Which one is better to take, TOEFL, or IELTS?

SAAD, I agree with Mojibul that IELTS tends to be easier. For instance, the IELTS test lasts for 2 hours and 45 minutes, while the TOEFL requires about 4 hours straight. With my background of being born in the UK and now living in Australia, I personally find IELTS to be the better choice.

However, if you’re planning to attend an American university, particularly prestigious ones like MIT, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, or Caltech, you will need to take the TOEFL, as these institutions do not accept IELTS scores. Many other American universities, on the other hand, do accept IELTS.

For non-native English speakers aiming for admission to universities in countries like the United States, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand, it’s essential to take either the TOEFL or IELTS. While IELTS is primarily British/Australian and TOEFL is American, both tests are recognized internationally. Students often wonder which exam is easier; ultimately, it depends on your individual strengths. Here are some key characteristics of both tests to consider when deciding:

TOEFL iBT

• In the speaking section, responses are recorded via a microphone and assessed by an examiner later.
• The writing section requires you to type your essay, so you should be comfortable with typing quickly.
• The exam mainly consists of multiple-choice questions, except in the writing section.
• It primarily uses American spelling.
• Proficiency in note-taking is crucial for the listening section, as you'll need to answer questions after listening to longer lectures or conversations.
• The total duration is approximately 4 hours.
• Scores range from 0 to 120.
• Results are typically available within 10 days.

IELTS

• The speaking section is conducted face-to-face with an examiner.
• IELTS accepts both Commonwealth and American spellings.
• It offers a wider variety of question types, including multiple choice, gap fill, and matching exercises.
• You can answer questions while listening during the exam.
• Scores are given on a scale of 0 to 9.
• Speaking tests may occur a few days before or after the written test date.
• The total duration is about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
• Results are usually available 13 calendar days after the test.

Which one is easier?

The answer varies based on your preferences and experiences. If you're more familiar with British English, IELTS might be the better option for you. Conversely, if you feel more comfortable speaking into a microphone rather than engaging in a face-to-face conversation, you may prefer TOEFL. Both tests are designed to assess your English proficiency accurately, so consider these factors when deciding which test suits you best.