IELTS OR TOEFL IBT? INVESTIGATING FACTORS INFLUENCING LANGUAGE TEST DECISIONS

This article explores the factors influencing the choice between IELTS and TOEFL iBT among English language learners. Through a survey of 100 students, it examines the impact of marketing and advertising, preferences for paper-based versus computer-based exams, awareness of TOEFL iBT and its updates, and the influence of IELTS's popularity. Results show significant sway of marketing efforts and a divide in format preferences, with low awareness of TOEFL iBT and its recent enhancements. The study underscores the role of non-academic factors in test choice, highlighting the need for informed decision-making and diversified marketing strategies for language proficiency tests