Are you in a dilemma over what language test to take for international admissions? International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which of these two tests will help you should you wish to soar to greater academic heights, work in English-speaking environments or migrate to English-speaking countries?

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

IELTS is a world-leading English language test that proves your mastery of English on a nine-band scale. Mutually owned by the British Council, IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment English, the IELTS is widely accepted by over 11,000 employers, educational institutions and immigration bodies worldwide. For this reason, not only can the IELTS be used as your stepping stone to achieve academic or career goals in countries where the native language is English, it can also be utilised as your ‘passport’ for global mobility. For instance, the IELTS is the only English language proficiency test recognised by immigration authorities of the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Test format and delivery

IELTS is available as two options – IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. While the former suits anyone who wishes to get onboard universities or professional institutions, the latter matches test-takers who look forward to unlocking career opportunities or gaining entry into English-speaking countries as secondary students or migrants. Both tests evaluate you on all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

TOEFL is another large-scale English language proficiency test that measures and demonstrates your language abilities. Owned by a private non-profit organisation named Educational Testing Service (ETS), TOEFL is widely accepted by immigration authorities and over 11,500 educational institutions worldwide, including all universities in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. Therefore, it plays the same role as the IELTS where it opens doors if you wish to journey to countries that use English as the primary language of communication.

Test format and delivery

TOEFL is also available as two options, TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials. While the former suits individuals who prefer traditionally paced tests and wish to be tested on 100% academic English, the latter matches test-takers who favour faster-paced tests and yearn to be tested on both academic English as well as general English. In other words, TOEFL iBT evaluates your ability to communicate in English in an academic environment whereas TOEFL Essentials evaluates the basics of English language proficiency. Despite there being two types of TOEFL, note that all your language skills (i.e., listening, reading, writing and speaking) are measured in both tests.

IELTS vs. TOEFL

If both IELTS and TOEFL match your needs and you are still contemplating which language test to take for international admissions, there are several other points that you may want to consider. The IELTS speaking test requires you to speak to a human examiner privately whereas the TOEFL speaking test requires you to speak into a microphone on a computer. Furthermore, as the IELTS is administered by the British Council, IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment English, the test contents largely reflect the British and the Australian varieties of English. The IELTS will benefit you to a certain extent if you are more familiar with the vocabulary and accents that belong to the British and the Australians. On the other hand, the test contents of the TOEFL mirror the American variety of English as it is administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) that is based in New Jersey in the United States. If you have gained more exposure to American English in comparison to British English and Australian English, the TOEFL may suit you better.

At ILTI, we offer preparatory courses in both, IELTS and TOEFL. Speak to us to find out how you can start your learning journey with us. Call / WhatsApp us on 010-395 3067 or email: info@ilti.edu.my now.