What is the fee of registering for the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition?

Applicants who choose to take the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition must pay an amount of INR 16,900 for registering, which is the same for TOEFL iBT.

How many times is the TOEFL iBT Home Edition conducted in a month?

The TOEFL iBT Paper Edition is offered once or twice every month.

As the TOEFL iBT exam is conducted in two sessions, do I have to book two dates or one?

You need to schedule two appointments when you register: one at your neighbourhood testing facility and the other at your house.

In some places, why is the duration of the first session of TOEFL iBT Paper Edition written as three and half hours? What is the actual duration?

The test duration at a centre is three hours. An additional thirty minutes is allocated for test administration tasks, such as admitting examinees, allowing them to input identifying information, and managing test materials.

Are there any special requirements for the Speaking section of the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition?

As the Speaking section is conducted from home, please ensure that you have the required setup for both the equipment and environment before registering. You will get the details from the official website.

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TOEFL or IELTS: Which English Test is Easier?

Sanskriti Gupta

3 min read

Updated On March 21, 2024

Key Highlights

TOEFL vs IELTS: What is the Difference?
TOEFL vs IELTS: Which exam is easier?
IELTS or TOEFL: Which is a Better Pick for You?

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are two of the most widely recognized language proficiency tests given by students looking to pursue higher education and individuals seeking career opportunities globally. These tests evaluate a candidate based on four broad parameters that include - Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.

If you are wondering whether to choose IELTS or TOEFL for your assessment, this blog is a comprehensive comparison between the two that will help you in deciding which English test is easier- IELTS or TOEFL and which one of the two is the right pick for you.

TOEFL vs IELTS: What is the Difference?

Despite the fact that IELTS and TOEFL are both English proficiency tests that have global accessibility and examine a candidate based on their knowledge of the English language, their formats are exceedingly distinctive. Additionally, most recognized universities give preference to one or the other which is influenced by the subject, country, and university you choose. Aspiring IELTS or TOEFL test takers should keep the following distinctions in mind while deciding which test is a better fit for them.

Test Format

Understanding the TOEFL exam pattern is essential for anyone preparing to take this test. Doing so will help you prepare effectively by focusing on improving specific skills for each section.

TOEFL Test Format

Section	Duration	No. of Tasks
Reading	35 mins	20
Writing	29 mins.	2
Listening	36 mins	28
Speaking	16 mins	4

Explore countries accepting TOEFL in 2024.

Much like TOEFL, the IELTS also tests you across four parameters - Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. However, the number and type of tasks may vary. Let’s check them in detail.

IELTS Test Format

Section	Duration	No. of Tasks
Reading	60 mins.	3
Writing	60 mins.	2
Listening	30 mins.	4
Speaking	11-14 mins.	3

Key Differences

The following table consists of a few more essential aspects that set IELTS and TOEFL apart that you should consider while deciding which test is the most fitting for you.

Parameter	TOEFL	IELTS
Format	Internet-based test (iBT)	Computer-based or Paper-based test.
Duration	116 mins (2 hours)	165 mins (2 hours 45 mins)
Score Range	0-120	0-9
Fees	INR 16,900	INR 16,250
Validity	2 years	2 years
Acceptance	Accepted across 11,500 colleges/universities globally.	Accepted across 11,000 colleges/universities globally.

TOEFL vs IELTS: Score Comparison

The overall score scale of TOEFL ranges from 0-120, with each section- Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking holding a range of 0-30. Conversely, the score range of IELTS is 1 to 9 bands which represents the average of your total score across all four sections. You can use the table below to make a rough comparison between the IELTS and TOEFL score range.

IELTS Score Range	TOEFL Score Range
0-4	0-31
4.5	32-35
5	36-45
5.5	46-59
6	60-78
6.5	79-93
7	94-101
7.5	102-109
8	110-114
8.5	115-117
9	118-120

TOEFL vs IELTS: Which exam is easier?

The difficulty levels of IELTS and TOEFL vary based on individual strengths and weaknesses. Many students find IELTS easier due to its simpler format, while TOEFL's reading section is seen as more challenging because it uses academic texts with complex vocabulary and sentences. In TOEFL's Speaking Section, candidates speak to a computer, while IELTS involves a face-to-face interview, making the easier choice between the two a matter of personal preference.

Consider your preferences regarding the formats of TOEFL and IELTS to determine which test might be easier for you. Factors like familiarity with British or American English, test-taking environments, and exposure to different accents also play a role in the perception of ease.

IELTS or TOEFL: Which is a Better Pick for You?

If you are a student looking to take TOEFL or IELTS for university applications, here are a few things you should keep in mind.

Check the website of your desired universities and their program requirements.
Confirm if the institution has a preference between TOEFL and IELTS.
Consider the result declaration time: IELTS results are typically available in 3-5 days, while TOEFL results can take up to 6 days.
IELTS offers a straightforward pattern and independent grading, while TOEFL may have variations that could affect your score.
Choose the test that aligns with your strengths, preferences, and test-taking style.

Whether IELTS or TOEFL is a better pick for you depends on your personal preferences, strengths, and test-taking style. So, make sure you choose what plays to your strength.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good TOEFL score?

TOEFL scores range from 0 to 120. A good TOEFL score depends on the requirements of the institution or program you are applying to. Generally, scores above 100 are considered strong.

What is a good IELTS Score?

There is no definition of a good IELTS score. It varies depending on the institution or program's criteria, but typically, scores exceeding 7.0 are deemed favorable.

Can I take both TOEFL and IELTS?

Yes, you can take both tests if you want to keep your options open or if the institutions you are applying to accept scores from both exams.

Are there any differences in scoring between TOEFL and IELTS?

Yes, there are differences in scoring. TOEFL scores range from 0 to 120, while IELTS scores range from 0 to 9. Each institution may have its own score requirements for admission.

Can I retake TOEFL or IELTS if I'm not satisfied with my score?

Yes, you can retake both TOEFL and IELTS if you are not satisfied with your score. However, there may be restrictions on how soon you can retake the test, so check the official guidelines.