TOEFL or IELTS? Which exam should you take?

Summary

In this educational video, Rebecca compares the TOEFL and IELTS exams, discussing their formats, question types, and accents. She explains that TOEFL focuses on American English and is entirely computer-based, while IELTS offers both British and American English versions and includes a face-to-face speaking section. Rebecca advises students to try sample tests to determine which exam suits them best, considering factors like test length, question format, and personal comfort with accents and testing methods.

Takeaways

• 📚 The TOEFL-IBT is an exam focused on academic English, whereas the IELTS offers both academic and general versions.
• 🌐 The TOEFL is created by ETS, an American company, and thus tests more American English, while IELTS is created by the University of Cambridge and tests more British English.
• 🕒 The TOEFL exam is longer, approximately four hours, compared to the IELTS which is about two hours and forty-five minutes.
• 📚 In TOEFL reading, students face multiple-choice questions, whereas IELTS has a mix of question types including matching and short answer sections.
• 🎧 The TOEFL listening section features campus conversations and lectures with multiple-choice questions, while IELTS has a variety of question types and requires writing answers during the listening.
• 🗣️ The TOEFL speaking section is computer-based with six tasks, while IELTS involves a face-to-face interview with an examiner in three stages.
• ✍️ TOEFL writing includes a five-paragraph essay and an integrated task, whereas IELTS requires an essay and a description of a graph or chart.
• 🏆 If students have the choice between IELTS General and TOEFL, IELTS General is suggested as being easier.
• 📝 The IELTS listening section requires spelling to be correct, which is a factor to consider for students with weak spelling skills.
• 💻 TOEFL writing is computer-based, while IELTS requires handwriting, which may influence the choice for students based on their comfort with typing or writing.

Q & A

What are the two main exams discussed in the video?

The two main exams discussed in the video are TOEFL and IELTS.

What does TOEFL stand for?

TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language.

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

TOEFL has one version, the TOEFL-IBT, while IELTS has two versions: Academic and General.

Which exam is recommended for immigration purposes to Canada or Australia?

The IELTS General is recommended for immigration purposes to Canada or Australia.

Which type of English is tested in the TOEFL exam?

The TOEFL exam tests American English or North American English.

Who created the IELTS exam?

The IELTS exam is created by the University of Cambridge.

How long does the TOEFL exam typically last?

The TOEFL exam typically lasts about four hours.

What is the approximate duration of the IELTS exam?

The IELTS exam is approximately two hours and 45 minutes long.

What is the main difference between the listening sections of TOEFL and IELTS?

In TOEFL, you listen, take notes, and then answer multiple-choice questions, while in IELTS, you listen and write answers as you go along, which may include filling in blanks, matching terms, or doing multiple choice questions.

How does the speaking section differ between TOEFL and IELTS?

In TOEFL, the speaking section is done with a computer where you record your answers to six tasks, while in IELTS, it's a face-to-face interview with an examiner that includes a warm-up, a monologue, and a discussion.

What are the two main tasks in the writing section of the TOEFL exam?

The two main tasks in the TOEFL writing section are writing a five-paragraph essay on a given topic and an integrated task where you combine information from reading and listening into a response.

How does the writing section of IELTS differ from TOEFL?

In IELTS, you write an essay on a given topic and describe information from a table, graph, or chart, whereas in TOEFL, you write an essay and complete an integrated task.

What advice does the speaker give for choosing between TOEFL and IELTS?

The speaker advises taking sample tests of both TOEFL and IELTS to see which one the student feels more comfortable with, as the definition of 'easier' varies for each individual.