English proficiency tests: Information and Handy tips to pass them!

When you want to work or study in a country where English is the language of communication,most universities and employers will require you to take an English proficiency test .Like the name suggests,English proficiency tests are designed to measure one’s language ability.

There are a few English proficiency tests that are globally recognized by institutions and employers.Today we are going to compare TOEFL and IELTS . Read this guide to discover which language test is best for you.

About

International English Testing System (lELTS)

IELTS is one of the most recognised English language tests. It is globally considered as a secure, valid and reliable indicator of true-to-life ability to communicate in English for education, immigration and professional accreditation.It conforms to the highest international standards of language assessment.

IELTS are administered at accredited test centres throughout the world and candidates can apply online, by person or by post.

There are two types of training modules in IELTS : Academic Training and General Training.
If you are taking IELTS to study abroad then you will take the Academic Training IELTS
If you are taking IELTS for other purposes such as working abroad, then you will have to take the General Training IELTS

How is the exam like?

IELTS test in divided into 4 sections which measure listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL

The TOEFL is an internet based examination and just like the IELTS, it measures your ability to use and understand English in universities. The TOEFL is for students who want to study at a higher education institution, people applying for a scholarship or visa, and someone who is learning English and wants to track their progress

How is the exam like?

It consists of four sections; reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
The exam consists of multiple-choice tests,oral and written exam.
Between the listening and speaking section, there will be a 10-minute break.

Test	IELTS	TOEFL
Speaking	Takes 12 to 14 minutes Takes place with an examiner Brief introductory conversation short questions about familiar topics	Takes about 20 minutes consists of six questions You will speak into a microphone in the computer ,a grader will listen to you and will grade you at a later date
Writing	Short essays of 200-250 words Interpret the information presented from an infograph or a graph	Short essay of 100-300 words on a given topic Summarize information from a text
Reading	3 reading selections of 20 minutes each from newspapers,magazine,etc Multiple type questions	3-5 reading selections of 20 minutes each Generally reading materials are academics Multiple choice questions
Listening	4 listening sections taken within 30 minutes Multiple types of questions	40-60 minutes selection from conversation Multiple choice

General comparison of TOEFL and IELTS

Type of test	IELTS	TOEFL
Take this test if …	You wish to study at an English-speaking university, usually at a native-English country.	If You wish to study at an English-speaking university, usually at a native-English country.
Validity	Two years After this time the test validity expires and you must re-sit.	Two years After this time the test validity expires and you must re-sit.
Cost	IELTS Exam Fees Vary from Test Centre to Test Centre. Check test centres in country	The test fee depends on the test Location you choose
Schedule	IELTS is offered up to four times a month in more than 140 countries.Tests are held on Saturdays and Thursdays.To find out test dates in your area, please contact your nearest IELTS test centre	September and December, depending on the area
Test Duration	2 Days	4.5 Hours
Score scales	Reading (Band 0-9) Writing (Band 0-9) Listening (Band 0-9) Speaking (Band 0-9) The mean of the sums of the scores from the four parts will be the overall band score	Reading (0-30) Listening (0-30) Speaking (0-30) Writing (0-30) Total, of 120

Grading

IELTS Grading

Band 9: Expert user
Band 8: Very good user
Band 7: Good user
Band 6 : Competent user
Band 5:Modest user
Band 4: Limited user
Band 3:Extremely limited
Band 2:Intermittent user
Band 1: Non-user
Band 0:Did not attempt

TOEFL GRADING

Reading : High (22-30) | Intermediate (15-21) | Low (0-14)

Listening : High (22-30) | Intermediate (15-21) | Low (0-14)

Speaking : Good (26-30) | Fair (18-25) | Limited (10-17) | Weak (0-9)

Writing : Good (24-30) | Fair (17-23) | Limited (1-16)

Pro tips

Before booking your test ,ask yourself whether you have taken the necessary steps to ensure you have the best opportunity to succeed. Preparing for English proficiency tests takes time and requires practice. Follow these tips in the months and weeks before your test and you will feel more confident and ready to take the test.

Tip 1 : Register for the test

Check IELTS test centres in country
Check TOEFL Test Locations in your area
Check the score required by your chosen university, institution, employer or organisation

Tip 2 : Improve your English

Take an English language course. This will help you improve the specific skills involved in speaking, listening, reading and writing English.

Tip 3: Try to building up your communication skills

Speak English with your friends and family
Read English newspapers and magazines regularly
Listen to English language radio, television and film.

Tip 4:Practise with sample questions

Practise the free test samples available online

And now that you’ve decided on the test you’re going to take, why not start browsing scholarships for international students in 2019-2020 now ?

Please Share to