Okay, so I’m applying to UK universities for a postgraduate degree in engineering. I’m an international student and need to prove my English language proficiency. I know that both IELTS and TOEFL are widely accepted, but I’m trying to figure out which one would be a better fit for me, and potentially give me a higher chance of scoring well.
I’ve heard that IELTS is more focused on British English and everyday conversation, while TOEFL is more academic. But I also heard some UK unis secretly prefer IELTS. Is that true? My main concern is scoring high enough to meet the requirements of top universities like Imperial, Cambridge, and Oxford. So, practically, which test is generally considered easier to score well on, given the writing and speaking are assessed by a person in IELTS and by a computer in TOEFL? Are there any significant differences in difficulty between the listening and reading sections of each exam? And does the format of one test lend itself better to engineering-related vocabulary and topics than the other? Finally, are there any specific universities that have a stronger preference for one test over the other, even if they officially accept both?
Answer
For UK universities, both the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT are widely accepted as proof of English language proficiency for international students. However, there are nuances that might make one test slightly more advantageous depending on the specific situation and university.
General Acceptance:
- IELTS: IELTS is generally considered the more established and preferred test in the UK. It’s developed by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English. Because of its origins, many UK universities have a deeper familiarity with the IELTS format and scoring system.
- TOEFL iBT: TOEFL iBT is also accepted by the vast majority of UK universities. However, it’s crucial to always check the specific requirements of each university and program you are applying to. A small number of institutions or specific courses might express a preference for IELTS or have higher required scores for TOEFL. Do not assume universal acceptance.
Key Differences Between IELTS and TOEFL iBT:
A thorough understanding of the tests’ structures helps determine which aligns better with an individual’s strengths.
- Speaking Section:
- IELTS: The speaking section is a face-to-face interview with an examiner. This format can feel more natural to some test-takers, as it allows for a more conversational interaction.
- TOEFL iBT: The speaking section involves speaking into a microphone in response to recorded prompts. Some find this less stressful than a face-to-face interview, while others miss the real-time interaction.
- Listening Section:
- IELTS: Includes a variety of accents, reflecting the international use of English. The questions can appear before, during, or after the audio.
- TOEFL iBT: Primarily features North American accents. Test takers take notes while listening to lectures and conversations. Questions are presented after the audio.
- Reading Section:
- IELTS: Features three long passages from academic texts. Questions include multiple choice, identifying information, sentence completion, and summary completion.
- TOEFL iBT: Features three or four passages from academic texts, followed by multiple-choice questions. The focus is on understanding the main ideas, details, inferences, and vocabulary.
- Writing Section:
- IELTS: Consists of two tasks: describing a graph, chart, or diagram (Task 1, for Academic IELTS), or writing a letter (Task 1, for General Training IELTS), and writing an essay responding to an argument, point of view, or problem (Task 2).
- TOEFL iBT: Consists of two tasks: an integrated task (summarizing a lecture and reading passage) and an independent task (writing an essay expressing an opinion).
- Accent Preference:
- IELTS: Exposes candidates to a wider range of accents, including British, American, Australian, and others.
- TOEFL iBT: Primarily uses North American accents.
- Note-Taking:
- IELTS: Note-taking is permitted in the listening section, but not explicitly emphasized as a skill.
- TOEFL iBT: Note-taking is highly encouraged, particularly in the listening and integrated writing sections.
- Scoring:
- IELTS: Uses a band score system from 0 to 9, with increments of 0.5. Universities typically require an overall band score and minimum scores in each individual section.
- TOEFL iBT: Scored out of 120, with each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) contributing 30 points. Universities specify a minimum overall score and may also specify minimum scores in each section.
- Test Delivery:
- IELTS: Available in both paper-based and computer-delivered formats. The speaking test remains face-to-face, regardless of the format.
- TOEFL iBT: Primarily computer-based.
- Cost:
- The cost of both tests varies depending on the location. Check the official websites for the most up-to-date pricing information in your country. The prices tend to be comparable.
- Test Centers:
- Both tests have widespread availability, but the density of test centers might vary depending on the region. Check the official websites to find test centers near you.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Test:
- Personal Strengths: Are you more comfortable speaking face-to-face or to a computer? Are you better at understanding a range of accents or primarily North American accents? Are you comfortable with note-taking? Do you prefer tasks requiring summarization or independent opinion pieces?
- University Requirements: This is the most important factor. Always check the specific requirements of each university and program to which you are applying. Pay close attention to the required overall score and any minimum section scores. Some programs might have a preference for one test over the other.
- Familiarity with the Format: Consider taking practice tests for both IELTS and TOEFL iBT to get a feel for the format and difficulty level. This will help you determine which test you are more comfortable with and more likely to succeed on.
- Availability and Scheduling: Check the availability of test dates and locations near you. Choose the test that fits your schedule and application deadlines.
- Preparation Resources: Consider the availability and quality of preparation materials for each test. Choose the test for which you can find more helpful resources.
In Conclusion:
While IELTS is deeply rooted in the British educational system and arguably more familiar to UK universities, both IELTS and TOEFL iBT are generally acceptable for UK university admissions. The best test for you depends on your individual strengths, preferences, and, most importantly, the specific requirements of the universities you are applying to. Always verify the accepted tests and required scores directly with the admissions offices of your target universities.
