TOEFL vs. IELTS vs. TOEIC
Bruce Rogers
Heinle Cengage
VUS Conference
23 July 2011
Overview
• General Information
• Test Design
• Score Comparisons
• Discussion
General Information 1
TOEFL
IELTS
Test of English as a Foreign Language
International English Language Testing
System
Since 1965; current format (iBT) 2005
Since 1989; current format 1995
Educational Testing Service (ETS) in
Princeton, New Jersey, USA
British Council, IELTS Australia, and
University of Cambridge ESOL
Examinations
Over 1 million test administration per year Over 1.4 million test administrations per
year; fastest growing ELT test
4,500 test centers in 165 countries
(HCMC, Da Nang, Hanoi)
500 test centers in 120 countries
(HCMC, Da Nang, Hanoi)
2 formats: iBT and PBT
Institutional TOEFL
TOEFL Junior
2 versions: Academic (75%) and General
Training (25%)
General Information 1
TOEIC
Test of English for International
Communication
Since 1979; current format since 2006
Educational Testing Service (ETS) in
Princeton, New Jersey, USA
Over 4.5 million test administrations
every year (greatest numbers of any ELT
test)
Given at over 10,000 organizations in 120
countries through local reps; in some
countries, possible to take open
administration of TOEIC several times a
year (reps in HCMC, Da Nang, Hanoi)
Listening-Reading (L/R) Test (Basic TOEIC)
Speaking-Writing (S/W) Test
TOEIC Bridge
General Information 2
TOEFL
IELTS
Primary purpose: To measure the Englishlanguage proficiency of applicants for
universities
Primary purpose: (Academic) To measure the
English-language proficiency of applicants for
universities
(General Training) To measure the Englishlanguage proficiency of those planning to
undertake non-academic training or to
gain work experience, or for immigration
purposes
End users: Admission departments of academic End users: (Academic) Admission departments
institutions, especially in North America but
of universities, especially in Commonwealth
also in Europe, Australia, NZ etc.
Countries but more and more in the U.S.
(General Training) Emigration officials; training
executives; corporate human resource
managers
Accepted by 8,000 universities
Academic test accepted by 6,000 organizations;
General Training required for emigration to
Canada, Australia, and New Zealand
General Information 2
TOEIC
Primary purpose: To measure the Englishlanguage proficiency of employees,
trainees, or prospective employees of
international organizations. Used for
recruiting, hiring, placement, and
promotion.
End users: Personnel directors, training
managers, human resource managers, ELT
administrators of International
corporations and organizations (trading
companies, banks, airlines, hotel chains,
etc.)
Over 10,000 organizations use for
decisions about employees; individual
test-takers often use on resumes.
General Information 3
TOEFL
iBT: Reading/Listening/Speaking/Writing
Includes “integrated” speaking and writing
items that combine listening/reading/speaking
and listening/reading/writing
IELTS
Listening/Reading/Writing/Speaking (Speaking
may be given on the following day)
No integrated (multi-skill) items.
PBT: Listening/Structure/Reading
iBT 4.5 hours, PBT: 2.5 PBT
3 hours
Delivery: iBT: Internet computer (Speaking
items are recorded on computer; writing items
must be word processed)
PBT: Paper and pencil
Delivery: Generally paper and pencil; computer
version is being phased in. Speaking is face-toface with an examiner; writing is done on paper
Language: 100% academic or campus based
Language: (A. Academic) Academic and campus
based and “general” English
(B. General Training): Business/work-place
related and “general” English
North American speakers in Listening section
In Listening, a variety of accents are heard: UK,
US, Australian, etc..
General Information 3
TOEIC
Listening/Reading
(Reading includes grammar and
vocabulary/usage items)
Speaking/Writing (given separately)
Listening/Reading 2 ½ hours
Speaking/Writing 1 hour 20 minutes
Delivery: Listening/Reading paper and
pencil
Speaking/Writing Internet computer
Language: Everyday English used in
business and in the workplace
In Listening, a variety of accents will be
heard: US, Canada, UK, Australia
General Information 4
TOEFL
IELTS
Contexts: Reading University textbooks
Listening: University lectures/seminars;
professor/student conversations, etc.
Contexts: Academic Reading Textbooks,
journals, and university information
General Training Reading: Everyday English;
newspaper articles, advertisements, letters,
schedules, etc.
Listening: Both school-related and social talks
and conversations
Item Types: PBT All multiple choice with four
answer-options;
iBT: Listening and Reading mostly multiple
choice, some computer unique items
(complete the chart, for example)
Integrated and independent writing and
speaking items
Item Types: Wide variety of item types
• Multiple choice
• True/False/Not Given
• Complete the chart
• Matching
• Sentence completion
• Short answer (1-3 words)
Etc.
General Information 4
TOEIC
Contexts: Everyday English as used in
workplace and business as well as general
situations
Listening: Announcements, recorded
messages, news stories, advertisements,
etc.
Reading: Email, memos, advertisements,
schedules, letters, notices, articles
Item Types: TOEIC Listening-Reading: All
multiple choice with 4 answer options
(Listening Part 2 has 3 options)
TOEIC Speaking-Writing has a variety of
tasks
General Information
TOEFL
IELTS
Scores: iBT: 0-30 per section; 0-120
overall
Scores: 1 (non-user) – 9 (expert user)
Available 15 days after test, online and in
mail
Available 13 days after test, available for
pick up and in mail
Cost: Varies by country; on average, the
PBT is about $165, the iBT US$175.00
Cost: Varies from center to center;
generally about $US160.00 - $185.00
Prep material: Many prep guides and
websites, but be careful: not all TOEFL
materials are created equal!
Prep material: Many prep guides and
websites, but not as many as TOEFL or
TOEIC
General Information 4
TOEIC
Scores: Listening-Reading Each section 5495; total 10-990.
Availability of Scores Varies; tests are
scored by ETS and then sent to employee
and schools. Usually about 2 weeks.
Speaking-Writing results: about 3 weeks.
Cost: Costs vary but both forms of the
TOEIC generally cost about $US60 (A
bargain!)
Prep material: Lots and lots of materials
available … some of it very bad!
TEST DESIGN: Different Formats
TOEFL
– iBT (Internet-based TOEFL)
– PBT (Paper-based TOEFL)
IELTS
– Academic
– General Training
TOEIC
– Listening-Reading
– Speaking-Writing
TOEFL PBT
Listening
Structure
Reading
Writing
TOEFL iBT
Reading
Listening
Speaking
Writing
IELTS Academic and General Training
Tests
Listening
Academic
Reading
GT
Reading
Academic
Writing
GT
Writing
Speaking
TOEIC
TOEIC L/R
TOEIC S/W
Listening
Speaking
Reading
Writing
Listening Sections
TOEFL
iBT
IELTS
6-9
listenings
4 listenings
34-51
questions
40 questions
60-90
minutes
total
40 minutes
total
Listening Sections
TOEIC
L/R
60
sentences/
longer talks
100
questions
45-60
minutes
total
Listening TOEFL iBT
• Note-taking not only allowed but now encouraged (This is
NOT true on the PBT)
• TOEFL Listening is unique in its use of “authentic” English …
Um’s and ah’s … hesitations … repetitions … digressions …
polite interruptions
• North American accents
• 20 minutes to answer questions (not including listening time)
• Total time for Listening section about 50 minutes
Listening TOEFL iBT
• 2 longer conversations (campus-based) – 2
people 1 set in professor’s office, 1 set in
other campus location (library, recreation
center, housing office, etc.)
• 400-600 words 12- 15 exchanges
3-5 minutes
• Photos of participants appear
on screen
Listening TOEFL iBT
• 4 academic lectures/discussions (classes/
seminars)
500-800 words 4-6 minutes
North American accents
Photos of professor, students
“Blackboard” screens provide additional
information, unfamiliar terms, graphs, etc.
Listening TOEFL iBT
• 5 questions after each conversation
• 6 questions after each lecture; mostly multiple
choice
• Some question have 2 or 3 correct answers
(If 3, 5 options)
• Main idea, factual, negative, inference,
purpose, attitude
Listening TOEFL iBT
• Replay question: First hear a short excerpt
from the lecture or conversation, then a
question: e.g., “What does the student mean
when she says “______________.”
Listening TOEFL iBT
Complete the Chart Items
In this lecture, the professor describes the process of the case
study method. Indicate whether each of the following is a step in
the process. Put a check mark ( ) in the proper box for each
phrase.
Yes
Analyze the business situation and exhibits
Role play
Run a computer simulation
Give a presentation and write a report
Visit a real business and attend a meeting
No
Listening IELTS Academic
Four Sections
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Conversation, 2 people (social)
Monolog (social)
Conversation, up to 4 people (academic)
Lecture (academic)
Range of accents: UK, US, Australian, NZ
No note-taking
Total time: 30 minutes listening/answering
30 seconds to check answers at the end of each section
10 minutes transferring answers
Listening IELTS Academic
• Variety of tasks
Task Type 1
Forms/Notes/Table/Flow-chart/Summary Completion
Task Type 2
Multiple Choice
Task Type 3
Short-answer Questions
Task Type 4
Sentence Completion
Task Type 5
Labelling a Diagram/Plan/Map
Task Type 6
Classification
Task Type 7
Matching
Listening IELTS Academic
• Spelling counts
• Grammar counts
• Number of words counts (Some items specify
“3 words or fewer”)
TOEFL/IELTS Listening
• Advantages of TOEFL
– More predictable questions and formats
– No points off for spelling, grammar, and number of
words
– No possibility of mistakes caused by transferring
answers
– Listening materials are all university focused
• Advantages of IELTS
– Preview questions
– Time to triple-check answers
– Can change answers
Listening TOEIC L/R
Four Sections
A) Sentences about photos (10 items)
Choose option that best describes the
photo
B) Question/Response (30 items)
Hear question, then hear 3 possible
responses; choose best
(First two sections are “pure” tests
of listening; do not require any
reading)
Listening TOEIC L/R
C) Conversations 3-4 exchanges
10 conversations with 3 questions each
D) Talks 10 talks, 1-2 minutes long
3 questions each
No note taking
US, UK, Australian, and Canadian speakers
100 items, 45 minutes
Listening TOEIC L/R
• Questions
All multiple choice with 4 answer choices
(except Question/Response, which has 3 answer
choices)
Main idea, detail, and (a few) inference
questions
Reading Sections
TOEFL
iBT
IELTS
3-5 readings
3 readings
45-75
questions
40 questions
average 20
minutes
each
average 20
minutes
each
Reading Sections
TOEIC
L/R
100 items
60 minutes
total
Reading TOEFL iBT
3-5 passages (only 3 are scored)
3 passages: 60 minutes
Each reading averages 700 words
Academic topics: science/technology,
art/humanities, social sciences, etc.
Similar to university textbook excerpts
Types of passages: Exposition, classification,
comparison/contrast, cause/effect, problem/solution
Reading TOEFL iBT
12-13 questions per reading
Mostly multiple choice
• Factual and Negative Factual
• Vocabulary
• Inference
• Purpose/Method/Attitude
• Pronoun reference
Reading TOEFL iBT
Non-multiple choice items
• Sentence Paraphrase
• Sentence Addition
• Last Item: Summary/Complete the chart
Reading TOEFL iBT
Sentence Addition Item
When drawing human figures, children often make the head too large for the rest of
the body. ▄ A recent study offers some insight into this common disproportion in
children’s drawings. ▄ As part of the study, researchers asked children between four
and seven years old to make several drawings of adults. ▄ When they drew frontal
views of these subjects, the sizes of the heads was markedly enlarged. ▄ The
researchers suggest that children draw bigger heads when they know that they must
leave room for facial details. Therefore, the distorted head size in children’s drawings
is a form of planning ahead and not an indication of a poor sense of scale.
Look at the four squares (▄) that indicate where the following sentence could be
added to the passage. Click the square (▄) to indicate the best place to add the
sentence.
However, when the children drew rear views of the adults, the size of the heads was
not nearly so exaggerated.
Reading TOEFL iBT
Summary/Complete the Chart Items: Scoring
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Seven-answer chart
7 correct choices = 4 points
6 correct choices = 3 points
5 correct choices = 2 points
4 correct choices = 1 point
Fewer than 4 correct choices = 0 points
Five-answer chart
5 correct choices = 3 points
4 correct choices = 2 points
3 correct choices = 1 point
Fewer than 3 correct choices = 0 points
Reading IELTS Academic
• One Section
three passages 40 questions 11 item types
60 minutes
Average about 900 words
Types of Passages: Narrative, descriptive,
argumentative (at least one contains a detailed
logical argument
Reading IELTS Academic
• #1 Multiple choice (1 key 4 choices; 2 keys 5
choices; 3 keys 7 choices)
• #2 Identifying information (True/False/Not
Given)
• #3 Identifying writer’s views/claims
(“Do these statements agree with the
author’s views/claims?” Yes/No/Not Given)
Reading IELTS Academic
• #4 Matching information: Locate information in
the text, write appropriate letter of
paragraph/section
• #5 Match headings: Match a list of headings
(titles) labeled I, ii, iii, iv, etc. with sections of the
text (labeled A, B, C etc.)
• #6 Matching features: Match features from the
text with a list of options—e.g., match a list of
people mentioned in the text and eras in which
they lived (some may not be used, some may be
used more than once)
Reading IELTS Academic
• #7 Matching sentence endings: Match first
half of sentences with second half; list will
contain more 2nd half options then 1st half
• #8 Sentence completion: Complete sentences
with given number of words from the text:
(“Complete the following sentences with no
more than 3 words”)
•
Reading IELTS Academic
• #9 Complete a summary/chart/notes: Use a
given number of words from the text to fill in
blanks in a table, flow chart, summary, etc.
• #10 Complete labels on a diagram: Use a
given number of words from the text (usually
3 or fewer) to complete labels on a diagram
• #11 Short answer: Use a given number of
words (usually 3 or fewer) to answer detail
questions about the text
Reading TOEFL iBT vs. IELTS Academic
• Advantages of TOEFL
– More predictable questions
– No points off for spelling, grammar, number of words
in answers
– No possibility of mistakes caused by transferring
answers
• Advantages of IELTS
– No explicit vocabulary questions
– Generally seems simpler; less academic vocabulary,
fewer grammatically-complex sentences
Reading TOEIC L/R
• Three Sections, 60 minutes
all multiple choice
A) Sentence Completion 40 items Tests
First 2 sections tests grammar and vocabulary/usage
• Because the number of passengers dropped, the regional
government had to increase [---] on intercity trains.
A fares
B costs
C funds
D tolls
Reading TOEIC L/R
• Calwood Industries has installed new equipment that
will not only speed up the production process but also
[---] and correct potential problems.
A analysis
B analyst
C analyze
D analytical
B) Passage Completion Similar to Part A but involves completing
sentences in a short passage
4 passages 12 items
Reading TOEIC L/R
C) Reading Comprehension
7-10 single readings, 28 questions
4 Paired readings (2 related readings)
20 questions
Newspaper/magazine articles,
notices, emails, letters, non-prose
readings (business or general English)
Reading TOEIC L/R
Single texts
Double texts
 Up to 300 words in length
 Two documents that are related in
 Each single text can have 2, 3, 4, or
some way.
5 items, according to the length
 Both texts together, (excluding
and complexity of the text.
addresses, salutations, etc.) should
 Mostly detail and main idea; a few
be around 300 words.
inference items
 Each set of texts has 5 items.
 At least one of the items must test
the relationship between the two
texts.
 The items should show a range of
difficulty, e.g. at least one easy,
one medium and one difficult item
in each set.
 Mostly detail, main idea; a few
inference and vocabulary items
Speaking Sections
TOEFL
iBT
IELTS
6 tasks
3 sections
About 15
minutes
11 – 15
minutes
Recorded on
computer,
scored later
Face to face
“live”
interview
Speaking Sections
TOEIC
S/W
5 Tasks
20 minutes
Recorded on
computer,
scored later
Speaking TOEFL iBT
• Two Parts, 6 tasks
A) Independent
Based on personal knowledge and background
Prep 15 sec. Response 45 sec.
#1 Personal Preference: “Describe the person who has had the
most influence on your life …”
#2 Paired Choice: “Some people like X, other people prefer Y.
Which do you prefer?”
Speaking TOEFL iBT
• B) Integrated
Based on information from reading and listening.
#3 Announcement/Discussion
Read/Listen/Speak
Campus-based topic
Read a short announcement (university changing parking policy, e.g.) and
then listen to two students discussing it
Prep 30 sec Response 45 sec
#4 General/Specific
Read/Listen/Speak
Academic
Listen to a lecture in which a professor introduces a general topic and gives a
specific example of it
Prep 30 sec Response 60 sec
Speaking TOEFL iBT
#5 Problem/Solution
Listen/Speak
Campus-based topic
Prep 20 sec Response 60 sec
Listen conversation: one student poses problem, other speaker
proposes 2 possible solutions
(Only integrated topic in which speaker gives opinion)
#6 Summary
Listen/Speak
Academic topic
Summarize a brief classroom lecture
Prep 20 sec Response 60 sec
Speaking IELTS Academic
• Three Parts
A) Introduction and interview
– Examiner asks test-taker general questions about
himself/herself; hobbies, family, interests, reasons
for taking IELTS, etc.
– 4-5 minutes
Speaking IELTS Academic
B) Individual Long Turn
Examiner gives test-taker a “task card” with set of 3
questions to discuss
Familiar topics: clothing, free time, computers and the
internet, health, family, etc.
Prep 1 minute (may take notes) Response 1-2 minutes
Instructor asks 2-3 follow-up questions afterwards
Speaking IELTS Academic
• C) Discussion
• The examiner and the candidate discuss issues
related to the topic in Part 2 in a more general
and abstract way and – where appropriate – in
greater depth.
Speaking TOEFL iBT vs. IELTS Academic
• Advantages of TOEFL
–
–
–
–
Predictable questions
On the computer/not face-to-face
“Integrated” questions
Multiple, impersonal scorers
• Advantages of IELTS
–
–
–
–
–
Predictable questions
Face-to-face/not on the computer
No “integrated” questions, more guided
Personal contact with scorer
More authentic
Speaking TOEIC S/W
• 6 tasks
#1 Read a paragraph aloud
Prep 45 seconds Response 45 seconds
Tests pronunciation/intonation
# 2 Describe a photo
Prep 30 seconds Response 45 seconds
Tests above + fluency
#3 Respond to 3 questions (e.g., a marketing
survey)
No prep time Response: 15 seconds for 1st two
questions and 30 seconds for 3rd question
Tests above + grammar, vocabulary, & cohesion
Speaking TOEIC S/W
#4 Respond to questions with information
provided (e.g., a schedule)
30 seconds to read information
No further prep time Response 15 seconds
for 1st two questions and 30 seconds for 3rd
question
Tests above + relevance & completeness of
content
Speaking TOEIC S/W
#5 Problem/solution Listen to a problem (i.e.
lost bank card) and give solution
Prep 30 secs Response 60 secs
Tests all of the above
# 6 Express an opinion (“Some people think
X, other people think Y. What do you think?”
Prep 15 secs Response 60 secs
Tests all of the above
Writing Sections
TOEFL
iBT 2 writing
tasks
About 65
minutes
IELTS
2 writing
tasks
60
minutes
Writing Sections
TOEIC
S/W 3 writing
tasks
About 65
minutes
TOEFL iBT
• 1 Integrated Task and 1 Independent Task
• Must word process responses
#1 Integrated: based on a reading passage and
related lecture
Summarize and compare lecture and passage
Typically contrasting ideas; sometimes
supporting ideas
Reading: 3 min Lecture: 2 min Writing: 20 min
Recommended length: 200 words
Writing Section: TOEFL iBT
• #2: Independent Task
Based on own knowledge and experience
Give opinion or express preference; very
similar to Independent Speaking prompt. (Some
people prefer X; other people prefer Y. What do
you prefer?)
30 minutes
Recommended length: 300 words
Writing Section: IELTS Academic
Two tasks: 60 minutes
#1 Report on Visual Information Summarize
main points on a graph/chart/table
and report the main features; make
comparisons where
relevant.
Minimum: 150 words
20 minutes
Writing Section: IELTS Academic
• #2: Agree/Disagree with Statement
“It is inevitable that as technology develops so
traditional cultures must be lost. Technology and
tradition are incompatible - you cannot have
both together.”
Minimum: 250 words
40 minutes
Writing TOEFL iBT vs. IELTS Academic
• Advantages of TOEFL
– Typed
– No minimum word count
– Spelling and grammar are stressed less
• Advantages of IELTS
–
–
–
–
Handwritten
Lower word counts
Organization and development are stressed less
Less of an “integrated” component
Writing TOEIC S/W
• #1 Sentences About Photographs
• Write sentences about photos that you see using
two words that are given
• 5 Photos 8 minutes
• Tests grammar and
relevance of sentences
traffic, so
Writing TOEIC S/W
• #2 Respond to a Written Request
• Read an email asking for information, write a
response
• 10 minutes to read and respond
• Tests quality and variety of sentences,
vocabulary, and organization
Writing TOEIC S/W
From: Dale City Welcome Committee
To: New Dale City Resident
Subject: Welcome to your new home!
Sent: July 23, 4:32 P.M.
Welcome! We would like to be the first to welcome you to
Dale City. We know that there are many things to do when
you move, from finding your way around town to setting up
your utilities. Please contact us if you need any help at all.
• Directions: Respond to the e-mail. Respond as if you have
recently moved to a new city. In your e-mail to the
committee, make at least TWO requests for information.
Writing TOEIC S/W
• #3 Opinion Essay
• Read a prompt asking for your opinion, write
a response
• 30 minutes
• Tests support of opinion with reasons and/or
examples, grammar, vocabulary, and
organization.
Writing TOEIC S/W
• There are many ways to find a job: newspaper
advertisements, Internet job search websites,
and personal recommendations. What do you
think is the best way to find a job? Give
reasons or examples to support your opinion.
IELTS Scores
•
•
•
•
Listening – 1 to 9
Reading – 1 to 9
Writing – 1 to 9
Speaking – 1 to 9
Overall Band Score: 1 to 9
IELTS Scores
• Band 9: Expert user: has fully operational command of the
language
Band 8: Very good user has fully operational command of
the language with only occasional unsystematic
inaccuracies
Band 7: Good user has operational command of the
language, though with occasional inaccuracies,
inappropriacies and misunderstandings
• Band 6: Competent user. has generally effective command
of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies
and misunderstandings
Band 5: Modest user has partial command of the language,
coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is
likely to make many mistakes
IELTS Scores
• Band 4: Limited user basic competence is limited to
familiar situations. Has frequent problems in
understanding and expression
Band 3: Extremely limited user conveys and
understands only general meaning in very familiar
situations
Band 2: Intermittent user : no real communication is
possible except for the most basic information using
isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations
Band 1: Non-user essentially has no ability to use the
language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
• Band 0: Did not attempt the test:
TOEFL iBT Scores
Reading
Listening
Speaking
Writing
0-30
0-30
0-14 (low)
15-21 (intermediate)
22-30 (high)
0-14 (low)
15-21 (intermediate)
22-30 (high)
0-9 (weak)
0-4 points, converted to
10-17 (limited)
an 0-30 score
18-25 (fair)
26-30 (good)
0-5 points, converted
to an 0-30 score
1-16 (limited)
17-23 (fair)
24-30 (good)
TOEIC Scores
• Each candidate receives independent scores for written
and listening comprehension on a scale from 5 to 495
points. The total score adds up to a scale from 10 to
990 points. The TOEIC certificate exists in five colors,
corresponding to achieved results:
•
orange (10–215)
•
brown (220–465)
•
green (470–725)
•
blue (730–855)
•
gold (860–990)
• TOEIC S/W: 0-200 for both sections
ETS TOEFL/IELTS Comparison
TOEFL Score
IELTS Band
0–31
0–4
32–34
4.5
35–45
5
46–59*
5.5
60–78*
6
79–93*
6.5
94–101*
7
102–109*
7.5
110–114
8
115–117
8.5
118–120
9
PBT and iBT Score Comparisons
PBT iBT
310 0-12
450-453 45-46
477 53
500 61
527-530 71
557-560 83
577 90-91
600-603 100
677 120
EduCouncil.org
TOEFL iBT
IELTS
53
4.0
60
4.5
67
5.0
73
5.5
80
6.0
87
6.5
93
7.0
100
7.5
107
8.0
113
8.5
120
9.0
Score Comparisons
TOEIC L/R
TOEFL
Paper
TOEFL
IBT
IELTS
0 - 310
310 - 343
347 - 393
0-8
9 - 18
19 - 29
0 - 1.0
1.0 - 1.5
2.0 - 2.5
397 - 433
30 - 40
3.0 - 3.5
437 - 473
41 - 52
4.0
477 - 510
53 - 64
4.5 - 5.0
785 - 990
513 - 547
550 - 587
590 - 677
65 - 78
79 - 95
96 - 120
5.5 - 6.0
6.5 - 7.0
7.5 - 9.0
B2
C1
C2
Top Score
Top Score
Top Score
Top Score
Top Level
990
677
120
9
C2
0 - 250
255 - 400
405 - 600
605 - 780
CEFR*
A1
A1
A2
B1
(IELTS 3.5)
B1
B1
(IELTS 4.5)
B2
(IELTS 5.0)
Comparison Sample Scores for
U.S. Colleges and Universities (Undergraduate Programs)
University
TOEFL IELTS
Harvard University
100
7.5
Stanford University
100
No
Yale University
100
7.5
Cornell University
100
Columbia University
Penn State University
University
TOEFL IELTS
University of Oregon, Eugene
71
6.0
UCLA
87
7.0
7.0
University of Virginia
90
7.0
100
7.5
University of Kentucky, Lexington 71
6.0
90
6.5
Northwestern University
110
No
University of Colorado, Boulder 78
6.0
University of Massachusetts,
Amherst
80
6.5
University of Texas, Austin
79
6.5
Arizona State University
61
6.0
University of Florida, Gainesville 80
6.0
Boston University
6.5
Michigan State University
79
6.5
Tulane University
84
6.5
University of California, Berkeley 68
6.5
American University
7.0
95
Duke University
100
7.0
Ohio State University
71
6.5
100
Score Comparison – Native Language
IELTS
5.3
5.6
5.7
5.6
5.7
5.8
6.5
6.5
7.2
Native
Language
Arabic
Chinese
Thai
Vietnamese
Korean
Japanese
French
Spanish
German
Native
Language
Japanese
Arabic
Thai
Vietnamese
Chinese
Korean
Spanish
French
German
TOEFL
66
69
72
74
76
78
84
85
97
Final Thoughts
•
•
•
•
•
Listening: TOEFL more academic, more thorough
Reading: TOEFL more academic
Speaking: IELTS easier? Better to have live interview?
Writing: TOEFL is more global, IELTS is more detailed
In general: Students perception of IELTS is somewhat
easier
• Scores: Wide range of equivalencies; IELTS set a little
low?
• Consider the student, the institution, and logistics
General Information
• Questions to consider
– If a student wanting to enter a university came to
you and asked you which to take, the IELTS or the
iBT TOEFL, what questions would you ask the
student? What answer would you give based on
the information just discussed?
Discussion
• Questions to consider
– If a student asked you which to take, the TOEIC or
the IELTS General Training, what questions would
you ask the student? What answer would you give
based on the information just discussed?
Speaking Sections
• Questions to consider
The speaking sections of these two tests have the
most differences when compared to the other
sections.
– Do you have any identifiable groups of students who
would be more comfortable speaking to a computer? To
a live person?
– How important is the “integrated” part of the TOEFL to
indicating academic readiness?
– Do you think having the interviewer score the interview
is an advantage or disadvantage to the IELTS?
Contact Information
brogersboulder@yahoo.com
Textbooks
The Complete Guide to TOEFL: iBT Edition Rogers
Cengage Learning 2006
The Complete Guide to TOEFL: PBT Edition Rogers
Cengage Learning 2009
The Complete Guide to TOEIC: 3rd Edition Rogers
Cengage Learning 2007
The Complete Guide to IELTS ??? Rogers Cengage
Learning 2012