Which is Better, the IELTS or the TOEFL Test?

The IELTS is often considered to be the only test that can compete with the TOEFL test in the United States.

Peterson's Staff 

For many years, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) was the exam most U.S. colleges and universities relied on to measure and test English language skills exhibited by applicants from non-English speaking countries. Worldwide, that was not the case. Another test, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), was the exam required by most other English-speaking countries, including Britain and Australia, to test English language skills. The IELTS is often considered to be the only test that can compete with the TOEFL test in the United States.

The TOEFL test did not match the IELTS in all areas

With its live, one-on-one component, the IELTS has been viewed by many as a superior exam for evaluating the spoken English skills of potential students. Until recently, the TOEFL had no such component and many of the countries requiring the IELTS felt that a speech component to an English proficiency exam was crucial.

Whether or not the IELTS is a better exam really seems to be a matter of opinion. However, its acceptance as an assessment tool has grown in the United States in recent years. In addition to the TOEFL, more than 3,000 U.S. institutions and programs now accept the IELTS as well. You can see a list of these institutions and programs, the IELTS Recognition List, at http://ielts.org/usa.aspx. For the most part, the choice of which test to take is up to you.

The TOEFL iBT is playing catch up

So, which test is better? It depends on who you ask! Some schools remain firmly devoted to the IELTS and its interactive, personalized-speech format. On the other hand, the TOEFL gained some ground globally when it introduced its Internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) format with its new recorded-speech portion. With both tests now offering the ability to test spoken language, and the TOEFL spreading its Internet-based testing ability across the globe, the TOEFL has seen upward spikes in number of users in various parts of the world.

Do you need to prepare for the IELTS or the TOEFL test?

Internet-based testing is just getting started for the IELTS. The current IELTS format is expected to stay around for at least a few more years and, worldwide, many test-prep and coaching companies prepare students for the IELTS. On the other hand, test-prep companies are still a bit stumped by the TOEFL iBT, and preparation lessons and techniques for the iBT are still being developed. Certainly, both tests offer sample materials to potential test-takers, but if you have the choice of preparing for one test or the other with a professional test coach, you may prefer the IELTS, as long as the schools you're applying to will accept it.

Both the TOEFL iBT and the IELTS now evaluate speech

As far as speech evaluation goes, there is no definitive rule on which test is better. Some say the individualized IELTS format is great, while others think there's a potential for bias and an even greater chance of inconsistency in scoring due to individual nuances of the examiners. Critics of the IELTS believe that the panel review of recorded speech for the TOEFL test is a more accurate, less biased mechanism for evaluation.

Which will you take, the IELTS or the TOEFL test?

Ultimately, the test you take will probably be guided by which test is required by the school(s) to which you are applying. If both are acceptable, the availability of testing locations and cost will probably play a significant role in your decision. Both tests have Web sites that can answer many of your questions and that maintain up-to-date news on the progression of their Internet-based test expansions. For most testing dates and locations, you can register online for most testing dates and locations. The Web is also a good access point for sample test materials and testing tips. It is a great place to begin planning your IELTS or TOEFL preparation so that in the end, you earn the best IELTS or TOEFL score you can.

Also, even as you're planning for the IELTS or TOEFL tests, make sure that you prepare for all the parts of the application that will matter, including the admissions essay. For that, there's no better source for help than the essay editing service of EssayEdge, which is staffed by expert Ivy League graduates who can provide you with tips and assistance to perfect your essay. Visit EssayEdge today and get to work on improving your essay!

source: Peterson's Staff, 24 Jan 2013

Scholarships to keep an eye out for

Experiences and exposure in new environments help individuals broaden their horizons and empower themselves. And with pacing globalization, international exposure has become a priority for many youngsters today. Catering to their needs are various educational and professional institutions abroad that provide scholarships for undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels, short-term courses, students exchange programs and trainings.

Here’s a list of some of such opportunities you can apply for, if you want to see the other part of the world, make new friends from across the globe and learn new things.

The UNAOC-EF Summer School

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations-Education First (UNAOC-EF) Summer School is a week-long interactive program held at EF’s American campus in Tarrytown, New York. The application opens in mid February and selected applicants attend the school in mid August. The school brings together youths from different parts of the world for roundtable discussions, seminars and workshops on the role of youths in bringing about positive changes in their societies.

For further information, go to www.unaocefsummerschool.org.

Australia Awards

If you are a Nepali citizen, have been residing in Nepal, have an academic degree at least equivalent to an Australian Bachelor’s degree, have a valid certificate of English Proficiency Test (either IELTS or TOEFL or PTE) and have at least three years of full-time work experience, you are eligible to apply for Australia Awards. The scholarship is awarded by the Australian government to students seeking to study in sectors like health, education, livelihoods or poverty alleviation, governance, economics, public policy and public financial management among others for Master’s and PhD levels.

The application for Intake 2015 is closed but applications for Intake 2016 will open on February 1, 2015. Check out www.australiaawardssouthasia.org for further information.

Fullbright Foreign Student Program

The United States Education Foundation (USEF) Nepal’s Fullbright Foreign Student Program provides Nepali students scholarships covering all expenses including travel for a Master’s degree program of up to two years at selected US universities in any field except medicine. You must have at least three years (for men) or one year (for women) of post-bachelor’s degree, full-time professional work experience in an area directly relevant to the chosen field of study.

Check out usefnepal.org for the upcoming program.

DAAD-Scholarship Program

This is a program of The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Kathmandu. It offers full and partial research scholarships, opportunities for working as university teachers and postgraduate courses in German universities. The program prioritizes women and candidates from disadvantaged groups who meet the academic and professional criteria and are eager in development-related issues. The classes take place after selecting the candidates usually for the following winter semester.

Find more information on www.daad.de.

SUSI

Study of the US Institutes (SUSIs) for Student Leaders are five-to-six-week academic programs for foreign undergraduate leaders. Hosted by US academic institutions throughout the United States, the Student Leader Institutes include an intensive academic residency, leadership development, an educational study tour, local community service activities and a unique opportunity for participants to get to know their American peers. Subjects covered ranges from Journalism and New Media to Public Policy and Government Leadership. Kritika Lamsal, 19, who participated in the study of Journalism and New Media through the program shares, “Even though I’ve been involved in media for quite a while, there were so many things related to media that I was unaware of. SUSI gave me new insights on that matter.” When you’re required to adapt in a totally new environment with multi-cultural dimensions, you learn to open up to different people and develop confidence, she observes.

To learn more about SUSI, the application criteria, process and deadlines, go to the US Embassy’s website nepal.usembassy.gov.

Indian Embassy Scholarships

Government of India provides various scholarships for Nepali students wanting to do PhD, Masters, Bachelors and Plus-two levels in India. The subjects range from engineering to medicine, veterinary sciences, pharmacology, computer application, business administration, agriculture, music and fine arts among others.

Different scholarships, their application forms and application deadlines are available on the Indian Embassy’s website www.indianembassy.org.np.

Source: myrepublica,13 august 2014