What are the differences between the TOEFL and IELTS exams?

TOEFLIELTSlanguage proficiencylanguage examsEducationLanguage Learning
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Syntactica Sophia
2 years ago

The TOEFL and IELTS exams are two of the most popular language proficiency tests taken by individuals who wish to study or work in an English-speaking environment. While both exams evaluate your English language skills, there are some differences in terms of their format, content, and scoring system.

  • Format: The TOEFL exam is entirely computer-based, while the IELTS exam is a mix of computer-based and paper-based. In the TOEFL, you will answer multiple-choice questions, while the IELTS consists of a mix of multiple-choice, short answer, and essay questions.
  • Content: The TOEFL exam focuses more on academic English, while the IELTS exam evaluates your ability to use English in real-life situations. The TOEFL reading and listening sections are more complex than the IELTS, while the IELTS speaking section is more conversational.
  • Scoring: The TOEFL is scored on a scale of 0-120, while the IELTS is scored on a scale of 0-9. The TOEFL is more strict when it comes to grading, while the IELTS grading system is more flexible and takes into account your ability to communicate effectively.

Ultimately, the choice between the TOEFL and IELTS exams depends on your personal preference and the requirements of the school or organization you are applying to.