This is probably the question youre most concerned with, but its pretty difficult tocompare the TOEFL and the IELTSdirectly. A better way to find the answer to this question is to ask yourself a few questions. Answer the following questions with a simple yes or no.

I am comfortable with computers. YES/NOI
am comfortable speaking extemporaneously into a microphone. YES/NO
I can type quickly. YES/NOI prefer standard American English. YES/NO
I am good at answering multiple-choice questions. YES/NO
It is easy for me to take notes from a recording. YES/NO
The authentic English sources I read/listen to/watch are usually intended to inform rather than entertain. YES/NO

If you answered YES to most of these questions, the TOEFL is probably the best fit for your skill set


I am comfortable having a detailed interview in-person. YES/NO
I have legible English handwriting. YES/NO
I can understand a variety of dialects of English. YES/NO
I prefer tests with many question types, including multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, matching, true/false, and flowcharts. YES/NO
I feel most comfortable discussing non-academic topics in English. YES/NO
The authentic English sources that I read/listen to/watch are usually made to entertain. YES/NO

If you answered YES to most of these questions, then you might find the IELTS to be more up your alley.

Both the TOEFL and the IELTS are rigorous, widely-accepted tests that are available at a variety of locations. When trying to decide between the TOEFL and the IELTS, first consult the programs you want to apply to and make sure that they accept both; after that, the most important factors are convenience and your particular skill set.

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Test of English as Foreign Language

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