Both exams assess oral communication, yet the competencies they emphasize diverge in meaningful ways. TOEFL prioritizes academically oriented, integrated performance: candidates must synthesize information from reading passages and audio lectures, then deliver concise, structured responses under tight time constraints. By contrast, IELTS emphasizes interactive discourse. The examiner expects spontaneous, conversational engagement, the ability to elaborate on personal perspectives, and a natural command of pacing and tone.
In my experience, successful candidates calibrate their delivery style to each assessment environment. For TOEFL, this means disciplined organization, clear transitions, and efficient summarization of source materials. For IELTS, it means demonstrating communicative flexibility, depth of explanation, and comfort navigating follow-up questions.
For international students considering test preparation, logistical planning is equally important. Options for
student accommodation in London are extensive, ranging from university halls to purpose-built student residences and private rentals. Many students coordinate their housing decisions with their exam preparation timeline to ensure they have a stable, quiet environment conducive to practice.