ENGLISHCOURSESUSA | LEARN ENGLISH IN THE USA
  • ABOUT
  • Get Started
  • Services
    • ARGO
    • COLLEGEY
    • CORT
    • Cturtle
    • ELSA
    • Unilodgers
  • GET SMART

What is the Difference Between the TOEFL and the TOEIC?

8/10/2016

 
Picture
By David White

If you are considering higher education in the United States, you no doubt know that before you can be accepted into most programs, you must demonstrate a certain degree of proficiency in English. 

Many people are familiar with the Test of English as a Foreign Language (or TOEFL), which is the standardized exam most commonly used by colleges and universities when evaluating international applicants. What you may be less familiar with, however, is the Test of English for International Communication (or TOEIC). 

There are important similarities and differences between these two exams that you should examine before deciding which test is right for you.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
First offered in 1964, the TOEFL is frequently used by American schools to determine how well potential international students can read, speak, write, and understand English. The test consists of four sections: Reading, in which you answer questions about several passages; Listening, in which you answer questions about conversations and lectures; Speaking, in which you verbally make an argument, state an opinion, and so on; and Writing, in which you write essays based on exam tasks. The TOEFL is typically proctored electronically, but a paper option does exist for certain circumstances.

For current students, the content of the TOEFL will likely feel familiar, as the test is largely oriented toward testing your academic knowledge via classroom tasks, textbook passages, etc. Moreover, there is no official passing or failing grade—rather, each portion of the exam is given a score of 0-30 points, for a total score of 0-120.

The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
The largest difference between the TOEIC and the TOEFL is who takes each test and why. Unlike the TOEFL, which is designed for academia, the TOEIC assesses a person’s ability to use English in a real-world context like business. 

For instance, a person who was pursuing a position working in a luxury resort would need to know how to work with basic business concepts in English. In this case, he or she might decide to take the TOEIC, as it demonstrates the test-taker’s proficiency in this field. 

The content of the TOEIC is otherwise similar to the TOEFL—both assess listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. 

Choosing the right exam
When deciding which test is right for you, there are three critically important items to take into consideration. First, do the universities to which you are applying have any requirements for English language assessment? Most schools will accept TOEFL scores, but fewer will accept the TOEIC. Before registering for either exam, contact each university to determine which it prefers or accepts.

The second item to consider is what you plan to do with your test scores. If the schools do not have a preference and you plan to enter the business community in an English-speaking country, taking the TOEIC might be in your best interest because it measures your ability to use English in a real-world context.

Finally, take a moment to consider the ways in which you have studied English to date, as well as which areas are your strengths. As previously mentioned, the TOEFL is primarily intended for academic environments, which means that the exam is oriented toward those who have learned English through textbooks and in classrooms. 

David White is a contributing writer for UniversityTutor.com, the world's largest global marketplace for finding independent tutors. 


Comments are closed.

    EnglishCoursesUSA

    Your one-stop destination for English language programs, tools, products and resources.

    Picture
    Picture
    Top ESL Blog Site Badge

    Archives

    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    August 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    August 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

EnglishCoursesUSA.com

Do you want to learn English ?

Connect & Apply to  English language programs, secondary schools, universities and colleges with the assistance of our advisors.
 
Learn & practice  English online with our quizzes, games and podcasts or download ESL books and more!

Picture

About     Advertise     Contact     Submit     Product     Partners     Privacy     Refunds     ​Terms

ESL.COM Copyright 2022
  • ABOUT
  • Get Started
  • Services
    • ARGO
    • COLLEGEY
    • CORT
    • Cturtle
    • ELSA
    • Unilodgers
  • GET SMART