IELTS and TOEFL
WHAT ARE IELTS AND TOEFL?
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System.
TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language.
They are the two main English-language tests in the world.
IELTS is a United Kingdom and Commonwealth based test and TOEFL is U.S. based.
2. WHAT DO THEY INVOLVE?
Both IELTS and TOEFL test non-native speakers for proficiency in the English language.
They assess test-takers' skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
IELTS offers two test options: an academic test and a general training test. The general training test is aimed at immigrants and those seeking work abroad.
TOEFL tests are mostly aimed at non-native English speakers wanting to study at U.S. universities. TOEFL also offers a Junior TOEFL test for middle school children.
3. WHY DO PEOPLE NEED TO TAKE IELTS OR TOEFL TESTS?
The tests are used to assess English language proficiency for a number of reasons.
Universities in English-speaking countries require international students to have a certain score.
Many countries now require new immigrants to demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the English language.
Companies may require potential employees to possess a certain level of fluency in English.
4. WHAT JOB OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE?
The number of people who are looking to live, work or study in English speaking countries increases every year and as a result the demand for IELTS and TOEFL test preparation is always growing.
Many language schools offer test preparation courses for students heading to universities around the world.
There is also a high demand for private tutoring and tutoring part time is a great way to supplement your income.
5. WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE FOR TUTORS?
The official websites for both IELTS and TOEFL organizations offer a wide range of complementary and paid for resources to help tutors prepare their students.
Many bookshops sell resources such as old tests and strategy guides for students studying alone. These are also a great resource for teachers.
Any language centre offering preparation courses should have all the resources needed and there are plenty of others freely available online.
Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next.
