TOEFL or IELTS?

Question

I want to know whather TOEFL is valid in UK universities and IELTS in US universities.
Which one is tougher to score TOEFL or IELTS??
If I am not sure at this point where to apply for my higher studies which exam shd I sit for, TOEFL or IELTS?

Answer 1

TOEFL is a better bet.. because you are already trained with the British English here in India.. and this is valid in almost all the univs..
so first decide on your country, univ and then see if TOEFL is valid there..(it should be in most cases)..else u can take IELTS.

Answer 2

toefl is for the US and Ielts is for the UK. Because Toefl is computer based it is difficult to get papers to practice on, so from that point of view, ielts is easier. However, a good score of 7 or 8 in ielts is very hard to get. Both exams test your ability to THINK in English so do not be deceived by the varying disciplines of reading writing listening etc. If you are getting a low score, it is because you are still translating into and from Korean! You must read novels for pleasure as well as practice on whichever test you select. Hope this goes well. All best wishes in whichever exam you choose.

Answer 3

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 our 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.

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

-Both tests are composed of 4 sections
-They measure Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing.
-They do not measure grammar in a sepate section.
-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 Australian, New Zealand, and even American)
-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!
-TOEFL is Internet based, hence the name TOEFL iBT
-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.

-TOEFL expects you to record your speaking tasks / responses in the computer. IELTS measures Speaking by means of a face to face interview.

As for the Reading sections, I would say that TOEFL reading passages seem longer, you read and answer on the computer screen. IELTS will be easier here for you if you're more used to reading on paper.

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 helps. Good luck in your test! Which ever it may be.

Answer 4

Grace and a couple of others are totally mixed up.

IELTS is British English. Listen to the listening section. They speak with Austrailian and British accents!!!

TOEFL is American English.

American universities will accept both. I teach both IELTS and TOEFL at a KAPLAN. I would say that TOEFL is easier and IELTS has a better, more accurate reflection of your English level.

The main arguement is that IELTS has an easier speaking section and TOEFL has a more difficult writing section.

Answer 5

None of them is tougher...just the thing is that TOEFL is accpeted in most of universities worldiwide except for Britain and IELTS is exclusively for UK universities so u have to make a point whether u want to join UK universities or US and other countries...also u could decide that through by browsing the universities sites which a better way to do wud be by going to guide sites like for LLM degree u have llmguide.com

Answer 6

TOEFL is valid on some uk universities and IELTS in most US universities.

Better to go for IELTS...Once you prepare for IELTS, its easy to clear TOEFL in case if you need to. IELTS is tougher to score.

Answer 7

Hi TOEFL is Internet Base Test and IELTS s Paper Base Test.
To know more about this tests visit: www.ets.org/toefl
www.ielts.org

Looking for IELTS Coaching in Madhapur, Hitech City, Hyderabad?
Want to study in USA, UK, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, NZ, SINGAPORE?
Need guidance to apply for Universities? Need Visa Guidance?
Please contact: Tecreos Overseas Educational Consultants, Hitech City, Madhapur, Hyderabad
Mobile: [phone]
http://tecreosoverseas.com

Answer 8

IELTS is tougher than TOEFL.
If you are an Indian, you can visit this great site called www.desiexpats.com
Its about Indians from all over the world coming together to share their experiences,knowledge,views,advice on topics such as education (most relevant to your question), politics,sports,bollywood,etc. You can post your question and it will be answered by Indians who are actually in the UK or US and who have already taken such tests. They will be able to guide you well.
Good luck!

Answer 9

Actually, TOEFL is all about British English so it might be tougher to score for most people who are more exposed to American English(IELTS). But it depends whether you are more familiar with which kind of English. TOEFL is mostly for Britain whereas IELTS for USA.

Answer 10

Both tests assess your proficiency in English and it's like if you study for one, you may as well have studied for another. If your not sure which country to study further, then take your chance and prepare for any one exam and later, you may decide better.