The differences between TOEIC vs TOEFL
If English is not your first language than it is more than
likely that you will at some point take the TOEIC test or the TOEFL test. It is
important that you know the differences between these two popular English
tests. These two tests are used in different ways and are used by different
groups of people to measure a person's English ability. Let's take a look below
at the differences between TOEIC vs TOEFL.
Who takes the TOEIC test?
Basically
anyone who needs to use English in their job. Employees in international
corporations. Job applicants. Students in business, vocational, and trade
schools, community colleges. Students in the business track of English language
programs/schools.
Who takes the TOEFL test?
Basically
anyone who wants to study in a foreign university or college. Students in the
academic track of English language programs/schools. Students in colleges or
universities that have a language requirement. Applicants to scholarship and
exchange programs.
Test formats
The
TOEIC test was originally a 2 part test that measured a student's English
reading ability and listening ability. Now they have another test that measures
a student's speaking and writing skills. Check with your company or
organization for which test they want you to take. They offer a traditional
paper test but you can also take the tests online. The TOEIC reading and
listening test usually takes 2 and a half hours to finish. The TOEIC speaking
and writing test takes about 80 minutes.
The TOEFL test can only be taken online. It measure's a person't reading, speaking, listening and writing skills. The test usually takes about 4 and half hours. There are two most common forms of the test, the Internet-based Test (iBT), Computer Based Test (CBT) and paper-based (PBT). The iBT test is comprised of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking & Writing. The PBT is made up of four sections, as well: Listening, Structure & Written Expression, Reading Comprehension & Writing.
Test content
The
content is very different between the TOEIC test versus the TOEFL. The TOEIC
test is focused on business English so you will see topics ranging from
contracts and marketing to eating out and buying a train ticket. The TOEFL test
on the other hand is focused on the university and academic worlds. So you
could have to read someone's flyer looking for a new roommate or listen to a
class lecture on ancient history.
Test scores
On
the TOEFL iBT, the maximum possible score is 120 - 30 points for each of the
four sections. There is no "passing score" and colleges and
universities will have their own requirements for admission, which test-takers
can find information about through the admissions office, the TOEFL CBT ranges
between 30-300, whereas the TOEFL PBT ranges between 310-667 points.
The TOEIC Reading and Listening test gives the test-taker a score of 10 to
990, which corresponds to bands in the Common European Framework measure of
English proficiency. A test-taker will receive scores of zero to 200 for the
Speaking and Writing Tests separately, again which corresponds to the CEF
standards of English-language proficiency measurements.
What are the differences between TOEIC vs TOEFL?
The important difference between the TOEFL and the TOEIC. The
TOEFL is the The of English as a Foreign Language. The TOEFL test is for people
who want to study abroad in a language school or a university, applicants to
scholarship and exchange programs. TOEFL focuses on how language is used in
academic contexts. The TOEFL test measures a person’s English ability for
academic studies. The TOEFL is a four-section test that includes sections for
reading, listening, speaking and writing. There are three most common forms of
the test, the Internet-based Test (iBT), Computer Based Test (CBT)
and Paper-Based Test (PBT). The iBT ranges between 8-120 points, The CBT ranges between 30-300,
whereas the PBT ranges between 310-667 points.
The TOEIC is the Test of English for
International Communication. The TOEIC test is for people who want
to work in a job that uses English. TOEIC focuses on how language used in
global business and commerce. TOEIC is
intended to measure English ability in the workplace. Companies often use it to
make decisions about recruitment, promotion, and sending employees overseas. The
TOEIC given in two sections, the Listening Comprehension section and the
Reading Comprehension section. The TOEIC Reading and Listening test gives the
test-taker a score of 10 to 990.
Reference:
Rollins,
Elizabeth. 2013. The Complete Idiot's Guide to the TOEFL: Penguin Group (USA)
Inc.
Rollins,
Elizabert. 2003. Cracking the TOEIC Exam:
The Princeton Review
