TOEFL Score Vs IELTS Band Equivalence

Are you ready to take the next step to the TOEFL score vs IELTS in your academic or professional journey? If so, demonstrating your English language proficiency is crucial. Two leading tests are the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). This guide will help you compare IELTS vs TOEFL score vs TOEFL ITP, specifically focusing on how TOEFL scores compare to IELTS band scores.

We’ll provide insights into TOEFL results, scoring, and even point you towards free TOEFL practice tests to help you achieve a better passing score. Ultimately, we aim to break down the differences between these scores and highlight the key distinctions so you can understand these important aspects and decide which English proficiency test is right for you.

The TOEFL iBT Scoring System

Understanding the TOEFL iBT scoring system is essential for anyone needing to prove their English proficiency. When considering IELTS vs TOEFL score comparison, or a TOEFL vs IELTS score conversion, it’s important to know that the TOEFL iBT is divided into four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each of these sections is scored on a scale from 0 to 30. The combined total score for the TOEFL iBT ranges from 0 to 120. A higher score in the TOEFL vs IELTS score indicates greater English proficiency.

Reading: This section evaluates your ability to understand and analyze academic texts. Scores range from 0 to 30, with proficiency levels from Below Low-Intermediate (0-3) to Advanced (24-30).
Listening: Here, your ability to understand conversations and lectures in English is assessed. Scores also range from 0 to 30, with proficiency levels from Below Low-Intermediate (0-8) to Advanced (22-30).
Speaking: This section measures your ability to communicate effectively in English. Scores range from 0 to 30, with proficiency levels from Below Basic (0-9) to Advanced (25-30). A good score in the TOEFL vs IELTS comparison often depends on this section.
Writing: In this section, your ability to write clearly and effectively in English is tested. Scores range from 0 to 30, with proficiency levels from Below Basic (0-6) to Advanced (24-30).

For an overall strong TOEFL score vs IELTS result, test-takers should aim for a total score above 100. This generally indicates a high level of English proficiency, suitable for most academic and professional settings.

IELTS Band Scores

The IELTS band scores range from 1 to 9. Each band reflects a candidate’s proficiency in using English in real-world scenarios. This scale helps organizations and employers understand how well candidates can handle practical communication tasks in English. For example, a B2 IELTS score or a B1 score in IELTS indicates a certain level of competency, and understanding what a C2 equivalent to IELTS means in terms of the IELTS band 9 vs TOEFL can be very useful.

IELTS band scores reflect a person’s command over the language and range from Non-User to Expert User levels. At the lowest end, a Non-User has limited ability to use the language, often relying on isolated words and struggling with communication due to a lack of understanding. An Intermittent User can communicate basic information with difficulty but struggles to meet more complex needs. Moving up, an Extremely Limited User can only grasp the general meaning in familiar situations, but often faces frequent breakdowns in communication. The Limited User has basic competence but struggles in unfamiliar situations and with clear expression.

As the scores improve, the Modest User shows partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations despite frequent mistakes. A Competent User demonstrates a more effective command, handling complex ideas in familiar situations despite occasional inaccuracies, misuse, and misunderstandings. The Good User generally handles complex and detailed reasoning well, even with some misuse and inaccuracies. At the higher end, a Very Good User can manage complex argumentation with few unsystematic inaccuracies, making them confident in detailed discussions. Finally, an Expert User has a fully operational command of the language, with complete and accurate understanding, showing appropriate and fluent language use.

These band scores provide a clear, standardized measure of English proficiency, similar to how TOEFL scores function. Whether aiming for academic success or professional advancement, understanding these scores can guide your preparation and help you achieve your goals.

TOEFL vs IELTS Score Comparison

To help you understand how TOEFL scores translate to IELTS band scores, we’ve provided a comparison chart below. This comparison can help you determine which test might better suit your needs based on your target scores for academic or professional requirements. This is crucial for anyone looking at the TOEFL vs IELTS comparison or needing a TOEFL vs IELTS score conversion. The chart illustrates the IELTS vs TOEFL score comparison.

TOEFL iBT Score	IELTS Band Score
118-120	9
115-117	8.5
110-114	8
102-109	7.5
94-101	7
79-93	6.5
60-78	6
46-59	5.5
35-45	5
32-34	4.5
0-31	0-4

Historically, both TOEFL and IELTS have had varied passing rates based on different institutions’ requirements. The “passing” score often depends on the specific needs of universities, employers, or immigration authorities. For instance, many universities require a minimum TOEFL score of around 80-100, which corresponds to an IELTS band score of 6.5-7.5. Understanding these benchmarks can help you set realistic goals and prepare effectively for your English proficiency test.

Institutional and Employer Preferences

Both the TOEFL test and the IELTS test are highly regarded, but their acceptance varies. TOEFL scores are predominantly recognized by universities and colleges in the United States, making it essential for those aiming to study in the US. While some organizations in Canada and Australia also accept it, its main strength lies in the US. This is a key factor when considering TOEFL vs IELTS, which is easier, as the perceived TOEFL vs. IELTS difficulty can influence test choice depending on where you plan to use the scores.

In contrast, IELTS enjoys wider global acceptance. Universities and organizations in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and many regions in Europe and Asia recognize it. It is also favored for immigration purposes in countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada. Because of this TOEFL vs IELTS difference, choosing a test with a globally recognized scoring system offers significant benefits. It allows candidates to use their results for academic admissions, professional certifications, and immigration processes in multiple countries. This ensures your test efforts are valuable across different contexts and geographies, making both TOEFL and IELTS versatile choices for many individuals.

FAQ:

When considering IELTS and TOEFL for English language assessment, it’s important to note that IELTS tests listening, reading, writing, and speaking. TOEFL iBT also covers these four areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. However, TOEFL ITP is different; it assesses listening and reading, but instead of writing and speaking, it tests structure and written expressions.

Both TOEFL and IELTS present their own set of challenges. TOEFL might be challenging because of its multiple-choice format and strong emphasis on academic English. On the other hand, IELTS can be difficult due to its variety of question types and the face-to-face speaking component.

The difficulty of IELTS and TOEFL is quite subjective, as it depends on a person’s strengths and weaknesses. Some test-takers find TOEFL more challenging due to its multiple-choice format and focus on academic English, while others find IELTS more difficult because of its diverse question types and the face-to-face speaking component.

For Pakistani students aiming for higher education or work opportunities abroad, IELTS is often the preferred test. This is largely due to its widespread acceptance and more flexible testing options. While TOEFL is also widely recognized, IELTS is generally considered more globally accepted by universities, immigration authorities, and employers. IELTS offers advantages like the One Skill Retake, allowing students to improve in a specific area, and its General Training module is specifically designed for migration purposes. Plus, the Speaking Section involves interaction with a real examiner, which some test-takers find beneficial.

In contrast, TOEFL is particularly strong in US Universities and is a common requirement for admission there. Being computer-based, it appeals to those who prefer typing and working with computers. Its focus is on academic English, which can be very useful for students pursuing higher education. So, if your primary goal is to study in the US, the TOEFL is a strong option. However, for global acceptance and flexibility, IELTS is generally preferred. Ultimately, consider your strengths; if you prefer human interaction in the Speaking Section or find the IELTS format more suitable, IELTS may be the better choice.