IELTS or TOEFL- Which one is better For USA?
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Choosing between the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an important decision for international students who want to study in the USA. Both tests measure your English language skills, but they have different formats, scoring systems, and acceptance rates at universities.
In recent years, both exams have become popular, with USA universities accepting either one for admission. However, many schools seem to prefer the TOEFL, especially for students from countries where English is not the main language.
This article will help you understand the differences between IELTS and TOEFL so you can decide which test is better for you. We will look at how each test (IELTS and TOEFL) is structured, how they are scored, and which universities accept them.
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What is IELTS?
IELTS is a standardized test that measures the language proficiency of people who want to study or work in an English-speaking environment. An examination that gauges a candidate's competency in the English language is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The IELTS test is split into four sections, Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Each section has its own time limits and requires different types of tasks to be completed.
The Speaking part of the test is designed to assess how well you can communicate in English. The examiner will ask you questions about yourself and your background, as well as general questions about the world around you.
What is TOEFL?
TOEFL is an acronym for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is a standardized test that assesses the English language skills of non-native speakers. TOEFL scores are valid for two years from your test date, but you can retake the test as often as you like. The TOEFL test is designed to assess proficiency in the four basic skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The test consists primarily of multiple-choice questions with four choices (the exception being listening comprehension).
Comparison between IELTS and TOEFL
| Feature | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance in the USA | Accepted by many universities, but not universally | Widely accepted by almost all universities |
| Scoring Scale | 0 to 9 (band score) | 0 to 120 |
| Test Format | Paper-based or computer-based | Internet-based (iBT) |
| Duration | Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes | Approximately 3 hours |
| Sections | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking |
| Speaking Test | Face-to-face interview with an examiner | Speaking into a microphone |
| Writing Tasks | Two tasks: Task 1 (150 words), Task 2 (250 words) | Two tasks: Integrated and Independent writing |
| Listening Section | Questions available during listening | Questions shown after listening |
| Preparation Time | Varies; generally requires more extensive practice | Typically requires less preparation time |
| Result Availability | Results typically within 13 days | Results typically within 10 days |
| Fees in India | INR 17,000 | INR 16,900 |
IELTS vs TOEFL: Acceptance
When it comes to acceptance rates at US universities, TOEFL tends to be favored more than IELTS. Most American universities accept TOEFL scores because they are specifically tailored for academic environments. While many institutions also accept IELTS scores, there are still some that do not recognize them for certain programs. Therefore, it's crucial for students to check the specific requirements of their target universities before deciding which test to take.
Which Test Should You Choose?
The choice between IELTS and TOEFL ultimately depends on your personal strengths and preferences:
Choose TOEFL if:
- You prefer a fully computer-based test.
- You feel confident in your reading and writing skills in an academic context.
- You want to take a test that is more widely accepted by US universities.
Choose IELTS if:
- You are more comfortable with face-to-face interactions during the speaking section.
- You want the option of taking either the Academic or General Training version.
- You are considering studying in countries where IELTS is more commonly accepted.
IELTS vs. TOEFL, What is a good academic score?
For entrance to several overseas colleges, a strong GPA is necessary. Now, the issue of what constitutes "good" comes up. Indeed, it varies from nation to nation and from university to university. In the USA, the majority of the prestigious institutions like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Stanford admitted applicants with a minimum score of 7. It is possible to raise it to 7.5 for MIT and even to 8.5 for Columbia. However, if a student receives a 7, the majority of colleges will accept.
TOEFL more accepted in the USA
Depending on the university a student plans to enrol in, TOEFL and IELTS are each regarded differently. However, because more colleges favour the TOEFL than the IELTS, the former is more likely to be accepted. IELTS is only widely used and regarded as essential for admission to graduate school in the United Kingdom and Australia. Because they are picky, American institutions only accept TOEFL results. Before taking the test, it is advised that students review the university's requirements.
More than 11,000 colleges across 150 nations, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Germany, recognise TOEFL results. You can use a microphone to take the TOEFL speaking component of the test as it is entirely computer-based. Scores between 80 and 90 are regarded as satisfactory, and even higher numbers will look excellent on your application.
The TOEFL iBT Home Edition, which employs a live proctor, was introduced as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The reading, hearing, speaking, and writing portions of the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition each consist of four timed sections.
A total score of 120 is available on the TOEFL, with a scoring range of 0 to 30 for each part. Depending on whether the TOEFL exam was taken, results are made public as soon as six business days following the test date.The test fee also covers the cost of up to four score reports, which can be submitted for free. Up to the night before the test, score report recipients can be added using the test taker's ETS account.
How to prepare for TOEFL?
Even the fluent English speakers should take a practise exam because the test is so complicated. Test takers can get a feel for the exam's topics, structure, and regulations by taking practise exams. On its website, ETS, for instance, provides both free and paid TOEFL preparation tools. Students can enrol in, pay for, and complete a variety of courses to assist them learn the skills necessary to demonstrate their best language talents during the test.
Related articles
Q: Which is better among TOEFL and IELTS?
The "better" test depends on your specific needs and goals. Both TOEFL and IELTS are widely accepted English proficiency tests, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
The TOEFL exam is widely accepted in all the universities present in major study-abroad destinations such as the USA, the UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. The mode of the TOEFL exam is computer-based and it focuses more on the academic English. The exam takes 2 hours to complete in which it assesses all four skills of the test taker namely - speaking, listening, reading and writing.
On the other hand, the IELTS exam covers modeules from both academic English and general training English. However, the IELTS exam format differ entirely from that of the TOEFL exam. The IELTS exam takes a total of 3 hours to get completed in two different sittings. Students have to take the speaking section (11-14 minutes, with a real examiner) of the test up to 7 days either before or after taking the main IELTS exam in which the reading, listening and writing skills are assessed in the time frame of 2 hours and 44 minutes.
The other main points of difference between the IELTS and TOEFL exams are given below. Students can choose the exam that suits them the best based on the following and above-mentioned information.
| IELTS Vs TOEFL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | TOEFL | IELTS |
| Format | Computer-based | Computer-based or paper-based |
| Focus | Academic English | Academic or general English |
| Speaking | Computer-based | Face-to-face with an examiner |
| Scoring | 0-120 | 0-9 |
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Indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School in the UK for several reasons, including its highly ranked programs, global outlook, and career support. Hult offers a range of full-time master’s degrees, immersive bachelor's programs, and MBA options that prepare students to excel in the global job market. The school is the largest and top-ranked global business school, providing students with an incomparable universal outlook. Additionally, Hult's focus on experiential learning, extensive career support, and the opportunity to study at multiple campuses around the world are attractive to Indian students seeking a global business education. Furthermore, the school's emphasis on innovation and meeting the needs of students and employers may also contribute to its appeal to Indian students
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Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.
- Know the exam pattern
- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
- Solve previous year question papers
- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
- Revise regularly
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well
With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
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The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.
Q: What rank is Wolverhampton University in UK?
The University of Wolverhampton is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. The university is consistently ranked among the best universities nationally and globally. For nearly 200 years, the University of Wolverhampton has been consistently providing a quality of education to students and producing highly skilled graduates. The national rankings of the University of Wolverhampton are given below:
| Ranking Body | Ranking |
|---|---|
| The Guardian University Guide 2024 | #101 |
| The Complete University Guide 2024 | #117 |
Q: How to download UK Board 12th date sheet 2024?
Following are the steps to download the UK 12th date sheet 2024.
- Open the Uttarakhand Board's official website at ubse.uk.gov.in
- Click on 'Examination Scheme' available on the homepage
- A new window will appear on the screen containing a link of the UK Board 12th date sheet 2024
- Click the link and download the Uttarakhand 12th date sheet 2024
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However, to get 100% scholarships to study in the UK, international students must meet all the eligibility criteria and apply within the deadlines.
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- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
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- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
- Revise regularly
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well
With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new... Read Full Bio
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