TOEFL or IELTS: WHICH ONE TO TAKE?

          As most Filipinos who want to study or work abroad know, one of the requirements for their university or job applications is a certificate on English language proficiency. Two of the most popular standardized English exams are the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), originally developed in Stanford University in the US; and the International English Language Test System (IELTS), administered by the Cambridge English Language Assessment, IDP Education, and the British Council.

          So which English language test is easier?

          It depends, because the definition of easy (or hard) is different for each one of us. But for those who want to know which exam offers better chances of getting high scores, the bad news is that both have relatively degrees of complexity. While TOEFL and IELTS have differences in their exam formats and questions, they essentially cover four sections that test one’s Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing skills. Each of these sections have relatively similar level of difficulty.  

          So if both TOEFL and IELTS are challenging, then what is their difference?  

I have taken both of these English exams for my university applications and each test gave me a unique experience. Though TOEFL and IELTS similarly aim to test one’s English fluency and have the same challenging sections to measure one’s language skills, there are differences that need to be considered when deciding which one to take. 

Taken from: www.ets.org 

This exam is Academic in nature and is mainly geared towards people who are planning to pursue studies abroad. Initially, TOEFL offers paper-based test (without the speaking section), but it is already phased out in the Philippines. It presently offers the Internet-based test (iBT), so there is no more chance of escaping speaking in English!  The iBT format requires test takers to go to the various TOEFL testing centers and will be assigned a computer terminal. The computers are connected to the TOEFL’s worldwide testing system via the internet.

Test takers will take the four sections of the exam using the computers. TOEFL has a multiple choice answer format for the Listening and Reading sections with the same level of difficulty for each questions. The Listening part in TOEFL uses narrators with a North American accent (American and Canadian speakers). For the Speaking section, test takers will use their headsets, and their voices will be digitally recorded. For the writing part, they will have to type their essays in the computer. This exam takes about four hours to complete.

Taken from: http://liverpoolenglishcentre.co.uk

        

        This exam offers two types—Academic and General Training (for those applying for work or immigration abroad). The IELTS Academic exam measures one’s scholarly comprehension, while the General Training assesses functional English skills.  The Listening and Speaking sections are the same for both exams while the Reading and Writing sections are different. 

          IELTS test takers have to go to hotels or convention centers to take the exam, using pen and test papers for the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections. The Listening and Reading parts begin with uncomplicated questions first then gradually increases in difficulty towards the end. The test format has questions that requires True or False answers and one or two-word answers. The Listening section has speakers who carries English accents from Commonwealth countries (British, Australian, etc.) This takes about 3 hours to complete. The Speaking part is done in an interview format held separately at another time and in a different venue. The actual Speaking test takes about 15 minutes to complete with an approximately 20 minutes waiting time before it starts.

          So given their differences, which exam is better to take?

There are varied factors to take into account, but for me, it all depends on the test taker’s comfort and convenience.

          Comfort: What is your exam style?

Since TOEFL and IELTS have different test formats, your choice will depend on which exam setup you are more comfortable with. If you are more at ease reading texts and typing in the computer, then TOEFL is suitable for you. If you are more relaxed with the traditional exam format of using paper and pen and writing your answers manually, then IELTS fits you perfectly. You should also consider the different test formats of the Speaking section in both exams. TOEFL lets you record your speech in the computer, while IELTS has an interviewee who will personally ask you questions. The choice of the exam will depend on which overall test format you are more comfortable with.

          Convenience: What is more convenient for you?

If you are in a hurry to take an English exam, TOEFL has more exam schedules held in more testing centers in several cities around the Philippines. For Metro Manila residents, you can even choose which test site is closer to you--- Makati, Pasig, or Quezon City. It costs USD 195, approximately PHP 8,515 (for the USD 1= PHP 43.7 exchange rate as of 25 May 2014). This testing fee includes a free delivery of your printed test results sent directly to your mailing address.   

          If you are not planning to study abroad, IELTS offers General Training exam for prospective overseas workers or immigrants, which is less complicated than the Academic exam. It has three test schedules for each month held in key areas in the Philippines, but the Manila test site is usually conducted in Makati city. IELTS maintains a regular fee of PHP 8,900 for a longer period. This rate however does not include a free delivery of test scores to your mailing address if you are a Metro Manila resident. You will have to get it in the IDP office in Makati. But if you live outside the metropolis, your test score will be delivered to you.

          So what to do after deciding which exam to take?  

         

          After considering the pros and cons of each exam, you may plan to schedule an exam date. Remember that the test scores for both TOEFL and IELTS are valid for two years so choose your exam date wisely if you are planning to use it for more than one application. Also bear in mind that, whichever exam you choose, you MUST PREPARE YOURSELF for it. Both TOEFL and IELTS provide sample tests for you to have an idea of their exam questions and test format. Practice test is really important, no matter how confident you are of your English skills. It is better to practice for these exams to get a high score in one shot than to take them for granted and spend money again for retakes.    

          With the growing number of Filipinos planning to work or study abroad, gaining English fluency is vital to achieve that dream. It is no small wonder then that more Filipinos take the TOEFL and IELTS exams and hopefully, receive high marks in one take.

I am not aware of the general scores of Filipinos taking TOEFL or IELTS but my fear is that our English proficiency is declining. Hopefully, my fears are unfounded because our fluency in English is one of those advantages that makes us competitive around the world. After all, we Filipinos pride ourselves with our English skills and it is important that we maintain our language competency.