jobsense wrote:
Hi mvictor,
Should I retake TOEFL or go for 2nd option of IELTS ?? I need 7 band in each module of IELTS or 98 marks in TOEFL. What is your personal sincere suggestion in this regard ?
It should be your personal preference. Below points may help you decide between the two.
IELTS vs TOEFL: SimilaritiesBoth test the four main language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. They are both standardised tests which- in theory- means that the scores are consistent throughout the world.
TOEFL Cost = $170 and IELTS cost = $200
That is where the similarities end and there are many more differences. Below I will look at how each of the four skills are different.
Differences: SpeakingThis is probably the biggest difference between the two tests. In the IELTS test you will talk to a real person and in the TOEFL test you will speak to a computer!
Some people find talking to a computer very strange while others actually prefer it.
In the TOEFL test you will be asked 6 questions and it lasts around 20 minutes. You will be asked two questions on familiar topics, such as your home town or family. You will also be asked to summarise information from a text or conversation and to give your opinion. Finally, you will be asked to summarise information from a short conversation.
The IELTS speaking test consists of 3 sections and lasts around 15 minutes. This test is with a real person and feels more like a real conversation. The first part is on familiar topics such as your home, job or studies. You will then be given a topic and you will have one minute to prepare a monologue of between 1-2 minutes. Finally, you will be asked question linked to the topic you spoke about in part 2.
Some of my students have commented that they find the TOEFL test more of a challenge because it feels very unnatural talking to a computer. However, lots of other students (normally the shy ones) actually prefer talking to a computer and don’t like talking to a stranger.
Another point I should add is students have remarked that they can clarify information with examiners and ask them occasionally to repeat a question. This is obviously not available in the TOEFL test.
Accent: Choose IELTS if you are comfortable with British accent or TOEFL if you are more at ease with American accent.
Typing or Writing: If your typing speed is not good then don’t take TOEFL, as it requires you to type your essay answer. IELTS, on the other hand, allows you to write your essay answer.
Test duration: IELTS is a shorter exam than TOEFL requiring 2 hours 45 minutes. TOEFL takes about 4 hours to complete. So if you want to give a shorter exam, then go for IELTS.
Types of Questions: TOEFL contains only multiple choice questions, whereas IELTS has other formats of questions like fill in the gaps and matching along with multiple choice questions. You can choose the exam according to the question format you prefer.
So, now the ball is in your court. Take the best decision that suits you.
Thanks
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