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TOEFL or IELTS?
TOEFL or IELTS?
The TOEFL and the IELTS are English language assessments that are often required for admission by English-speaking universities and programs around the world.
The TOEFL and the IELTS are English language assessments that are often required for admission by English-speaking universities and programs around the world.
Coffee Time tutors at Universidad de los Andes can help you study for these tests by working with you on practice tests and exercises. It is your responsibility to develop goals and a study plan; tutors can suggest materials and work with you to improve your skills!
Coffee Time tutors at Universidad de los Andes can help you study for these tests by working with you on practice tests and exercises. It is your responsibility to develop goals and a study plan; tutors can suggest materials and work with you to improve your skills!
TOEFL
(Test of English as a Foreign Language)
TOEFL
(Test of English as a Foreign Language)
The TOEFL is a North American exam developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) based in the United States. Some universities in the US prefer the TOEFL, but most accept both tests.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
The IELTS is a British exam developed by the University of Cambridge. Some UK and Australian universities prefer the IELTS, but most accept both tests.
TIP: Research the admissions process for the programs you are interested in to see if they prefer one test, or will accept both.
North American or British English?
North American or British English?
Neither the TOEFL nor the IELTS focus on just one English variation; the exams both feature texts and audios with Australian, North American, British and other samples of English. There is no need for the takers to speak with a certain accent on these exams.
Neither the TOEFL nor the IELTS focus on just one English variation; the exams both feature texts and audios with Australian, North American, British and other samples of English. There is no need for the takers to speak with a certain accent on these exams.
Similarly, you can use North American or British spelling and style on either exam, as long as you are consistent about which variation you are using.
Similarly, you can use North American or British spelling and style on either exam, as long as you are consistent about which variation you are using.
How are they used?
How are they used?
They can be presented as certificates of fluency of language when applying to visas, work and academic institutions, and usually there isn’t a specific preference for a certain exam.
They can be presented as certificates of fluency of language when applying to visas, work and academic institutions, and usually there isn’t a specific preference for a certain exam.
Important: The results of both exams are only “officially” valid for 2 years after taking the test. You may retake the exam as many times as you wish, but you will have to pay the fee each time.
Important: The results of both exams are only “officially” valid for 2 years after taking the test. You may retake the exam as many times as you wish, but you will have to pay the fee each time.
Want to learn more about the differences between the exams?
Want to learn more about the differences between the exams?
There are some differences in the format of the exams. TOEFL is usually taken fully on the computer (iBT: Internet based test), while IELTS is usually a paper-based test with an in-person speaking section. Learn more about differences in the structure of the exams here.
There are some differences in the format of the exams. TOEFL is usually taken fully on the computer (iBT: Internet based test), while IELTS is usually a paper-based test with an in-person speaking section. Learn more about differences in the structure of the exams here.
TOEFL v. IELTS: More considerations when deciding whether to take TOEFL or IELTS
What is your target score?
What is your target score?
The IELTS is graded on a band scale from 0-9; a score of 6.5 is the average score required for admissions.
The IELTS is graded on a band scale from 0-9; a score of 6.5 is the average score required for admissions.
The TOEFL is graded based on the total points of four sections, each from 0-30, for a maximum score of 120. The average score required by universities is 82 on the TOEFL.
The TOEFL is graded based on the total points of four sections, each from 0-30, for a maximum score of 120. The average score required by universities is 82 on the TOEFL.
Consult the requirements for the programs or opportunities to which you are applying. Here is a list of well-known programs and their TOEFL requirements: TOEFL Scores - What score do you need?
Consult the requirements for the programs or opportunities to which you are applying. Here is a list of well-known programs and their TOEFL requirements: TOEFL Scores - What score do you need?
How should you study?
How should you study?
The most important factor is to be familiar with the structure of the exams. Then, set your own goals for studying for the various sections. Ask yourself:
The most important factor is to be familiar with the structure of the exams. Then, set your own goals for studying for the various sections. Ask yourself:
- Which skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) are you better at?
- Which ones need more practice?
- Do you need a plan for increasing your vocabulary?
Acquiring the skills and vocabulary for the exam is a long-term process that your university English classes will help you with. It’s recommended to start studying for the test and learning about how it is organized at least six months before the exam.
Acquiring the skills and vocabulary for the exam is a long-term process that your university English classes will help you with. It’s recommended to start studying for the test and learning about how it is organized at least six months before the exam.
Coffee Time tutors can help you by:
Coffee Time tutors can help you by:
1. Talking about your goals and discussing a schedule for learning about the test and studying.
1. Talking about your goals and discussing a schedule for learning about the test and studying.
2. Suggesting materials from this guide.
2. Suggesting materials from this guide.
3. Working with you on practice tests.
3. Working with you on practice tests.
4. Practicing using new vocabulary through conversation.
4. Practicing using new vocabulary through conversation.
Here are links to preparation materials and tips for:
Uniandes Coffee Time offers workshops to help with test-taking skills. Follow us on FB and instagram: @coffeetimeuniandes to hear about workshops and events!
Guide written by Andrea Pineda - Site design by Paula Barriga for Uniandes Coffee Time
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