How do I improve my score on the TOEF iBT or IELTS?

Answer 1

Most international students need more practice with comprehension and listening sections of the test. Speaking and reading are usually much easier. Practice makes you perfect and good guidance can go a long way.

Answer 2

First of all, TOEFL and IELTS are very different tests. I specialize in teaching test preparation for both tests and know from experience that you need very different strategies to success and increase your score in each of the tests. I am able to provide tips and tricks on how to do that when working with students and thus help them increase their score. But for this forum, I would rather focus on the differences between TOEFL and IELTS, because choosing the right test is always the first step.

Generally speaking, both tests have a reading, listening, speaking, and writing section, take about 4 hours, and test your vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, idiomacity, fluency, and ability to perform specific tasks in English under time pressure. Neither is better or worse. It really matters what you need the test for and what some of your preferences are.

One difference is that TOEFL is academic, whereas IELTS offers a "general" (slightly easier) and an "academic" option. If you need the test results to study at a university in the US, you will most likely have to select TOEFL; sometimes IELTS Academic is allowed. However, if you are going to study in Canada, IELTS Academic is often preferred, while IELTS General is usually sufficient for working in Canada. Overall, TOEFL is more accepted in the US, while Canada often requires IELTS.

Another major difference is that TOEFL Speaking is rigidly timed and you record your answer, whereas IELTS Speaking is a conversation with an examiner. Therefore, if you prefer speaking with a real person, you may feel that IELTS is better.

Moreover, as far as the Listening part of both tests is concerned, TOEFL uses American English and IELTS uses British English. If you are more familiar with American English, you will find TOEFL easier, however, if you are used to hearing British English, IELTS will make you feel more comfortable.

Finally, TOEFL is completely computer based, i.e. you will have to type your essays, while IELTS is paper based and you will have to hand-write your essays. So if you like paper better and if you are good at hand-writing, you may perceive IELTS easier. However, if you like working on a computer, clicking on anwers, dragging and dropping answers, and if you can type fast, TOEFL is better for you.



Overall, nothing of the above matters, if the company, organization, or university you need the test for has specific requirements and only accepts one or the other. Hence, it is always advisable to talk to them, find out which test they require, and what score/ score band is expected to successfully apply for the position or study program.

Answer 3

One way to improve your TOEFL iBT score in the reading section is to skim, scan and read the topic sentence and concluding sentences in each paragraph to get an idea about what the reading is. Do not waist your time reading the entire essay or story because you will eventually have to the return to the reading and reread it to answer the questions. This strategy will give you additional time on your exam to answer the more difficult questions later on. Also, when answering the questions in the speaking section, try to fall back on how you would organize an expository outline with an introduction, supporting information and conclusion. In this case, you would not be writing the answer on a piece of paper, but you would be organizing the answer in you head to answer it verbally. When answering the question, make sure you answer the question without leaving too much dead air. Attempt to use all the time you are given to answer the question and be confident with your responses. Use your transitional, complex sentences, and compound sentences.