English and everyday contexts, whereas TOEFL is more academic and American English-focused.
### Career and Academic Goals
IELTS is often preferred for immigration and university admissions in the UK, Australia, and Canada, while TOEFL is preferred for U.S. university admissions.
Choosing between IELTS and TOEFL largely depends on the country or institution you are applying to, as well as your personal familiarity with British or American English.
## TOEFL to IELTS Score Conversion
- 118-120 (TOEFL) = 9 (IELTS) - 115-117 (TOEFL) = 8.5 (IELTS) - 110-114 (TOEFL) = 8 (IELTS) - 102-109 (TOEFL) = 7.5 (IELTS) - 94-101 (TOEFL) = 7 (IELTS) - 81-93 (TOEFL) = 6.5 (IELTS) - 60-80 (TOEFL) = 6 (IELTS) - 45-59 (TOEFL) = 5.5 (IELTS) - 34-44 (TOEFL) = 5 (IELTS) - below 34 (TOEFL) = 4.5 (IELTS)
In the realm of education and self-development, understanding the nuanced differences between learning resources such as the trie-based study guides for IELTS and TOEFL can contribute to optimizing one's preparation for these globally recognized English proficiency exams. For instance, a trie-based IELTS study guide may offer focused practice for the unique British English context and everyday scenarios that frequently appear in the test, while a trie-based TOEFL guide may help students master the more academic and American English-focused questions.
