What is the Difference Between TOEFL and GRE?

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The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) are two different exams with distinct purposes. Here are the main differences between the two:

GRE:

  • Purpose: The GRE is a graduate-level exam that checks your readiness for graduate-level coursework.
  • Sections: The GRE has three major sections: Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.
  • Acceptance: Almost every study destination like the US, UK, and Canada accepts GRE scores for their graduate programs.
  • Format: The GRE is a standardized test used to measure how prepared the test-taker is for graduate school.

TOEFL:

  • Purpose: The TOEFL is an English language proficiency test that is mandatory for every study abroad institution.
  • Sections: The TOEFL has four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, with a duration of 3.5 hours.
  • Acceptance: More than 11,000 universities in over 150 countries accept TOEFL scores.
  • Format: The TOEFL assesses your English language skills with a score ranging from 0 to 30 for each section.

In summary, the GRE is designed to gauge your skills in quantitative, verbal, and analytical reasoning, while the TOEFL focuses on evaluating your English language proficiency. Both exams are required for admission to universities, and you need to qualify in both to be eligible for graduate programs.

Comparative Table: TOEFL vs GRE

TOEFL and GRE are two different exams used for different purposes. Here is a table comparing the key differences between the two:

Feature TOEFL GRE
Purpose English Language Proficiency Test Graduate-level entrance exam
Sections Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning
Scoring Total score ranges from 0-120 No specific scoring range
Acceptance Required by 11,000+ universities in 150+ countries Accepted by most universities for graduate programs

In summary, the TOEFL is an English language proficiency test designed to assess the language skills of non-native English speakers, while the GRE is a graduate-level entrance exam that evaluates a student's skills in quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing.