IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training
Academic vs. IELTS General Training

Introduction

IELTS is a test that you’ve probably heard of. After all, it is the world’s leading test for study, work, and migration. As the world resumes travel, applications for overseas universities and visas are increasing. But did you know that there are two kinds of IELTS exams? Yes,  IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training.

Many people who take the IELTS aren’t sure which exam they need to take. That is where we, Chhundu Training Institute (CTI), come in!

We’ll explain the distinctions between  IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training and assist you in deciding which is best for you!

If you are looking for a reputable training institute to help you ace your IELTS test, look no further than Chhundu Training Institute. A low IELTS score is a visa risk you can forgo by taking IELTS classes at CTI!

IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training: Primary Purpose

IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training
Purpose  IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training

IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General training tests differs more in their purpose than their format. 

Let us break down the difference between the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests to help you make an informed decision about your future!

Academic IELTS

Academic IELTS is intended for (prospective) students applying for admission to universities and programs in which English is the medium of language.

But professionals and job hopefuls can also be required to show IELTS scores to prove their English proficiency.

One example is medical work. If you want to be a medical professional in Ireland, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada, you’ll need to sit the Academic IELTS. 

Unlike the general training version, the academic performance allows test takers to demonstrate their reading and writing skills that aren’t necessarily part of the everyday communicative experience of English speakers.

These are considered distinct from reading and writing skills for general purposes!

You can register for a preparation course for the IELTS test with CTI. They offer comprehensive coaching classes to help you score high bandwidth in your IELTS exam. 

General Training IELTS

The general training version is required if Bhutanese students seek to settle in Australia, Canada, the United States, Ireland, the United Kingdom, or New Zealand.

For example, individuals taking the IELTS to apply for a visa to live in Australia will discover that the General Training IELTS meets their requirements.

Multinational corporations use General Training IELTS scores to assess the English ability of their workers.

IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training: Format

IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training
IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training

The general format of both IELTS academic vs. IELTS General training is the same.

Regardless of the preferred version, your English writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills will be examined independently.

There aren’t any differences between the listening and speaking sections when we compare  IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training. The same topic and question type can be expected on the IELTS academic or general test.

In format, both writing versions involve two writing tasks, and both reading versions ask 40 questions in response to assigned readings.

 IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training: Content

IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training
Content IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training

University students and professionals must be equipped with English reading skills that are strong enough for texts in professional and academic journals, textbooks, and relevant magazines and newspapers. 

As such, the Academic IELTS uses texts taken directly from these kinds of sources to test comprehension skills. 

Similarly, the writing tasks specific to this version use sample topics relevant to academic and professional settings. English writing skills will be assessed to ensure they are proficient enough to write college-level essays.

On the other hand, those taking the General Training IELTS will encounter the language that appears in advertisements, guidebooks, magazines, notices, or what working people might experience in employee manuals.

A test taker’s written English will be tested on general tasks like letter writing or basic essay writing.

IELTS Academic vs. IELTS general training: Score Comparision

IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training
Score Comparison Charts  IELTS academic vs. IELTS general training

Perhaps the most significant difference between  IELTS academic and IELTS general training is how they’re scored. 

Granted, IELTS Listening, Speaking, and Writing is scored similarly on both exams. But IELTS Reading, which represents 25% of your score, is rated very differently on IELTS academic vs. IELTS general training.

For example, suppose you get 30 out of 40 answers correct in IELTS Reading, also known as a raw score of 30. 

In general training reading, that’s an IELTS Band of 5.0. But 30 out of 40 gets you a 6.0 in academic reading.

Raw scores differ depending on whether you’re looking at IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training. 

Frequently Asked Questions about IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training- Answered!

  1. Which one is easier: IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training?

When there are two similar English skill exams, like  IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training, it’s always hard to say whether one is easier. After all, different students find certain things easier or harder. As the expression goes in English, “your mileage may vary.”

With that being said, the answer to the question above is that when it comes to IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training, the General Training IELTS is easier than the Academic IELTS. 

Almost every IELTS study asserts that General Training in IELTS is less challenging. Summarizing a complicated graph or table is easier than writing a short note!

The IELTS assumes that getting 30 out of 40 in general training reading is as hard as getting 23 out of 40 in academic assignments. This is why 30/40 available training and 23/40 educational are both band 6.

However, do not assume that IELTS Listening or Speaking will be easier in general training!

These two sections are in the same format and have the same difficulty level, no matter if you’re sitting for IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training.

  1. Does it mean you should choose General Training IELTS over Academic? 

Not really. Ultimately these tests are 70% similar, and you won’t have a choice as to which format you sit for. 

By taking coaching classes from certified tutors based on your convenience, there is no test that you can’t ace. Contact CTI and book your IELTS seat for preparation today!

  1. Is General IELTS easier than academic?

Among the two categories of IELTS – IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training, IELTS general is much easier than academic as it is for candidates who need a working knowledge of English to have more accessible communication in a foreign country.

  1. IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training- Which is the ideal test for me?

The test you select must be based on what you want to pursue among the two categories of IELTS – IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training.

For example, if you are planning to go for higher studies abroad or are looking for professional registration, then the IELTS Academic test is the most suitable test for you.

On the other hand, if you plan to study in secondary school or migrate abroad to an English-speaking country, then IELTS General Training is the test for you.

  1. Do all universities accept General IELTS?

Yes, many universities accept IELTS General Training scores. However, it varies amongst universities, so it is advisable to alternately check with the institution or organization you are applying for.

  1. What is a good IELTS score?

The IELTS council has laid down different band scores for evaluating IELTS results. A good IELTS score ranges from 0-9, known as the band score. 

Each band score corresponds to a specific level of proficiency in English. This IELTS score differs from university to university and country to country. 

The difference also varies based on the study course, the tier of visa applied for, and the position: as in graduate or undergraduate course.

The big question in the applicants’ minds is deciding on the type of IELTS most suitable for them. For this, students must know the difference between IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training. 

Both these tests are pretty similar, but there is a slight difference between them. The speaking and listening sections of both tests are the same. However, the variation between  IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training in the writing and reading sections differs.

Both tests are variable based on your purpose of visit to an English-speaking country.

Want to learn more about the IELTS score chart? Read Understanding The IELTS Reading Score Chart With CTI today!

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