What's the difference between the IELTS and TOEFL speaking tests?
What happens in a TOEFL test?
The TOEFL speaking test is one candidate and a computer, which provides tasks for the candidate, records their
answers and times them (with an on-screen clock). The recorded sample is evaluated later by a group of
examiners. The test is separated into 6 tasks, two independent tasks (just the candidate speaking) and four
integrated tasks (with the candidate integrating information from other sources, such as a written text or
listening). The test takes about 20 minutes.
In task 1, the candidate reads and listens to a short question based on a familiar topic. For example, the candidate
could be asked to describe a class. In task 2, they are asked to choose between two options and explain why. In
both questions, the candidate has 15 seconds to prepare an answer and needs to speak for 45 seconds.
In part 2 of the speaking the four tasks are integrated with other skills. In task 3, the candidate reads a short text
on a campus-related issue, then hears one or two students expressing opinions. The candidate then needs to
summarise what the speakers have said. In task 4, the candidate reads about an academic subject, then hears a
professor lecturing on the same subject. There is then a question based on both sources. In task 5 the candidate
listens to a short conversation about a campus-related situation and then answers a question. This answer
includes choosing between options and justifying this choice. The final task is to listen to a brief extract from a
lecture and then explain a point with examples.
How is the candidate evaluated?
The candidate is recorded, and then at least three different examiners listen to this recording. They grade each of
the six tasks on the recording separately against criteria in four areas. Levels go from 0 – 4, so there each band is
broader than in an IELTS test. The criteria are below:
Delivery
This means how well the candidate uses pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation, and whether their rate of speech,
pausing and fluency is appropriate. In terms of the elements we have identified in part 1 of this article, this criteria
refers to Speakers need to be able to produce the phonological features of speech.
Language Use
This means how much vocabulary and how many structures the candidate has, and how well they use these two
elements. As above, this includes the rules of language at a word level, the communicative functions of speech
and the social meaning of speech.
Topic Development
This is a different kind of criteria because as well as evaluating the general cohesion and coherence of the candidate’
s answers (the rules of language at a word, sentence and text level and the communicative functions of speech),
this criteria asks if the candidate has completed the task, which includes using the information they were given. In
this way this criteria evaluates both language and content.
Challenges for candidates
The TOEFL exam is different from the IELTS because the candidate does not talk to other people during the test,
only to a computer. This kind of test – and speaking - has special challenges.
What happens in a TOEFL test?
The TOEFL speaking test is one candidate and a computer, which provides tasks for the candidate, records their
answers and times them (with an on-screen clock). The recorded sample is evaluated later by a group of
examiners. The test is separated into 6 tasks, two independent tasks (just the candidate speaking) and four
integrated tasks (with the candidate integrating information from other sources, such as a written text or
listening). The test takes about 20 minutes.
In task 1, the candidate reads and listens to a short question based on a familiar topic. For example, the candidate
could be asked to describe a class. In task 2, they are asked to choose between two options and explain why. In
both questions, the candidate has 15 seconds to prepare an answer and needs to speak for 45 seconds.
In part 2 of the speaking the four tasks are integrated with other skills. In task 3, the candidate reads a short text
on a campus-related issue, then hears one or two students expressing opinions. The candidate then needs to
summarise what the speakers have said. In task 4, the candidate reads about an academic subject, then hears a
professor lecturing on the same subject. There is then a question based on both sources. In task 5 the candidate
listens to a short conversation about a campus-related situation and then answers a question. This answer
includes choosing between options and justifying this choice. The final task is to listen to a brief extract from a
lecture and then explain a point with examples.
How is the candidate evaluated?
The candidate is recorded, and then at least three different examiners listen to this recording. They grade each of
the six tasks on the recording separately against criteria in four areas. Levels go from 0 – 4, so there each band is
broader than in an IELTS test. The criteria are below:
Delivery
This means how well the candidate uses pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation, and whether their rate of speech,
pausing and fluency is appropriate. In terms of the elements we have identified in part 1 of this article, this criteria
refers to Speakers need to be able to produce the phonological features of speech.
Language Use
This means how much vocabulary and how many structures the candidate has, and how well they use these two
elements. As above, this includes the rules of language at a word level, the communicative functions of speech
and the social meaning of speech.
Topic Development
This is a different kind of criteria because as well as evaluating the general cohesion and coherence of the candidate’
s answers (the rules of language at a word, sentence and text level and the communicative functions of speech),
this criteria asks if the candidate has completed the task, which includes using the information they were given. In
this way this criteria evaluates both language and content.
Challenges for candidates
The TOEFL exam is different from the IELTS because the candidate does not talk to other people during the test,
only to a computer. This kind of test – and speaking - has special challenges.
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Other useful pages
Links and tips to help you
What does my score mean?
What if I am not happy with my score?
On the day of the exam
IELTS questions and answers
Links and tips to help you
What does my score mean?
What if I am not happy with my score?
On the day of the exam
IELTS questions and answers