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TOEFL vs IELTS


HappyIsland

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I want to start prepping for the IELTS, but I see test date availability is very limited. I am therefore looking at TOEFL as an alternative.

It is my understanding that TOEFL is now accepted in addition to IELTS.
http://www.immi.gov.au/News/Pages/aelt.aspx

Good thing is there seems to be plenty of test slots available.

http://www.ets.org/bin/getprogram.cgi?urlSource=toefl&newRegURL=&test=TOEFL&greClosed=new&greClosedCountry=China&browserType=&toeflType=&redirect=&t_country1=group_SouthAfrica

Can anybody offer some advice on the differences between the two? (Difficulty, test format, etc.)

Are the test score requirements the same for both? (Last thing I want to do is find out I have less points on the points assessment than initially thought).

I would also like to know how the preparation for the 2 differs?
Any links to resources, practice tests, prep material etc. welcome

Edited by HappyIsland
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that change is really recent, and my observation of the site is that nobody has written that test yet.

You will be a trail blazer!

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Based on that, I definitely don't want to take any chances. I would rather take the IELTS even if I have to wait an extra week or month to write it.

There seems to be a wealth of IELTS resources on the interwebs, so in terms of prep work it's a clear advantage.

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  • 2 months later...

Try the notefull site as well as the toefl ibt youtube videos. I'm schedule to sit the test on the 19th December. The only thing outstanding for my EOI application is the English test. Due to my age I need all 8's and I've decided to try TOEFL, I will not allow my first language to be an obstacle. I will provide feedback , once I've taken the test. Hold thumbs for me

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For EILTS practice there is tons of info out there. I used some old IELTS book I got from my cousin (and passed onto my bother in law, and has since just helped my other brother in law) and practice tests I found online at http://www.ielts-exam.net/. The website I would say is very accurate with regards to the type of tests and questions you can expect. I wouldn't be surprised if they are using old tests. The general IELTS test isn't difficult at all, but you still need to practice the questions to gain a better understand of what exactly they want. You only need the Academic IELTS if you are looking to enter Tertiary eduction. For people who's first language is English I would say, just don't get nonchalant and bored because that could cost you.

Good luck to you all about to sit the IELTS or TOEFL.

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My 2 cents worth.

The problem I have with IELTS is that one's level of success in two of the modules (Reading and Writing) is based more on "Time-based compliance" than "Language proficiency". By this I mean that with IELTS, "speed" plays a disproportionate influence in the measurement of one's language capabilities

Many people - including academics, teachers and professionals - fail IELTS despite English being their first language, or them being highly proficient, erudite and capable in English. This is due simply because they are unable to complete the exercises in the allotted time. This is particularly true in the case of the Academic Reading component, which has everything to do with skimming and clue-hunting, and almost nothing to do with comprehension.

Personally, I think the IELTS model is flawed, and candidates are deliberately set up for failure. I am very pleased that the IELTS monopoly over Australia has finally been broken, and I look forward to reading the comments of those who attempt the alternative options now available.

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I am awaiting my General Test results - supposed to be coming out this Friday. I have a sinking feeling that as with the Academic Test, writing is going to be my nemesis again. It's not just time management, it's knowing and applying the structure that they want to see. I personally will register for IELTS again, if I don't get the 4 8's required, as I have a better idea now ( better late than never, hey :rolleyes:) of the main essay structure, and will go for the devil I know. I have moved on from being mortified as an English first language person for not getting more than 7.5 on the writing first time round, to realising it's less about my proficiency and more about conforming to a set structure.

From what I have read, the TOEFL is a longer exam and quite a different format from the IELTS. One thing in its favour though is that it is pc based - actually writing with a pencil is quite demanding if you use a pc everyday for all writing purposes!

Still curious for feedback from anyone that has written the new tests.

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Hi,

I used to run the IELTS tests in JHB, up until August. We now do the Cambridge CAE test, which is also accepted. It is linkewd to the IELTS test in that both are produced by Cambridge, However, the CAE does not expire, and is a computer based test, as opposed to a pen and paper based test. We will be doing free preparation workshops for Jan Feb Mar next year. results available online in ten days.

Pls contact me for further information.

Matthew, Language Lab JHB

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Hi Matthew, welcome to the forum, good to have someone who can advise on one of the new tests available.

Can I just add that as with all the English tests that for DIBP visa application purposes these tests do have a limited period of validity which can vary depending upon the visa sub class.

For the general skilled visa for the primary applicant it is generally 3 years, and the secondary applicant generally 1 year.

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  • 3 months later...

How was the test?

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