TOEFL to IELTS Conversion: Everything You Need to Know

IELTS is a test of proficiency in the English language used by many universities and companies around the world. The TOEFL test is an English language test used mainly by American applicants to study in the United States or Canadian applicants to study in Canada. There is a lot of overlap between these two tests. This article will discuss how you can convert your TOEFL score into your IELTS score so that you can apply with confidence.

What is TOEFL?

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a general admission college language test that international students can take to prove their English language skills. The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an equivalency exam that students can take to prove their English language skills when applying for university or working abroad

Benefits of TOEFL

A better understanding of American culture and language skills
Enhanced job prospects when transferring to a U.S. school or company
Easier access to education and scholarship opportunities in the U.S.
Reduced wait times for some programs in the U.S.

How to Prepare for TOEFL

Make a Study Plan:

Decide what you want to cover in each section of the TOEFL and develop a timeline for when you will review each section. This will help keep you on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Familiarize Yourself with the TOEFL Format:

The test is composed of two sections, namely Reading and Speaking, and each section has a different format and scoring system. Be familiar with all of the components so that you can maximize your chances of success on the test.

Practice:

If possible, take practice tests before your actual exam to get used to the testing environment and learn how to best focus and think during the test.

Get support from family, friends, or online resources.

Talking through your strategies with someone who understands English language testing can be very helpful. Additionally, many online resources offer free materials that can help improve your preparation for the TOEFL exam.

What is IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an internationally recognized examination designed to measure the level of a person’s English language proficiency. IELTS can be taken by people from around the world who want to study, work or travel in England, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. It is also accepted as proof of English language skills for many other purposes, such as applying for a job or scholarship.

Benefits of IELTS

Increased Opportunities:

A higher score on IELTS can give you increased opportunities for education and employment in countries that use the test. This is because IELTS assessments often focus more on critical reading, writing, and speaking skills than on the TOEFL’s content-based tests.

Improved Communication Skills:

The IELTS scale is more consistent with international communication standards, so you will be better prepared to communicate in a global environment. Your speaking and writing skills will also be more refined, which will make it easier for you to establish relationships with people from diverse cultures.

Improved Career Prospects:

An IELTS score can give you an advantage when applying for jobs in fields such as business, tourism, or international relations. In some cases, employers may even require an IELTS score before reviewing your resume or interviewing you.

How to Prepare for IELTS

Make a Study Plan:

Determine what material you need to review and when. Set realistic time limits for each section of the test. This will help you stay motivated.

Practice your Speaking Skills:

Speak as much as possible, both in class and out loud, to improve your fluency and pronunciation.

Take Practice Exams:

Test yourself on key topics from the IELTS academic module to see how well you comprehend the material and answer basic questions correctly.

Similarities Between TOEFL & IELTS

Both exams have two parts: Part 1 (reading, writing, and speaking) assesses skills while Part 2 (listening, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation) tests those skills.
Both exams are administered in English
Both exams can be taken at any point during a student’s academic career
The scores on the TOEFL and IELTS exams are comparable
TOEFL is more popular than the IELTS in the United States
The IELTS is more popular than the TOEFL in other countries.

Difference between TOEFL and IELTS

TOEFL has been around for many years and is more well-known than IELTS.
IELTS has been developed over many years and is more specific to the needs of international students.
TOEFL has a single essay question type, while the IELTS has multiple essay question types.
TOEFL has a shorter time limit (3 hours), while the IELTS has a longer time limit (5 hours).
TOEFL can be taken at any time during one’s academic career, while the IELTS can only be taken after first completing an undergraduate degree or equivalent.