The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. There are two types of IELTS exams available, Academic and General Training. The main difference between these two exams is their purpose and content. In this blog post, we will discuss the key differences between the Academic and General Training IELTS exams.
Purpose:
The Academic IELTS exam is designed for students who wish to pursue higher education in an English-speaking country or for professionals seeking employment in a profession that requires English language proficiency. The General Training IELTS exam, on the other hand, is designed for individuals who are planning to migrate to an English-speaking country, or for those who wish to work in a non-academic environment.
Content:
The Academic IELTS exam consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Listening and Speaking sections are the same for both Academic and General Training IELTS exams. However, the Reading and Writing sections are different.
The Reading section of the Academic IELTS exam contains three long academic texts with a range of topics, including scientific and literary subjects. Students are required to answer 40 questions in 60 minutes. The General Training IELTS exam, on the other hand, contains shorter texts related to general topics such as newspapers, advertisements, and letters. The reading section of the General Training IELTS exam also contains 40 questions to be completed in 60 minutes.
The Writing section of the Academic IELTS exam requires students to write a report or describe a graph in Task 1, and an essay in Task 2. The topics are usually academic in nature and are related to subjects such as science, technology, or society. The General Training IELTS exam, on the other hand, requires students to write a letter in Task 1, and an essay in Task 2. The topics in the General Training IELTS exam are related to everyday life and are designed to test the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in a practical environment.
Scoring:
The scoring for both Academic and General Training IELTS exams is the same. The scores range from 0 to 9, with 9 being the highest score. The score is based on the student’s performance in all four sections of the exam, with equal weightage given to each section. The overall score is an average of the four individual scores.
In addition to the differences mentioned above, there are a few more points to consider when choosing between the Academic and General Training IELTS exams.
- Firstly, the Speaking section of both exams is the same, but the topics may vary. In the Academic IELTS exam, the topics are related to academic subjects, while the General Training IELTS exam focuses on everyday situations. The speaking section consists of a face-to-face interview with an examiner, where the candidate is evaluated on their ability to speak fluently, use appropriate vocabulary, and express their ideas clearly.
- Secondly, the Academic IELTS exam is considered to be more challenging than the General Training IELTS exam. The texts and questions in the reading and writing sections of the Academic IELTS exam are more complex and require a higher level of academic vocabulary and understanding. The essays in the Academic IELTS exam also require more critical thinking and analysis compared to the General Training IELTS exam.
- Lastly, it is important to note that some universities or institutions may require specific scores in the Academic IELTS exam for admission or professional registration. Therefore, it is important to research the specific requirements of your intended institution or profession before choosing between the two exams.
Conclusion: The Academic and General Training IELTS exams differ in their purpose, content, and level of difficulty. Choosing the appropriate exam depends on your individual goals and requirements. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the format and content of both exams before taking the test to ensure that you are fully prepared.
Enhance your IELTS skills with LearnTube’s comprehensive online courses. Our platform is secure and reliable, providing you with various powerful learning tools, including a dedicated app and a WhatsApp bot, to improve your learning experience. From introductory to advanced certifications, LearnTube offers a wide range of IELTS courses suitable for both beginners and advanced learners. Visit our website today to browse our extensive selection of courses and take your IELTS proficiency to the next level.
