Saturday, September 11, 2010

English Language Tests: TOEFL and IELTS

Universities, businesses, and scholarship programs quite often require a trusted and valid indicator of a person’s ability to communicate in English. There are two popular tests that fit into this category: TOEFL and IELTS.

TOEFL, the ‘Test of English as a Foreign Language’, evaluates the ability of an individual to use and understand English in an academic setting. It is the most widely respected English-language test in the world, recognized by more than 7,500 colleges, universities and agencies in more than 130 countries. Check out their website for more information, including videos, tips, and practice! http://www.toeflgoanywhere.org/

IELTS, the ‘International English Language Testing System’, is an international standardized test of English language proficiency. It is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the British Council and IDP Education Pty Ltd. IELTS is accepted by most Australian, British, Canadian, Irish, New Zealand and South African academic institutions, over 2,000 academic institutions in the United States, and various professional organizations. It is also a requirement for immigration to Australia and Canada. For more information, check out their website: http://www.ielts.org/default.aspx