IELTS or TOEFL: Which Suits You?

As someone who wants to go abroad, whether to continue one’s studies, work as a professional or a skilled worker, or simply to migrate and be with loved ones, you may be required to prove your ability to communicate in the language. In this case, hearsays and testimonials will probably not suffice and you will need to take an internationally-recognize exam to prove your language ability. This is the purpose of the International English Language Test System (IELTS) and the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) is for. Often, the institution requiring you to take an English proficiency test will specify which exam to sit. However, should you find yourself lucky enough to choose whether to take the IELTS or the TOEFL, here is a list of things to consider which one is more suitable for you.

1. Length of the examination. If you are the kind of person who wants things done fast, then you had better choose the IELTS. The examination is roughly three (3) hours long. This is for Listening, Reading, and Writing, with no breaks in between. You take the Speaking examination usually on another day. The TOEFL, on the other hand, is roughly four (4) hours with breaks in between every two components.

2. Mastery of understanding different English accents. The common problem test takers encounter in the IELTS is the use of different accents. For instance, Filipinos are used to the American accent, but find it difficult to understand English or Australians speaking. A variety of accents are utilized in the IELTS. The TOEFL, on the other hand, most often only use American accents.

3. Comfort level: use of technology versus old school methods. In the Philippines, the IELTS is a paper and pencil exam. This means you use traditional methods of taking the test. This may be a cause of concern, especially if you have illegible hand writing. In comparison, the TOEFL is taken with a computer. Tech savvy people will have no problem with this. It may even be an advantage, especially for those who do not have a very legible penmanship. However, for the technologically challenged, the TOEFL may present some problems.

4. Purpose. Although both the IELTS and the TOEFL are exams that can be taken by professionals and incoming students, only the IELTS is used for skilled workers and migrants. This is because the IELTS has a specific module to address the communication demands of these populations.

Hopefully, these points for consideration have helped you. Remember, though, that your success depends more on your determination to prepare well and not so much on the exam you take.

Good luck!