TOEFL/IELTS/SAT, and other standardized tests

[Фей Крёстный]

dovelet, I compare this particular test with the TOEFL exam. So, in comparison, it is more difficult. Actually, IELTS is quite normal.

[Фей Крёстный]

[dovelet]

Донни, yes, I got it. What I was asking is: in what way?

[dovelet]

[Фей Крёстный]

dovelet, it's a long story =)
Listening TOEFL part is too primitive - you have to listen to the audio twice and it's just a test like an A-part in our russian USE (ЕГЭ).
Reading is quite difficult, it's OK
Writing is normal. It takes less time to prepare this part than the one during your preparation for IELTS.
Speaking is baaaad for me. Cuz you have to record while there are lot of people around, they are making their records too ans it's too loud. Less concentration, as a fact.

IELTS, in general, is more complicated and you have to be prepared to some specific questions. And you speak with a real person)

[Фей Крёстный]

[dovelet]

It's easier to speak with a real person, imho. Specific questions on the other hand... Ok, got it.
somewhat. :D

[dovelet]

[Фея кленового сиропа]

As far as I know, TOEFL is being accepted everywhere, so it might be a good idea to take it instead of preparing for IELTS.

[Фея кленового сиропа]

[dovelet]

Пэйджик, not necessarily everywhere but yes, it is a good thing to have the TOEFL certificate just in case.

[dovelet]

[clover fairy]

As well as IELTS one. I guess the type of test you should sit depends on where are you going to use it. For educational purposes in Europe for example you'd better pass IELTS :)

[clover fairy]

[Madira]

I've had a great experience of preparing for the IELTS exam 'cause I had to take it this summer. I've got 7 out of 9 on my IELTS and I'm very pleased with my results. ^_^

Frankly, I would say that IELTS is not as complicated as some students would say. However, I would recommend also to consider a TOEFL exam for those, who haven't decided yet where they want to study/work: in Europe or in the USA, cause I've heard that at some American universities/work places IELTS is not accepted. oO

[Madira]

[Фея кленового сиропа]

Madira, 7 out of 9 is an amazing result! You should be proud of yourself.

I've heard, that IELTS is so much easier compared to TOEFL, but I guess it's different for everybody.

According to Wikipedia, IELTS is accepted in 8,000+ universities, and TOEFL - in 9,000. I guess more institutions prefer TOEFL over IELTS after all.

[Фея кленового сиропа]

[Фей Крёстный]

IELTS is mostly accepted around Europe, but TOEFL is all about the USA and Australia. And yes, it is different for everyone, the level of the particular test.
I took IELTS again since I had to do it for completing the admission to the German University and this time it was a way easier to do it. But the results were surprising anyway (listening and reading 9, speaking 7.5, writing 7, overall 8). Now I am planning to take TOEFL, it must be quite useful to check your skills in various kinds of tests.

[Фей Крёстный]