As part of admission process to study in Europe, Australia, Canada and the USA it is necessary that the candidates present the TOEFL iBT test, or Academic IELTS. These three exams are accepted in the process and there is not really a preference that affects the process.
However, some candidates ask us about the advantages, disadvantages and differences between these exams. IELTS and TOEFL.
A few years ago, there were important differences between the two exams. However, currently their structures and evaluation processes are very similar. Both exams cover the 4 main areas of the English language: Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening.
Some differences that we have observed are the following:
AMERICAN – BRITISH
obviously the IELTS test Academic is based on the structure of British English, while TOEFL iBT uses American English but the differences are more apparent in the use of vocabulary in certain contexts. Living in a flat is not the same as living in an apartment… and preferring a Burger with Pepsi to Fish and Chips with beer is not the same.ROBOT AND PERSONAL INTERVIEW
Another important difference is in the speaking section. In IELTS the speaking section is evaluated with a personal interview, while in the TOEFL iBT it is through a computer system where you speak into a microphone. This can be an important difference if you are used to reading body language and prefer to have a more human conversation. Or it could be the other way around. Talking to a person makes you nervous and you prefer to speak to him through a microphone.ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT
We have also observed small differences in the administrative part. For both exams, registration is done online on the corresponding official website and they are secure systems. However, some students have told us that TOEFL has had problems sending the results by mail in a timely manner (13 days of the exam), while IELTS They will always arrive on the indicated date.
We hope this information will be useful in making your decision. We remind you that these exams should not be taken lightly and you should prepare efficiently.
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