IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) are two of the most widely recognized standardized tests used to assess English language proficiency for non-native speakers. While both tests serve similar purposes, there are some key differences between them:

IELTS: IELTS consists of four sections – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Speaking section is conducted face-to-face with an examiner.
TOEFL: TOEFL also consists of four sections – Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The Speaking section is recorded and assessed by raters.
Scoring:
IELTS: The overall IELTS score is reported on a scale of 0 to 9, with half-point increments. Each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) receives a separate score, and the overall score is the average of these four scores.

TOEFL: The TOEFL score ranges from 0 to 120, with each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) scored on a scale of 0 to 30.
Content and Context:

IELTS: The content of the IELTS test is more oriented towards British English and uses a variety of accents in the Listening section. The Speaking section involves a face-to-face interaction with an examiner, focusing on real-life communication.

TOEFL: The TOEFL test is more commonly accepted by American institutions, and its content reflects American English usage. The Speaking section is recorded and involves responding to prompts presented on a computer screen.

Reading and Listening Sections:

IELTS: The Reading and Listening sections in IELTS consist of a variety of question types, including multiple choice, matching, and short answer questions.

TOEFL: The Reading and Listening sections in TOEFL are primarily multiple choice-based, with a focus on academic content and passages.

Writing Section:

IELTS: In IELTS, test takers are required to complete two writing tasks – Task 1 (describing visual information) and Task 2 (writing an essay on a given topic).

TOEFL: The TOEFL writing section consists of two tasks – an integrated task (reading, listening, and writing) and an independent task (writing an essay based on personal experience or opinion).

Acceptance:

IELTS: IELTS is accepted by over 10,000 organizations worldwide, including universities, employers, immigration authorities, and professional bodies.

TOEFL: TOEFL is accepted by over 11,000 institutions in more than 150 countries, primarily in the United States and Canada.

Ultimately, the choice between IELTS and TOEFL depends on factors such as the requirements of the institution or organization you are applying to, your personal preferences, and your strengths and weaknesses in different language skills. It's advisable to research the specific requirements of your target institutions before deciding which test to take.