One of the most important things that non-native English speakers need to do when applying for study abroad programs is show that they can speak and write English well. IELTS (International English Language Testing System), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and the Duolingo English Test are the three most popular tests for language proficiency. It's important to know the differences between these tests and figure out which one is best for you because each one has its own set of features, pros, and cons.
We will look at IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo in this blog and compare them based on things like format, difficulty, availability, and cost to help you choose the best test for your study abroad trip.
A look at IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo
1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
IELTS is one of the most widely used tests of English proficiency around the world. More than 10,000 organizations in more than 140 countries, such as universities, immigration authorities, and employers, accept it. There are two versions of IELTS: Academic and General Training. The Academic version is only for students who want to go to college or university.
Important things about IELTS:
How to format:
· Listening (30 minutes)
· Reading for an hour
· Writing for 60 minutes
· Speaking (11–14 minutes, one-on-one interview with an examiner)
The IELTS uses a band score system from 0 to 9, with 9 being the best score. Most colleges and universities will only let you in if you have a score between 6.0 and 7.5.
The whole test will take about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Availability: There are more than 1,600 test centers around the world where you can take the IELTS.
Cost: The price of the IELTS test varies by country, but it usually costs between $200 and $250.
2. TOEFL stands for "Test of English as a Foreign Language."
Another well-known test is the TOEFL, which is used by more than 11,000 schools in 190 countries, mostly in the US. There are two types of TOEFL tests: the traditional TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) and the TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test). The iBT is the more common one.
Important Things About TOEFL:
How to do it:
· Reading (54 to 72 minutes)
· Listening (41–57 minutes)
· Speaking (17 minutes)
· Writing (50 minutes)
Scoring: The TOEFL test has a total score range of 0 to 120, with each section getting a score between 0 and 30. Most colleges want you to get a score between 80 and 100.
Test Length: The TOEFL iBT test lasts about three hours in total.
Availability: More than 4,500 test centers around the world offer TOEFL.
Cost: Depending on where you are, the TOEFL test costs between $180 and $300.
3. Test for English with Duolingo
Of the three, Duolingo is the newest and least expensive. It has become more popular because it is easy to use, costs less, and you can take the test online from home. Many universities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, accept Duolingo as an alternative to IELTS and TOEFL.
What Duolingo is all about:
Format:
· An adaptive test with questions about speaking, writing, reading, and listening
· Also, there is a video interview as part of the test.
· The whole test is done online.
Duolingo scores range from 10 to 160, and most schools accept scores above 120.
How long the test lasts: About an hour.
Availability: You can take Duolingo online at any time, which is one of its best features.
Cost: The Duolingo English Test is the least expensive of the three, costing about $49.
Which test should you take: IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo?
1. Format and Structure of the Test
|
Feature |
IELTS |
TOEFL |
Duolingo |
|
Test Duration |
2 hours 45 minutes |
3 hours |
1 hour |
|
Listening |
30 minutes |
41–57 minutes |
Integrated (adaptive) |
|
Reading |
60 minutes |
54–72 minutes |
Integrated (adaptive) |
|
Writing |
60 minutes |
50 minutes |
Integrated (adaptive) |
|
Speaking |
11–14 minutes (face-to-face) |
17 minutes |
Video Interview |
Some students find the IELTS speaking test more natural because it is done in person, while the TOEFL speaking test is done on a computer. Duolingo is more flexible because students can take the whole test, even the speaking part, from home.
2. System for scoring
|
Feature |
IELTS |
TOEFL |
Duolingo |
|
Range of Scores |
Band Score: 0 to 9 |
0 to 120 (Overall Score) |
10 to 160 |
|
Average Required Scores |
Most colleges accept scores between 6.0 and 7.5. |
Most universities have between 80 and 100 |
Most universities require 115 or more. |
Students who want a quick and less difficult test usually do better on Duolingo scores. But a lot of colleges still like the more well-known IELTS and TOEFL scores better.
3. Price and Availability
|
Feature |
IELTS |
TOEFL |
Duolingo |
|
Price |
$200 to $250 |
$180 to $300 |
49 USD |
|
Availability |
Over 1,600 test centers around the world |
There are more than 4,500 test centers around the world. |
You can get it online at any time and from any place. |
|
Place of Test |
Centers for physical tests |
Centers for physical tests |
Online (do it at home) |
Duolingo is a great choice because it's cheap and easy to use. You can use it at home anytime.
4. Acceptance and Recognition
|
Feature |
IELTS |
TOEFL |
Duolingo |
|
Acceptance Around the World |
More than 10,000 organizations have agreed to it. |
More than 11,000 institutions have accepted it. |
More than 3,000 schools have accepted it. |
|
Widely Accepted in |
Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK |
The US, Canada, the UK, and Australia |
More and more people in the US and Canada are accepting it. |
Most universities, especially in the US and the UK, still use IELTS and TOEFL as their main tests. More and more schools, especially in North America, are accepting Duolingo, but it isn't as widely known.
5. What is the best test for you?
Pick IELTS if:
· You are applying to colleges in the UK, Australia, or other Commonwealth countries.
· You want to take a speaking test in person with an examiner.
· You are okay with a longer test and harder writing sections.
Pick TOEFL if:
· You are applying to schools in the US or Canada because TOEFL is more widely accepted there.
· You would rather take a speaking test on a computer than in person.
· You want to get a higher score (TOEFL has a wider range of scores).
Pick Duolingo if:
· You want a test that is cheap, easy to take, and quick.
· You need to be able to change your plans and want to be able to take the test at home whenever you want.
· You are applying to a college that accepts Duolingo or in programs that aren't as competitive.
In conclusion
Your personal preferences, the requirements of the universities you want to go to, and your budget will all play a role in your decision between IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo. Many top universities around the world accept IELTS and TOEFL, which have been around for a long time and are well-respected. Duolingo, on the other hand, is a convenient and cheap option, especially if you want to be able to take the test when you want.
Before you choose a test, make sure you know what the language proficiency requirements are for the universities you're interested in.
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