For an MS in the US, which is better: IELTS or TOEFL?

According to numerous studies and researches, it has been stated that the TOEFL exam is more preferred in the US and IELTS overseas. For a non-native English speaker, taking an English proficiency test like TOEFL or IELTS is mandatory. Now the question is if you are someone planning to pursue MS in the US, should you take TOEFL or IELTS. It should be noted that both the exams are fairly acceptable in all the universities around the world. But a slight difference is present in the preference that makes TOEFL preferable in the US and IELTS in the UK, and other nations.

Both IELTS and TOEFL exams are accepted by over 9,000 academic institutions. This makes it clear that both the exams are equally acceptable. But still, American universities prefer the TOEFL scores over the IELTS. Though IELTS score will also be accepted. Many surveys have stated about American universities showing their preference over the TOEFL scores.

Taking into account the syllabus of TOEFL and IELTS, it should be noted that the TOEFL exam pattern is more focused on the academic setting whereas IELTS is more focused on the real-time setting.

IELTS vs. TOEFL - Things to Consider

Both the IELTS and TOEFL exams have certain differences that candidates need to consider before opting for any one of them.

• The IELTS speaking section has a face-to-face method of communication. It has three parts where the questions range from easy to difficult. Whereas in the TOEFL section, the candidates are required to speak into a microphone where the answers are recorded. These recorded answers are later sent to different reviewers who evaluate the answers. The IELTS speaking responses, on the other hand, are examined by a single examiner. Another important thing, the IELTS speaking test is conducted on a different day than the listening, reading, and writing tests. Whereas, the TOEFL speaking test is conducted on the same day.

Note: The IELTS exam features distinctive accents of speakers. Whereas, the TOEFL speaking only features American accents.

• The writing sections of both exams are quite different in structure. Whereas IELTS focuses more on the pragmatic aspects of writing, therefore, it includes graphs, bars, diagrams, and interpreting them to write an essay. Whereas the TOEFL writing includes a mix of independent and integrated writing. While the independent writing type is a general essay writing task. Integrated writing requires candidates to listen to a lecture, read a passage, and then write an essay.
• There is not much difference between the TOEFL reading and IELTS reading sections. The structure is the same.
• The listening tests of these two exams are quite contrasting. While the TOEFL listening test requires you to listen from a wide range of excerpts like university, lectures, and more. Candidates will also be required to take down notes while listening to the recording, and later on, answer to MCQs. The IELTS listening test offers different types of questions while listening to the recording. They will be required to listen to exercises of different lengths.

If your selected university or colleges have not mentioned any particular English test candidates should consider the above-mentioned details to select between TOEFL and IELTS. Consider which exam is more suitable for you in terms of their syllabus and scoring. Talking about scoring, the IELTS is marked based on cohesion, fluency, grammar, and logic. Whereas, the TOEFL score is marked by vocabulary, tone and style of writing, and definitely grammar.

A significant trait to notice is if an essay has a compelling structure but is slightly grammatically off will score normally in TOEFL. But quite the contrary will happen in IELTS. IELTS will support more of a grammatically and lexically correct essay despite having a slightly dull expression.

To conclude it can be stated that IELTS is definitely more of a British exam, whereas TOEFL is more of an American exam. For MS in the US, candidates can go for the TOEFL exam if they haven’t decided. But if they find the IELTS exam pattern more feasible for them, they can positively opt for that. It should always be focused on that both the exams are equally renowned English proficiency test exams.