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TOEFL (iBT) is generally accepted in American universities, although it is also accepted in many other schools across all continents. The test had its own Extreme Make Over! so check their site at www.toefl.org IELTS is generally accepted in the UK, Australia and other countries from the Commonwealth. IELTS has gained popularity and acceptance in many universities beyond the UK, so please check their Global Recognition System at www.ielts.org So, make your decision about which test to take after you know where you’re applying, check out the schools websites and email admissions if necessary.
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About comparing both tests, TOEFL and IELTS, many test takers perceive TOEFL as a bit more difficult. That’s up to you to decide. Their main similarities are:
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Both tests are composed of 4 sections
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They measure Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing skills.
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They do not measure grammar in a sepate section.
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They exhibit some English varieties(TOEFL presents speakers with at least 4 different regional accents within the US, IELTS presents speakers with mostly British accent but it also includes varieties from Australia, New Zealand, and The United States)
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Their writing tasks include a report based on data presented where you need to be accurate to the sources and information provided AND an essay where you need to express your ideas based on an essay question.
Differences!
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TOEFL is Internet based, hence the name TOEFL iBT
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IELTS in most countries is still paper based
This format difference has a number of implications. Get a sample of the tests and see for yourself. For example:
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TOEFL expects you to record your speaking tasks / responses in the computer. IELTS measures Speaking by means of a face to face interview. Some students might perform better at either one of these tools. If you really CAN choose, think about this difference. The Speaking section accounts for 25% of the test grand total score!
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As for the Reading sections, I would say that TOEFL reading passages seem longer, you read and answer on the computer screen which can be tiring and eye soring. IELTS will be easier here for you if you’re more used to reading on paper, not to mention the fact that on paper you can (more) easily make notes and marks as you read.
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Finally about the Listening section, in TOEFL you’ll take notes on what you hear and then you’ll see the questions to move forward with your answers. In the IELTS you can see the questions before you listen, that can make a huge difference for some test takers making IELTS easier if you can use the questions to zoom in on those areas of the conversations / lectures where the answers are.
Hope this answer helps. Good luck in your test! Which ever you need to take.
Source(s):
toefl.org, ielts.org. toefl.nlc.cl, ielts.nlc.cl, foro.nlc.cl
Related Links
Why / How much did TOEFL change?
The answer is available at estudiosusa.com (written by Maite Exposito and Mauricio Miraglia, May 2006)
Written by Mauricio Miraglia
Teacher, trainer and IT manager
Nova Language Consultants
Tel.
Santiago de Chile.