IELTS vs TOEFL: Which Test Should You Take? (Comparison)

IELTS vs TOEFL: Which Test Should You Take? (Comparison)

If you plan to study abroad, proving your English proficiency is step one. The two giants are IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

Which one is easier? Which one do universities prefer? Let's settle the debate.

Quick Comparison Table

1. Exam Pattern differences

Speaking Section (The Biggest Difference)

• IELTS: You talk to a real person. It feels like a conversation. If you struggle, the examiner might nudge you.
• TOEFL: You speak to a computer microphone. You have a timer (e.g., 45 seconds). When the buzzer stops, recording stops.
• Verdict: If you are shy with people, choose TOEFL. If you like natural conversation, choose IELTS.

Writing Section

• IELTS: Hand-written (Paper mode) or Typed. Involves describing a graph and writing an essay.
• TOEFL: Typed only. Involves "Integrated Tasks" (Read text -> Listen to lecture -> Write response).
• Verdict: TOEFL requires good typing speed. IELTS Paper is good for those with messy typing but good handwriting (and vice versa).

Reading/Listening

• IELTS: Uses British/Australian/American accents. Mix of question types.
• TOEFL: Mostly American accents. Mostly MCQs.

2. Difficulty Level

• IELTS: Seen as slightly more "practical" and "general".
• TOEFL: Seen as more "Academic". The vocabulary used is often university-level textbook style.
• Consensus: Most students find IELTS slightly easier to score high, especially in the Speaking section.

3. Global Acceptance

• USA: 99% prefer TOEFL, but 90% now accept IELTS too. Ivy Leagues accept both.
• UK/Canada/Australia: Prefer IELTS strongly (especially for Visa purposes).
• Europe (Germany/France): Accept both equally.

Crucial: Check your target university's website. Some specific courses demand a specific test.

Which One should YOU choose?

Choose IELTS If:

1. You are targeting UK, Canada, Australia, or Europe.
2. You prefer writing with a pen (Paper-based).
3. You are comfortable speaking to a human face-to-face.
4. You struggle with fast typing.

Choose TOEFL If:

1. You are targeting USA exclusively.
2. You have bad handwriting but fast typing speed.
3. You get nervous talking to strangers (Speaking to a computer is less pressure for you).
4. You differ answering Multiple Choice Questions over fill-in-the-blanks.

Scoring Comparison

Key Takeaways

1. Don't Guess: Take a free mock test for BOTH. See which one feels more natural.
2. Visa Rules: For Canada SDS (Student Direct Stream) Visa, IELTS was traditionally mandatory (though rules are relaxing). IELTS is still the safest bet for Canada/UK migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the test from home?

Yes. Both IELTS Online and TOEFL iBT Home Edition are available. However, some universities NOT accept the Home Edition scores due to proctoring concerns. Taking it at a center is safer.

Which is cheaper?

They are priced almost identically in India (fluctuates with exchange rate USD). Pricing is not a differentiator.

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