There are so many international English proficiency tests. Which one is the best to study for? Should you take the IELTS, TOEFL, or TOEIC? What is the difference between these major English language tests?
The TOEFL has a reading, listening, speaking, and writing portion, but unlike the IELTS, the TOEFL is administered by computer. Rather than meeting directly with an examiner for the speaking portion, students will record their speaking test by computer. Some students feel less pressure, since they don't have to meet the examiner face-to-face, but others feel a bit uncomfortable presenting their response to the computer.
TOEFL scores are generally accepted worldwide.
There are two TOEIC exams: Listening / Reading and Speaking / Writing. The exams are scored independently, but scores are combined.
The TOEIC, which is based in American English, is sometimes seen as easier than the IELTS or TOEFL, but isn't usually requested by academic institutions around the world. The exam focuses on business English and testing communication skills in a professional setting.
In general, I tend to prefer the IELTS exam. I feel that it is the most comprehensive and my students who work on preparing for this test see massive overall improvements in their English levels. This is just my personal preference, though! In fact, even if you don't plan on taking the IELTS or another exam, you can receive lots of language proficiency benefits just by preparing for the exam.
What are the most international English tests?
IELTS - the International English Language Testing System
The IELTS is generally accepted at the standard in international English language exams. This exam is administered by the British Council, and tends to focus on British English. The IELTS scores are accepted in the UK, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries, but are also accepted at many places in the United States.
There are two different versions of the IELTS exam - Academic and General. The general exam is a bit easier and less intensive, but to be honest, I don't really see too much of a reason why you shouldn't take the academic test.
The IELTS has four parts: reading and listening (objective) and speaking and writing (subjective). The speaking portion is done in-person with a native speaking examiner.
There are two different versions of the IELTS exam - Academic and General. The general exam is a bit easier and less intensive, but to be honest, I don't really see too much of a reason why you shouldn't take the academic test.
The IELTS has four parts: reading and listening (objective) and speaking and writing (subjective). The speaking portion is done in-person with a native speaking examiner.
TOEFL - the Test of English as a Foreign Language
Like the IELTS, the TOEFL is one of the world's most popular and widely-accepted English language tests. It's different from the IELTS in several ways, however.The TOEFL has a reading, listening, speaking, and writing portion, but unlike the IELTS, the TOEFL is administered by computer. Rather than meeting directly with an examiner for the speaking portion, students will record their speaking test by computer. Some students feel less pressure, since they don't have to meet the examiner face-to-face, but others feel a bit uncomfortable presenting their response to the computer.
TOEFL scores are generally accepted worldwide.
TOEIC - the Test of English for International Communication
While the IELTS and TOEFL are mainly focused on assessing academic English, the TOEIC is geared towards professional English. That is, the TOEIC is designed to test one's use of English in daily life and the workplace.There are two TOEIC exams: Listening / Reading and Speaking / Writing. The exams are scored independently, but scores are combined.
The TOEIC, which is based in American English, is sometimes seen as easier than the IELTS or TOEFL, but isn't usually requested by academic institutions around the world. The exam focuses on business English and testing communication skills in a professional setting.
So, which English test should I take?
The answer really depends on what your goal is. Every university will have information for international students about their English language exam requirements. Some universities will accept scores from any of the major accredited exams, others will prefer a specific exam. Be sure to know exactly what your goal is (and what your goal score is). Having clearly-defined goals can make it much easier to build an effective exam preparation and study plan.In general, I tend to prefer the IELTS exam. I feel that it is the most comprehensive and my students who work on preparing for this test see massive overall improvements in their English levels. This is just my personal preference, though! In fact, even if you don't plan on taking the IELTS or another exam, you can receive lots of language proficiency benefits just by preparing for the exam.
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