Choosing between TOEFL and IELTS feels like a massive life decision. I remember sitting at my kitchen table with ten tabs open. My head was spinning. Is one actually “easier” than the other? Let’s dive into the real truth about these exams.
The Big Difference in Speaking Styles
The TOEFL speaking section is purely digital. You talk to a computer in a room full of other people. It feels a bit like leaving a long voicemail. IELTS is different. You sit across from a real human being. It feels like a standard job interview.
- TOEFL: Speak into a microphone.
- IELTS: Chat with a certified examiner.
- TOEFL: Strict timers on the screen.
- IELTS: Natural flow and follow-up questions.
Reading Sections and Your Focus Level
TOEFL reading uses academic passages. These come straight from university textbooks. The questions are all multiple choice. It tests how well you handle dense, boring data. It is very predictable but can get tiring. You need a high level of focus to succeed here.
- Passage Type: Scientific journals vs. general news.
- Question Style: Selecting A, B, C vs. filling gaps.
- Vocabulary: Heavy academic terms vs. everyday context.
- Speed: Reading fast is vital for both tests.
Writing Tasks: Typing vs. Handwriting
Most people type faster than they write by hand. TOEFL is entirely computer-based. If you have messy handwriting, the TOEFL is your best friend. The keyboard keeps everything clean. You just need to watch the timer on the screen. It tracks your word count automatically.
IELTS offers a paper option. Some people think better with a pen. I personally get hand cramps after ten minutes. The paper test requires you to count your own words. That wastes valuable time. If you choose IELTS, I highly suggest the computer-delivered version. It levels the field.
Comparing the Scoring Systems
| Feature | TOEFL | IELTS |
| Total Score | 0 to 120 | 0 to 9.0 |
| Section Scores | 0 to 30 each | 0 to 9.0 each |
| Test Length | About 2 hours | About 2 hours 45 mins |
| Accent Type | Mostly American | International Mix |
Why the Listening Section Matters
TOEFL listening involves long lectures. You take notes while people talk. You do not see the questions until the audio ends. This requires a very strong memory. If you lose track for a second, you might miss a whole section. It is a true test of stamina.
IELTS listening allows you to see the questions first. You “fill in the blanks” as you hear the answers. I liked this much more. It felt like a scavenger hunt. You just have to listen for specific words. Just be careful with plural words. Adding an “s” matters.
Key Points for Your Decision
- Keyboard Skills: Choose TOEFL if you type 40+ words per minute.
- Human Interaction: Choose IELTS if you speak better in conversations.
- Multiple Choice: TOEFL loves these; IELTS wants you to write words.
- Note-taking: TOEFL requires expert-level note-taking during long lectures.
- Multitasking: IELTS requires listening and reading at the same time.
Understanding the Difficulty Levels
People often ask me which is easier: TOEFL or IELTS. Honestly, neither is “easy.” They just test your brain in different ways. TOEFL feels more like a university lecture hall. IELTS feels more like a day in a new city. Both require weeks of solid practice.
I spent three weeks practicing IELTS. I realized my spelling was actually quite poor. If I had taken the TOEFL, my spelling might not have mattered as much. Think about your weaknesses. Are you a bad speller? Go with TOEFL. Do you hate robots? Go with IELTS.
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Final Thoughts
Deciding which is easier: TOEFL or IELTS depends on your personal style. I prefer the IELTS because the human connection keeps me calm. Others love the privacy of the TOEFL. Check which test your dream university accepts before you pay any money.
Pick the exam that matches your strengths. Do not listen to rumors about one being a “shortcut.” Both require hard work. Once you book your date, stick to one path. Changing your mind halfway through study is a recipe for total stress.
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FAQ
1. How long do the results stay valid?
Honestly, they go out of date pretty fast, usually after exactly two years.
2. Can I take the test from my house?
Yeah, both now have “at home” versions where a proctor watches you through a webcam, which is kinda awkward but comfy.
3. Which test is cheaper to book?
It really depends on where you live, but mostly, they cost pretty much the same amount of money.4. Is
4. American English required for TOEFL?
Not really, you can use British or Aussie English too, just try to stay consistent so you don’t confuse the markers.
5. How many times can I retake the exam?
You can honestly take it as many times as you want, as long as you’re okay with paying the fee every single time.
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