So you’ve decided to give the IELTS test as your next step to moving abroad. And now you are confused between which test to take: IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training.
If you can’t choose between the two, then you have come to the right place.
Let’s start from the beginning.
IELTS is a test that is designed to help you work, study or migrate to a country where English is the native language. This includes countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA.
The IELTS test will assess your ability to listen, write, speak and read in English.
There are two types of IELTS tests that can be taken:
- IELTS Academic
- IELTS General Training
IELTS Academic:
If you are planning to move to an English-speaking country for your higher education, then IELTS Academic is the way for you. This test assesses your English Language proficiency at an academic level. This is to see if you are ready at an undergraduate or a post-graduate level.
IELTS General Training:
If you’re planning to work or migrate to an English-speaking country, then you should take the IELTS General Training Test. This test examines your English Language proficiency using everyday, non-academic English.
We have listed the similarities and differences between these tests below:
Similarities:
- The Listening and Speaking Modules of both the tests are the same.
- Both Academic and General Training IELTS are conducted in paper format and computer-delivered format.
- Both the tests are scored the same way. Bands are provided to tell the overall scoring and what the individual has scored in each module.
- The total time duration for both the tests is the same i.e.:
- The Listening Section is for 30 minutes and an additional 10 minutes is provided to note down the answers.
- The Reading Section is for 60 minutes and there are 40 questions given which are further divided into 3 sections.
- In the Writing Section, 2 tasks are provided and the total time given to complete this module is 60 minutes.
- Lastly, in the Speaking Section, a face-to-face interview is conducted for around 11 to 14 minutes. It is divided into 3 sections where questions range from speaking on a general topic to giving your introduction.
Differences:
- The Reading and Writing Modules of both tests are different i.e.
- IELTS Academic: The topics for the Reading and Writing Module will consist of questions suitable for an individual entering a university or college.
- IELTS General Training: In this test, the topics for the Reading and Writing Module will consist of questions based on general interest.
Think about why you are moving to a foreign country and based on that decision, choose the test that you want to give.
We wish you the very best for your future!
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