Students aspiring to study, or work abroad must score well in English proficiency tests like TOEFL vs. IELTS. Succeeding in this test relies more on your level of confidence and on TOEFL exam.

However, by regular practice and understanding the format of the test one could score decent in these tests. But the real question is which test is right for Pakistani students aspiring to study abroad, and TOEFL vs. IELTS which is easier?

Before choosing the right test, it is essential to get familiar with both tests’ purpose, format, and recognition to make an informed decision.

In this guide, we will explore the factors such as the purpose, test structure, and preparation time of TOEFL exam vs. IELTS making it easier for Pakistani students to make the right choice that can impact their application success.

TOEFL

TOEFL stands for the test of English as a foreign language. It is a necessary test you need to pass to study in an English-speaking country. It tests your listening, speaking, and reading English skills and how you use them to perform tasks.

It is a test that is taken by millions of people and is accepted by around 11000 schools worldwide.

 Types of TOEFL

TOEFL tests are primarily of two types, one is called the IBT or the internet-based test which is 3 hours and the other is the paper-based test or PBT and the duration to complete this is 2 hours.

IELTS

The IELTS test is an internationally recognized English proficiency test that educational institutes in English-speaking countries require. It is a mechanism that grades your English language skills based on four key domains: speaking, writing, listening, and reading. The IELTS test band score is between 0 and 9, a score of 7 is considered an average score and is mostly accepted by universities worldwide, while a score lower than 7 is considered a low score, and is not widely accepted.

TOEFL vs. IELTS: General Comparison

Both IELTS and TOEFL have profound importance but have some differences between them in terms of their acceptance criteria and test patterns.

The best choice between IELTS or TOEFL depends on many factors and preferences that the students have. When it comes to choosing between IELTS and TOEFL, it is crucial to determine which test best suits their aims and current level of English. When comparing these two globally-accepted tests of English language proficiency, there are quite significant aspects to consider.

TOEFL vs. IELTS: Which is easier? 

Why Choose IELTS?

IELTS is important in a world where everyone wants to get to their dream positions, schools, or countries.

It is a kind of assessment that is universally accepted and recognized, this particular feature makes it a more viable option for people from all around the world. Be it universities, jobs, or immigration, IELTS is required by all.

If you plan to enroll in a foreign university or college based in an English-speaking state, then IELTS is the perfect option. These international educational institutions require the scores to assess the language proficiency of students.

Apart from educational opportunities, IELTS is mostly required by recruiters in English-speaking countries. It is mandatory to make sure the communication between the employee and employer is smooth and collaboration is not compromised.

Why Choose TOEFL?

TOEFL is a world-renowned test that is accepted by thousands of schools and universities in English-speaking countries worldwide.

It is a test that can open and offer numerous opportunities both academically and professionally. Succeeding in this test relies more on your level of confidence and preparation.

While TOEFL has its significance, like no involvement of humans in marking and being a completely computer-based test with no possibility of human error, however, when it comes to immigrating to an English-speaking country, IELTS is the most recognized and popular test taken by people. Countries like Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and Australia only accept IELTS as the English proficiency test for migration purposes.

Key Distinctions between IELTS and TOEFL

Other considerations may include, the level of difficulty, mode of delivery, length, preparation times, etc. In the final analysis, however, Pakistani applicants need to choose the test that is best suited for them. Every exam is accepted by hundreds of universities in different countries and there are available test dates throughout the year.

• When it comes to migration purposes, IELTS is the most recognized form of English proficiency test as compared to TOEFL which is required by a few countries.
• TOEFL is a computer-based test, while IELTS gives you the flexibility of attempting both on paper and on a computer.
• There is also a difference between the question types and the timing of each test. IELTS spans around 15 minutes, and TOEFL is 195.
• The scoring criteria also vary between TOEFL and IELTS, as in IELTS your score rounds off to the nearest 0.5, while in TOEFL there is no such system as it uses a raw and scaled version to score.
• When it comes to times of TOEFL preparation, on average you need around 3 to 6 weeks to prepare for IELTS, and for TOEFL exam you need to practice at least for 2 to 3 months depending on your level of English skills.
• For TOEFL exam you need to utilize either US or British English not both, while IELTS can be a bit more lenient when it comes to the usage of these two versions of English.

Tools for Achieving High Scores:

TOEFL Exam Preparation Material

In today’s technologically advanced and globalized world, you can find plenty of TOEFL exam resources easily. Here we have gathered some important websites and channels that can help you prepare for this test.

• NOTEFULL a channel on YouTube is an excellent resource that can help you know the strategies for preparing for this test.
• TOEFLtv on YouTube
• Learn English with EMMA
• TOEFL Speaking Teacher
• 5. Learn English with ADAM
• 6. Magoosh Speaking App- for speaking practice
• 7. Barron’s free Sample Tests- for reading and listening practice
• 8. Cambridge preparation for TOEFL- this book is considered one of the best prep materials which also contains a CD that covers 7 practice tests.

Best IELTS Training Resources

There are many online and offline resources available for preparing for the IELTS exam:

• British Council IELTS Training Materials
• the official Cambridge guide to IELTS.
• Barron’s IELTS super pack
• Ace the IELTS by Simone Braverman
• The official IELTS website (www.ielts.org)
• YouTube Channels like IELTS Liz, IELTS up, and E2 IELTS can also be consulted for tips and tricks to score well.

Conclusion:

All in all, the decision to opt between TOEFL exam vs. IELTS solely depends on the country of study, your preference towards the test, and the ease level of the test. If you are planning to study in U. S. the TOEFL can be your best option while for students who want to study in the UK, Australia, or Europe the IELTS could be more beneficial.

Through our analysis of the different forms of the test, it is logical to conclude that adequate TOEFL exam and mastering of the test are essential to get the best results and access better opportunities in foreign countries.