IELTS vs TOEFL: Which Is Easier For Students?

9 minute read
TOEFL vs IELTS

Scores of English proficiency tests are an essential part of university applications and admissions to English-speaking countries. All non-native speakers of the English language have to take these exams in order to complete their applications. Out of all, the popular ones are IELTS and TOEFL. Both of them assess the reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills of the candidates but in different formats. Are you confused about which exam should you opt IELTS or TOEFL? If yes, then here is an insightful blog on IELTS vs TOEFL which provides you with a comparative analysis of both exams.

Details IELTS TOEFL 
Conducting BodyBritish Council and IDP Education Ltd.Educational Testing Services 
Medium Online and Offline Online and Offline
(Note: TOEFL Offline has been discontinued) 
Variants IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training IELTS IndicatorTOEFL iBT
Duration 2 hours 45 minutes1 hour 56 minutes (latest revised duration)
BreaksNo breaks during the listening, reading and writing sections, but the speaking portion can be taken up to a week before or after the rest of the testA 10-minute break between listening and speaking sections


Sections Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking*Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking
Score Range 0-90-120
Average Minimum Score 6.378
Exam Frequency 48 times in a year More than 50 times a year 
Results TimelineResults are issued 13 days after the testResults are issued approximately 10 days after the test
Where All are the Scores AcceptedAccepted by more than 11,000 universities globallyAccepted by more than 10,000
organizations globally
Cost INR 16,250INR 16,900  (TOEFL iBT)

What is IELTS vs TOEFL?

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an esteemed language proficiency test that is taken by candidates either willing to attain overseas education or for occupational purposes. It is accepted across 140 countries. IELTS has two variants, IELTS General Training (for working professional/ immigration purposes) and IELTS Academic (for education purposes).


On the contrary, TOEFL is an acronym used for the Test of English Language as a Foreign Language which is a famous language proficiency test also frequently opted by students aspiring to study abroad. The exam lays emphasis on testing the abilities of applicants to communicate in classroom-based English and hence is accepted in around 130 countries.

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IELTS vs TOEFL Format

The major difference lies in the format of the questions as TOEFL comprises MCQs whereas IELTS would ask you to answer the questions in varied forms like fill in the blanks, short answers, etc. Along with this, one prominent distinction is the duration of both exams. IELTS has to be completed in 2 hours 45 minutes, on the other hand, it will take you only 1hr 56 minutes to complete TOEFL.

IELTS is available in two variants i.e., General Training and Academic, the applicants can choose their version of the test as per their purpose of visit. TOEFL offers only one type of exam and is mostly opted for by the students enrolled in a program abroad. IELTS demands applicants to showcase their creative thinking abilities and comprehension skills, on the contrary, TOEFL would analyze your analytical thinking and how well you can weigh their different options. Thus, this becomes one of the main features of TOEFL vs IELTS.

IELTS Test Format 

Here is an overview of the IELTS Exam Pattern. One should majorly consider this before taking the test.

Sections Duration Number of Tasks/Activities 
Listening 30 minutes 4
Reading 60 minutes 3
Writing 60 minutes 2
Speaking 11-15 minutes 3
Total 2 hours 45 minutes 

TOEFL Test Format 

The TOEFL exam pattern has been recently revised. We have provided the pattern based on the latest updates on the test.

Sections ScoringNumber of Questions Duration 
Reading0-302035 minutes
Listening0-302836 minutes
Speaking0-304 tasks16 minutes
Writing0-302 tasks29 minutes
Total1201 hr 56 minutes

IELTS vs TOEFL Writing Section 

While attempting the IELTS paper, you would be asked to solve 2 writing tasks. In the first one, you will have to explain the information given in the form of a diagram, table chart, etc. However, in the second one, you will have to pen down 200-250 words on the argument or a given viewpoint. If you take the TOEFL exam, you will have to draft a five-paragraph essay within 300-350 words in the first task. For the second task, you will have to fetch some notes from a given text and have to frame a response in 150-225 words.  

IELTS vs TOEFL Speaking Section

Speaking assessment in TOEFL will be recorded through a microphone and will be sent to the examiners while the IELTS speaking test will be a face-to-face interview-type assessment for all the candidates. The duration of TOEFL would be 16 minutes while IELTS would range a maximum of 10-15 minutes. An important distinguishing factor in TOEFL vs IELTS is the option to attempt a speaking test before the other tests in IELTS whereas there is no such option in TOEFL. 

TOEFL vs IELTS Reading Section

The reading test of both exams will include texts around the lines of the ones they will encounter in their programs. TOEFL will offer 2 reading passages to be completed in 35 minutes. The IELTS test will include 3 passages in this section and the applicants will be asked to answer questions in various formats like gap filings, short answers, etc.  

TOEFL vs IELTS Listening Section

The listening skill test of both exams is very different from each other. In the IELTS test, students can answer the questions while they are listening to the recording. Varied sorts of long and short questions will be there. Whereas the TOEFL test will be based on classroom lectures and applicants take notes while listening to the audio. Students have to solve MCQs in a given duration of 36 minutes in the TOEFL listening component. 

IELTS vs TOEFL Score Comparison 

The TOEFL speaking and writing portions are assessed primarily on how they look, including your vocabulary range, writing style, and grammar. The IELTS is evaluated based on distinct marks for specific criteria like logic, coherence, grammar, and fluency.

For example, an essay with a logical flow of ideas but bad grammar may score higher on a TOEFL exam, but an essay with good grammar and vocabulary but a lesser ability to communicate a concept will score higher on the IELTS criteria.

The IELTS is evaluated on a scale of 1-9, with your total result being the average of your individual scores in all four exams. If your total average is 6.25, it will be rounded up to a final score of 6.5. TOEFL is a single test with a maximum score of 120 points. TOEFL and IELTS total scores can be broadly compared as follows:

TOEFL Band ScoreIELTS Band Score
118-1209
115-1178.5
110-1148
102-1097.5
94-1017
79-936.5
60-786
46-595.5
35-455
32-344.5
0-310-4

Score Description 

Here is a concise description of how you should interpret different score ranges in the IELTS exam.

Band scoreSkill level
Band 9Expert user
Band 8Very good user
Band 7Good user
Band 6Competent user
Band 5Modest user
Band 4Limited user
Band 3Extremely limited user
Band 2Intermittent user
Band 1Non-user
Band 0Did not attempt the test

Also read: Study in UK without IELTS

CEFR Score Equivalents

The CEFR scale, which tests European language competency in terms of letters and numbers, will be more recognisable to many European students. In general, a student who wishes to study abroad at the undergraduate level must have completed CEFR B2 level or above in the institution’s teaching language. A CEFR level of B2 corresponds to an IELTS score of 5.5-6.5, although you can’t usually commonly use a CEFR level in place of a requested IELTS or TOEFL score.

IELTS or TOEFL Which One Should You Choose?

Which one between IELTS or TOEFL is better for you depends on various other choices and requirements you have. It can be difficult to decide between IELTS and TOEFL, but it’s important to pick the test that matches your goals and English proficiency level the best. There are a number of crucial factors to take into account when contrasting these two internationally recognized English language competency tests.

Factors like difficulty level, delivery method, costs, length, speaking skills, etc. might govern your choice. In the end, which exam is best for you is a matter of personal opinion. Each exam is approved by hundreds of institutions throughout the world, and there are test dates available throughout the year.

However, you should consider the following factors before you make a decision between IETLS vs TOEFL:-

  • University preference– You should first check what is the acceptable and preferred language test by the universities that you want to apply to.
  • Time for preparation– On average, you need 3-6 weeks for IELTS preparation and 2 to 3 months for TOEFL preparation. If your application deadline is only a few months away, IELTS will be suitable. 
  • Computer-based or written– IELTS is conducted on either paper or computer and TOEFL is conducted only on the computer. If you have good typing speed then you can go for either and if you write better on paper, you can go for IELTS. 
  • Exam format– For IELTS, you can break up the sections of the IELTS papers and give them in the time span of weeks. For TOEFL, you need to take the exam in one sitting.

Remember that, IELTS or TOEFL whichever test aligns best with your assets is the easier one for you.

Which Universities Accept IELTS vs TOEFL?

Over 11,000 universities around the globe accept either IELTS or TOEFL or both. If you are applying to universities in the UK or Australia, IELTS is more widely accepted. Whereas, universities in the USA mostly accept TOEFL.

Different courses at universities across the world have specific English language score requirements. The table below depicts what IELTS and TOEFL iBT scores are required at different course levels:

Degree Minimum Average IELTS
Score
Minimum Average TOEFL iBT
Score
Foundation535-45
Undergraduate660-78
Postgraduate794-101

Quick-List of Differences Between IELTS & TOEFL

After going through the entire blog, here is a quick list of IELTS vs TOEFL differences for aspirants who are planning to pursue their studies abroad. 

  • The IELTS exam is less time-consuming than the TOEFL.
  • The IELTS speaking test is conducted in front of an examiner.
  • The TOEFL normally mandates that you utilise solely US English or UK English throughout the exam and not a combination of the two, although the IELTS appears to be a little more lenient.
  • The TOEFL is mostly made up of multiple-choice questions, but the IELTS offers a greater variety in how questions are constructed and responses must be delivered.

Prepare for IELTS & TOEFL with Leverage Live

We at Leverage Edu have your back in everything and everything. To help you ace your English Proficiency Language tests like IELTS and TOEFL, we have come up with Leverage Live which gives you democratic access to the greatest professors and easy technology—all of this at the touch of a button. Leverage Live enables our students to be test-ready by providing excellent study materials, one-on-one problem-solving sessions, and personalized mentoring. With almost 5000+ students benefited, 200,000+ hours of live training delivered, 50+ educators, and 1000+ free videos and ebooks, Leverage Live is your all-in-one platform for test prep, study plans, rewarding mentorship, and beyond. Book your first free demo class today at https://live.leverageedu.com/

FAQs

Is TOEFL easier than IELTS?

IELTS or TOEFL whichever test aligns best with your assets is the easier one for you. IELTS and TOEFL both test basic English language proficiency. The difficulty level of these exams is subjective. Finally, which exam is best for you is a matter of personal opinion for which you should go through their exam patterns.

Is TOEFL better than IELTS?

Both TOEFL and IELTS are accepted by most universities abroad. Better can be a relative here. If you ask for the USA or Canada, TOEFL is better, if you ask for admission in the UK or visa and immigration requirements to a native English speaking nation then IELTS is more widely accepted. Similarly, IELTS and TOEFL have other differentiating features that make each one of them better for candidates in different scenarios.

Is TOEFL accepted in the UK?

Yes, TOEFL is accepted in all the universities in the UK. You will have to check if the university you are targeting accepts it or not. You can confirm the details with Leverage Edu study abroad consultants!

What is the TOEFL exam used for?

Yes, the TOEFL exam is accepted as the primary English proficiency test by all the top universities. It is accepted by over 8,500 institutions across 130 countries, including the UK, USA, and Australia.

Does the USA accept IELTS?

Yes, IELTS results are accepted as proof of English language competency in the United States. Major universities around the United States recognise IELTS as an accurate measure of your ability to understand, read, write, and speak English.

These were all the differentiating factors of IELTS vs TOEFL. We at Leverage Edu provide excellent guidance for both of these standardized English tests. If you are planning to take any of these tests in the near future, get in touch with our well-versed faculty and get started with your preparation!

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5 comments
    1. Hi Irshad,
      Although to study at some of the prestigious German universities, students have to give and pass the German Language proficiency tests like DSH, TestDaf, WiDaf, and more, there are a few prominent universities that offer their courses in English to international students for which students are required to have a competitive English Proficiency Language test scores. There are, however, two examinations that are accepted by almost all German universities. These are IELTS and TOEFL! So whether you give IELTS or TOEFL, you have an equal opportunity to study in Germany. Hope this helps. You can know more about the German Language Tests to study in Germany here: https://leverageedu.com/blog/german-language-tests/.

  1. can I have institutions who did not requested for IELTS OR TOEFL as requirement to study in Europe pls.

    1. Hi Irshad,
      Although to study at some of the prestigious German universities, students have to give and pass the German Language proficiency tests like DSH, TestDaf, WiDaf, and more, there are a few prominent universities that offer their courses in English to international students for which students are required to have a competitive English Proficiency Language test scores. There are, however, two examinations that are accepted by almost all German universities. These are IELTS and TOEFL! So whether you give IELTS or TOEFL, you have an equal opportunity to study in Germany. Hope this helps. You can know more about the German Language Tests to study in Germany here: https://leverageedu.com/blog/german-language-tests/.