IELTS and TOEFL: what are they

Winter is a hot season for universities.It is at this time that the period for submitting documents for study abroad opens.If the studies are in English, then when submitting documents you will need to confirm your knowledge of the language.This can be done in two ways - by proving that you have already obtained a degree in English before, or by presenting a certificate of proficiency in the language.

With the first method, everything is clear, let's deal with the second.There are two main language certificates for English, IELTS and TOEFL, and we will cover each of them.

IELTS

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an international English language assessment system for those who are not native speakers.Countries in which it is used: UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

It exists in two versions - Academic and General Training.Academic is for universities, and General Training is for work, internships, and immigration.The format is the same, but the topics of the reading and writing sections are different.

Frequency and location of the exam

WebsiteTake IELTS with British Councilsays that IELTS Academic is taken 48 times peryear, and IELTS General Training - 24 times.However, you should be careful - in the regions of Russia, for example, passing the examis not so often .

IELTS is conducted in specialized examination centers.Their full list by country is presented on the official website.

Sections of the exam

Listening (30 minutes), reading (60 minutes), writing (60 minutes) and speaking (average 15minutes)

Exam format

The writing part is taken in one day and takes 2 hours and 45 minutes.Exam breaksnot provided.You are not allowed to take anything for the exam except writing utensils and an identity card.

The oral part consists of three sections, is given in conversation with the examiner and is conducted separately, within a week before or after the written part.

Cost of the exam

The exact cost must be checked at the examination centers.For example, inMoscowas of November 2017, it is approximately $ 240 (14,000 rubles).

Exam Results

In IELTS, each section is evaluated on a nine-point scale.You also get the Overall Band Score for the test.It is impossible to fail the test, but the host university sets a passing score, and if you could not get it, then there will be problems with admission.

TOEFL

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an English language test for foreigners.It is required mainly for admission to universities in America and Canada.

Frequency and location of the exam

According tothe official website , TOEFL is held more than 50 times a year.However, in reality, the frequency depends on the examination center.The list of centers and dates can be foundhere .

Sections of the exam

Listening (60-90 minutes), reading (60-80 minutes), writing (50 minutes) and speaking(20 minutes)

Exam format

The entire exam is computerized.You will also be provided with drafts, but the final answer must be entered electronically.

The oral part is also taken using a computer - you will take it using headphones and a microphone.

Exam Fees

TOEFL fees vary by location.For example, in Russiapassing the exam at the moment (November 2017) costs $ 260.

Exam results

There is a minimum in TOEFL that you need to complete in order to pass the exam: you must answer at least one question in the reading section andlistening, write at least one essay and complete one oral assignment.

Each section is scored on a scale from 0 to 30, and the entire exam is scored from 0 to 120 points.The results are also accompanied by an assessment of your performance on the exam.

There are many differences between IELTS and TOEFL: format, duration, assessment of results.To understand which exam is right for you, check the list of documents for admission.Universities are specifying which exam they need.

If, after all, the choice is yours, then you can rely on your own preferences in format and eyewitness testimony.

Valeria Kaptseva: IELTS 2014, TOEFL 2017

"I didn't like TOEFL at all, because everything goes through a computer.part - it's still unusual to talk with the machine, and even in the hum from the rest of the examiners. In addition, there was very little time for preparation, 10 seconds. And in general it was difficult to pass all 4 sections of the exam in one day. In IELTS I likedthe fact that the oral part was taken out on a separate day. You could focus on it first.

In IELTS, different sections were devoted to different topics, and in TOEFL I had only one topic - agriculture.That is, if I didn’t know the vocabulary on this topic, I would have had a hard time.

But I will be honest - in terms of issuing results, TOEFL is well organized. Practically in 2 weeks there are already resultsand you print the certificates yourself and send them to the university. * "

* From the Editor: the system for granting the certificate depends on the university.Some of them accept a copy at the initial stages of submission of documents, but ultimately providing the university of interest to you access to the results directly from the examination center is mandatory.