TOEFL vs. IELTS vs. PTE vs. GRE vs. GMAT vs. Duolingo: A Comprehensive Comparison

The pursuit of higher education or employment in an English-speaking country often necessitates proving one’s proficiency in English. Various standardized tests serve this purpose, including the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, GRE, GMAT, and Duolingo English Test. Each test has its unique format, scoring system, and acceptance criteria. This article will provide a detailed comparison of these exams, highlighting their key differences, advantages, and suitability for different purposes.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Overview:

• Administered by: ETS (Educational Testing Service)
• Format: Internet-based Test (iBT) and Paper-based Test (PBT)
• Duration: 2 hours (iBT)
• Sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing

Scoring:

• iBT: 0-120
• Each section scored on a scale of 0-30

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IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Overview:

• Administered by: British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English
• Format: Paper-based and Computer-based
• Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking

Scoring:

• Overall band score: 0-9
• Each section scored on a scale of 0-9

PTE (Pearson Test of English)

Overview:

• Administered by: Pearson PLC Group
• Format: Computer-based
• Duration: 3 hours
• Sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening

Scoring:

• Overall score: 10-90
• Each section scored on a scale of 10-90

GRE (Graduate Record Examinations)

Overview:

• Administered by: ETS (Educational Testing Service)
• Format: Computer-based and Paper-based
• Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing

Scoring:

• Verbal and Quantitative: 130-170 (in 1-point increments)
• Analytical Writing: 0-6 (in half-point increments)

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

Overview:

• Administered by: GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council)
• Format: Computer-adaptive
• Duration: 3 hours 7 minutes
• Sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal

Scoring:

• Total score: 200-800
• Analytical Writing: 0-6
• Integrated Reasoning: 1-8
• Quantitative and Verbal: 6-51

Duolingo English Test

Overview:

• Administered by: Duolingo
• Format: Online
• Duration: 1 hour
• Sections: Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, Production

Scoring:

• Overall score: 10-160

Comparison of TOEFL with Other Tests

TOEFL vs. IELTS

• Format:
  • TOEFL: Predominantly internet-based.
  • IELTS: Available in both paper-based and computer-based formats.
• Scoring:
  • TOEFL: Scored out of 120.
  • IELTS: Band score out of 9.
• Acceptance:
  • TOEFL: Widely accepted in the US and Canada.
  • IELTS: Preferred in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
• Which is easier?
  • It depends on individual skills. IELTS writing tasks are often considered more straightforward, while TOEFL’s multiple-choice questions in reading might be easier for some.

Tables of Scores

TOEFL vs. PTE

• Format:
  • TOEFL: Internet-based.
  • PTE: Fully computer-based.
• Scoring:
  • TOEFL: Out of 120.
  • PTE: Out of 90.
• Acceptance:
  • TOEFL: Accepted by most North American institutions.
  • PTE: Increasingly accepted worldwide, especially in Australia.
• Advantages:
  • PTE has an easier-to-understand score report and a shorter exam duration.

Tables of Scores

TOEFL vs. GRE

• Purpose:
  • TOEFL: Tests English proficiency.
  • GRE: Tests readiness for graduate-level academic work, including verbal and quantitative skills.
• Sections:
  • TOEFL: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing.
  • GRE: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing.
• Scoring:
  • TOEFL: 0-120.
  • GRE: Verbal and Quantitative (130-170), Analytical Writing (0-6).

Tables of Scores

TOEFL vs. GMAT

• Purpose:
  • TOEFL: Tests English proficiency.
  • GMAT: Tests readiness for business school, focusing on analytical, quantitative, verbal, and writing skills.
• Sections:
  • TOEFL: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing.
  • GMAT: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal.
• Scoring:
  • TOEFL: 0-120.
  • GMAT: 200-800.

Tables of Scores

TOEFL vs. Duolingo English Test

• Format:
  • TOEFL: Internet-based.
  • Duolingo: Online and can be taken at home.
• Scoring:
  • TOEFL: 0-120.
  • Duolingo: 10-160.
• Acceptance:
  • TOEFL: Widely accepted.
  • Duolingo: Gaining acceptance, particularly useful during the COVID-19 pandemic, for its convenience.

Tables of Scores

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