Introduction
Choosing between IELTS Academic and the new TOEFL iBT is one of the most important decisions for any university applicant. Both exams are globally recognized and accepted, but each has unique features, structures, and advantages. This comprehensive article will guide you through every aspect of these two leading English proficiency tests, helping you make the best decision for your academic journey. Whether your goal is to study in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, or Europe, understanding the differences, requirements, and strategies for each test will empower you to achieve your highest possible score.
Global Recognition and Acceptance
IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT are universally accepted by universities, colleges, and professional organizations worldwide, yet there are some subtle differences in their popularity and requirements.
IELTS Academic is accepted by more than 11,000 institutions in over 140 countries. It’s especially popular in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. For UK student visas, IELTS is often required.
TOEFL iBT is accepted by over 11,500 institutions in more than 160 countries and is particularly favored by universities in the US and Canada. TOEFL is also recognized in the UK and Australia, but students should always check the latest visa and university policies.
Key Point: If you’re aiming for a US or Canadian university, TOEFL is often preferred. If your sights are set on the UK, Australia, or Europe, IELTS tends to be more common, though TOEFL is usually also accepted.
Test Structure and Content
Understanding the test structure helps you prepare more effectively and reduces exam-day anxiety.
IELTS Academic
Sections: Listening (30 min), Reading (60 min), Writing (60 min), Speaking (11-14 min)
Order: Listening → Reading → Writing (all in one sitting, about 2 hr 40 min). Speaking may be scheduled the same day or up to 7 days before/after.
Format: Offered as paper-based or computer-delivered, but most centers now use computer-based.
Speaking: Face-to-face interview with an examiner.
TOEFL iBT (2024+)
Sections: Reading (~35 min), Listening (~36 min), Speaking (~16 min), Writing (~29 min)
Order: Reading → Listening → 10-min break → Speaking → Writing (all on the same day).
Format: 100% computer-based, either at a test center or at home (depending on regulations).
Speaking: Recorded responses on a computer, rated by both AI and human examiners.
Skills Tested and Academic Focus
Both exams assess the four key academic English skills, but each does so differently.
IELTS Academic: Focuses on real-world, academic-integrated contexts. The listening and reading sections use a range of accents and contexts. The writing tasks include describing data (Task 1) and writing an argumentative essay (Task 2).
TOEFL iBT: Emphasizes an American academic setting, with topics about campus life and lectures. The speaking and writing tasks require you to integrate reading, listening, and speaking or writing, especially in the “Integrated Writing” and “Integrated Speaking” tasks.
Writing Differences:
IELTS Writing: Task 1 requires you to describe a visual (e.g., graph), and Task 2 is an essay.
TOEFL Writing: Task 1 is integrated (responding to a reading and a lecture), and Task 2 is a discussion post based on a scenario.
Difficulty Level and Timing
Many students wonder which test is harder. The answer depends on your strengths.
Reading:
IELTS: Three long academic texts, more complex vocabulary, but often more direct questions.
TOEFL: Two passages (shorter in the new version), more multiple-choice, requires inference and synthesis skills.
Listening:
IELTS: Four sections with a mix of academic and real-life contexts and accents.
TOEFL: Five recordings, mostly lectures or academic discussions, all in American English.
Speaking:
IELTS: Live conversation, which can feel more natural for some but intimidating for others.
TOEFL: Record your answers into a computer—this can feel less personal but is less stressful for some.
Writing:
IELTS: Two tasks, with more emphasis on academic writing and formal structure.
TOEFL: Integrated tasks, shorter time limits, and more focus on summarizing information.
Total Timing:
IELTS: About 2 hr 45 min.
TOEFL: About 2 hr (since the 2023 update).
Scoring System
Understanding how each test is scored is crucial for setting your goals.
IELTS
Each skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) is scored from 0 to 9 (in half-band increments).
The final score is the average of all four.
Most universities require 6.0–7.5 overall, often with section minimums.
TOEFL
Each skill is scored from 0 to 30; the total score is out of 120.
Most universities require 80–110 overall, sometimes with minimums per skill.
Always check your target university’s website for their exact requirements!
Test-Day Experience
Your comfort and confidence can depend a lot on the exam-day format.
IELTS: Choose paper or computer-based, live speaking with an examiner, more test locations, and sometimes more availability in smaller cities.
TOEFL: Fully computer-based, including at-home testing in many regions, all responses typed or recorded.
Which Exam Is Easier?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Here’s how to choose:
Prefer British English, live speaking, or a paper test? IELTS is often better.
Comfortable with computers, prefer American English, or like multiple-choice? TOEFL is likely a good fit.
Some students even take both to maximize options!
Test Preparation and Resources
Both exams require thorough preparation.
IELTS: Cambridge books, British Council, IDP, online mock tests.
TOEFL: ETS official materials, Cambridge, Kaplan, Barron’s.
Tip: Try sample questions from both exams to see which suits you best.
Practical Considerations
Availability: IELTS sometimes has more local centers.
Cost: Both usually range from $200–$300.
Results: IELTS (3–5 days for computer, 13 days for paper), TOEFL (4–8 days).
Retakes: Both allow frequent retakes, with TOEFL requiring a 3-day gap.
Summary Table
| Feature | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT (2024+) |
|---|---|---|
| Global Use | UK, EU, AU/NZ | USA, Canada |
| Format | Paper/Computer | Computer Only |
| Speaking | Face-to-face | Computer (recorded) |
| Duration | ~2 hr 45 min | ~2 hr |
| Results | 3–13 days | 4–8 days |
| Cost | $200–$300 | $200–$300 |
Final Recommendation
Check your target university’s website first!
If both exams are accepted, choose the one that matches your comfort zone and strengths.
Good at conversation and want to target UK/EU? Consider IELTS.
Good at typing, prefer American accent, want a shorter test? TOEFL may be better.
Extra Tip: Take both if you can—it gives you more flexibility.
Quick Decision Checklist
Where are you applying?
Prefer face-to-face speaking?
Good at multiple-choice or open questions?
Prefer British or American English?
Detailed Section-by-Section Breakdown
Reading
IELTS: 3 passages, 40 questions, 60 min; a range of question types including multiple choice, matching, sentence completion.
TOEFL: 2 passages, 20 questions, 35 min; mainly multiple choice, vocabulary in context, summary.
Listening
IELTS: 4 sections, a mix of social and academic, 40 questions, 30+10 min.
TOEFL: 3 lectures + 2 conversations, 36 min; focuses on academic context.
Speaking
IELTS: 11–14 min live interview with examiner, 3 parts.
TOEFL: 16 min, 4 recorded tasks, mix of personal and academic, less spontaneous conversation.
Writing
IELTS: Task 1 (describe a visual), Task 2 (essay), total 60 min.
TOEFL: Task 1 (summarize reading/listening), Task 2 (academic discussion post), total 29 min.
Understanding Scoring Rubrics
IELTS
Listening/Reading: Each correct answer is 1 point; raw score converted to band score.
Writing: Scored on Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Task 2 is weighted double.
Speaking: Scored on Fluency/Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range/Accuracy, Pronunciation.
TOEFL
Reading/Listening: Raw score scaled 0–30.
Speaking: Scored on Delivery, Language Use, Topic Development (0–4 for each task, scaled to 0–30).
Writing: Scored on content, organization, language, accuracy, using a mix of AI and human raters.
Practical Tips for Success
Study official rubrics and sample answers.
Practice with timers and record yourself.
Focus on accuracy in reading/listening.
Get feedback on your writing and speaking.
Review sample responses for your target band or score.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Both IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT are excellent choices. Your decision should be guided by your academic goals, language strengths, and university requirements. Prepare using official resources, practice each section, and review your progress regularly.
For personalized guidance, practice materials, and expert tips, consider joining our comprehensive “IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 Vocabulary (Band 6 to 7)” course at LingExam Language Academy. Visit Lingexam.com to learn more and unlock your full academic potential!
Comprehension & Accuracy Exercises
Exercise 1:
You want to study in Canada. Which test is usually preferred by Canadian universities, and why might you still choose the other test?
Answer Key & Explanation:
TOEFL iBT is usually preferred by Canadian universities, but IELTS is also widely accepted. You might choose IELTS if you prefer British English, want a face-to-face speaking test, or are also considering schools in the UK or Australia.
Exercise 2:
List two main differences between the IELTS Speaking and TOEFL Speaking sections. How might these differences affect your performance?
Answer Key & Explanation:
IELTS Speaking is a live conversation with an examiner, while TOEFL Speaking is recorded and rated by computer/human.
IELTS allows interaction and follow-up questions, while TOEFL responses are structured and timed with no feedback.
These differences might affect you if you feel more comfortable interacting with a person (IELTS) or if you prefer the privacy of speaking alone (TOEFL).
References
Cambridge English, British Council, IDP: IELTS Official Guides
ETS (Educational Testing Service): Official TOEFL iBT Resources
University Admissions Guides (various countries)
Barron’s, Kaplan, and Cambridge Preparation Books for IELTS and TOEFL
Final Note
The journey to university begins with the right choices and preparation. Remember, at LingExam Language Academy, we’re committed to your success in international English exams. Visit our website and enroll in the “IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 Vocabulary (Band 6 to 7)” course for expert guidance, practice tests, and everything you need to achieve your academic dreams!
IELTS vs TOEFL: Interactive True/False Quiz
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