TOEFL iBT vs IELTS Academic Comparison | Generated by AI
Question: Compare the TOEFL exam format to the IELTS exam format
Answer:
Here is a detailed comparison between the TOEFL iBT (current format as of January 2026) and IELTS Academic (format remains consistent in 2026). Both tests assess the four core English skills: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing, but they differ significantly in structure, delivery, question types, timing, and experience.
Key Overview Comparison
- TOEFL iBT (post-January 21, 2026 update):
- Fully computer-based (test center or Home Edition).
- Total time: ~67–85 minutes (shorter and more efficient).
- Adaptive in Reading and Listening (difficulty adjusts based on performance).
- Modern mix of academic + real-life campus topics.
- Scoring: Traditional 0–120 + new 1–6 band scale per section (CEFR-aligned); results in ~72 hours.
- Primarily multiple-choice in Reading/Listening; constructed responses in Speaking/Writing.
- IELTS Academic:
- Available in paper-based, computer-based, or online formats.
- Total time: 2 hours 45 minutes (Listening + Reading + Writing on the same day; Speaking separate, often another day).
- Non-adaptive (fixed difficulty).
- Mix of academic texts (Reading) and tasks; British/Australian English focus.
- Scoring: 0–9 band scale (whole and half bands) per section + overall band.
- Variety of question types (not just multiple-choice); face-to-face Speaking interview.
Section-by-Section Comparison
Reading
- TOEFL iBT: ~35 minutes, ~20 questions (adaptive multistage; shorter passages with modern/real-life content). Mostly multiple-choice (single or multiple correct answers), some drag-and-drop or summary tasks.
- IELTS Academic: 60 minutes, 3 passages (total ~2,150–2,750 words), 40 questions. Variety of question types: multiple-choice, matching headings/info, true/false/not given, sentence completion, short answer, diagram labeling. Fixed difficulty.
Listening
- TOEFL iBT: ~36 minutes, ~28 questions (adaptive; lectures + conversations/campus situations). Primarily multiple-choice, some interactive formats (e.g., chart completion).
- IELTS Academic: 30 minutes (+10 minutes transfer time for paper), 4 recordings (conversations + monologues), 40 questions. Question types: multiple-choice, matching, map/plan/diagram labeling, form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion. Fixed.
Speaking
- TOEFL iBT: 16 minutes, 4 tasks (recorded responses to computer prompts; includes familiar topics, integrated read/listen/speak tasks, academic discussion).
- Computer-recorded; scored by AI + human raters.
- No human interaction during test.
- IELTS Academic: 11–14 minutes, 3 parts (face-to-face interview with examiner: introduction, long turn on cue card topic, two-way discussion).
- Human examiner; more conversational and personalized.
- Often scheduled on a different day.
Writing
- TOEFL iBT: ~29 minutes, 2 tasks (e.g., “Writing for an academic discussion” like forum response; possibly short integrated or opinion tasks). Typed; no long independent essay in new format.
- Scored by AI + human raters.
- IELTS Academic: 60 minutes, 2 tasks:
- Task 1 (~150 words): Describe visual information (graph/chart/table/process/map).
- Task 2 (~250 words): Essay responding to argument/point of view/problem.
- Typed (computer) or handwritten (paper); human-scored.
Other Key Differences
- Delivery & Flexibility — TOEFL: All-in-one session, fully digital. IELTS: Speaking often separate; paper option available.
- Question Style — TOEFL relies more on multiple-choice in receptive skills. IELTS uses diverse formats (e.g., short answers, labeling).
- Accent & English Variety — TOEFL: Primarily American English. IELTS: Mix of British, Australian, etc.
- Purpose & Acceptance — Both widely accepted for university admissions; IELTS often preferred/required for immigration in UK, Australia, Canada.
Which to choose?
TOEFL suits those comfortable with computers, adaptive testing, and American English/academic focus. IELTS suits those preferring human interaction in Speaking, varied question types, or needing paper-based options/immigration purposes.
For the latest official details, always check the ETS (TOEFL) and British Council/IDP/IELTS.org websites, as minor refinements can occur.
References:
- ETS TOEFL iBT Content Overview
- ETS Upcoming Updates January 2026
- IELTS Test Format Explained
- TOEFL vs IELTS Comparison Articles
- IELTS Academic Format