The Difference Between IELTS Academic vs General Training
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IELTS Academic vs General Training are the two options to choose between based on your abroad goals! To know extensively about them, let us now explain the IELTS Academic vs General Training.
IELTS Academic is perfect if you aim to study at a foreign university or college as it checks your English skills to make sure you are ready for the academic challenges in that particular English-speaking country.
IELTS General Training is for you if you head towards an English-speaking country for work, training programs, or immigration as it focuses on everyday English skills that you will need in social and workplace environments.
Differences Between the IELTS Academic vs IELTS General Training
Two of the four modules have different formats when comparing the IELTS Academic and General tests. They are highlighted in the table for you below!
| Aspect | IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training |
| Purpose | For entry into English-speaking countries for higher education | For migration or work experience/training programs in an English-speaking country |
| Reading | Texts are academic in style and are taken from:
|
Texts are taken from:
|
| Writing | Task 1: Describing visual information (graphs, charts, tables, diagrams) | Task 1: Writing a letter based on a given situation |
| Scoring | Scored on a 9-band scale, focusing on academic language and skills | Scored on a 9-band scale, assessing everyday language skills |
Similarities Between IELTS Academic and General Training
Now that you’ve read about the difference between IELTS Academic and General training, read about the similarities between both modules of the IELTS exam, which we’ve highlighted for you below.
| Aspect | IELTS Academic and General Training |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Writing Task 2 | Write 250 words on a given prompt |
| Speaking Duration | 13 minutes |
| Speaking Format | 3 parts (Introduction, Cue Card, Discussion) |
| Listening Format | 4 sections with recordings & answer transfer (10 min) |
IELTS Exam Duration
2 hours 45 minutes (same for both test types)
IELTS Academic vs General Writing
Task 1 is different as the Academic IELTS requires you to write a report whereas; the IELTS General Writing Task 1 requires you to write a letter. But, Writing Task 2 is the same for both test types expecting you to write 250 words on a given prompt.
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IELTS Academic vs General Speaking
The IELTS Speaking test format is also the same for both types. The speaking test is on a separate day from your other tests with, an IELTS examiner.
- IELTS Speaking Duration: 13 minutes (same for both test types)
- The format is the same: 3 tasks to be done – An introduction and interview, a Cue card where you discuss a specific topic and a follow-up discussion that discusses further.
IELTS Academic vs General Listening
Both the IELTS Academic and General versions have the same format for the IELTS Listening test. Here, candidates write their answers on the question paper as they listen and they are given 10 minutes at the end to transfer their answers to an answer sheet.
Four Sections (With recordings): Each has a different type of recording and a variety of question types.
- Recording 1: A conversation between two people in an everyday social context.
- Example: Two friends planning a trip.
- Recording 2: A monologue set in an everyday social context
- Example: A speech about local facilities.
- Recording 3: A conversation between up to four people set in an educational scenario.
- Example: A university tutor and a student discussing an assignment.
- Recording 4: A monologue on an academic subject
- Example: A university lecture.
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Comparison of Evaluation Methods in IELTS Academic vs General Training
The IELTS Listening, Speaking, and Writing modules are evaluated in the same way for both exams. However, IELTS Reading is evaluated differently for the IELTS Academic vs General training. Have a look at the table below for a better understanding of the IELTS and score calculation!
|
IELTS Academic vs General Score |
|||
| Raw Score (General Training) | Band Score (General Training) | Raw Score (Academic) | Band Score (Academic) |
| 40 | 9 | 39-40 | 9 |
| 39 | 8.5 | 37-38 | 8.5 |
| 37-38 | 8 | 35-36 | 8 |
| 36 | 7.5 | 33-34 | 7.5 |
| 34-35 | 7 | 30-32 | 7 |
| 32-33 | 6.5 | 27-29 | 6.5 |
| 30-31 | 6 | 23-26 | 6 |
| 27-29 | 5.5 | 19-22 | 5.5 |
| 23-26 | 5 | 15-18 | 5 |
| 19-22 | 4.5 | 13-14 | 4.5 |
| 15-18 | 4 | 10-12 | 4 |
| 13-14 | 3.5 | 8-9 | 3.5 |
| 10-12 | 3 | 6-7 | 3 |
| 6-8 | 2.5 | 4-5 | 2.5 |
Whether you plan to study at a university or migrate to an English-speaking country for a job, there is always an IELTS test to help you achieve it. Understanding the difference between the two types of tests – IELTS Academic vs IELTS General can make it easier for you to choose based on your goals!
Useful Links:
- Free IELTS Online Tests 2024 | Practice IELTS Mock Test Online
- IELTS Exam Preparation tips | How to prepare for IELTS?
- IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays
- Free IELTS Listening Practice Tests to Boost Your Score
- IELTS Speaking Cue Card Topics with Samples Answers (2024)
Also check :
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the IELTS writing and reading tests different in the IELTS Academic and IELTS General?
Describe the marking criteria of the IELTS Reading in the IELTS Academic and General Training tests?
Why should I take the IELTS Academic test?
Why should I take the IELTS General training test?
What are the similarities in the IELTS writing test between Academic and General modules?
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Janice Thompson
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