IELTS или TOEFL? Какой экзамен выбрать?

Summary

The video script discusses the differences between the IELTS and TOEFL language proficiency tests, highlighting their respective formats and requirements. It emphasizes the importance of understanding university requirements for each test, as preferences vary by region. The speaker details the structure of both tests, including reading, listening, writing, and speaking sections, and provides insights into scoring and preparation strategies. The script also addresses the challenges of test-taking environments and the importance of building a strong vocabulary, grammar, and analytical skills for success.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker explains the difference between IELTS and TOEFL language proficiency tests and emphasizes the importance of understanding university requirements for each.
• 🌐 Historically, TOEFL is prioritized in the United States, Singapore, China, and the United Arab Emirates, while IELTS is primarily required in London, the UK, Australia, and Canada.
• 📚 Universities, especially in Australia, Canada, and London, may list IELTS or TOEFL as acceptable, but good schools in the US, Turkey, China, and Singapore prefer TOEFL.
• 🔍 The content and format of IELTS and TOEFL are different, with TOEFL being more closed-book and IELTS having more open-ended questions.
• 👂 The listening sections of both tests differ; TOEFL has five tracks with two dialogues and three lectures, while IELTS has a more conversational approach with four sections and 40 questions.
• ✍️ In writing, TOEFL requires an integrated essay based on two sources and a second task that involves discussion and opinion, whereas IELTS has more varied essay types including descriptions and problem-solving.
• 🗣️ Speaking in TOEFL involves an independent question and integrated tasks that combine information from texts and lectures, while IELTS has a more interactive format with a human examiner.
• 🏆 IELTS scores range from 1-9, with 5.5 being a decent score for university admission and top universities often requiring 7.5 or higher.
• 📈 TOEFL scores range from 0-30, and the test is more focused on reading and listening skills, with speaking and writing being based on audio comprehension.
• 🏠 TOEFL can be taken at home (Home Edition) or in a test center, offering flexibility, while IELTS must be taken abroad, adding travel and accommodation considerations.
• 🧘‍♂️ The speaker stresses the importance of maintaining concentration and the ability to switch between tasks without loss of quality during the test.

Q & A

What are the two types of language proficiency tests mentioned in the script?

The two types of language proficiency tests mentioned are IELTS and TOEFL.

Which universities or regions typically require TOEFL and which ones require IELTS according to historical precedence?

Historically, TOEFL is required and given priority in the United States, while IELTS is primarily required in London, England, Australia, Canada, and also in Asia, including countries like China, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.

What should students do before applying to a university?

Students should carefully study the requirements of the university they are applying to, as different institutions may have different preferences for either TOEFL or IELTS.

What is the difference between the IELTS and TOEFL in terms of test format?

IELTS has open questions, where test-takers must answer in their own words or fill in the blanks with provided words. TOEFL, on the other hand, has closed questions with multiple-choice answers.

How does the listening section differ between IELTS and TOEFL?

In IELTS, the listening section has 40 questions and is divided into four parts. In TOEFL, the listening section consists of five tracks, with two dialogs and three lectures, and is divided into two parts with 28 questions.

What is the Integrated Essay in IELTS Writing and how is it different from the TOEFL Writing tasks?

The Integrated Essay in IELTS requires test-takers to write an essay based on two sources, typically a text and a lecture, and to synthesize information from both. In TOEFL, Writing tasks include an Integrated Writing task where test-takers must analyze a visual (like a chart or table) and a lecture, and a second task where they must write an essay expressing their opinion on a given topic.

How many types of essays are required to be known for TOEFL Writing?

There are 13 types of essays that test-takers need to be familiar with for TOEFL Writing.

What is the Speaking section like in TOEFL and how does it differ from IELTS Speaking?

TOEFL Speaking consists of one Independent question and three Integrated questions where test-takers must combine information from a text and a lecture. IELTS Speaking starts with general questions, followed by a card with a topic for preparation, and then around eight more questions and answers.

What is the maximum score for IELTS and what is considered a good score for university admission?

The maximum score for IELTS is 9, and a good score for university admission is considered to be from 6.5 and above. Top universities often require 7.5.

Why might a test-taker prefer the TOEFL Home Edition over a test center?

A test-taker might prefer the TOEFL Home Edition because it allows them to choose the most comfortable and quiet room at home, free from disturbances that can occur in a test center environment.

What are some of the challenges faced when taking a language proficiency test at a test center?

Challenges include noise from other test-takers, potential technical issues, and the need to concentrate in a shared environment.

What skills are essential for taking any language proficiency test?

Essential skills include a strong vocabulary, grammar knowledge, understanding of different writing structures, analysis skills, listening comprehension, pronunciation, and the ability to maintain concentration and switch between tasks without loss of quality.