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Amid a world flush with options, acing an English proficiency exam is an indispensable ace up the sleeve. When it comes to choosing between the TOEFL and IELTS, which exam takes the crown?
Picture this: a high school student, eyes sparkling with ambition, dreams soaring beyond the classroom walls to universities in far-off lands. The world is brimming with tantalizing opportunities, yet the path is paved with fierce competition. Achieving a high score on an English proficiency test like the TOEFL is not merely a nice-to-have, but a total game-changer.
*For students taking the test after July 26, 2023, please note that there will be significant changes to the TOEFL iBT, particularly in the writing section. Refer to the official ETS site for more details.
Picture this: a high school student, eyes sparkling with ambition, dreams soaring beyond the classroom walls to universities in far-off lands. The world is brimming with tantalizing opportunities, yet the path is paved with fierce competition. Achieving a high score on an English proficiency test like the TOEFL is not merely a nice-to-have, but a total game-changer.
As universities become increasingly interested in diverse student bodies, these tests play a pivotal role in assessing an applicant’s ability to excel in an English-speaking academic setting. Demonstrating a solid grasp of the language not only strengthens a student’s application but also serves as an indicator of their potential to contribute meaningfully to class discussions and group projects.
Moreover, proficiency tests give students a chance to showcase their commitment to overcome language barriers and adapt to new cultural environments. This sends a clear message to admissions officers that the applicant possesses the tenacity needed to thrive in a rigorous academic setting.
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) stands as one of the most widely recognized English proficiency tests in the world, with acceptance from over 11,000 universities spanning more than 160 countries. So, if you are a student gearing up for your university applications, understanding the TOEFL requirements set by your target institutions is absolutely crucial.
Developed and administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS), the TOEFL is designed to assess a non-native English speaker to read, write, speak, and understand English at an academic level. The TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) is the most popular format and consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Here is a breakdown of each section:
In this section, your ability to understand and interpret academic reading material in English will be assessed.. The questions will test your comprehension, as well as your ability to make inferences, recognize the author's attitude and purpose, and understand how information is presented.
Starting from July 26, 2023, this section will be shortened to only two reading passages with ten questions each. As such, the total time is estimated to be 30 minutes.
- 6 questions for each lecture/classroom discussion
- 5 questions for each conversation
Here, you will listen to lectures, classroom discussions, and conversations, then answer questions based on what you heard. The questions assess your understanding of main ideas, important details, speaker purpose, and speaker attitude.
- 1 independent task to express an opinion on a familiar topic
- 3 integrated tasks based on what is read and heard
- Up to 30 seconds to prepare the response, and up to 1 minute to respond
This section assesses not only your language skills, but also your ability to present and support your ideas, express opinions, and synthesize information from multiple sources.
- 1 integrated task based on what is read and heard lasting 20 minutes
- 1 independent task to support an opinion on a topic lasting 30 minutes
Both tasks assess your ability to express ideas effectively in written English and aim to mimic the type of writing you might do in college or university courses.
Starting from July 26, 2023, this section sees the replacement of the independent task with a more modern one titled “Writing for an Academic Discussion”. In this task, students will be asked to state and support an opinion on a given topic in an online class discussion.
Another widely accepted English language proficiency test is the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). With more than 11,000 organizations in over 140 countries accepting IELTS scores, it is an essential component for those aiming to pursue opportunities in English-speaking countries.
Jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English, the IELTS has two primary versions of the test: the IELTS Academic, tailored for students applying to universities, and the IELTS General Training, intended for work or immigration purposes. Just like the TOEFL, the IELTS evaluates candidates on identical language skills and consists of the same four sections. Each section has a maximum score of 9, and the overall score is determined by averaging the scores of all the sections.
Preparation for both tests typically involves a multi-faceted and rigorous approach, including familiarization with the test structure, practicing sample questions under timed conditions, and refining English language skills across reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
Perceived difficulty varies greatly and often depends on a student's background and personal preferences. Some students may find the TOEFL more challenging due to its focus on American English and the integrated tasks that require the use of multiple skills simultaneously, such as listening and speaking, or reading and writing. On the other hand, others may find the IELTS more demanding due to stricter time constraints and the face-to-face speaking component, which can be nerve-wracking for those who prefer a more impersonal setting.
The TOEFL iBT is offered more than 60 times a year, with testing centers in more than 200 countries. The IELTS, albeit less frequently offered, is available on up to 48 dates per year, with testing centers distributed across more than 100 countries. And yes, both tests offer you the convenience of taking them from the comfort of your own home!
In terms of cost, it varies depending on the country where the test is taken, but generally ranges from $180 to $300 USD for the TOEFL, and $215 to $245 for the IELTS. It is advisable for test-takers to verify the exact cost by conducting thorough research.
Making the call between the TOEFL or the IELTS largely depends on your unique preferences, strengths, and the specific requirements of the institutions to which you are applying. While both tests evaluate English proficiency, they vary in format, scoring, and emphasis. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision, perform to the best of your ability, and increase your chances of hitting your target score.
As you embark on this journey, remember this: preparation is key. Whether you choose to sit for the TOEFL or the IELTS, dedicated study, practice, and a deep understanding of the test format are the secrets to success.
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