Decoding IELTS: Academic vs. General – Choose the right test, unleash your potential, and conquer the IELTS with confidence. Find out more now!
Which Test is Right for You?
If you plan to study or work in an English-speaking country, you may need to take the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The IELTS is a standardised test that measures your English language proficiency. There are two types of IELTS tests: Academic and General Training.
IELTS Academic
The IELTS Academic test is designed for students who want to study at an English-speaking university or college. The test measures your ability to read, write, listen, and speak English at an academic level. The topics covered in the IELTS Academic test are similar to those encountered in an undergraduate or postgraduate program.
IELTS General Training
The IELTS General Training test is designed for people who want to work or live in an English-speaking country. The test measures your ability to read, write, listen, and speak English in everyday situations. The topics covered in the IELTS General Training test are similar to those encountered in a job interview, doctor’s office, or social setting.
Which test should you take?
The IELTS Academic test consists of four sections:
Reading: 60 minutes
Writing: 60 minutes
Listening: 30 minutes
Speaking: 15 minutes
The IELTS General Training test consists of four sections:
Reading: 60 minutes
Writing: 60 minutes
Listening: 30 minutes
Speaking: 15 minutes
How to Prepare for the IELTS
The best way to prepare for the IELTS is to take practice tests and get feedback on your performance. Many resources are available to help you prepare for the IELTS, including books, websites, and online courses. You can also find practice tests and feedback on the IELTS website.
Listening Test
The Listening test in IELTS Academic and General Training are similar in format and the number of questions. However, there are some key differences in the topics and the difficulty level.
Overview of Listening
The Academic Listening test focuses on academic topics, such as lectures, talks, and radio broadcasts. The questions are designed to test your understanding of academic language and concepts. The General Training Listening test focuses on everyday topics like conversations, interviews, and announcements. The questions are designed to test your understanding of everyday language and situations.
The Academic Listening test is more difficult than the General Training Listening test. This is because the Academic test includes more complex language and concepts.
Differences between the Listening tests in IELTS Academic and General Training:
Feature IELTS Academic IELTS General Training
Topics Academic Everyday
Level of difficulty More difficult Less difficult
Language More complex Less complex
Concepts More abstract More concrete
If you plan to study at an English-speaking university or college, you should take the IELTS Academic Listening test. If you plan to work or live in an English-speaking country, you can take the IELTS Academic or General Training Listening test.
Reading Test
- 1. Comparison of the Reading Section:
Academic and General Training reading sections vary in difficulty, question types, and focus. Academic reading is tailored for educational purposes or registration, while General Training is designed for immigration or vocational training.
- 2. Types of Passages and Question Formats:
a) Academic Module: In the Academic reading module, you will encounter texts commonly found in academic settings, such as scientific journals, research papers, and scholarly articles. You can expect to answer questions in various formats, including multiple-choice, summary completion, and diagram labelling.
b) General Training Module: The passages in the General Training reading module are specifically designed to cater to everyday situations. The text types included are newspaper articles, ads, and non-specialist texts. This module also features unique question formats like matching headings, matching information, and true/false/not given questions, among others.
- 3. Approaches and Techniques to Excel:
A) Academic Module: To excel in the Academic reading section, managing your time effectively is crucial. You can improve your reading speed by quickly developing skimming and scanning techniques to locate essential information. Building a solid vocabulary and familiarising yourself with academic language will aid in understanding complex texts.
b) General Training Module: Efficiently identifying essential information is crucial in the General Training reading section. To achieve this, it is imperative to develop strategies for handling true/false/not given questions and matching information tasks. Recognizing everyday vocabulary and idiomatic expressions is key to better comprehending the texts.
Writing Test
- Detailed Analysis of the Writing Tasks:
The Academic and General Training modules consist of two writing tasks that differ in focus and purpose.
a) Academic Module: Task 1 in the Academic module requires you to describe and interpret visual information, such as graphs, charts, or diagrams. Task 2 involves writing an essay responding to a prompt that presents a point of view, argument, or problem.
b) General Training Module: Task 1 in the General Training module requires you to write a letter, which can be formal, semi-formal, or informal, based on a given situation. Task 2 involves writing an essay responding to a prompt that requires you to present an argument, discuss a point of view, or propose a solution.
- Variations in Task Requirements and Scoring Criteria:
a) Academic Module: In the Academic module, Task 1 assesses your ability to interpret and present data accurately and coherently. Task 2 evaluates your ability to articulate and support ideas, analyze arguments, and express complex thoughts. The criteria for scoring are based on the response to the task, how well the ideas are connected, the range of vocabulary used, and the accuracy of grammar.
b) General Training Module: In the General Training module, Task 1 assesses your ability to communicate effectively in different types of letters. Task 2 evaluates your ability to express and support opinions, provide arguments, and propose solutions. Scoring criteria consider task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy.
- Tips and Strategies for Effective Writing:
a) Academic Module:
- Analyse the prompt carefully and ensure you address all aspects of the question.
- Organise your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
- Support your arguments with relevant examples and evidence.
- Develop a wide range of vocabulary related to academic subjects.
- Practice time management to complete both tasks within the allocated time.
b) General Training Module:
- Pay attention to the specific requirements of the given letter format.
- Use appropriate tone and language based on the formality of the situation.
- Structure your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
- Support your arguments or opinions with relevant examples.
- Reviewing your writing for grammar, spelling, or punctuation mistakes is a good idea.
Speaking Test
- Examination of the Speaking Section:
The speaking section in the Academic and General Training modules follows a similar format, comprising a face-to-face interview with an examiner. However, there are notable differences in the topics and question styles.
- Similarities and Differences in Topics and Question Styles:
a) Academic Module: In the Academic module, the speaking test focuses on academic and intellectual topics. You may be asked to discuss your studies, research, or express your opinions on academic subjects. The questions evaluate your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and coherently.
b) General Training Module: The module covers more practical and everyday topics. You can expect questions about personal experiences, hobbies, work, or social situations. The aim is to assess your ability to communicate effectively in various real-life scenarios.
Preparation Tips and Techniques:
a) Understand the Speaking Test Criteria:
- To get familiar with the assessment criteria, It is essential to have fluency and coherence, solid lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and good pronunciation.
- Practice speaking with a focus on these criteria to develop your skills accordingly.
b) Improve Your Speaking Skills:
- Engage in conversations with native English speakers or language partners to practice speaking naturally and fluently.
- Listen to podcasts, news broadcasts, or watch English movies to enhance your listening skills and develop a good sense of pronunciation and intonation.
c) Expand Vocabulary and Expressions:
- Develop a broad range of vocabulary related to various topics, including academic and everyday subjects.
- Learn idiomatic expressions and phrases to add depth and fluency to your speech.
d) Practice Time Management:
- Familiarize yourself with the speaking test format and practice speaking within the given time limits for each section.
- Use a stopwatch or timer during practice sessions to improve your pacing and ensure you cover all aspects of the questions.
e) Seek Feedback and Practice:
- Practice speaking regularly, recording yourself or seeking opportunities for mock speaking tests.
- Ask for feedback from a language instructor or study partner, or join speaking practice groups to receive constructive criticism and improve your weaknesses.
- Factors to Consider when Deciding between Academic and General Training:
a) Educational or Career Goals:
- Choose the Academic module for higher education or professional certification or the General Training module for immigration or employment opportunities.
b) Language Proficiency Level:
- Academic module: complex language.
- General Training: everyday communication. Choose based on comfort level.
c) Familiarity with Academic Materials:
The Academic module involves reading, analyzing data, and writing essays on complex topics. If you enjoy educational materials, this could fit you well.
