From armed forces to a test

Dear Dr English,

I would like to know the difference between "soldier" and "military". It would be appreciated if you please also tell me how to use whence, whither and wherefore. Please accept my thanks in advance. Lastly, what is the difference between TOEFL, IELTS and TOEIC?

Angsana Tarayomna

A soldier is a person who works in the army, especially one of a rank lower than an officer. While ÒsoldierÓ is a singular noun, ÒmilitaryÓ means the armed forces of a country.
More soldiers were sent to guard the electricity plant.
The government has agreed to withdraw the military from the border within a week.

Whence, whither and wherefore are formal words; ÒwhenceÓ means from where and ÒwhitherÓ to where. Both are old-fashioned and one hardly uses them anymore.
He was determined to go back to the headquarters, whence the management teams had announced the restructuring of the company.
There is the leaning tower of Pisa; whither so many people came to visit.

ÒWhereforeÓ is used in the phrase, Òthe whys and whereforesÓ. When someone mentions the whys and wherefores of something they mean the reasons for it.
Why does he want to know all the whys and wherefores of my resignation? ItÕs none of his business.

TOEIC is an English test that stresses the communicative ability of learners. It is usually required by companies, like airlines, where employees need to speak English. TOEFL is aimed at people who want to study at an American university or college. That means the test is more difficult and focuses on skills that one needs for attending lectures. IELTS is the British equivalent of TOEFL. It is different from TOEFL in that it has a stronger focus on conversation. There are two IELTS tests; the academic IELTS is aimed at people who want to study at a university in England or a Commonwealth country. The general IELTS is for anybody who wants or has to use English.
It is easier than the academic IELTS.

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