Difference Between IELTS and TOEFL: Which One to Choose?

When planning to study or work abroad, understanding the difference between IELTS and TOEFL is essential for choosing the right English language proficiency test. Both exams assess your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills but differ in format, scoring, acceptance, and test experience. Knowing these differences can help you select the test that best fits your goals, strengths, and the requirements of your target institutions.

Top Differences Between TOEFL vs IELTS

While both TOEFL and IELTS are designed to test your English language proficiency, they do so in different formats. Understanding the difference between IELTS and TOEFL is crucial when selecting the right test based on your university, country, and course preferences.

Many universities prefer one over the other depending on the study destination. To help you choose between IELTS vs TOEFL, and figure out which is easier, we’ve outlined a few key factors. Knowing the difference between IELTS and TOEFL can help you make an informed decision and boost your chances of admission.

But before we compare these 2 exams, let’s understand them better.

Also Read: Difference Between IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE English Test

What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely accepted English language test for people whose first language is not English. It is used for study, work, and migration purposes. The test is developed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English.

IELTS Test Structure

• Listening: You will listen to recordings of native English speakers and answer related questions.
• Reading: You’ll read different texts and answer questions to check your understanding.
• Writing: You need to complete writing tasks like essays or reports based on given prompts.
• Speaking: You will have a face-to-face interview with an examiner and talk about different topics.

What is TOEFL?

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is another popular English proficiency test, conducted by Educational Testing Service (ETS). It is also used for admissions, work, and immigration in English-speaking countries.

TOEFL Test Structure

• Reading: You’ll read academic passages and answer questions to test your comprehension.
• Listening: You’ll listen to university lectures and conversations, then answer questions.
• Speaking: You’ll speak into a microphone to answer prompts and share your thoughts.
• Writing: You’ll write essays based on reading or listening tasks, and express your ideas clearly.

IELTS vs TOEFL: Test Format Comparison

Both IELTS and TOEFL evaluate the four core English language skills – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. However, their test formats vary in terms of duration, number of questions, and task types. 

IELTS Reading vs TOEFL Reading: Section Comparison

IELTS Reading:

The IELTS Reading section has 3 passages with a total of 40 questions, divided into various types of tasks. You have 60 minutes to complete it. Question types include multiple-choice, matching information, diagram labeling, and true/false/not given. The number of questions per task may vary.

TOEFL Reading:

The TOEFL Reading section tests how well you understand academic materials. It includes 2 passages, each about 700 words, with 10 questions per passage. You get around 35 minutes to finish. The passages are excerpts from university textbooks on various topics. 

IELTS Listening Section vs TOEFL Listening Section

IELTS Listening:

This section has 40 questions across 4 tasks, to be completed in 30 minutes. You listen to 4 recordings, played once, featuring different native English accents. Recordings include conversations or monologues. Questions include multiple-choice, matching, map or diagram labeling, and short answers.

TOEFL Listening:

The TOEFL Listening section includes 3 to 4 lectures (3–5 minutes each) and some classroom discussions. After each lecture, you answer 6 questions. There are also 2 to 3 daily-life conversations, each about 3 minutes long, followed by 5 questions. 

IELTS Speaking Section vs TOEFL Speaking Section

IELTS Speaking:

The IELTS Speaking test is a face-to-face interview lasting 11–14 minutes and consists of 3 tasks:

• Task 1: Personal introduction and interview (4–5 minutes).
• Task 2: You receive a topic card, get 1 minute to prepare, and speak for 1–2 minutes, followed by some questions.
• Task 3: A deeper discussion related to Task 2 lasting 4–5 minutes.
  Sometimes, the speaking test is scheduled on a different day.
  

TOEFL Speaking:

TOEFL Speaking has 4 tasks:

• 1 independent task to share your opinion with 30 seconds to prepare.
  
• 3 integrated tasks based on reading and listening, with 1 minute to prepare each. Total time is about 17 minutes. Responses are scored from 0-4 and converted to a 0-30 scale.

IELTS Writing Section vs TOEFL Writing Section

IELTS Writing:

The IELTS Writing test has 2 tasks in 60 minutes:

• Task 1: Describe visual information like graphs or charts in about 150 words.
• Task 2: Write an essay on a given topic, about 250 words, presenting an argument or discussion.
  

TOEFL Writing:

TOEFL Writing has 2 tasks in 50 minutes:

• Task 1: Integrated task based on reading and listening materials (20 minutes).
• Task 2: Independent essay supporting your opinion (30 minutes). Scores range from 0 to 5, later converted to a 0-30 scale.

TOEFL vs IELTS score comparison 

• IELTS: Scores are given as band scores ranging from 0 to 9 for each skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking), as well as an overall band score averaged from the four skills.
• TOEFL iBT: Scores range from 0 to 120 in total, with each skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) scored between 0 and 30.

Here is a score comparison highlighting the difference between IELTS and TOEFL band scores:

TOEFL score vs IELTS score: University Acceptance 

Over 11,000 universities worldwide accept either the IELTS or TOEFL exams as proof of English language proficiency.

• IELTS is commonly preferred by universities in the UK and Australia.
• TOEFL is widely accepted by many universities in the USA.

Different courses and degree levels at universities require specific minimum English test scores. The table below shows the average minimum IELTS and TOEFL iBT scores needed for each course level:

Understanding the difference between IELTS and TOEFL can help you choose the test that best fits your goals and strengths.

Difference Between IELTS and TOEFL: Key Points

When deciding between IELTS and TOEFL, understanding the difference between IELTS and TOEFL is essential for choosing the right English proficiency test for your study or work plans abroad. Both tests evaluate your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills but differ in format, duration, scoring, and cost.

Here’s a comparison table highlighting the main difference between IELTS and TOEFL to help you determine which test suits your needs best:

TOEFL vs IELTS: Which Is Easier?

All the points discussed above should help you decide between IELTS and TOEFL. If you’re still unsure, keep in mind that both exams cost roughly the same, so price shouldn’t be the deciding factor. Instead, consider your strengths—if you prefer academic reading, online interviews, multiple-choice questions, and typing rather than writing by hand, TOEFL might be a better fit. Otherwise, IELTS could be the easier option for you.

When it comes to the question of TOEFL vs IELTS which is easier, the answer is subjective and depends on your personal skills and preferences. Once you’ve made your choice, find the right test prep course, create a study plan, and start preparing!

Key Takeaways

1. The difference between IELTS and TOEFL is in format and preference—IELTS is widely accepted in the UK, Canada, and Australia; TOEFL is preferred in the USA.
2. IELTS includes handwritten tasks and a face-to-face interview, while TOEFL is fully computer-based with academic-style tasks.
3. When comparing TOEFL vs IELTS, which is easier, it depends on your strengths. IELTS may suit those comfortable with handwritten tasks and personal interviews, while TOEFL is better for those who prefer computer-based, structured academic tasks.

And in case you get stuck or need any kind of help, you can also reach out to us! We’d be happy to help!

Like this blog? Then read 5 useful tips on how to prepare for TOEFL with detailed study plans!

FAQs

Question 1. Are IELTS and TOEFL mandatory to answer?

Answer. These exams test your English proficiency and are usually required for admission to universities abroad. However, you only need to take one—either IELTS or TOEFL.

Question 2. How can I prepare for both exams?

Answer. Preparing for both IELTS and TOEFL isn’t that difficult. All you have to do is practice the mock papers thoroughly and keep calm. If you want assistance for the same, get in touch with us today! 

Question 3. What are the sections to prepare for both exams?
Answer. Both IELTS and TOEFL assess four key skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

Question 4. Is IELTS harder than TOEFL?
Answer. The difficulty level depends on the individual. Some may find IELTS harder due to its face-to-face speaking test, while others may find TOEFL more challenging because of its academic content and strict timing. It varies based on your personal strengths and comfort.

Question 5. TOEFL vs IELTS which is more accepted for immigration purposes?
Answer. IELTS is typically preferred for immigration in countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK. TOEFL is less commonly used for immigration but widely accepted for academic purposes.

Question 6. Which one is better, TOEFL or IELTS?
Answer. Both TOEFL and IELTS are widely accepted by universities worldwide. The better test for you depends on your strengths — if you prefer academic reading and online tests, TOEFL might suit you better. If you prefer face-to-face speaking and paper-based options, IELTS could be a better choice.

WRITTEN BY

Aastha

Sr. Content Writer

Aastha Arya is a Senior Content Writer at iSchoolConnect who writes about topics covering study abroad trends, exclusive news updates and prolific college courses. She has a 4-year of experience in this field and also likes to keep tabs on recent events, visa policy changes, and many other concerns that affect international students.

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