09 Jul 2024 | IELTS vs. TOEFL: Exam Format and Structure Guide
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IELTS vs. TOEFL: Study Abroad Exam Guide
One factor that may help to determine whether you should take IELTS or TOEFL is the types of tests used in these examinations. They are both recognized and reliable models but there are certain differences between them which make one better than the other. In this article, you will find out more about the formatting of IELTS and TOEFL in order to compare the two formats of the test. It will be helpful if you are planning to study in an English speaking country or even if you plan to emigrate to one or if you are having to demonstrate English language proficiency.
Introduction to IELTS and TOEFL
What is IELTS?
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System this is a well-known English proficiency around the world. It measures the competence of non-native speakers of English based on their performance in listening, reading writing, and speaking.
What is TOEFL?
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is another major English proficiency test. It is widely accepted in academic institutions, especially in the United States. The TOEFL measures the ability to use and understand English at the university level.
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IELTS Exam Format
Overview
The IELTS exam format is divided into four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section is designed to assess different language skills.
| Section | Duration | Tasks | Content | Skills Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening Section | 30 minutes | 4 sections, 40 questions | Conversations and monologues in various accents | Listening for gist, detail, understanding opinions and attitudes |
| Reading Section | 60 minutes | 3 sections, 40 questions | Extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, and journals | Reading for gist, detail, skimming, understanding logical arguments, recognizing writers' opinions and attitudes |
| Writing Section | 60 minutes | 2 tasks | Task 1: Describe a graph, table, chart, or diagram; Task 2: Essay writing | Ability to describe visual information, present an argument, express opinions clearly |
| Speaking Section | 11-14 minutes | 3 parts | Introduction and interview, long turn, and discussion |
Fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, pronunciation |
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TOEFL Exam Structure
Overview
The TOEFL exam structure is also divided into four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is designed to evaluate a candidate's proficiency in academic English.
| Section | Duration | Tasks | Content | Skills Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Section | 54-72 minutes | 3-4 passages, 30-40 questions | Passages from academic texts | Understanding main ideas, details, inferences, sentence insertion, and vocabulary |
| Listening Section | 41-57 minutes | 4-6 lectures and 2-3 conversations, 34-51 questions | Lectures and conversations related to academic topics | Understanding main ideas, details, speaker’s purpose, and attitude |
| Speaking Section | 17 minutes | 4 tasks | Expressing an opinion on a familiar topic, and speaking based on reading and listening tasks | Ability to speak clearly and coherently in English |
| Writing Section | 50 minutes | 2 tasks | Integrated writing task (based on reading and listening) and independent writing task (essay writing) | Ability to express and support ideas, write clearly and coherently |
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Test Format Comparison: IELTS vs. TOEFL
Similarities: Both tests assess the four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Both are accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide for academic and immigration purposes.
Both provide a detailed assessment of a candidate's English proficiency.
Differences Mode of Delivery
IELTS: This can be taken on paper or computer; the speaking test is conducted face-to-face with an examiner.
TOEFL: Internet-based test (iBT); the speaking test is conducted via a computer.
Accent and Language Use
IELTS: Features a variety of English accents, including British, Australian, and North American.
TOEFL: Primarily features American English.
Scoring
IELTS: Band score ranging from 1 to 9 for each section; overall score is the average of the four sections.
TOEFL: Scored out of 120, with each section worth 30 points.
Writing Tasks
IELTS: Task 1 involves describing a visual (graph, chart, etc.); Task 2 is an essay.
TOEFL: Task 1 is integrated (based on reading and listening); Task 2 is an independent essay.
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Choosing the Right Exam for You
Academic Goals
IELTS: Preferred by institutions in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
TOEFL: Widely accepted by universities in the USA and Canada.
Test Experience
IELTS: Offers a more traditional test-taking experience with face-to-face interaction in the speaking section.
TOEFL: Entirely computer-based, which might be preferable for tech-savvy candidates.
Preparation Resources
IELTS: Ample preparation materials and practice tests are available online.
TOEFL: Extensive online resources, including practice tests and sample questions.
Personal Preference
IELTS: This may suit those more comfortable with British English and face-to-face interaction.
TOEFL: This may be better for those familiar with American English and who prefer computer-based testing.
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Conclusion
Whether you decide to give IELTS or TOFEL exam depends directly on your preferences, academic goals, and the requirements of the institution you are applying to. It is important that you understand the format of these exams before making any decision. The blog post highlights all the differences and similarities between the two and will help in making the right choice to showcase your English proficiency.
Are you ready to ace your English proficiency test? Discover the fundamental distinctions between IELTS and TOEFL with our detailed Exam Format and Structure Guide! Understanding these examinations is critical if you want to go to college or work overseas.
