Difference between IELTS and TOEFL

Can you tell about the difference between IELTS (International English Language Testing Service) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)?

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Universities want to make sure its students the English language skills necessary for successful study so almost all institutes of higher learning require to take a test of English.

The IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT are the two biggest standardized tests of the English language. Here are some of the basic differences:

Major Differences between the IELTS and the TOEFL

Reading

TOEFL - One have 3 - 5 reading selections of 20 minutes each. Reading materials are academic in nature. Questions are multiple choices.

IELTS - 3 reading selections of 20 minutes each. Materials are, as in the case of the TOEFL, related to an academic setting. There are multiple type questions (gap fill, matching, etc.)

Listening

TOEFL - In it, one have 40 - 60 minutes worth of listening selections from lectures or campus conversations. Take notes and respond to multiple choice questions.

IELTS - In it there are a wider variety of question types, and exercises of differing lengths. One needs to answer questions as one move through the listening selection of the test.

Writing

TOEFL - 2 written tasks are required on the TOEFL and all writing is done on the computer. Task one involves writing a five paragraph essay of 300 to 350 words. Note taking is important as the second task asks one to take notes from a reading selection in a text book and then a lecture on the same topic. One is then asked to respond using notes by writing a 150 - 225 word selection integrating both the reading and listening selection.

IELTS - The IELTS also has two tasks: the first a short essay of 200 - 250 words. The second IELTS writing task asks to look at an infograhic such as a graph or chart and summarize the information presented.

Speaking

TOEFL – In it one is asked to record responses on the computer of 45 - 60 seconds to six different questions based on short descriptions / conversations. The speaking section of the test lasts 20 minutes.

IELTS - The IELTS speaking section lasts from 12 to 14 minutes and takes place with an examiner. There is a short warm up exercise consisting mainly of small talk, followed by a response to some sort of visual stimulus and, finally, a more extended discussion on a related topic.