IELTS and TOEFL are both international standardized tests for English proficiency, but they differ in several ways:
1.Organizer:
IELTS is jointly administered by the British Council, Cambridge University Examinations Board and the Australian Agency for International Development (IDP).
TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
2.Exam Format:
The IELTS test usually consists of two parts, a written test and a speaking test, which may be taken within a week before and after the written test.
The TOEFL test (mainly the TOEFL IBT) is in an internet-based format, with all sections completed in half a day, while the TOEFL PBT (paper-based test) is still available in some regions.
3.Exam Frequency:
IELTS is usually scheduled 4 times a month.
The TOEFL test is about 2-4 times a month, please refer to the official website for specific arrangements.
4.Vocabulary Requirements:
The vocabulary required for the IELTS exam is around 6000-8000.
The TOEFL test requires a higher vocabulary of around 15,000 and contains some more obscure vocabulary.
5.Listening section:
The TOEFL listening section is more academic, with longer presentations and test takers are required to answer questions after listening.
The IELTS listening section contains a variety of scenarios, and the assessment of details is closer to life abroad.
6.Scope of application:
IELTS is widely accepted by many Commonwealth countries and European countries, including some American universities.
TOEFL is mostly accepted by American universities, but it is also accepted by universities in many other countries.
7.Scoring Method:
Both IELTS and TOEFL have their own scoring systems, but the scores of the two are not directly comparable. Typically, candidates need to look at the specific requirements of the target school or institution to determine the required score.
The choice between IELTS and TOEFL usually depends on which test is accepted by the school or institution you intend to apply to, as well as your preference for the format and content of the test. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your target school and consider your English level and test preparation before deciding.