Guide to two most important study abroad tests - IELTS and TOEFL

For all the study abroad applicants, whose first language is not English, they’re required to give English Proficiency tests and another standardized study abroad competitive tests. All the universities and countries have different prescribed examinations. Therefore, the applicant must research thoroughly about the country and university they decide to get enrolled in.

IELTS and TOEFL are the two most popular and widely accepted standardized English Proficiency Tests. If you’ve just begun to research about study abroad and various exams, and are confused about the various tests, then, fret not, here’s a comprehensive analysis and information about the two standardized English tests - IELTS and TOEFL.

The TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language and the IELTS - International English Language Testing System, both are equally important standardized English language proficiency test. 

While TOEFL is a strictly academic English entrance test for a non-English speaker, to universities and colleges abroad, IELTS provides an option of the general test too, thereby, has the advantage to give you a feel of the practical or realistic experience, which can be taken by immigrants wanting to work too in abroad. IELTS has an academic option too, and it is a preferred test for immigration purposes to UK and Canada.

Note, that both the tests will have same main four sections: reading, writing, speaking and listening, however, the time allotted and marking patterns would differ. While an IELTS  examination lasts for about 2 hours 45 minutes, a TOEFL examination lasts for about 4 hours.

With respect to the marking/scoring patterns, each section of the IELTS is marked with a band ranging from 0-9. The desired band for IELTS is 6.5 plus. For TOEFL, each of the 4 sections s of 30 marks making it a total 120 mark test. The desired score for TOEFL is 80 plus.

With regards to the reading section of the bot the tests, the TOEFL will have only multiple choice questions, while IELTS will have a different type of questions like true and false, short answers, summary writing and multiple choice questions.

With regards to listening test, TOEFL exam lasts between 40-60 minutes and the questions are based on university life situations, however, in IELTS, there can be a conversation, an academic lecture, a demonstration, etc, The test is divided into 4 sections, for 30 minutes.

With regards to the writing section, TOEFL is computer-based, 50 minutes long exam, with only Academic training, while IELTS provide with Academic and General testing both, lasting about an hour.

With regards to the speaking section, the TOEFL will have a 20-minute conversation with a computer, which is recorded and excessed later. The examinee will be asked to speak about topics on family life, university life, about their hometown, etc. However, for IELTS, the examinee will have to speak to an examiner, who will be conversing with them, for about 12-15 minutes. The topics to asked to speak about range from life at home, or hometown, jobs, studies, etc.

Which test to choose largely depends on which country and university you decide to apply for. With dedication, and through practice and revisions, both the exams can be cracked and you can easily make your desired study abroad university and destination.

After the comprehensive analysis of the two tests, IELTS seems to be a more desirable test, for it is not just an academic test, one can take a general test too, planning to immigrate to overseas for work. With so much to take care of, it is suggested to consult the study abroad consultants for your quick and easy guidance through the entire journey of cracking IELTS. If you’re looking for one trusted study abroad immigration consultants with best IELTS coaching in Ahmedabad, Yuranus Education is your stop.

As a top IELTS coaching center, the experienced faculty at Yuranus Education employ different strategies of successfully cracking IELTS, like efficient time management, periodical mock tests, unlimited problem-solving sessions and intensive crash course sessions. Add to that, the students are provided with plenty of reference material, sample papers, CDs too.  With Yuranus Education, prepare and ace IELTS as easily as it can get.