Which test is easier IELTS or TOEFL?

Okay, so I need to take an English proficiency test for university. I’m applying to universities both in the US and the UK, and frankly, I’m terrified of standardized tests. I’ve heard that IELTS and TOEFL are both accepted pretty widely, but which one is actually easier?

By "easier," I mean which one is easier to score higher on, considering my strengths and weaknesses. I’m generally good at reading comprehension and writing, but I get nervous speaking in formal settings and I sometimes struggle to understand fast-paced, heavily accented speech. I’m also much better at handwriting than typing essays under pressure.

So, if you’ve taken both or have experience with preparing students for both, could you give me some insight? Which test is better suited for someone who’s good at reading and writing but nervous about speaking and struggling with listening? What are the biggest differences in format and scoring that might make one easier than the other for me specifically? I’m really trying to avoid retaking the test multiple times!

Answer

The perception of whether IELTS or TOEFL is "easier" is subjective and depends heavily on an individual’s strengths and weaknesses, native language, familiarity with different accents, and test-taking strategies. There isn’t a definitive answer applicable to everyone. However, we can break down the differences between the tests to help you understand which might be a better fit for you.

Key Differences Between IELTS and TOEFL iBT (the internet-based test):

• Test Format and Structure:

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System):
    • Modules: Offers two modules: Academic (for university admission) and General Training (for immigration and work purposes).
    • Integrated Speaking Test: The Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with an examiner.
    • Listening: Features a variety of accents, including British, Australian, and American.
    • Reading: Includes different text types depending on the module (Academic or General Training).
    • Writing: Consists of two tasks that differ in format and content based on the module.
  • TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
    • Academic Focus: Primarily used for university admissions.
    • Computer-Based: All sections are taken on a computer.
    • Integrated Skills: Emphasizes integrated tasks where you combine multiple skills (e.g., reading and listening, then speaking or writing).
    • Speaking: Recorded responses spoken into a microphone.
    • Listening: Predominantly uses North American English accents.
    • Reading: Focuses on academic texts.
    • Writing: Includes an integrated writing task and an independent essay.

• Scoring:

  • IELTS: Uses a band score system from 0 to 9, with increments of 0.5. Each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) receives a band score, and an overall band score is calculated as the average of the four.
  • TOEFL iBT: Scored out of 120 points, with each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) worth 30 points.

• Accents:

  • IELTS: Features a range of accents, including British, Australian, American, and others. This can be challenging for those primarily exposed to American English.
  • TOEFL iBT: Primarily uses North American English accents. This may be easier for those familiar with this accent.

• Speaking Test:

  • IELTS: The Speaking test is a live interview with an examiner. Some test-takers find this more comfortable as they can interact and clarify questions. Others find it intimidating.
  • TOEFL iBT: The Speaking test involves recording your responses to prompts. Some find this less stressful as they are not interacting with a person. Others find it difficult to speak naturally to a computer.

• Writing Test:

  • IELTS: Writing tasks may involve describing a graph or chart (Academic) or writing a letter (General Training).
  • TOEFL iBT: Writing includes an integrated task where you summarize information from a reading passage and a lecture, and an independent essay where you express your opinion on a topic.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Test:

• Your Native Language: Some languages have phonetic structures or grammatical rules that align more closely with English used in one test versus the other.
• Your Familiarity with Different Accents: If you’re only accustomed to American English, TOEFL might be easier in the Listening section. If you’re exposed to a variety of accents, IELTS might be preferable.
• Your Preference for Test Format: Do you prefer a computer-based test (TOEFL) or a paper-based test (IELTS, though computer-delivered IELTS is also available)?
• Your Comfort Level with Integrated Tasks: TOEFL emphasizes integrated tasks where you combine skills. If you struggle with this, IELTS might be a better choice.
• Your Speaking Style: Are you more comfortable speaking to a live person or recording your responses?
• University Requirements: Check which test (and minimum score) is accepted by the universities or institutions you are applying to. Some institutions may prefer or require one test over the other.
• Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Analyze your English language skills. Are you stronger in grammar and vocabulary (potentially favoring TOEFL), or are you better at understanding different accents and interacting in person (potentially favoring IELTS)?
• Availability of Resources: Consider the availability of study materials, practice tests, and courses for each test in your area or online.

In Summary:

• Choose IELTS if:
  • You prefer a face-to-face Speaking test.
  • You are comfortable with a variety of English accents.
  • You prefer less emphasis on integrated skills.
  • You need the General Training module for immigration or work purposes.
• Choose TOEFL iBT if:
  • You prefer a computer-based test.
  • You are more familiar with North American English accents.
  • You are comfortable with integrated tasks.
  • You prefer recording your Speaking responses.

Recommendation:

Take practice tests for both IELTS and TOEFL to get a feel for the format, content, and difficulty level of each test. This is the best way to determine which test suits your individual skills and preferences. Evaluate your performance on each practice test and identify areas where you need to improve. Also, review sample questions and scoring rubrics for both tests.