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.
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Q: Â 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 |
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| The Guardian University Guide 2024 | #101 |
| The Complete University Guide 2024 | #117 |
Q: Â How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?
The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses:
The Undergraduate Application Process:
Step 1: You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.
Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.
Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
The Postgraduate application process:
Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
Step 5: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.
Q: Â Is university of West of Scotland good for international students?
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: Â Is Hertfordshire University hard to get into?
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Q: Â Does the University of Essex require IELTS?
International students whose native language is not English must meet the University of Essex English language requirements to get admission. The university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. Mentioned below are the IELTS scores required for UG and PG admission at the university:
English Language Test | Score |
|---|---|
IELTS | Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section |
The university also accepts the score of other English language tests such as TOEFL and PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs:
English Language Test | Score |
TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 72 to 114 |
PTE | Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section |
Also read: Required IELTS Score for UK Universities
Q: Â How much IELTS score is required for Hertfordshire University?
International students coming from diverse backgrounds must prove their English language proficiency by submitting the scores of IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo at Hertfordshire University. The university demands an IELTS score of 6 from the students. Along with the IELTS scores, students can refer to the table below for all the required English proficiency score:
English language test | Minimum Score required UG | Minimum Score required PG |
|---|---|---|
6 or above | 6 or above | |
59 or above | 58 or above | |
105 or above | 120 or above |
Q: Â What is University of Wales, Trinity Saint famous for?
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- Top Ranked University: The UWTSD is not ranked by any major ranking body, however as per the university ranking given on the official website of the university, it is ranked among:
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Film Production and Photography
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- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Education
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- Variety of Courses: UWTSD offers more than 300 programs at various levels including undergraduate, postgraduate degrees as well as multiple online courses.
- Highly distinguished and learned faculties: the faculty at UWTSD is highly learned and distinguished which enables students to be the best in their field of study.
- High Placements: According to Graduate Outcome data 2019-2020 quoted by the UWTSD, more than 95% of its graduates were found to be employed within 15 Months of graduation. The average salary of a graduate is not explicitly released by UWTSD, however, as per some unofficial sources the average salary of the graduates of UWTSD is approximately INR 30-35L. with the highest salary being reported as high as INR 66.5L for jobs in Financial Services.
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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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.