IELTS vs TOEFL

In Malaysia, we are normally hear about the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL). When I was about to take my exams for English Language Proficiency in application for my scholarship. As an average English user, I am looking forward for the easier and most convenient exams for me. so i make a survey on both tests through online and by calling the examination center. 

WHAT IS IELTS?

The IELTS is an English language test that is used for educational, immigration and occupational purposes, and is accepted by over 9,000 institutions across 130 countries worldwide. Jointly administered by the British Council, University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations and IDP Education Australia, IELTS uses British English, and is more likely to be favoured by UK and institutions in Commonwealth nations such as New Zealand and Australia. Depending on the entry requirements of your study program, you might need to take either the Academic or General Training IELTS exam.

WHAT IS TOEFL?

The TOEFL test seeks to test your ability to communicate in English in specifically academic, university and classroom-based settings. It is accepted by over 8,500 institutions across 130 countries, including the UK (*not valid from 17 April 2014), USA and Australia, as well as all of the world’s top 100 universities. TOEFL is administered by US-based organisation the Education Testing Service, and so is conducted in American English. This test is more likely to be favored by American institutions.

Score Comparisons

IELTS Score	TOEFL Score
9	118-120
8.5	115-117
8	110-114
7.5	102-109
7	94-101
6.5	79-93
6	60-78
5.5	46-59
5	35-45
4.5	32-34
0-4	0-31

   

First I took the TOEFL exam on 23 August 2014. This is simply because when I went through some readings many writers suggest it is easier. Moreover it was convenient as the exam center is at The Boulevard, Mid Valley which is an area I am familiar with. Free flow drinks and biscuits are provided. The listening session giving you advantage because you can focus as it is using personal headphones. Writing and Speaking sessions quite ignoring because everybody is speaking next to you. While you already doing the writing test, some exam takers are still on their speaking test. The time of the exam is differ from each takers because it use the internet clock according to each sessions. 

However after taking the exam I decided to apply for UK's universities instead of US. So I have to take the IELTS exam in order to fill the UK requirement. I took the IELTS exam on 20 September September 2014 at KBU International College, Subang Jaya while my speaking test was scheduled on 19 September 2014 at IDP Centre Subang Jaya. The panel for speaking test was a Malaysian and she is warm and makes you feel comfortable to do the test. Oppositely, the paper based exam and the big hall make you feels like you are going to take the final exam at the school. 

After taking both exam, I find that IELTS is more easier and preferable for the exam takers especially on the reading test. IELTS using British English which is practiced in Malaysia's schools.  

Item	IELTS	TOEFL
Web	http://www.britishcouncil.org/ http://www.idp.com/malaysia/ielts http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/	http://www.ets.org/toefl/
Supervision	British Council Australia	ETS United Stated *not valid for UK visa requirement after April, 17th 20014
Fees	RM630.00	USD185.00 (score sheet not include)
Examination Centre	Kuala Lumpur Johor Bahru Subang Jaya Kuching Penang Ipoh Kota Kinabalu	Kuala Lumpur George Town Johor Bahru Kedah Penang Petaling Jaya Subang Jaya
Format	Continues for writing, reading and listening sessions. Speaking test conducted at different day and different test centre.	Have 10 minutes rest for each session. All sessions conducted on the same day.
Duration	Listening-30 minutes Reading-60 minutes Writing-60 minutes Speaking-11–14 minutes Total test time-2 hours and 45 minutes.	Listening-60-90 minutes Reading-60-80 minutes Writing-50 minutes Speaking-20 minutes Total test time estimated-4 hours and 30 minutes.
Writing	Paper based (writing)	Internet based (typing)
Listening	Recording plays in the examination hall	Personal headphones
Reading	Examination booklet	Computer reading
Speaking	Face to face examination	Personal microphones
Stationary	Provided	Provided
Results	10 days – online Score sheet can be collected or post by providing the self address envelop on the exam day to the centre.	10 days – online Score sheet only available if u choose to pay for it.