What is the difference between TOEFL and IELTS?

1. Different scope of application

Generally, new TOEFL scores can only be used for studying abroad applications, but IELTS is different because it is divided into Category A and Category G, so it has no effect. Similarly, Category A IELTS scores are used to apply for study abroad, while Category G IELTS scores can be used to apply for immigration.

2. Different examination mechanisms

IELTS:

IELTS examination methods are divided into two types: academic and training, both consisting of listening, reading and writing. , spoken language consists of four parts. The two types of listening and speaking questions are the same, but the reading and writing question types are different. The pronunciation skills are different between the two types of exams. The advantage of IELTS is that there is no need to register again and the registration time limit for re-examination has been removed. The test results are valid for two years. The IELTS exam has a question bank for students to practice, and some questions will appear repeatedly in the exam. IELTS scoring standards are more detailed than TOEFL.

TOEFL:

The TOEFL test is a computer-based test, and the questions in each test area are the same. To ensure the fairness and rationality of the test, the test scores are manually judged.

3. The test time is different

The entire IELTS test takes about 3.5 hours, specifically divided into 40 minutes for listening, 60 minutes for reading, 60 minutes for writing, and 11-14 minutes for speaking.

The TOEFL test takes about 4.5 hours. In terms of reading and listening, half of the candidates will encounter additional test questions. If they read, an extra 40 minutes will be added (the reading time of two articles). Specifically, it consists of 3-4 articles and answering questions, which takes 60-80 minutes; listening: 2-3 dialogues, 4-6 lectures, which takes 60-90 minutes.

4. Different levels of recognition

IELTS: More than 8,000 universities around the world recognize IELTS scores, and TOEFL is recognized even more widely, with 9,000 universities recognizing it. Score comparison: TOEFL 110 is equal to IELTS 8.5, TOEFL 100 is equal to IELTS 6.5-7, and TOEFL 90 is equal to IELTS 6-6.5.