The acquisition of an international one English certificate Language is important to anyone who has decided to receive Higher education abroad, to apply for a job or to change the state. The certificates are different depending on the type of exam and are created to unify students' knowledge by common criteria and model.
Among the most recognizable and popular English exams Language are IELTS and TOEFL. They are recognised by a large number of organisations and institutions in countries where the English language is official or not. Before you make a choice for one or the other exam, it is good to find out more about their structure, content, format and other characteristics.
IELTS and TOEFL exams
IELTS or International English Language Testing System is an exam developed by the University of Cambridge, the British Council and the International Organization IDP: IELTS Australia for education, immigration and work in an English language environment. The Test System TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) was created in the United States.
Multiple state institutions, universities, employers and immigration authorities recognise the results of both tests and the validity of the certificate is 2 years.
Although both IELTS and TOEFL are internationally recognised, there are some differences between them. Their knowledge can help you with your choices according to your goals and needs and ways of effective preparation.
Both tests contain the components of listening, reading, writing and speaking, with the evaluation of results achieved being on a scale involving a number of points. In IELTS, each section is estimated from 0 to 9 points and the resulting total result is arithmetical. The final result in TOEFL is the sum of the results of each module and ranges from 0 to 120 points.
Other differences are related to:
- Format: IELTS offers two forms of academic (for students) and general (for professional experience or immigration) and can be a paper or computer version. TOEFL offers a format suitable primarily for academic purposes, and is kept on a computer.
- Structure: The IELTS exam consists of an oral and written part, the oral part preceded by one to seven days.
- Test Modules: In the "Speake IELTS" module includes an interview with a examiner, while the interview is recorded and sent to ToeFL.
- Type of tasks: Both exams generally assess the same skills, but for example in .Solving and .Reading .IELTS issues are more diverse, while at TOEFL questions require only a selective answer.
When to choose IELTS and when TOEFL
Since both tests are internationally accepted, the choice between them can be difficult. To better navigate, take into account your specific objectives . .
Select IELTS
Select IELTS if you need a certificate for:
- Admission to university: Check the requirements of the specific educational institution.
- Immigration: In countries like Britain, Canada and Australia IELTS is often mandatory.
- Job: Many employers prefer or require IELTS specifically.
The advantage of the IELTS exam is the choice between IELTS Academy and General Training. The first can best meet your needs when moving abroad for work in an English language organization or to achieve a Bachelor's degree or Master's degree. The second is most often due in immigration to an English-language country.
Select TOEFL
The TOEFL certificate is one of the most popular among IELTS and is accepted by a large number of institutions. You can choose TOEFL:
- as a test format for training at a university abroad;
- for the issue of a work visa required by immigration departments;
- for the grant of a scholarship from a certain foundation.
As a generalization, entering university requires laying of IELTS Academy or TOEFL with academic format. If necessary, to demonstrate language knowledge of a particular type of visa or work, IELTS General can be selected which tests the language skills for everyday life.
Factors with a key role in choosing
Both tests are similar to application, so when choosing other than your goals, you can also consider factors such as:
Format
One of the features in IELTS' structure is that component .Speake through an interview which may be crucial for some people. This applies especially to those who are concerned about interacting with a language carrier. Therefore, the TOEFL test may be more appropriate for them as the speaking module is recorded. It also depends on your preferences . . to write on a computer or by hand in the paper version.
Talk Section
To evaluate speech skills, TOEFL requires talking in a microphone and the recording can be made on the same day along with the written part. Individual oral interview with IELTS is usually given earlier than the written test and the split of the exam in two separate days is not always preferred by all.
Type of questions
IELTS offers a wide range of types of questions that include filling in blanks, selection from a list, etc. On the other hand, in TOEFL issues are mainly with multiple choices, making it more consistent and predictable.
The strong sides of IELTS make it more suitable for people who prefer a variety of face-to-face formats and conversation, and TOEFL is suitable for those who experience greater comfort in working with computer based tests.
Practical advice for preparing each of the exams
Each of their exams is a specific format, and when you know it and exercise it, you will achieve higher results. To make your preparation more effective, you can include the following techniques:
Create and follow daily routine
Engagement with daily activities related to the language, even half an hour a day, will make learning a habit.
Focus on your weaknesses
If you know your strengths and weaknesses, you will know which skills to cultivate while preparing.
Exercise the basic four skills
For self-improvement of your skills on the four components of the exam you can practice, for example, reading 30 minutes. daily, writing short essays, listening to songs and news shows in English, including in a conversation club, etc.
Very useful for your preparation can prove different applications, as well as exercises with trial tests, but remember that you need to trust experienced professionals. Language courses at the Language School of Omega include working on the specific components of IELTS and TOEFL and developing practical skills.
See for more detailed information on the lp Omegals.bgto learn more about the preparatory courses and the exam. Whether you want to continue your higher education, build a professional career or plan immigration in another country, take advantage of the opportunities offered for strategies and resources in Omega that will help you achieve your goals.