What are the differences between IELTS and TOEFL writing sections?

Okay, so I’m trying to decide which English proficiency test to take – IELTS or TOEFL – and I’m particularly nervous about the writing sections. I understand both have essays, but I’m having a hard time figuring out what specifically makes them different in terms of format, scoring criteria, and the types of prompts they use.

For example, I’ve heard the IELTS writing section has Task 1 which is like describing a graph or process, while TOEFL is all essay writing. Is that right? Also, are there differences in how academic the language needs to be for each test? Like, is one more formal than the other?

Any insights into these differences would be really helpful. I’m especially interested in hearing from people who have taken both tests, or from experienced teachers who know the ins and outs of each writing section! I’m aiming for a score of at least 7.0 on IELTS or 100 on TOEFL, so strategies tailored to achieving those scores would be amazing too! Thanks!

Answer

The IELTS and TOEFL writing sections both assess a test-taker’s ability to write in English for academic purposes, but they differ significantly in task format, time allocation, scoring criteria, and the type of English generally favored. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key differences:

1. Task Format and Structure:

• IELTS Writing: The IELTS writing section consists of two tasks.
  • Task 1: Requires candidates to describe, summarize, or explain visual information (e.g., a graph, chart, table, map, or process diagram) in at least 150 words. The response should be purely descriptive and objective, without offering personal opinions or interpretations.
  • Task 2: Requires candidates to write an essay in response to an argumentative or discursive prompt. Candidates are expected to present an argument, discuss an issue, provide solutions to a problem, evaluate an idea, or express an opinion, supporting their points with relevant examples and reasoning. The minimum word count is 250 words.
• TOEFL iBT Writing: The TOEFL iBT writing section also comprises two tasks, but they are different in nature.
  • Integrated Writing Task: Requires candidates to read a short academic passage and listen to a related lecture. They then must write a summary of the lecture, explaining how it relates to or challenges the information presented in the reading passage. The candidate needs to identify the main points from both sources and demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between them.
  • Independent Writing Task: Requires candidates to write an essay expressing their opinion on a given topic. This is similar to IELTS Task 2, but the prompts are typically more straightforward opinion questions that require a clear stance and supporting arguments.

2. Time Allocation:

• IELTS Writing: The entire IELTS writing section has a total time of 60 minutes. There’s no specific recommended time allocation for each task, but it’s generally suggested that candidates spend around 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2, given the difference in the required word count and complexity.
• TOEFL iBT Writing: The TOEFL iBT writing section also has a total time of 50 minutes.
  • Integrated Writing Task: 20 minutes are allocated to this task, including the reading, listening, and writing time.
  • Independent Writing Task: 30 minutes are allocated to this task.

3. Word Count Requirements:

• IELTS Writing: Task 1 requires a minimum of 150 words, and Task 2 requires a minimum of 250 words. There isn’t a strict upper word limit, but writing excessively can lead to errors and decreased clarity, so staying focused and concise is important. Writing less than the minimum can lead to a penalty.
• TOEFL iBT Writing: While there isn’t a strict word count requirement for the Integrated Writing Task, it’s generally expected to be around 150-225 words to adequately cover the required content. The Independent Writing Task generally benefits from being at least 300 words to provide sufficient development of ideas. Responses are judged on quality and completeness, not sheer length.

4. Scoring Criteria:

• IELTS Writing: IELTS writing is assessed based on four criteria:
  • Task Achievement: How well the candidate addresses the requirements of the task. This includes fulfilling the task format, providing relevant information, and adhering to the minimum word count.
  • Coherence and Cohesion: The logical organization and flow of ideas, the effective use of linking words and cohesive devices to connect sentences and paragraphs, and the clarity of the overall structure.
  • Lexical Resource: The range of vocabulary used, the accuracy of word choice, and the ability to use less common vocabulary appropriately.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The range of grammatical structures used, the accuracy of grammar, and the ability to write error-free sentences.
• TOEFL iBT Writing: TOEFL iBT writing is assessed based on similar criteria, but with a slightly different emphasis:
  • Integrated Writing Task:
    • Quality of Writing: This focuses on the clarity and organization of the response, the accuracy of the summary, and the ability to synthesize information from the reading and listening passages effectively.
    • Accurate and Complete Content: This refers to identifying and accurately reporting the key points from both the reading and the lecture.
    • Organization, Progression, and Cohesion: How well the ideas are organized and connected.
  • Independent Writing Task:
    • Development: How well the candidate develops their ideas, provides supporting details, and presents a clear argument.
    • Organization: The clarity and logical structure of the essay.
    • Language Use: The range and accuracy of vocabulary and grammar.

5. Type of English:

• IELTS Writing: IELTS accepts both British and American English. However, consistency is important. Candidates should avoid mixing British and American vocabulary or spelling within the same essay.
• TOEFL iBT Writing: TOEFL primarily favors American English. While the use of British English won’t necessarily result in penalties, it’s generally advisable to use American English conventions to align with the test’s overall focus.

6. Task Emphasis:

• IELTS Writing: IELTS places a greater emphasis on the ability to describe visual information objectively and accurately in Task 1. This requires a specific set of skills related to data interpretation and descriptive writing.
• TOEFL iBT Writing: TOEFL emphasizes the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources (reading and listening) in the Integrated Writing Task. This tests comprehension and the ability to connect ideas from different sources.

7. Required Skills:

• IELTS Writing: Requires strong descriptive skills (for Task 1), argumentative essay writing skills, the ability to analyze and interpret visual data, and a broad range of vocabulary related to various topics.
• TOEFL iBT Writing: Requires strong listening comprehension skills, note-taking abilities, the ability to summarize and synthesize information from different sources, and argumentative essay writing skills.

8. Use of Examples:

• IELTS Writing: The use of examples is generally encouraged in IELTS Task 2 to support arguments and make the essay more persuasive. In Task 1, no personal opinions or outside examples are allowed; the response must be solely based on the visual information provided.
• TOEFL iBT Writing: Examples are crucial for developing arguments in the Independent Writing Task. The more specific and relevant the examples, the stronger the essay. In the integrated task, the lecture provides the example of the reading.

In summary:

Choosing between IELTS and TOEFL depends on your individual strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. If you are good at interpreting data and writing descriptive reports, IELTS might be a better choice. If you are skilled at listening comprehension and synthesizing information from multiple sources, TOEFL could be more suitable.