Difference Between TOEFL Essentials Vs TOEFL IBT

While deciding between TOEFL Essentials and TOEFL iBT can be daunting, your choice will impact your test preparation and career or academic prospects. Hence, you must make an informed decision, which you will do after you have read this blog thoroughly. 

• TOEFL Essentials

TOEFL Essentials is offered by ETS (Educational Testing Service). This newer test version is structured to be shorter and more straightforward. Unlike TOEFL iBT, Essentials focuses on a more conversational approach to English. It focuses on assessing the fundamental English Language abilities needed for academic and everyday conversations. It also includes a Personal Video Statement to offer a more rounded view of your language skills. This test has two sections - Listening and Reading, with no separate sections for speaking or writing. 

• TOEFL iBT

TOEFL (Internet-Based Test) is traditional and has been the go-to choice for English proficiency for many years. It has four sections - Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. This is to ensure you are well-equipped in all aspects of the English Language. It offers a holistic measurement of English Language proficiency. This test is administered online and scores on a scale of 0 to 120. 

Understanding the structure and duration of TOEFL Essentials and TOEFL iBT is essential. If a shorter test is what you are looking for, choose TOEFL Essentials. On the other hand, TOEFL iBT offers a more in-depth evaluation of your skills. 

When comparing TOEFL Essentials and iBT, comprehending the scoring criteria is pivotal in shaping your preparation and strategy.

• TOEFL Essentials

TOEFL Essentials uses a scale of 6 points - 24 for Listening and Reading, 0-30 points for writing, and 0-60 points for Speaking. The test provides diagnostic feedback but aims to present a more rounded profile of the test-taker through the Personal Video statement. 

• TOEFL iBT

The scoring for TOEFL iBT ranges from 0 to 120 points. Each section - Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking - contributes a maximum of 30 points. The score report provides feedback on your performance in each section, enabling targeted improvement

Suggested: Is the TOEFL Essentials Test the avant-garde of TOEFL iBT?

You must know if the country and the universities you aim for accept either of the two tests before deciding which one to choose. 

• TOEFL Essentials

The TOEFL Essentials exam is less popular than the TOEFL iBT. TOEFL Essentials is accepted globally in numerous countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, China, India, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Italy, and Spain, among others, for English proficiency requirements.

• TOEFL iBT

This test is accepted worldwide and is the standard for many academic institutions in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. TOEFL iBT, one of the most recognised English proficiency exams worldwide, is accepted in numerous countries across the globe. Countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, China, India, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Italy, and Spain are among those that acknowledge TOEFL iBT scores for various purposes, including university admissions, visa applications, and professional certifications. 

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When considering the choice between TOEFL Essentials and iBT, it's important to note that iBT has been around longer, resulting in a more decadent array of available study resources.

• TOEFL Essentials 

While TOEFL Essentials is relatively recent, it's swiftly accumulating specialised study resources. Official TOEFL Essentials guides aim to provide comprehensive insights into the exam's expectations. These guides typically include practice exercises, tactics, and advice to improve test performance. Additionally, tailored online courses for TOEFL Essentials are readily available.

• TOEFL iBT

When dealing with TOEFL iBT, you have a plethora of resources available. Various books are exclusively tailored for TOEFL iBT preparation, meticulously covering Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking skills. These books often include practice exams, which are invaluable for grasping the test structure and self-evaluation.

Furthermore, the internet offers abundant resources, including interactive tutorials, videos, and discussion forums where you can seek advice and exchange tips. Coaching sessions provide personalized support, enabling you to concentrate on areas requiring enhancement.

The testing environment for TOEFL iBT is conventional, where examinees sit in a room alongside others, typically at partitioned desks. Surveillance cameras and invigilators ensure strict adherence to test regulations. While some individuals excel in this structured setup, akin to formal academic settings, others may find it daunting or stressful, potentially impacting their performance. When weighing TOEFL Essentials against iBT, it's essential to consider one's comfort level in such formal test environments.

In contrast, TOEFL Essentials provides greater flexibility regarding the test environment. Test-takers can opt to sit the exam either at an authorized center or from the convenience of their homes. The home-based option allows for a comfortable setting, potentially alleviating test anxiety. Nonetheless, specific prerequisites must be met, such as possessing a computer with a webcam and maintaining a stable internet connection. Thus, when deliberating between TOEFL Essentials and iBT, it's crucial to factor in one's comfort and ease with the testing environment.

TOEFL Essentials Test:

• Generally priced around USD 120.

• This option may attract budget-conscious students.

• TOEFL Essentials - ₹8,900

TOEFL iBT Exam:

• The cost varies between USD 160 and USD 250, depending on the country.

• Additional expenses include study materials or preparatory courses.

• TOEFL iBT - ₹11,800 to ₹19,400,

Costs are approximate and may fluctuate based on location and additional expenses. 

Based on your application deadlines, you can choose which test to choose:

• The results from TOEFL Essentials arrive in less than six days frequently. This can be a merit of your working on tight application deadlines. 

• On the other hand, the TOEFL iBT results are available within ten days of the exam. This provides you ample time to apply to your universities.  

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• Preparation for TOEFL Essentials:

1. The simplified format requires less time for preparation. 

2. Many test-takers find that a few weeks of focused study suffice.

3. If time is limited, TOEFL Essentials may be a more feasible option.

• Preparation for TOEFL iBT:

1. Typically, it involves investing several months in the study.

2. Comprehensive study materials are readily available.

3. Due to the extensive scope of the test, intensive preparation is necessary.

Comparing TOEFL Essentials and iBT, the required preparation time is essential. While TOEFL iBT demands extensive study due to its comprehensive nature, TOEFL Essentials offers a simplified format, often requiring less preparation time.

Choosing between TOEFL Essentials and iBT requires careful consideration of factors such as test structure, preparation time, test environment, cost, and turnaround time for scores. While TOEFL iBT comprehensively evaluates English language skills, TOEFL Essenitlas has a simplified format. 

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