IELTS vs. TOEFL - A Comparison Study on Format, Content and Grading Systems

Oct 1, 2026

Uploaded by Rizky

The study addresses why IELTS and TOEFL remain influential, as both are large-scale, high-stakes assessments used for academic admission and immigration. It compares the tests’ reliability, validity, format, content, and grading systems through a qualitative comparison to clarify key similarities and differences. The analysis covers versions, skills assessed, scoring ranges, test length, and re-rating practices, highlighting reliability differences between IELTS and TOEFL.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages15

Reading Time38 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

1. Research Question

2. Literature Review

2.1 Background of TOEFL

IELTS vs. TOEFL: A Comparison Study on Format, Content and Grading Systems Maryam Kashani Nazari1 Ahamd Pourgasem2* Elham Gerami3 Abstract The reason why International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) became and remain powerful in society is a crucial question. Both large-scale tests were purposively developed for assessment of test-takers’English language proficiency who intend to obtain admission to academic institutions or to succeed in immigration purposes. As both tests are considered as high-stakes tests affecting individuals’ future lives, they need to gain sufficient knowledge on each test to make a perfect choice. As a result, the current research contributes to enhancing test-takers’ knowledge by comparing IELTS and TOEFL in terms of their reliability, validity, format, content and grading systems. A qualitative comparison was used to identify the similarities and differences between both tests. IELTS has two versions of general and academic and TOEFL has three versions of paper-based, computer-based and internet-based. IELTS assesses four traditional skills, and TOEFL-CBT includes listening, structure/writing combination, reading and speaking. IELTS grading ranges between zero to nine while TOEFL scores are cumulative. IELTS takes two hours and half but TOEFL CBT takes four hours. Considering reliability, in IELTS there is lack of rater reliability and writing and speaking are rerated in case of inconsistencies. In TOEFL the emphasis on the selected-response item is to assure the high reliability is met. Base on the findings, the two tests are similar as they are intended to test individuals’ language 1 Maryam Kashani Nazari, The Student of IELTS FOR TEACHERS Course, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), International Language Center, Tehran, Iran [Email: maryam.kashani57@gmail.com](Email: maryam.kashani57@gmail.com) 2 Ahmad Pourghasem (PhD), Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), TESOL Trainer and Staff Member of International Language Center, Tehran, Iran (Corresponding Author) . E-mail: [a.pourghasem@aut.ac.ir](a.pourghasem@aut.ac.ir) 3 Elham Gerami, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), IELTS Trainer and Staff Member of International Language Center, Tehran, Iran. E-mail: [elhamgr@aut.ac.ir](elhamgr@aut.ac.ir) proficiency and the two tests are different in terms of their format, length and content and grading systems. Keywords: IELTS, TOEFL, format, content, grading, length, similarities, differences 1. Research Question There are different English language proficiency tests used nationally. Language tests are used for several aims in many contexts and are considered as one of the vital aspects in individual’s professional life. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are most widely accepted language tests worldwide. Both tests are used for English as Foreign Language (EFL) as well as English as Second Language (ESL) learners with the purpose of measuring their English language skills and abilities. The results of these two test can be used in different situations. For instance, for an international student to be approved for admission into an educational institution, the student must have the necessary English language proficiency score that meets the minimum requirements. Moreover, they are compulsory for some people who are applying for a job or an immigration visa. In both cases, merely those individuals who could obtain the required score are successful. The current study investigates on the similarities and difference between IELTS and TOEFL tests. This study compares these two high-stakes test by considering the similarities and differences on format, content and grading systems as well as the reliability and validity of both test. It is important for test-takers to know how these two test can b

FAQs

What is the main purpose of comparing IELTS and TOEFL in this study?

To compare IELTS and TOEFL in terms of similarities and differences across format, content, grading systems, and the reliability and validity of both tests.

How do IELTS and TOEFL differ in version availability and skills assessed?

The study states IELTS has general and academic versions, and TOEFL has paper-based, computer-based, and internet-based versions. It also contrasts the skills and task structures included in each test.

What scoring and test-length differences are discussed?

The study notes that IELTS uses scores from zero to nine while TOEFL uses cumulative scoring. It also reports that IELTS takes about two and a half hours, whereas TOEFL CBT takes about four hours.

Oct 1, 2026

Uploaded by Rizky