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Flip a coin and waddaya get?

When it comes to English placement exams, IELTS and TOEFL are the big league hitters. Unfortunately, deciding which one to take is not so easy:

Heads or tails, anyone?  TOEFL or IELTS?

Frankly, you cannot leave your college future up to chance; even if it gives you cheap thrills. The following breakdown will help you make a clear cut choice.

So, do put away the coin purse.

Background and Relevance:

IELTS, The International English Language Teaching System, is administered by the British Council, University of Cambridge, and IELTS Australia in a combined effort. The IELTS test evaluates the English capabilities of international students seeking admission in British, Australian, or New Zealand universities. Alternatively, TOEFL, The Test of English as a Foreign Language, is managed by the Educational Testing Service, a non-profit organization in the United States. Consequently, TOEFL is used for admission purposes in American and Canadian universities. In some institutions, the IELTS and TOEFL are both recognized; but, by and large, the exams are tailored to American and British needs respectively.  Thus, when you make your selection, do consider the destinations of your prospective universities.

Format and Structure:

The IELTS and TOEFL exams contain the same four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Both tests share some similarities: they require you to read academic texts, listen to conversations and lectures, write academic essays, and articulate your opinions on formal subjects. In the TOEFL test, however, the questions are in multiple choice format. Alternatively, the IELTS exam has many question types: multiple choice, fill in the blank, summary completion, matching headlines to paragraphs, etc. The key difference is this: TOEFL underscores your conceptual thought and ability to reason; IELTS prefers your good memory and concrete approach. Ultimately then, TOEFL multiple choice questions require you to think abstractly, whereas IELTS dynamic questions mandate you to copy information down. When you make your decision, be sure to factor in your academic strengths. Are you creative and analytical? Are you a good memorizer? Pick the exam that aligns with your personal skills.

Digital or Physical:

The tests have different speaking sections. In the TOEFL exam, you are required to record your answer into a microphone. The computer will save your vocal response and an examiner will then listen to you, and grade you accordingly. The TOEFL speaking section is university-related; questions and answers will therefore revolve around academic life. In the IELTS exam, you will have a conversation with an examiner, face to face. Your conversation will have distinct sections.  In the first part, you will provide general information about your everyday life. Then, the examiner will give you a card with a topic, which you must discuss. Finally, the interviewer will ask you some questions related to this topic. When you make your exam decision then, make sure to factor in the speaking section. Can you speak comfortably and clearly to a computer? Will you feel nervous around an examiner? Again, your preferences have great bearing over your final selection.

Good luck and break a leg!