IELTS Academic vs General Tests - What's the Difference?
International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )
Talk to ExpertThe most important difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training is that IELTS Academic is for students looking to pursue higher education across universities abroad. The IELTS General Training Exam is for candidates looking to immigrate or work in countries that use English as their primary language of communication.
The IELTS exam is one of the most sought-after English proficiency tests for candidates looking to study abroad. The full form of the IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. Conducted by IDP IELTS India, the IELTS exam is currently available in two formats that focus on different individual purposes. The IELTS Academic exam is for students looking to pursue higher education across countries abroad. The IELTS General Training Exam is for candidates who are looking to migrate to countries abroad. This is the basic difference between the two.
The IELTS test assesses the English language skills of candidates who wish to study or work in countries where English is the principal language of communication. The IELTS examination categories test-takers on a nine-band scale to accurately identify levels of proficiency, from non-users (band score 1) through to experts (band score 9). In this article, we will provide information about IELTS academic vs general. This comprehensive guide deciphers the intricacies of the IELTS Academic and General Training tests, empowering test takers to choose the right path for their academic or professional aspirations abroad.
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IELTS Academic vs IELTS General Training: Difference
In this section, we are going to discuss the difference between the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training Exam in detail.
| Parameters | IELTS Academic Exam | IELTS General Traning Test |
|---|---|---|
| Test focus | University | Higher education | Professional registration | Immigration | Work experience | Training | School |
| Reading Section | 3 long academic passages | 4-6 passages (mix of short factual and one long factual/descriptive) |
| Writing Section | Task 1: Summarize data (graph/chart/diagram) Task 2: Write an essay (analytical/argumentative) |
Task 1: Write a letter (applying for a job, accommodation etc.) Task 2: Write a report (describing an experience/event) |
| Difficulty Level | The exam focuses on English used in an educational setup and is considered more challenging as compared to IELTS General |
The IELTS General Training test focuses on everyday usage of the English language and is considered easier than the IELTS Academic |
Conducted by IDP IELTS India, both the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests cost INR 17,000 and are held across test centres in India. Both exams are also for a total duration of 2 hours and 25 minutes. In this section, we are going to talk about the similarities between IELTS Academic vs IELTS General Training Exams.
| Parameters | Common for IELTS Academic & General Training Tests |
|---|---|
| Test Format | Both tests have four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking |
| Test Duration | Total time for both tests is 2 hours and 45 minutes. |
| Listening Section | Identical format and difficulty level. You will listen to recordings and answer questions about the content. |
| Speaking Section | Identical format and difficulty level. You will converse with an examiner on various topics. |
| IELTS Results | Both tests use the same 9-band scoring system to assess your English language proficiency. |
| Test Day Experience | The writing, reading, and listening sections are taken on the same day for both tests. The speaking test may be on a separate day. |
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IELTS Academic vs IELTS General Training: Definition
This section will discuss the difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests.
IELTS Academic is for candidates interested in applying for higher education or professional registration in countries that use English as their fundamental language of communication. The main purpose of the examination is to judge whether a candidate is ready to begin studying or training in the English language. Countries that widely recognize IELTS for learning are the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
On the other hand, IELTS General Training is for aspirants who are looking to migrate to New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the US and the UK or apply for secondary education, training programmes and work experience in an English-speaking environment. The test has been designed to evaluate a candidate's day-to-day non-academic English. IELTS General Training is used by countries for immigration purposes. Here the examination focuses on the basic survival skills of a candidate in a broad social and workplace environment.
Know about the difference between the IELTS Academic and General Traning test and the right exam for you in the IELTS webinar conducted by our in-house IELTS expert:
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Difference between Academic and General IELTS: Test Pattern in Detail
As mentioned, the main purpose of the IELTS is to evaluate a candidate's abilities in listening, reading, writing and speaking in the English language in under three hours. The IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training examinations are divided into four parts, the test format of the Listening and Speaking Sections are similar to one another, however, the subject matter for the Reading and Writing Sections are different, depending on the test that a candidate opts for.
The Reading, Writing and Listening Sections of the IELTS Examination are held on the same day with no breaks in between. However, the Speaking Section of the IELTS Examination can be completed a week before or after the other tests, depending on the availability of slots at the test center. The entire duration of the IELTS examination is for 2 hours and 45 minutes.
IELTS Academic and General Test Format
| Parameters | IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | Same format for both tests | Same format for both tests |
| Reading Section | Three long academic passages | Four to six passages that include shorter texts |
| Writing Section | Task 1: Summarize data from a graph/chart/diagram; Task 2: Write an essay | Task 1: Write a letter based on a given situation; Task 2: Write an essay |
| Difficulty Level | More challenging, focused on academic language | Generally easier, focused on everyday language |
IELTS General vs Academic: Speaking Section (Common to both)
About the test
The test format of the Speaking Section consists of a verbal interview between the candidate and the examiner. All speaking tests are recorded. The total duration of this section could last from 11-14 minutes per candidate. This section of the examination consists of three parts, each aimed to fulfil a specific function in terms of interaction pattern, task input, and candidate output. The main function of this section is to evaluate the candidates’ knowledge of spoken English.
Format
The Speaking Section consists of three parts:
- Part 1: Here, a candidate would be asked general questions by the examiner on topics ranging from themselves to familiar topics such as interests, family, studies, and work. This interaction lasts for around 4-5 minutes.
- Part 2: For this segment, the candidate would be given a card containing a topic, he would have to speak on. The candidate would get a total of one minute to prepare for the topic and would have to speak for 2 minutes. The examiner would then ask questions on the same.
- Part 3: In this section, the examiner would probe the candidate further about the topic in Part 2. This particularly lasts for four to five minutes, during which the candidate gets an opportunity to discuss abstract ideas and issues.
Check out the preparation tips for IELTS Speaking Section.
IELTS General vs Academic: Listening Section (Common to both)
About the test
In this section, candidates would be required to listen to four recordings of native English speakers and answer a series of questions. The total duration of this segment is for a total of 30 minutes. The main motive behind this segment is to understand the candidates’ ability to comprehend the main ideas and detailed factual information, the opinions and attitudes of speakers, the purpose of an utterance and evidence of his ability to follow the development of ideas.
Format
- Recording 1: The first recording would have a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context.
- Recording 2 – The second recording would happen to be a monologue set in an everyday social context.
- Recording 3 – The following recording would be a conversation between four people set in an educational or training context.
- Recording 4 – And the final recording would be a monologue on an academic subject.
Check out the preparation tips for IELTS Listening Section
Difference between IELTS General and Academic: Academic Reading
About the test
This section of the IELTS exam has been designed to test the reading abilities of the candidate and consists of 40 questions. The total duration of this segment is 60 minutes and the candidate would be asked to read a variety of passages and answer questions accordingly. This particular section is ideal for testing higher education aspirants or for professionals seeking work abroad.
Format
The Reading Section would have three long paragraphs which can be either descriptive, factual or analytical. These paragraphs are excerpts taken from newspapers, research works, journals, books, or even magazines. The candidate would be asked to answer questions after having read the passages.
Difference between IELTS General and Academic: General Training Reading
About the test
Designed to test the reading skills of the candidate, this particular section of the IELTS examination consists of 40 questions. The total duration of the exam is 60 minutes.
Format
Similar to the academic format, candidates are provided with passages belonging to advertisements, company guidelines, brochures, and so on. The common trend suggests that this is relatively easier than the academic format as the selected text is generally something that one encounters on a day-to-day basis.
Check out the preparation tips for IELTS Reading Section.
Difference between IELTS General and Academic: Academic Writing
About the test
Here candidates would be asked to write on topics revolving around undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Candidates would be required to perform two tasks in under 60 minutes.
Format
The first task would include the candidate being handed a paper which would contain either a diagram, table or graph. He would be required to recapitulate and define the given data in his own words. Furthermore, he could also be asked to explain a certain data entry and process the given information or a flowchart to logically conclude. In the next task, the candidate is required to write an essay as a response to the deduction from the given data and support his argument with relevant examples, through the given data. The candidate needs to remember that the writing style should be strictly formal.
Difference between IELTS General and Academic: General Test Writing
About the test
Here the candidate would be required to write on topics of general interest. They would be required to execute two tasks in under 60 minutes.
Format
For the first task, the candidate would be required to write a letter as per the given situation. The letter could be formal, semi-formal or personal depending upon the situation presented. You will be asked to explain, request something or support your argument to a certain authority. Based on the above viewpoint, you will be asked to draft an essay on the same for your second task. The arguments and opinions mentioned here should be supported by relevant instances and the writing style could tilt towards personal style.
Check out the preparation tips for IELTS Writing Section.
Whether you require IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training depends on the organization where you are planning to study or work. We suggest you check the requirements set by the organization and then move ahead with the one that is right for you. Candidates looking for assistance with university applications can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors for assistance with the same. Candidates can add to the discussion by getting in touch with us in the comments below.
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Q: What is the difference between the IELTS Academic and General Training Test?
IELTS is an examination that measures the English language proficiency of candidates who wish to study or work in countries where English is used as the principal language of communication. The main difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training is their utility.
The purpose of taking both exams is different. IELTS Academic is for those who wish to study in an English-speaking country, whereas, the IELTS General Training module is for those who wish to move to English-speaking countries for work or PR purposes. While both the formats of the test follow an identical Listening and Speaking pattern in the exam, their reading and writing sections are different.
Q: Is the IELTS Academic more difficult than the General Training test?
Both IELTS Academic and General Training tests are more or less similar. However, IELTS Academic can be said to be on the tougher side. It can take 2-4 months to prepare for both IELTS Academic and General Training. Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the syllabus and the test pattern, and practice multiple mock tests to be able to perform in the IELTS exam. When we talk about the IELTS exam Pattern, both IELTS Academic and General Training share a common IELTS Speaking and Listening sections. However, the IELTS Reading and Writing sections are different for both.
Q: Can IELTS Academic be used instead of General IELTS?
Candidates should note that the purpose of taking both exams is different. Students, who wish to apply to foreign universities where English is the native language, need to appear for IELTS academic. IELTS academic can be considered a bit tough as compared to IELTS general training module since it is meant for students who are expected to study in an academic setting for the next few years. The IELTS General Training module is for those who wish to move to English-speaking countries for work or PR purposes. While both the formats of the test follow an identical Listening and Speaking pattern in the exam, their reading and writing sections are different. Candidates are required to check their IELTS requirements before going ahead and booking their IELTS test.
Q: How can I prepare for IELTS Academic exam?
To prepare for the IELTS academic exam, you can follow these steps:
Understand the test format: Understand the test format of the IELTS academic exam and the types of questions and tasks that you will encounter.
Gather good study material: Collect study material that caters to the needs of the IELTS exam. These sources frequently include sample questions, practice exams, and exam-section-specific advice. They can aid in your familiarisation with the test's subject matter and structure.
Mock tests: Use the official IELTS practice exams that are offered online or in study guides. Our practice exams help you figure out your strengths and shortcomings by simulating the real exam.
Improve your language skills: Boost your English language proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Participate in exercises that will help you develop your communication, comprehension, and language abilities. Listen to English podcasts or radio shows, read English books, articles, and newspapers, and practise speaking with English speakers or language exchange partners.
Q: Are mock tests important for IELTS exam preparation?
Mock tests are indeed important for IELTS exam preparation. They provide several benefits that can enhance your performance on the actual exam:
Test format: Mock exams allow you to familiarise yourself with the format, scheduling, and sorts of questions you will experience on the real IELTS exam.
Strengths and weaknesses: You can learn more about your areas of strength and where you need to improve by taking practice exams. This enables you to concentrate your study efforts on particular competencies or question kinds that you find difficult.
Time management: You can build efficient time management techniques with the use of mock exams. You can learn to manage your time effectively and finish each phase within the allotted time limitations by practising under timed situations.
Improvement in test-taking strategies: You can improve your test-taking techniques by taking mock exams. Try out several techniques, such as scanning and skimming strategies for the reading section and brainstorming and outlining strategies for the writing section.
Builds confidence: By acclimating you to the exam setting and lowering test anxiety, taking practice exams frequently can increase your confidence. You will feel more assured on test day as you get more at ease with the test structure and as your performance increases.
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With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
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Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new... Read Full Bio
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Hello Victor. Due to Covid restrictions, you can appear for the exam from home. do check the same on the official website of IELTS. you need to visit the official website to register yourself for the IELTS exam. You will be informed about the fee for the exam on registration. https://studyabroad.sh
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