Should I do TOEFL iBT or IELTS? 考托福？還是考雅思？

If you are thinking about studying overseas in an English speaking country or an European University, then you will probably need to take an English proficiency test. But which one should you choose?

The two most common English tests for university admission are the IELTS and TOEFL tests. This article will compare both to choose the best one for you.

Basic Information about the exams 雅思和托福的基本資訊

The IELTS exam, or International English Language Testing System, is developed by UCLES, University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES and delivered by the British Council and IDP Education Australia. The test is available in an Academic and General Training Module (only the writing and reading are different). Here, we are talking about the Academic module.

The TOEFL Test, or Test of English as a Foreign Language, is developed and delivered by ETS, the Educational Testing Service, a non-profit American company that has a virtual monopoly. The test is available in a paper-based version (PBT), a computer-based version (CBT) and an Internet-Based Version (IBT). Here, we only look at the Internet-Based Test.
All are non-profit organizations – but do occasionally make money.

Cost 考試費用

The cost of the IELTS test can vary depending on whether the provider is IDP or The British Council, but currently it is NT$5,100 in Taiwan (around US$160) while the TOEFL is US$160.

How many times I can take the tests? 我應該考幾次雅思 / 托福？

IELTS test is available on 48 fixed dates a year – for specifically available dates you need to contact your local center while the TOEFL is available in any 7-day period. There is no limit to the number of times you can take the test

Acceptance 學校接受度

It used to be the case that IELTS tests were only accepted by British, Australian, New Zealand and Canadian schools while TOEFL dominated in the US. How things have changed! Now, the two tests are literally competing with each other and nearly any school you wish to go to will accept both.

Difficulty 考試難易度

Students often ask which is more difficult. Unfortunately, the answer really depends on your individual situation and your learning experience. It can also depend on your learning style and how you think. In many cases, difficulty depends on the type of tasks in each test.

How are IELTS and TOEFL different? 雅思和托福的差異性？

In the IELTS exam, the speaking test is divided into three parts: (1) general topics, (2) the individual Long turn, and (3) discussion. Part one involves answering common English type questions on up to three or four topics such as flowers, the Internet, and your hometown. In part two, you are given a topic to talk about for two minutes and one minute to prepare for it. In part three, the examiner will discuss with you a variety of issues and ideas with you related to the topic. So, if you had to talk about a famous person you admired in part two, you may end up discussing the idea of fame, and whether or not famous people should consider how they influence society.
In the TOEFL iBT things are quite different. To begin with, you are facing a computer, not an examiner. You begin with 2 questions where you have to report and comment on what you hear. You then have integrated questions that require you to read some information and then listen to something. For example, you may read about library opening times, and then listen to someone talking about what they have to do that day. There is also a task that requires you to listen to someone talking about a problem and the test-taker has to summarize the situation, the problem and what they think the speaker ought to do.
Overall, many English learners prefer the Face-to-Face Interview in IELTS. You are able to ask the interviewer to clarify, explain words or repeat the question, which makes it easier to make sure that you answer the question properly. In the IELTS test, asking questions does NOT reduce your score. On the other hand the TOEFL test environment can be noisy and uncomfortable since you listen to pre-recorded questions and speak into a microphone in a room filled with other people. You also have a fixed time limit while the IELTS is more flexible.
The other thing to consider is the type of questions themselves. The biggest problem with the TOEFL speaking for some people is that it may be difficult to catch the ideas in the integrated speaking questions. That said, the TOEFL speaking questions are not as complex. IELTS questions can become quite sophisticated in part 3.

Listening 聽力考試

IELTS and the TOEFL iBT differ in question types, format, content, length and accent. First, in the iBT all questions are multi-choice format, checking or matching. IELTS, on the other hand, has a wider range of question types and it often asks you to write exactly the words you hear. Spelling is critical.
In the iBT test, apart from the first part, all are lectures or mini-lectures. While IELTS has a conversation in Part 1, a monologue on a topic of general interest in Part 2, a 2-4 person discussion in an academic context in Part 3 and a simplified lecture in Part 4.
As for accents, IELTS prides itself on the fact that it has a real range including British, Australian, and North American, while in the iBT students will hear British, American, and Canadian. Length also differs with the IELTS being considerably shorter at 30-40 minutes + 10 minutes transfer time while the iBT will be between 60-90 minutes since ETS (the test developer) may try out a new test on the tester.
Regarding content, TOEFL listenings tend to be more academically specialized. They are more likely to ask questions about cells, and molecular biology. Although IELTS listenings are also academic, they tend to be more general. The main reason why people find IELTS listenings difficult is that they require you to write down words and phrases, which is difficult because usually the keywords are synonyms or paraphrased AND you have to spell correctly! Finally, if you are used to American English, you will find the IELTS test to be a little more challenging just because of the wider range of accents.

Reading 閱讀考試

Interestingly, the IELTS and iBT reading sections are fairly similar. You will face 3 readings in the IELTS and 3-5 in the iBT – again because of ETS’ testing policy. this also means the iBT is longer at 60-90 minutes compared to the IELTS’ 60. There are a greater range of question types in IELTS including multi-choice, writing words, matching, summarizing, Yes / No / Not Given and others. The iBT tends to have more multi-choice questions. It also has checking and matching questions along with some questions that test a students awareness of a passage’s organization.
Again, the main difference is in the format of the questions. Again, the IELTS requires a much better control over your language. Some of the tasks require you to understand what types of words (verb, noun, adjective etc) could possibly fit in a space. There are also some challenging tasks – especially the Yes / No / Not Given questions! In other words, if you have a very strong passive vocabulary (you can understand the basic meanings of many words) and are good at eliminating options then TOEFL will be better for you. That said, if you have a wider general awareness of language and reading then you will understand more of the IELTS reading as the TOEFL iBT is more subject specific.
This is the part where the two exams differ the most. The TOEFL iBt requires an integrated writing task and a simple (independent) essay task while IELTS requires students to write one essay and one report based on visual information. Both are challenging and difficult in different ways.
Looking at the standard essay types first, in both cases, students are asked to write a formal essay in response to a prompt.
IELTS prompt types:
- Present and support an opinion (agree/disagree)
- Discuss problems/solutions
- Weigh two arguments
- Compare advantages and disadvantages
TOEFL prompt types
- Present and support an opinion (agree/disagree)
- Explain a preference
- Comparison and contrast
- Description and evaluation
- If / Imaginary
Generally, TOEFL questions are much easier to understand than IELTS questions. TOEFL questions need to be a little longer at 300 words to IELTS 250.
The IELTS (Academic) Task 1 question type is the one that gives many students trouble. Here, they are asked to describe a piece of factual information such as a table, chart, or process in 150 words. Students often find it difficult to work out exactly what they are supposed to be writing.
The iBT Integrated Essay is very different. Students need to listen to a speaker and read a short article that either supports or contradicts the speaker. They then need to write a short report summarizing the key points presented
The TOEFL integrated task is difficult since you need to read and listen and make notes about what you hear before writing. This can be difficult for students. However, it is balanced by the second writing task which is often much easier to understand than IELTS writing topics! In fact, the writing is nearly always the most challenging section for IELTS students, Not only do you have to master a wide range of writing styles for Task 1 where you have to describe data, you also lose marks in IELTS if you do not directly answer the question. This is a common problem!
It is also important to think about some practical matters. You currently need to handwriteyour writing in IELTS while you use a computer in the iBT. Timing is also important. In the IELTS test, you have longer and the time is more flexible. You have 60 minutes and the student is able to divide the time as they wish. In contrast, in the iBT you only have 20 minutes to complete the first task and then 30 minutes to complete the second task.

So which is better? 哪一個考試較適合我？

It really depends, both are very widely accepted and they cost about the same. The real issue is if you feel that you will do better in one format or the other. For example, if you have terrible spelling, you WILL score lower in the IELTS Listening test. On the other hand, if you are a weak speaker and need a bit of help, then the IELTS speaking format will help. So, it is up to you!
What ever your decision, good luck with your test!

雅思圖表題–長條圖示範 Inactivity in Australia

•Bar chart

•Comparing age-groups

•Paraphrasing

Trends in insufficient or no physical activity among Australians aged 18-75, 1997-2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting Ready

 

What two pieces of information would you include in your overview?

 

What is a good way to organize your answer?

Sample Answer

The bar chart gives information about the percentage of physically inactive Australians from 18 to 75 years old in 1997, 1999 and 2000. It can not only be seen that the percentage of Australians who don’t do enough exercise generally climbed over the period but that older people are less likely to be active.

 

First, it is clear that young adults are the most likely to do sufficient physical activity. In 1997, only 1 in 4 young adults were considered to be insufficiently active, though this increased to nearly 30% the next year.

 

As people age, they become less active. The percentage of 30 to 44 year-old Australians who didn’t do enough exercise averaged around 40%, while that of 45 to 49 year olds was even higher, ranging from 45 to 50%.

 

However, it was a completely different situation in the oldest Australians in the sample. Surprisingly, not only were 60 to 75 year-olds generally more active than the 45 to 59 year-olds, but over the period they actually became more active. In fact, the percentage of inactive Australians gradually declined to under 45%. This is especially interesting because in 1997, both groups were equally active, with both standing at approximately 50%.

 

202

 

Getting Ready Answers

Your overview should mention:

1. As people get older, the become less active

2. As time went on, people generally became less active

 

Organization:

Because of the complexity of the information, it is easiest to talk about each age group in turn – moving from left to right. However, you still need to make comparisons between years and age groups.

雅思聽力高分秘訣

眾所周知，雅思考高分容易，考滿分很難。現在為大家介紹留學考試實現雅思聽力滿分的四個步驟

 

雅思聽力涉及國外留學生活的方方面面，如果聽不懂在國外生活就有些難度，大家也都知道想要取得雅思聽力高分容易，但是滿分就很少了，下面是雅思聽力生存、文化、課上、課下的相關介紹：

 

Section 1 稱之為Survival(生存聽力)， very basic.

要是連這一部分都聽不懂，就沒法在國外生活。這部分聽力涉及的是國外生活的方方面面，如租房、旅行、諮詢、看病等。由於原本就已經包羅萬象。備考時，只要準備全面，熟悉各場景考查的重點方面，以及一些核心詞彙，再在考前輔以機經詞彙，就足以應付了。

 

Section 2 應該稱之為Culture(文化聽力)，a little more depth.

這一部分主要是向考生們介紹英國，澳大利亞等國的風土人情，如傳統節日、特色旅遊、電台節目、社交生活、校園生活等。但隨著內容的擴充，難度也在擴大，S2 在09出了很多的新題，這還不是最可怕的，因為新題雖多，還入窠臼，新題仍然脫不了一個大範圍——英聯邦國家的文化特色。最可怕的是在題型上足足比S1上 了一個重量級，比如Paraphrasing的難度會增加，會出現更多的Distractive information和keyword postposition.所以在熟悉場景主要內容的基礎上，考生們要更加註重依靠一些’手段’，也就是解題必要的Skills.

 

Section 3 是Off Class(課下聽力)，the most predictable.

 S3最可愛的地方在場景易於預測，它的大部分場景都限定在了課前的Course Selection和課後的Tutorial &Off Class Discussion，而且新年也不會有大的突破，多年來如此……這樣一來，熟悉場景的同學在短短的30“讀題完畢之後，就能預測出錄音的大致內容。再加 上題型難度上S3比起S2上升的不多，輔以熟練的解題’手段’，考生們完全可以把S3的”爭分“變為”保分“。

 

Section 4 是Lecture &Presentation(課上聽力)。

S4是雅思聽力闖關的最後關口，題型難度上不但有雅思拿手的Paraphrasing， Indirect &Distractive Information， Keyword postposition，還會有更加讓人匪夷所思的Paraphrasing of Noun Keywords(名詞關鍵詞的同意轉換)，如facility ， construction， industry， business等詞都可以進行轉換，更加大了聽力理解難度。所謂業精於勤荒於嬉，要想克服S4的必殺技，一定要勤練技巧，掌握“手段”。 S4在場景上也處於不斷擴充的過程中，這是近幾年的常態，各種學術話題逐年遞增，除了環境科學、生物科學、商科以外、天文學、考古學、歷史學等話題範疇下 的新題也是層出不窮。由於S4場景擴充的可能範圍太廣——自然科學+人文科學，預測勢必難以為之，大家的策略應該是立足“手段”，挑戰“學術”。

 以上即是實現雅思聽力滿分的四個步驟的詳細介紹，大家可以在準備留學考雅思考試的過程中，根據自己的實際情況，選擇適合自己的方法進行實踐和練習。

 

雅思聽力高分需要克服的三個問題

 想要拿到雅思聽力高分，考生需要在備考中對詞彙和技巧等信息進行詳細的準備。

 大家一起來看看吧。

 

第一、放空。

 要 一個考生集中精神30分鐘，並且專注地聽幾大段的英文，對於全球那麼多母語非英語的考生來說簡直就是非常折磨的事情。再加上還需要完成試卷上的40個題 目，這對於許多考生來說，尤其是基礎較薄弱的考生，根本就是不可能完成的任務。很多考生在考完試之後都抱怨，在聽到第3部分甚至是第4部分的時候，思想總 會不由自主的渙散，導致大面積的沒有跟上，也就無法取得滿意的分數了。

 

第二、混亂。

 如果僅僅看一篇內容，也許很多考生 都 不會有很大問題，或者僅僅是聽一個7分鐘的材料，明白大意也不會是一件難事。但是當你需要先看懂試卷上的內容，再聽懂5分鐘的材料，並且根據所聽的內容來 完成試卷為給信息的時候，不少考生就會感到非常混亂。自己無法在看和聽中平衡，部分考生甚至乾脆在聽的時候選擇不看試卷，當然他們考試的失敗是可想而知 的。

 

第三、忘詞。

 由於聽力考試大部分都是填空題，精確的填寫詞彙是非常重要的一環。由於時間的關係和思想緊張的原因， 考 試的時候很有可能會寫錯詞，甚至產生幻聽。而這個就是聽力考試中失分最多的一項。有位考生在考完試後無不遺憾的對我說：“老師，我考試的時候忽然忘記 male和female哪一個是男了。”

 

以上三點就是關於拿到雅思聽力高分需要克服的三個問題，都是大家在聽力考試中經常會犯的一些失誤。避免了這些失誤，相信每一位留學生們會在自己的雅思聽力備考中取得好成績的。

 

以上轉載自http://mypaper.pchome.com.tw/sinayoulearn/post/1323069686

雅思口說第二部份

IELTS Speaking Tips Part 2 –
Individual Long Turn 雅思口說測驗奪分技巧 第二部份

Just to remind you there are three parts to the speaking test:
雅思考試通常包含三部份

Part 1 Short questions on common topics that most test-takers should be able to answer

Part 2 Individual Long Turn

Part 3 Discussion

This post doesn’t deal with part 1. If you have trouble with part 1, then you really should not be doing IELTS yet!

 Format The examiner gives you a question on a card. It’ll look something like this: 口試官會給您一張卡片，上面會有題目，看起來就像下面：

Describe something that was given to you that you think is important 

Say: 

What it is and what it looks like

Who gave to you

Where you keep it

And explain why it is important to you.

You have one minute to think about the question you are given and to make notes if you want.

Dos 一定要做：

Do let the examiner finish reading the question to you (they have to, it is in their script) 

Do take the time to think about your ideas. Use the minute to think of useful words and phrases. 

Do use the prompts (mini-questions) on the cards to organize your talk. It helps you when you get stuck! 

Do ask the examiner if you are not sure about a word. You won’t get a lower mark! 

Don’ts 千萬不要做： 

Don’t start with a pre-prepared or memorized speech. 

Don’t talk about a different topic. 

Don’t write sentences when you take notes. You don’t have time!

Don’t be worried about talking constantly the whole time. It isn’t natural. Pause sometimes and then move on to the next part of your talk. 

Other common questions 其他常見問題解答： 

Q. Do I need to answer all the mini-questions on the card?
No. They are there to help you. You must answer the main question.

Q. Do I need to talk for the entire two minutes?
No. You should probably talk between 1.5 to 2 minutes. Examiners have to keep to a time schedule. So, when the examiner is trying to make you stop talking, just stop!

Q. Why does the examiner (sometimes) ask follow-up questions after my Individual long talk?
This is part of the script. If you don’t talk for long, the examiner will ask up to two extra questions. Please keep your answers fairly short! Don’t try to talk for 30 seconds or a minute!

Tips for getting better 讓您考得更好的私房妙招

Every person is different but there are some things everyone needs to do.
1. Improve your general English fluency It is a good idea to practice talking with NO preparation. Cut up short topics or questions. Randomly pick one and try to talk for at least a minute. 

2. Practice using the prompts. It is helpful to ask yourself the mini-questions and then answer them. This uses up time, sounds natural, and helps keep your answer well-organized. So, who gave it to me? Well, . . . And why do I think it is important? I suppose it’s because . . .

3. Use filler phrases when you are stuck Practice some chunks or English phrases to explain that you can’t remember or you’ve forgotten a word. What was I saying? Oh! That’s right . . . um . . . [continue speaking] Oh, what’s that word? It’s on the tip of my tongue . . . Where was I? / What was I talking about? Well, anyway . . .

4. You can also practice talking about types of Part 2 questions. The following types are common: People A famous person who you would like to meet. A person who influenced you when you were young. Events and situations A time you were late. A cultural event you have been to. Objects Something you would really like to buy. Something you own that is very useful. Interests A hobby you would like to take up. An interest you have enjoyed doing. Stories/messages An interesting letter or email you received. A news story or article you recently read. REMEMBER the aim is to sound natural!

學習英文：Travel & Tourism旅行與觀光篇

transfer [trænsˋfɝ]

vi 轉換；搬遷

(1)例句：

My flight from New York to China is so long that I must transfer at Bangkok.

我從紐約到中國的航線由於距離太常，所以必須在曼谷轉機。

同義字詞: change planes

(2)例句：

The luggage was quickly transferred from the plane onto the luggage carousel to be picked up.

 

飛機上的行李很快地就被運送到了行李的轉盤輸送帶上等待提領。

 

souvenir [ˋsuvə͵nɪr]

C 紀念品

例句：

Once you’ve bought all the souvenirs you can handle, take your receipts to the tax-refund counter.

一旦你已經買好所有紀念品，帶著你的收據到退稅櫃檯辦理即可。

同義字詞: keepsake

 

schedule [ˋskɛdʒʊl]

(1)vt 安排

例句：
The travel agent spent several hours with us scheduling every aspect of our trip around the world.

旅行社和我們花了幾小時安排我們環球之旅的每個部分。

同義字詞: plan, organize

(2)C 行程

例句：

My friend wants to travel around Europe in 6 weeks so he will be on a very tight schedule.

我朋友想在六星期之內遊遍歐洲。所以他的行程將會非常緊湊。

同義字詞: plan, agenda

package [ˋpækɪdʒ]

 

(1)C 包裹

例句：

It is best to insure a package when sending it from abroad in case it doesn’t arrive.

從國外寄來的包裹最好用掛號，以免寄丟。

同義字詞: parcel

(2)ph 套裝行程

例句：

A package holiday can be a good bargain and value for money, although you have less freedom.

度假套裝行程既划算又值得，雖然較少個人自由。

overcrowding [͵ovɚˋkraʊdɪŋ]

U 壅塞

例句：

In the peak tourist season, the main roads suffer from overcrowding.

一到旅遊旺季，主要道路就會出現壅塞。

同義字: congestion

fare [fɛr]

(1)C 票價

例句：

Train fares are significantly higher than last year and are now about $20 per person.

火車票價比去年明顯貴出許多，現在大約一個人要二十塊。

同義字: ticket price

(2)U 伙食

例句：

The fare was simple but very filling, with everyone eating as much as they could.

這裡的伙食便宜又大碗，每個人可以盡情地吃。

 同義字: food

deport [dɪˋport]

vt 驅逐出境

例句：

I read the newspaper yesterday saying that the government had to deport a foreigner as he had broken the law..

我昨天讀到報紙上說政府必須將一名犯了法的外籍人士驅逐出境。

同義字: expel, send home

相關字: deportee (n)

criteria [kraɪˋtɪrɪə]

U 標準

例句：

There are a number of criteria that must be met to qualify as a five-star hotel.

要符合一些標準才夠資格稱做五星級飯店。

同義字: criterion (singular, n)

 

 

 

 

ancient [ˋenʃənt]

adj 古代的

例句：

Many countries have ancient ruins that hold a lot of history.

許多國家都有一些極富歷史性的古代遺跡。

同義字: very old

反義字: modern, contemporary

詞性:

n=名詞  adj=形容詞  adv=副詞  vt=及物動詞  vi=不及物動詞  ph=片語  C=可數名詞

U=不可數名詞  Synonym=同義字詞  Antonym=反義字詞  Related word=相關字詞

由「雅思應考勝經核心單字」作者Benjamin Adams (大Ben老師)熱情提供