• IELTS
IELTS General Training Vs Academic
- 4186 Reads
- 3 min Read
IELTS Academic & IELTS General are the two major types of IELTS exams. IELTS Academic test is made for students aspiring to study in an English-speaking country, whereas the IELTS General test is for professionals wanting to work abroad. Read the blog to get all the information about these two IELTS exam types.
Table of Contents
- • What is IELTS Academic?
- • What is IELTS General?
- • IELTS Academic Vs General Training – Which Exam to Choose?
- • Which IELTS Test is Suitable for the Students?
- • Similarities: IELTS General Vs IELTS Academic
- • Differences: IELTS Academic Test and General Training Test
- • IELTS Academic Vs General Scores
- • Chart for IELTS Academic Reading
- • Chart for IELTS General Training Reading
- • Which is Easier IELTS General Vs Academic?
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System, which measures the language proficiency of a candidate who wishes to travel to an English-speaking country either with the intention to study or for permanent residency (PR). The English language skills are judged through this test in four modules: Speaking, Listening, Writing and Reading. The IELTS exam uses a nine-band scale to identify a candidate's language proficiency levels, from non-user (0 bands) to an expert (9 bands).
What is IELTS Academic?
The IELTS Academic module is mainly aimed by candidates wishing to pursue post-secondary education in an English-speaking country. The Academic scores are required by majority universities and colleges abroad to measure the student’s knowledge of English language and to access their suitability for an academic environment. The test is designed to measure the candidate’s academic readiness and competence in English language. Although, there can be certain requirements of bands in each module or overall score depending on the country, college and the university.
What is IELTS General?
IELTS General Training is for applicants who wish to immigrate to countries like Canada, New Zealand, Australia, UK and USA, or apply for training programs or work experience in a country where English is the primary language. The test is designed to focus on the candidate’s basic survival skills in a wider social and practical environment.
IELTS Academic Vs General Training – Which Exam to Choose?
The choice of IELTS test depends on the purpose of the candidate. If the test taker aspires to study in an English-speaking country, IELTS Academic should be selected. However, if the applicant wishes to migrate to another country for work, IELTS General Training is recommended.
Both versions of IELTS are essential to get a valid and accurate assessment of candidate’s English language proficiency based on their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. To know more about how to prepare for IELTS exams, candidates can connect with Canamprep trainers.
Which IELTS Test is Suitable for the Students?
Test Purpose | Test Purpose |
Undergraduate level | IELTS Academic |
Postgraduate level | IELTS Academic |
Doctorate level | IELTS Academic |
Post-doctoral level | IELTS Academic |
For professional organisation | IELTS Academic |
Below degree level | IELTS General |
Work or Training | IELTS General |
Permanent Residency | IELTS General |
Similarities: IELTS General Vs IELTS Academic
The Listening and Speaking sections of both IELTS Academic and General Training tests are similar in many ways.
IELTS Listening Test (Common for both)
The listening section in both tests consists of four parts with four separate recording sections with forty questions in total. The only thing to be kept in mind when practising the speaking test is that the candidate only gets to hear the recording once, which lasts for around thirty minutes or so.
IELTS Speaking Test (Common for both)
The Speaking section for both types requires the candidate to have a face-to-face conversation with the examiner. The section is divided into three parts: topics of general interest and cue card followed by abstract, related topics, or any other general topic.
Differences: IELTS Academic Test and General Training Test
While the format of Listening and Speaking sections for both types remains similar, the format for Reading and Writing sections differs in many ways.
Reading (Different for both)
The Academic reading consists of three long passages with forty questions, and candidates have one hour to complete the test. The texts are more academically orientated in the academic training texts. Whereas the general training reading test is also in three sections and lasts an hour. Section one has two or three texts and targets subjects that test candidates to operate in an English environment. Section two has two texts on training or work topics. Section three has one longer text that makes the total number of questions forty in total.
Writing (Different for both)
While task-2 for both types consists of essay writing, task-1 differs. In the academic writing test, section 1 requires candidates to describe the information presented in some kind of graph or image, such as Life Cycle of a Silkworm. Whereas in the general training writing test, section 1 requires the candidate to write a short letter formal or informal in response to the information given.
IELTS Academic Vs General Scores
The English proficiency of candidates in IELTS is measured by their band score. The IELTS exam score is measured on a scale of 1-9 for each section, and the overall score is evaluated by calculating the average of all four sections. If the average is less than 0.25, the overall band score is rounded up to the next half-band, and if it is below 0.75, the overall score is rounded up to the next full-band score. Candidates should read the 8 myths about IELTS that keeps them from growing, in order to score high in the test.
Chart for IELTS Academic Reading
Marks | IELTS Academic Band Score |
39-40 | 9.0 |
37-38 | 8.5 |
35-36 | 8.0 |
33-34 | 7.5 |
30-32 | 7.0 |
27-29 | 6.5 |
23-26 | 6.0 |
19-22 | 5.5 |
15-18 | 5.0 |
13-14 | 4.5 |
10-12 | 4.0 |
8-9 | 3.5 |
6-7 | 3.0 |
Chart for IELTS General Training Reading
Marks | IELTS General Training Band Score |
40 | 9.0 |
39 | 8.5 |
37-38 | 8.0 |
36 | 7.5 |
34-35 | 7.0 |
32-33 | 6.5 |
30-31 | 6.0 |
27-29 | 5.5 |
19-22 | 4.5 |
15-18 | 4.0 |
12-14 | 3.5 |
9-11 | 3 |
Which is Easier IELTS General Vs Academic?
Since both the IELTS test types are designed to evaluate different skill sets of candidates, it is difficult to answer if one is more accessible than the other. Both consist of four parts: Writing, Speaking, Reading and Listening. Diligent preparation is required for both types as the Academic test assesses candidates' language proficiency for an academic environment, the General Training test analyses their English knowledge for a professional environment. Every candidate should be aware of 15 things to know about IELTS before starting with their preparation for the test.
Conclusion
Being an internationally recognised test, IELTS is a preferred choice of many countries to evaluate the English proficiency of non-natives. To be able to crack the IELTS test with desired scores, the right guidance and IELTS coaching are important. Excellent and experienced faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, regular mock tests and personalised sessions are some of the facilities that make a big difference in helping students prepare for the test. To prepare for the test in the best way possible, connect with the experienced advisors of Canamprep.
Also read: IELTS Exam Pattern
FAQ
Get great articles direct to your inbox
The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.
Popular Universities to Study Abroad
World class education waiting for you.
Shorelight Group - University of Redlands
California, USA • 56 Programmes
Tuition Fee : USD 61000-62000 / year
Navitas Group - Deakin College - Geelong Waterfront Campus
Victoria, Australia • 20 Programmes
Tuition Fee : AUD 32500-33000 / year
St. Francis Xavier University
Nova Scotia, Canada • 51 Programmes
Tuition Fee : CAD 22500-23500 / year
Sprott Shaw College - Richmond College Campus
British Columbia, Canada • 19 Programmes
Tuition Fee : CAD 10000-38000 / year
Kingston University London - Penrhyn Road Campus
England, UK • 167 Programmes
Tuition Fee : GBP 13000-16500 / year
Popular English Language Proficiency Exams
IELTS Online
- Live Classes
Blogs and Articles
Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.
Why Should You Do Your Research Before Studying Abroad?
Updated on • Jan 20,2025 05:55 PM IST • Study Abroad
IELTS Exam Dates 2025 in India
Updated on • Jan 18,2025 05:13 PM IST • IELTS
Updated on • Jan 16,2025 03:32 PM IST • USA
PTE Exam Centers in India 2025: Check City Wise PTE Exam Centers
Updated on • Jan 16,2025 03:12 PM IST • PTE
Updated on • Jan 15,2025 04:40 PM IST • Study in Canada
IELTS Reading Practice Tests 2025: Reading Passage and Sample Questions
Updated on • Jan 15,2025 04:14 PM IST • IELTS
IELTS Letter Writing Topics 2025
Updated on • Jan 15,2025 04:12 PM IST • IELTS
Updated on • Jan 14,2025 05:49 PM IST • Study in Germany
February Intake in Australia: Timeline, Courses, Universities, Deadlines & More
Updated on • Jan 14,2025 10:33 AM IST • Australia
Scholarships to Study in Ireland
Updated on • Jan 10,2025 05:28 PM IST • Ireland
Canada IELTS band requirements 2025
Updated on • Jan 10,2025 05:10 PM IST • IELTS
What makes Australia a preferred study destination for Indians?
Updated on • Jan 10,2025 11:25 AM IST • Australia
PTE Accepted Universities in Australia
Updated on • Jan 10,2025 11:07 AM IST • PTE
Cheapest MBA in UK for International Students
Updated on • Jan 09,2025 04:39 PM IST • UK
How to Choose a Study Abroad Destination?
Updated on • Jan 09,2025 04:32 PM IST • Study Abroad
Updated on • Jan 07,2025 05:36 PM IST • Study Abroad
Top Free Education Countries for Indian Students
Updated on • Jan 06,2025 11:43 AM IST • International Students
September/Fall Intake Canada 2025: Timeline, Universities & Admission Requirements
Updated on • Jan 03,2025 05:27 PM IST • Study in Canada
Updated on • Jan 02,2025 04:35 PM IST • Study in Canada
Exams Required to Study in USA
Updated on • Dec 31,2024 12:44 PM IST • USA
Related Blogs and Articles
A little effort to provide an authentic and reliable content for keen readers!!
IELTS Exam Dates 2025 in India
Updated on • 18-01-2025 • IELTS
IELTS Reading Practice Tests 2025: Reading Passage and Sample Questions
Updated on • 15-01-2025 • IELTS
IELTS Letter Writing Topics 2025
Updated on • 15-01-2025 • IELTS
Canada IELTS band requirements 2025
Updated on • 10-01-2025 • IELTS
Updated on • 25-11-2024 • IELTS
Updated on • 21-11-2024 • IELTS
Updated on • 02-11-2024 • IELTS
Linking Words for IELTS Speaking - Word List & Tips
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • IELTS
IELTS Writing Task 2 - Academic and General Topics with Sample Answer
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • IELTS
IELTS Writing Task 2: Tips, Lessons & Models
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • IELTS
IELTS Test Report Form (TRF): Number, Tracking, Validity and Sample
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • IELTS
IELTS Speaking Samples and Answers
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • IELTS
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • IELTS
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • IELTS
IELTS Sample Charts for Writing Task 1 Practice
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • IELTS
IELTS GT Writing Task 1/ IELTS Letter Writing
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • IELTS
IELTS Essays : Five Types of IELTS Essays
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • IELTS
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • IELTS
How many times is the IELTS exam conducted in a year?
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • IELTS
How to Get 9 In IELTS Reading?
Updated on • 25-10-2024 • IELTS