The Top 10 Differences Between TOEFL and IELTS: Which One is Right for You?

When it comes to proving your English proficiency for academic, immigration, or professional purposes, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are two of the most recognized and accepted exams worldwide. However, deciding which test to take can be overwhelming due to their differences in format, structure, and purpose. 

In this detailed guide by B.M.Academia, we’ll explore the top 10 differences between TOEFL and IELTS, helping you make an informed choice based on your goals and preferences.

1. Purpose and Recognition

TOEFL

• Primarily designed for students seeking admission to universities in English-speaking countries, especially the United States and Canada.
• Accepted by over 11,500 institutions worldwide, including 98% of U.S. universities.

IELTS

• Offers two versions: Academic (for higher education and professional registration) and General Training (for work visas and immigration purposes).
• Widely accepted in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the U.S.

Key Difference: TOEFL leans toward academic settings, while IELTS caters to a broader range of goals, including migration.

2. Test Format

TOEFL

• Entirely computer-based for most test-takers (iBT: Internet-Based Test).
• Duration: Around 3 hours.
• Four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.

IELTS

• Available in two formats: paper-based and computer-based.
• Duration: 2 hours and 45 minutes.
• Four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Key Difference: TOEFL is primarily computer-based, while IELTS offers both paper and computer options, giving test-takers more flexibility.

3. Speaking Section

TOEFL

• Speaking responses are recorded and assessed by AI and human evaluators.
• Includes 4 tasks: speaking about familiar topics and integrating information from reading and listening materials.
• Time: Approximately 17 minutes.

IELTS

• Conducted as a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner.
• Includes 3 parts: an introduction, a long turn on a specific topic, and a two-way discussion.
• Time: 11–14 minutes.

Key Difference: TOEFL speaking is more structured and recorded, while IELTS speaking involves direct human interaction.

4. Writing Section

TOEFL

Comprises 2 tasks:

1. Integrated Task (20 minutes): Write an essay based on reading and listening materials.

2. Independent Task (30 minutes): Write an essay based on your personal opinion or experience.

IELTS

Comprises 2 tasks:

1. Task 1 (20 minutes): Describe visual information, such as graphs or charts (Academic) or write a letter (General Training).

2. Task 2 (40 minutes): Write an opinion-based essay.

Key Difference: TOEFL focuses on integrating skills, while IELTS tasks are more diverse and specific to the chosen version.

5. Listening Section

TOEFL

• Includes academic conversations, classroom lectures, and campus-based discussions.
• Requires note-taking to answer multiple-choice questions.
• Duration: 41–57 minutes.

IELTS

• Includes conversations and monologues from everyday contexts, as well as academic lectures.
• Questions include multiple-choice, matching, labeling maps, and filling in blanks.
• Duration: 30 minutes, plus 10 minutes to transfer answers for the paper-based test.

Key Difference: TOEFL focuses on academic listening, while IELTS covers both academic and general listening scenarios.

6. Reading Section

TOEFL

• Includes 3–4 academic passages with multiple-choice questions.
• Tests comprehension, vocabulary, and ability to infer information.
• Duration: 54–72 minutes.

IELTS

• Includes 3 sections with various question types: multiple-choice, matching headings, and True/False/Not Given.
• Texts range from factual to analytical in both academic and general contexts.
• Duration: 60 minutes.

Key Difference: TOEFL reading is more uniform in structure, while IELTS offers diverse question types and text formats.

7. Scoring System

TOEFL

• Scored on a scale of 0–120, with each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) contributing 30 points.

IELTS

• Scored on a scale of 0–9 bands for each section, with the final score being the average of all sections.
• Band 9 indicates expert-level proficiency.

Key Difference: TOEFL provides a cumulative score, while IELTS scores are expressed as band averages.

8. Accents and Language Usage

TOEFL

• Primarily uses American English, but includes accents from North America, the UK, and Australia in the Listening section.

IELTS

• Uses a wide range of English accents, including British, Australian, and Canadian.
• Better suited for those accustomed to non-American accents.

Key Difference: IELTS provides a more globally inclusive range of accents.

9. Test Availability and Flexibility

TOEFL

• Available over 60 times a year at designated centers and online (Home Edition).
• The test is typically booked weeks in advance.

IELTS

• Available multiple times a month in both Academic and General Training versions.
• Offers more test centers globally, including remote locations.

Key Difference: IELTS is more widely accessible in diverse locations.

10. Cost and Results

TOEFL

• Cost: Approximately $190–$250, depending on the location.
• Results: Available within 6 days online.

IELTS

• Cost: Approximately $215–$250, depending on the format and location.
• Results: Available within 5–7 days for computer-based and 13 days for paper-based tests.

Key Difference: IELTS offers quicker results for the computer-based test but can be slightly more expensive in some regions.

Which One is Right for You?

Choosing between TOEFL and IELTS depends on your specific needs, preferences, and familiarity with the test formats. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Take TOEFL if:

• You’re comfortable with American English.
• You prefer a computer-based test format.
• You’re applying to U.S. universities.

2. Take IELTS if:

• You’re more comfortable with a variety of accents.
• You prefer a mix of computer-based and paper-based options.
• You’re applying for immigration, especially to the UK, Australia, or Canada.

Final Thoughts

Both TOEFL and IELTS are highly respected exams that serve similar purposes. The key to success lies in understanding the format, practicing extensively, and 
choosing the one that aligns best with your goals.
If you’re still unsure, consider taking practice tests for both and assessing which feels more intuitive. Remember, preparation is the most crucial factor in achieving a high score, regardless of the exam you choose!

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