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If you’re planning to study, work, or immigrate abroad, you’ll likely need to prove your English proficiency. That usually comes down to two tests: the IELTS and the TOEFL.
But which one is right for you?
This in-depth guide compares both exams in terms of format, difficulty, scoring, availability, and acceptance—so you can confidently choose the best fit.
What Are IELTS and TOEFL?
Both tests measure your English skills in four areas:
- Reading
- Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
They are designed for non-native English speakers and accepted by thousands of universities and government agencies around the world. But their formats, scoring systems, and approaches are quite different.
IELTS vs TOEFL: Key Differences
| Feature | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Paper-based or computer-based | 100% computer-based |
| Accent Focus | British, Australian, Canadian, International | Primarily American |
| Speaking Test | Live with a human examiner | Recorded and scored digitally |
| Essay Style | Academic and semi-formal writing | Formal, academic writing only |
| Scoring Scale | Band scale 0–9 | Point scale 0–120 |
| Duration | 2 hours 45 minutes | Approx. 2 hours |
Format Breakdown: IELTS vs TOEFL Section by Section
Reading
- IELTS: 3 long passages with a variety of question types like matching, short answer, and sentence completion.
- TOEFL: 3–4 passages with multiple-choice questions focused on detail and inference.
Listening
- IELTS: Conversations and monologues from various accents. Includes short-answer and form-completion questions.
- TOEFL: Academic lectures and discussions with North American accents; all multiple-choice format.
Speaking
- IELTS: Face-to-face interview with an examiner in 3 parts (personal questions, cue card, and discussion).
- TOEFL: 4 recorded tasks responded to via microphone, scored by human raters and AI.
Writing
- IELTS: Two tasks — describe a graph/process (Task 1) and write an opinion essay (Task 2).
- TOEFL: Integrated writing (read + listen + write) and an independent opinion essay.
Get sample tasks and scoring feedback from Odurinde’s study materials to prepare effectively.
Scoring Comparison: IELTS Band vs TOEFL Points
| IELTS Band | TOEFL Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 9 | 118–120 |
| 8.5 | 115–117 |
| 8.0 | 110–114 |
| 7.5 | 102–109 |
| 7.0 | 94–101 |
| 6.5 | 79–93 |
| 6.0 | 60–78 |
| 5.5 | 46–59 |
| 5.0 | 35–45 |
Use Odurinde’s score comparison tool to translate between formats and understand institution requirements.
Acceptance: Where Are IELTS and TOEFL Accepted?
- IELTS: Preferred in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. Also accepted in the U.S. and Canada.
- TOEFL: Dominates in the U.S. and Canada. Also accepted in over 160 countries.
Always check with your target university or immigration body for the preferred test. Odurinde provides test registration assistance to help you make the right choice.
Which Test Is Easier?
That depends on your personal strengths:
Choose IELTS if:
- You prefer face-to-face speaking
- You’re more comfortable with British or mixed accents
- You like varied question types
Choose TOEFL if:
- You type faster than you write by hand
- You’re used to multiple-choice exams
- You’re comfortable listening to American English
Cost Comparison
| Item | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Fee | $215–$250 | $180–$240 |
| Rescheduling | Yes (varies by region) | $60 |
| Extra Score Reports | Often included | $20 per recipient |
| Review Services | Limited | Optional review (paid) |
How Odurinde Helps You Choose and Prepare
No matter which test you choose, Odurinde offers:
- Expert-led online courses
- Customized study plans based on TOEFL structure or IELTS format
- Real-time progress tracking with practice tests
- Access to study groups and tutor-led classes
Final Verdict: TOEFL or IELTS?
The best exam is the one that aligns with your strengths, destination, and preferred format. Whichever you choose, Odurinde gives you the roadmap to success.
Start your IELTS or TOEFL preparation today and get one step closer to your academic or immigration goals.
