The IELTS exam
IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is used as the language of communication. IELTS is required for entry to university in the UK and other countries.
Who is it for?
IELTS is recognised by universities and employers in many countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. It is also recognised by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies.
More than 700,000 people a year take the test.
What is the IELTS test like?
You can choose between the Academic or General Training versions of the test. All candidates do the same Listening and Speaking sections.
The test has four sections:
- Listening - 4 sections, 40 questions, 30 minutes
- Speaking - interview, 15 minutes
- Reading - different for Academic or General Training - 3 sections, 40 questions, 60 minutes
- Writing - different for Academic or General Training - 2 pieces of writing, 60 minutes
Score
Out of 9 for each section and an overall score out of 9.
Level
Multi-level. You get a score between 1 and 9. Half scores such as 6.5 are possible. Universities often demand an IELTS score of 6 or 7. They may also demand a minimum score in each of the 4 sections. IELTS scores compare with TOEFL and the Cambridge exams approximately as follows:
Where do I take the test?
IELTS tests are administered at accredited Test Centres throughout the world - there are currently more than 300 Centres, in over 120 countries.
What is the computer-based test?
At some centres you can take the computer-based version of IELTS. This is only available for academic modules at some centres only.
When can I take the test?
Arrange with your closest test centre. There are frequent dates, usually on Thursdays or Saturdays.
How much does it cost to take IELTS?
Fees are set by test centres. Expect to pay around £90 GBP or $140 USD.
The TOEFL® exam
Test Of English as Foreign Language.
The essential exam for entry to universities in the United States. Academic language.
Who is it for?
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures the ability of nonnative speakers of English to use and understand North American English as it is spoken, written and heard in college and university settings. Most people who take the TOEFL test are planning to study at colleges and universities where instruction is in English. In addition, many government agencies, scholarship programs, and licensing/certification agencies use TOEFL scores to evaluate English proficiency.
Versions of the TOEFL® test
You can do the test on paper or on a computer, depending where you live. The test comes in two formats:
- paper-based test (PBT)
- next generation computer-based test (iBT)
The iBT is not yet available at every test center. If it is available at your local center then you will have to do it. If not you will do the PBT.
What is the TOEFL® test like?
The next generation TOEFL® iBT test has four sections:
| 1 |
Reading |
3-5 passages, 12-14 questions each
|
60-100 mins |
| 2 |
Listening |
4-6 lectures, 6 questions each
2-3 conversations, 5 questions each
|
60-90 mins |
| 3 |
Speaking |
6 tasks, 2 independent and 2 integrated |
20 mins |
| 4 |
Writing |
1 integrated task
1 independent task |
50 mins |
An integrated task is one where you have to use more than one skill. For example, you read about something, listen to a lecture, and then write about what you have heard and read.
The Paper-based test has the following format:
|
Time Limit |
No. of Questions |
| Listening Comprehension |
30-40 minutes |
50 |
| Structure and Written Expression |
25 minutes |
40 |
| Reading Comprehension |
55 minutes |
50 |
| Writing (Test of Written English) |
30 minutes |
1 topic |
Where do I take the test?
At a test center in your country. The test is organised by the Educational Testing Service.
How much does the TOEFL test cost to take?
Prices vary in each country, in the USA the test costs $150. In the UK the TOEFL ibt is $185 while the paper-based TOEFL is $150.
The TOEIC exam
Test of English for International Communication
TOEIC test questions are based on real-life work settings in an international environment (meetings, travel, telephone conversations, etc).
Who is it for?
The Test is used by organisations to determine whether an employee is suitable for a particular task. If you work or want to work for a large organisation, particularily in Asia, then the TOEIC test will be useful to you.
What is the TOEIC test like?
The test takes 2.5 hours and has two sections:
- Listening - 100 questions
- Structure - 100 questions
These break down as follows.
| Listening |
| Part 1 photos 20 questions |
| Part 2: Question – Response: 30 questions |
| Part 3: Short conversation: 30 questions |
| Part 4: Short talks: 20 questions |
| Reading |
| Part 5: Incomplete sentences: 40 questions |
| Part 6: Error recognition: 20 questions |
| Part 7: Reading comprehension: 40 questions |
The TOEIC exam is under review with some changes being introduced to the new TOEIC. The main change is that you will also be able to take a Writing and Speaking exam alomg with the Reading and Listening.
What about scores?
The TOEIC gives a score between 10 and 990:
- 905 - 990 International Proficiency
- 785 – 900 Working Proficiency Plus
- 605 – 780 Limited Working Proficiency
- 405 – 600 Elementary Proficiency Plus
- 255 – 400 Elementary Proficiency
- 185 – 250 Memorised Proficiency
- 10 – 180 No Useful Proficiency
How much does it cost to take TOEIC?
Fees are set by test centres. Expect to pay around $65 USD.
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