IELTS and TOEFL are two of the world’s most popular English language tests, recognized by thousands of institutions across the globe. The qualifications are also often seen as proof of proficiency in English, so whether you would like to study or work in an English-speaking country, this could be the ideal next step in your language journey!
And what better way to prepare for these exams than by taking one of our IELTS or TOEFL preparation courses?
These courses are designed to improve your general language skills and help you reach the level required to pass the relevant examination through intensive English practice. The IELTS and TOEFL exams are divided into four sections based on the four main language skills – speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Our preparation courses will therefore aim to develop all four of these aspects, often through the use of authentic materials (newspapers, magazines, books, journals, recordings, etc), as well as past exam papers to familiarise you with exam-style questions. On top of this, you can also expect to develop skills that are valuable within an academic or professional context, such as essay writing, presentations, analysis of academic texts, etc.
Our IELTS/TOEFL preparation courses are suitable for students of different levels, from upper-intermediate to advanced, and are offered in many of our English schools across the world. Don’t hesitate to contact us to find out where you can take an IELTS or a TOEFL preparation course to support your application overseas!
# English Language Courses
These days, universities and colleges worldwide offer numerous courses taught exclusively in English, making it easier for international students to enroll in their study programs.
When you apply to a university, you will most likely need an English-language certificate, which proves you have enough knowledge to participate in classes, understand the textbooks, and complete your assignments.
To pass an English test and obtain the language certificate, you might need to invest a lot of time and effort, depending on your current English level. That’s why you should start preparing and practicing as soon as possible. It’s also wise to take the English exam early on, so you won’t miss the university application deadlines.
English Proficiency Course marks are an important part of qualifying for study abroad
Most institutions in the world use standardized English tests to ensure that international students have the necessary English communication and comprehension skills to do well in their course of choice.
At AECC Global, we understand how each of the industry-recognized English tests is conducted and what’s required of applicants.
As a result, we offer the best test preparation coaching to help students achieve their desired score.
Improve your English Proficiency
With years of experience in teaching international students, our English proficiency course coaches know what is expected in all major English Proficiency Tests to help you familiarize yourself with the test format and improve your English skills.
They understand the challenges faced by non-native speakers of English and are able to tailor programs to help you in the areas you need improvement.
Not only will you save money by learning how to master your English proficiency test the first time effectively, but you’ll also be sure that you’ve got the necessary skills you need in English writing, reading, listening, and speaking for life.
Proficiency Courses to study abroad
- IELTS – The International English Language Test
- TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
- PTE – Pearson Tests of English
- SAT – Scholastic Assessment Test
What is the IELTS exam?
The IELTS exam is one of the standardized English proficiency tests approved by over 100 countries to process international students’ higher education applications. The IELTS exam structure and questions are framed by some of the world’s best English language experts to assess the students’ language skills.
International citizens prefer to take up the IELTS English proficiency test when they either need to study overseas or apply for a PR.
IELTS exams are classified into two types, i.e) Academic IELTS Exam and General IELTS Exam.
- Academic IELTS Exam- Designed especially for international students applying to study at a designated university or institution across the world.
- General IELTS Exam – Designed especially for international citizens wanting to immigrate to an English-speaking country such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the US, and the UK.
What is the TOEFL exam?
The TOEFL exam is a popular English proficiency test to examine international students’ ability to communicate effectively overseas. The TOEFL exam is widely accepted across 120+ countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the US, and the UK. Students can take up the TOEFL exam in two ways, i.e) TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT.
- What is TOEFL iBT Exam?TOEFL iBT stands for the Internet-based exam. The TOEFL iBT exam is entirely conducted online, yet the evaluating methodologies remain the same.
- What is TOEFL PBT Exam?TOEFL PBT stands for Paper-based English language proficiency exam. The PBT exam is conducted through traditional on-room methods, and the test examines students’ proficiency in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.
What is the PTE exam?
The PTE exam is one of the oldest English language proficiency tests to assess people’s writing, speaking, and reading skills. The Pearson Language Tests comprises two tests to examine the English proficiency of students wishing to study or work overseas. The two types of PTE exams are PTE Academic and PTE General.
- What is PTE Academic exam?
PTE Academic exam is an online-based English language proficiency test aimed at allowing students to take up the test at any course of a year. Students’ reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills are examined in the PTE Academic format.
- What is the PTE General exam?
PTE General is a paper-based on-room English language proficiency test. This format is most suitable for people looking to either work or migrate overseas. Unlike PTE Academic, the PTE General exam is conducted only in specific months of the year.
What is SAT exam?
SAT Exam in Nepal is one of the most popular and globally accepted assessment tests for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate courses abroad. The countries such as the USA, UK, and Canada give weightage to the SAT Score, and it is one of the requirements for enrolling in universities or higher education institutions.
- What is SAT Reasoning exam?
The SAT Reasoning Test is ideally taken by students who have completed their schooling and are looking to pursue an undergraduate course overseas. One of the pros of taking up the SAT exam in Anywhere is that it projects the skills and knowledge you have attained all these years in your schooling, including solving issues, thinking, and effectively communicating with fellow mates.
- What is SAT subject exam?
The SAT Exam format for the subject test is to answer multiple-choice questions about a specific subject, and the duration of the exam lasts for an hour. Students who want to enroll in a course, i.e., w.r.t a particular subject, can take up the SAT Exam Anywhere in the world.
We offer English Proficiency Course coaching to score high in the
International English language Testing System.
There are 3 globally recognized English Proficiency Courses that you can expect to sit in, and we can help advise which test you need to train for to be accepted into your chosen institution or destination.
IELTS Coaching
IELTS is one of the world’s most popular English Proficiency Courses for migration, especially for study or work and we offer the best IELTS class in Kathmandu. It comes in 2 formats, Academic and General Training. IELTS Academic testing is what you need – as it’s designed to ensure you’re ready to study at university or college.
IELTS comprises 4 components: Listening (Approx. 30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes with 2 tasks to complete), and Speaking (11 – 14 minute face-to-face interview).
This type of testing is accepted in over 9,000 educational institutions worldwide.
PTE Coaching
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) is commonly used by universities, colleges, and governments to evaluate your English Proficiency. It is completed online and provides a written test result to you within 5 business days.
PTE Academic test is available in 250 locations worldwide and is conducted 353 days per year. The process runs in 4 stages: Booking, Preparation, Testing, and Viewing/Sending Your Scores.
TOEFL Coaching
The TOEFL Test is used to determine your English Proficiency at a university level. It combines evaluations in reading, listening, speaking, and writing in academic situations to ensure your skills are of an acceptable university standard.
Taken by over 30 million people worldwide, it’s accepted in 130 countries and by more than 10,000 institutions. Testing is available in authorized test centers 50 times per year.
IELTS vs. TOEFL: Which should you take?
Find out which English language exam is better for you – IELTS or TOEFL iBT. We give you all the information to help you decide which test you should take.
All international students who want to study in an English-speaking country need to show they have the required level of English. There are a few English language exams that are accepted by universities all over the world, we’re going to focus on two of these: IELTS and TOEFL.
Before we continue, let’s look at what these names mean. IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. TOEFL is the Test of English as a Foreign Language.
To apply to university you will need to take the IELTS Academic test or TOEFL iBT. These tests can be taken at test centers in your own country. You can find your nearest test center by following these links: IELTS and TOEFL. The cost of the tests is also set by the test center in your country so contact them to find out the cost.
Both tests are accepted by top universities in different countries all around the world but they are very different in terms of structure and question types. Read on to find out more about each of these tests to decide which one you should take and which one is better for you.
What is the difference between IELTS and TOEFL?
These two tests are owned by different testing organizations. IELTS is jointly owned by: the British Council, Cambridge Assessment English, and IDP Australia (of which Hotcourses Abroad is an affiliate). The test is written and administered by Cambridge Assessment English. It is the British Council and IDP Australia who run the test centers around the world.
TEOFL iBT is owned, written, and administered by the Education Testing Service (ETS) an organization in the USA.
To help, here’s an overview of the main similarities and differences between the two tests:
| IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT | |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Paper and Online | Online |
| Length | 2 hours 45 minutes | 3 hours 15 minutes |
| Scores | 0-9 | 0-120 |
| Results | 13 days | 10 days |
| Marking | Human examiners and automated marking (machine marking) | Human examiners and automated marking (machine marking) |
| Accepted by | 11,000 organizations worldwide | 11,500 organizations worldwide |
Format of tests
Although they both test the four skills of listening, reading, writing, and speaking, they do so in different ways:
| IELTS Academic | Questions | TOEFL iBT | Questions | |
| Listening | 30 mins | 40 | 41-57 mins | 28-39 |
| Reading | 60 mins | 40 | 54-72 mins | 30-40 |
| Writing | 60 mins | 2 tasks | 50 mins | 2 tasks |
| Speaking | 11-14 mins | 3 parts | 17 mins | 4 tasks |
Test Question types
IELTS has various question types. A mix of these will appear in the Listening and Reading tests:
- Multiple choice
- Matching
- Plan, map, diagram labeling
- Form, note, table, flow-chart, summary completion
- Sentence completion
- Summary completion
- Short answer questions
- True/False/Not Given
- Yes/No/Not Given
TOEFL iBT is made up of multiple-choice questions (where you select and answer from options, A, B, C, or D).
IELTS vs TOEFL – Listening
A common myth is that IELTS is British English and TOEFL is US English but the fact is that both tests have a range of English accents: North American, British, Australian, and New Zealand accents.
There are four parts to the IELTS Listening test, with ten questions each. Parts 1 and 2 are in a general English context. Parts 3 and 4 are in an academic context. Parts 1 and 3 involve more than one speaker whereas Parts 2 and 4 are monologues (only one person speaks).
There are 2 types of listening items in the TOEFL iBT test: lectures and conversations, both of which use the language you would be expected to hear and use at university. The test is made up of:
- 3 to 4 lectures with six questions each
- 2 to 3 conversations with two speakers with five questions per conversation.
IELTS vs TOEFL – Reading
There are three passages (texts) in the IELTS Academic Reading test with a total of about 2,750 words. Passage one and two have thirteen questions each. Passage three has fourteen questions. Remember that these questions will cover a range of question types (see above). The reading texts come from books, journals, magazines, newspapers, or websites. You are not expected to know the subject matter well. You will be able to answer the questions based on the content of the text.
TOEFL iBT has three or four reading passages with a total of 700 words each. Each passage has ten multiple-choice questions. As with IELTS, you aren’t expected to know the subject matter and will be able to answer the questions based on the content.
IELTS vs TOEFL – Writing
There are two tasks in both the IELTS and TOEFL Writing tests. Task one of the IELTS Academic Writing test has information presented in a graph, chart, table, or diagram. You have 20 minutes to complete the task and to write a minimum of 150 words. In task two you have 40 minutes to write a minimum of 250 words answering a discussion question. Task two is worth double the marks of task one. If you’re taking the paper-based IELTS test, both tasks will have to be handwritten.
TOEFL iBT task one is very different. This task is integrated with both reading and listening. You have to read a short passage and listen to a short lecture. You then have to write a response based on what you have read and listened to. Task two is writing an essay based on your personal experience or opinion on a given topic. You have a total of 50 minutes for the writing test.
IELTS vs TOEFL – Speaking
The main difference between the two tests is that the IELTS Speaking test is done with an examiner either face-to-face or on a video call. The test is recorded for training and verification purposes. Your test is marked by the examiner and verified by other examiners if necessary.
In the TOEFL iBT test, you listen to questions, and you then speak your answers into a microphone. Your answers are marked by a combination of AI (computer-rated) and human reviewers.
The IELTS test may or may not be taken on the same day as the other parts of the test whereas TOEFL iBT is taken on the same day as the other parts.
IELTS Speaking has three parts: Part one – you give personal information and discuss everyday subjects. In part two you are given a task in which you have one minute to prepare your answer. You then have two minutes to give your talk. The final part is a discussion with the examiner on a topic related to the one in part two.
Like the TOEFL Writing test, the Speaking test is integrated. Question one requires you to answer questions based on your own ideas, opinions, and experiences. Question two requires you to listen and speak, or listen, read and speak. You have preparation time before you have to respond to each question.
IELTS vs TOEFL Scores
For IELTS you are given a band score of between 0-9 for each of the skills and then you are given an overall band score. You can find more information on these bands and their descriptors on the IELTS website.
In TOEFL iBT you are given a score range of 0 to 30 for each skill and a total score 0 to120. You can find a more detailed breakdown of the TOEFL iBT scores for each of the skills and what they mean on the ETS website.
Different courses at different levels at universities around the world have specific English language entry requirements. Below is a table to show what IELTS and TOEFL iBT scores are needed at different course levels.
| Degree level | IELTS | TOEFL iBT |
| Foundation | 5 | 35-45 |
| Undergraduate | 6 | 60-78 |
| Postgraduate | 7 | 94-101 |
Here are how the scores compare:
| IELTS band score | TOEFL iBT score |
| 0-4 | 0-31 |
| 4.5 | 32-34 |
| 5 | 35-45 |
| 5.5 | 46-59 |
| 6 | 60-78 |
| 6.5 | 79-93 |
| 7 | 94-101 |
| 7.5 | 102-109 |
| 8 | 110-114 |
| 8.5 | 115-117 |
| 9 | 118-120 |
Frequently asked questions
Which test is easier?
This is an impossible question to answer as it depends on the experience of each person. Some people prefer multiple-choice questions and find them easier. Some people prefer to speak to a person rather than a computer. Some people find it difficult to describe a graph while others may find having to read, listen and speak all at the same time quite challenging.
Which test is better for me?
You need to understand what kind of English language student you are and what types of questions and tests you prefer. Try taking practice tests for both IELTS and TOEFL and see which one suits you and your abilities better.
How long will it take for me to prepare for IELTS?
Another impossible question to answer as it depends on many factors. The most important factor is your current level of English and which band score you need to achieve. If you are currently at a band score of 5 but need a band score of 6 to start your undergraduate course, you will need less time than if you were starting at a band score of 4.
Being realistic about your level of English now and what you need to achieve and by when is important. It will probably take you four to six weeks to do an IELTS preparation course which will help you to understand and practice the different question types and each skills test. These preparation courses won’t improve your level of English, just your knowledge of the test. Your band score will NOT improve just by doing many tests over and over again. To improve your band score you need to improve your general level of English too.
Is TOEFL mainly used for the USA?
The TOEFL iBT test is accepted by universities all around the world, just like the IELTS test.
Is the British Council IELTS test easier than the IDP IELTS test?
This is another common myth. The test is written by Cambridge Assessment English and sent to test centers all around the world. The level of the IELTS test at different centers around the world is exactly the same. No test is easier than any other.
How can I prepare for IELTS?
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