The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to assess an individual’s proficiency in the English language based on four factors – listening, speaking, reading, and writing. IELTS tests are divided into two categories – Academic and General Training. It is important for students to understand the differences between IELTS academic vs general training since the test changes based on a candidate’s purpose of moving abroad – immigration, education, or work. Candidates appearing for the test need to achieve a band score as required by their academic institutions or other organizations where they wish to study abroad. Participants receive a test report certificate on completing the test. The score is valid for two years. IELTS uses a band score ranging between one to nine.
IELTS Academic vs General Training – Which Exam to Choose?
IELTS Academic is accepted by universities and organizations in different countries. Thousands of reputed universities and colleges accept the band scores as proof of English skills. Most Australian and European universities mandate the IELTS test because it is mostly based on Australian and British English. It is accepted by both undergraduate and postgraduate universities.
IELTS General Training is for students below the degree levels. They can undertake this test if they wish to get admitted to high school (or secondary education).
Countries That Accept IELTS Scores
IELTS is accepted by more than 100,000 universities, immigration offices, organizations, and professional corporations in 140 countries.
Some of the major countries which accept the IELTS test are as follows:
Canada
IELTS is accepted by all Canadian universities, colleges, and organizations. Students need to take this exam if they are planning to move to Canada to study, work, or live. Further, they need a minimum band score of six – with six or above in all four sections.
More than 3,000 institutions accept the IELTS test in the USA. The minimum band score varies from one institution to another but it should not be less than 6. It is necessary for candidates to score a better band score because it is important for US visa permits.
IELTS is accepted by educational institutions and the immigration system of Australia. Further, the validity of the IELTS score is two years from the date of appearing for the test. Applicants need a minimum six band score in every section.
To understand which IELTS test is better for a student, it is important to know the difference between Academic and General Training IELTS. If education is the main purpose, applicants need to take the IELTS academic test. On the other hand, if they want to migrate to another English-speaking country then IELTS General Training is recommended. It is suggested that an aspirant should choose the exact entry requirements before choosing.
Suitable IELTS Test as Per Goal
Goal
Test type
Undergraduate level
IELTS Academic
Postgraduate level
IELTS Academic
Doctorate level
IELTS Academic
Post-Doctoral
IELTS Academic
Below degree level
IELTS General
Work or training
IELTS General
Migration
IELTS General
For professional organization
IELTS Academic
Permanent Residency
IELTS General
IELTS Academic vs General: Test Format
Here is a list of the IELTS academic vs general differences, based on the testing format.
IELTS Test Section
IELTS Academic
IELTS General
Reading
Three long paragraphs relating to excerpts from newspapers, books, and magazines. Questions have to be answered based on the same
Similar format, although the passages come from advertisements and brochures, i.e. material that candidates may come across on a regular basis
Writing
Task 1- Page with chart/graph/diagram for data analysis and interpretation
Task 2- Essay on any contemporary aspect/issue
Task 1- Letter on any given situation
Task 2- Formal essay in response to a statement or premise like the Academic version
Listening
40 questions in 30 minutes with 10 minutes transfer time for the paper-based test
40 questions in 30 minutes with 10 minutes transfer time for the paper-based test
Speaking
3 parts in 11-14 minutes
3 parts in 11-14 minutes
IELTS Academic vs General: Test Format
Here is a list of the IELTS academic vs general differences, based on the testing format.
IELTS Test Section
IELTS Academic
IELTS General
Reading
Three long paragraphs relating to excerpts from newspapers, books, and magazines. Questions have to be answered based on the same
Similar format, although the passages come from advertisements and brochures, i.e. material that candidates may come across on a regular basis
Writing
Task 1- Page with chart/graph/diagram for data analysis and interpretation
Task 2- Essay on any contemporary aspect/issue
Task 1- Letter on any given situation
Task 2- Formal essay in response to a statement or premise like the Academic version
Listening
40 questions in 30 minutes with 10 minutes transfer time for the paper-based test
40 questions in 30 minutes with 10 minutes transfer time for the paper-based test
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Similarities: IELTS General vs IELTS Academic
The IELTS test assesses an individual on the basis of reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills. There are no differences in the listening and speaking sections of IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic.
IELTS Speaking (Common for Both)
The test format of the speaking module is a face-to-face interview that lasts for 11 – 14 minutes. The test consists of three parts:
Part 1: Here, the examiner asks questions on topics related to studies, family, and work. The interview lasts for 4 – 5 minutes.
Part 2: In this section, the candidate is asked to speak about a certain topic. The candidate will get a minute to think about it and then speak for two minutes. The examiner will again ask questions about the same topic.
Part 3: In the last section, the candidate needs to discuss ideas and challenges related to the previous test. It lasts for a maximum of 5 minutes.
IELTS Listening Test (Common for Both)
The candidate will be asked to listen to four recordings in English and then answer a series of questions. It lasts for half an hour and the purpose is to check the comprehension skills. The candidate should understand the central idea and factual information first.
1) Recording 1: It is a conversation between two persons and is related to social issues.
2) Recording 2: The candidate needs to listen to a monologue.
3) Recording 3: This is a recorded conversation between four people discussing education or training.
4) Recording 4: This is the final section in which the candidate needs to listen to a monologue on academic topics.
IELTS Academic vs General Reading
The components of the two tests are listed as follows:
IELTS Academic
The texts for the Reading section are taken from books, magazines, journals, newspapers, and other online resources. The topics are suitable for undergraduate or postgraduate students. At least one text will have a logical argument, while some texts may have diagrams, graphs, and illustrations.
The style of the texts for the section may be argumentative, narrative, descriptive, and so on. The time allowed to complete the section is 60 minutes, inclusive of the transfer time. There are a total of three sub-sections with 40 questions in all. 1 mark is given for every correct answer.
IELTS General
This portion comes with three sections which have increasing levels of difficulties. Section 1 may have 2-3 shorter texts or multiple shorter texts, while Section 2 may have two texts. Section 3 will have a single long text.
Texts usually cover regular and everyday topics in Section 1, based on advertisements, notices, timetables, etc. Section 2 will have work-focused topics like job descriptions, contracts, training materials, etc. Section 3 will have texts talking about topics that are of general interest.
The total time is 60 minutes, with three sections and 40 questions. Every correct answer will get one mark.
IELTS Academic vs General Listening
Here are the key components of the Listening section, which is the same for both tests.
Four parts with ten questions for each part.
The questions will be in the same order as the data in the recording.
Part 1 and 2 will cover daily social situations, i.e. a conversation between two people in Part 1 and only one person speaking about something in Part 2.
Parts 3 and 4 are with educational and training scenarios. The former has a conversation between two key speakers, while the latter has one person speaking on any academic topic/subject.
The recordings are heard just once, and the accents may vary, ranging from Australian, British, and North American to New Zealand.
Answers have to be transferred to answer sheets, with 10 minutes at the end for this purpose.
The total time is 30 minutes, with one mark for every correct answer.
IELTS Academic vs General Writing
Here are some of the key aspects pertaining to the Writing section in both the IELTS Academic and General tests.
IELTS Academic
There are two writing tasks that have to be completed.
Task 1 asks for a description of visual data like a table, graph, diagram, or chart. At least 150 words have to be written in around 20 minutes.
Task 2 asks for a response of 250 words at least in 40 minutes to any viewpoint, problem statement, or argument.
IELTS General
There are two writing tasks to be done.
Task 1 will have the candidate respond to a situation by writing a letter. This has to be at least 150 words and should be completed in around 20 minutes.
Task 2 will have the candidate respond to an argument, problem statement, or point of view in 250 words (time is about 40 minutes).
IELTS Academic vs General Speaking
Here are the key aspects of the Speaking test, which is the same for both these tests.
This is a face-to-face interview between the examiner and the candidate. The test is recorded and has three parts.
Speaking performance is evaluated based on criteria such as lexical resource, fluency and coherence, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.
The testing time is 11-14 minutes.
Part 1 is the Introduction and Interview where the examiner introduces herself/himself and then asks questions on familiar aspects like interests, studies, work, family, home, etc. This is 4-5 minutes in length.
Part 2 is the Long Turn question, where candidates get a task to talk about any specific topic. The card will indicate what has to be included while instructing candidates to explain one part of the topic at hand. There will be a minute to prepare, and a pencil and paper can be used to make notes. Candidates should speak for at least two minutes, and the examiner will stop them when the time is up. They may also ask 1-2 questions on the topic thereafter.
Part 3 is the Discussion where the examiner and candidate will discuss various issues related to the topic in Part 2 in a broader way for about 4-5 minutes.
Which Test Should I Take
Confused about the IELTS academic vs general debate and which test to choose? You can keep the following points in mind to make an informed decision.
Choose IELTS Academic
If you wish to study at the postgraduate or undergraduate level in any English-speaking nation. This also works if you are looking for professional registration as a nurse, doctor, and other professionals.
Choose IELTS General
If you want to migrate to any English-speaking country like Canada, Australia, the UK, the USA, or New Zealand. You can also choose this if you want to undergo training or take up studies below the degree level.
IELTS Academic vs General Reading
The components of the two tests are listed as follows:
IELTS Academic
The texts for the Reading section are taken from books, magazines, journals, newspapers, and other online resources. The topics are suitable for undergraduate or postgraduate students. At least one text will have a logical argument, while some texts may have diagrams, graphs, and illustrations.
The style of the texts for the section may be argumentative, narrative, descriptive, and so on. The time allowed to complete the section is 60 minutes, inclusive of the transfer time. There are a total of three sub-sections with 40 questions in all. 1 mark is given for every correct answer.
IELTS General
This portion comes with three sections which have increasing levels of difficulties. Section 1 may have 2-3 shorter texts or multiple shorter texts, while Section 2 may have two texts. Section 3 will have a single long text.
Texts usually cover regular and everyday topics in Section 1, based on advertisements, notices, timetables, etc. Section 2 will have work-focused topics like job descriptions, contracts, training materials, etc. Section 3 will have texts talking about topics that are of general interest.
The total time is 60 minutes, with three sections and 40 questions. Every correct answer will get one mark.
IELTS Academic vs General Listening
Here are the key components of the Listening section, which is the same for both tests.
Four parts with ten questions for each part.
The questions will be in the same order as the data in the recording.
Part 1 and 2 will cover daily social situations, i.e. a conversation between two people in Part 1 and only one person speaking about something in Part 2.
Parts 3 and 4 are with educational and training scenarios. The former has a conversation between two key speakers, while the latter has one person speaking on any academic topic/subject.
The recordings are heard just once, and the accents may vary, ranging from Australian, British, and North American to New Zealand.
Answers have to be transferred to answer sheets, with 10 minutes at the end for this purpose.
The total time is 30 minutes, with one mark for every correct answer.
IELTS Academic vs General Writing
Here are some of the key aspects pertaining to the Writing section in both the IELTS Academic and General tests.
IELTS Academic
There are two writing tasks that have to be completed.
Task 1 asks for a description of visual data like a table, graph, diagram, or chart. At least 150 words have to be written in around 20 minutes.
Task 2 asks for a response of 250 words at least in 40 minutes to any viewpoint, problem statement, or argument.
IELTS General
There are two writing tasks to be done.
Task 1 will have the candidate respond to a situation by writing a letter. This has to be at least 150 words and should be completed in around 20 minutes.
Task 2 will have the candidate respond to an argument, problem statement, or point of view in 250 words (time is about 40 minutes).
IELTS Academic vs General Speaking
Here are the key aspects of the Speaking test, which is the same for both these tests.
This is a face-to-face interview between the examiner and the candidate. The test is recorded and has three parts.
Speaking performance is evaluated based on criteria such as lexical resource, fluency and coherence, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.
The testing time is 11-14 minutes.
Part 1 is the Introduction and Interview where the examiner introduces herself/himself and then asks questions on familiar aspects like interests, studies, work, family, home, etc. This is 4-5 minutes in length.
Part 2 is the Long Turn question, where candidates get a task to talk about any specific topic. The card will indicate what has to be included while instructing candidates to explain one part of the topic at hand. There will be a minute to prepare, and a pencil and paper can be used to make notes. Candidates should speak for at least two minutes, and the examiner will stop them when the time is up. They may also ask 1-2 questions on the topic thereafter.
Part 3 is the Discussion where the examiner and candidate will discuss various issues related to the topic in Part 2 in a broader way for about 4-5 minutes.
Which Test Should I Take
Confused about the IELTS academic vs general debate and which test to choose? You can keep the following points in mind to make an informed decision.
Choose IELTS Academic - if you wish to study at the postgraduate or undergraduate level in any English-speaking nation. This also works if you are looking for professional registration as a nurse, doctor, and other professionals.
Choose IELTS General - if you want to migrate to any English-speaking country like Canada, Australia, the UK, the USA, or New Zealand. You can also choose this if you want to undergo training or take up studies below the degree level.
Difference between the IELTS Academic Test and the General Training Test
As suggested above, the main aim of Academic IELTS vs General IELTS is to check the candidate’s ability to read, write, listen, and speak English. The test format of the speaking and listening sections is the same for candidates appearing for the IELTS general and academic tests. However, the writing and reading sections are different.
The writing, listening, and reading modules of the IELTS tests are held on the same day without any break. The speaking section which is a face-to-face interview round can be completed one week before or after the other tests. It depends on the availability of slots at the test center. The entire duration of the test lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes.
IELTS Reading test (Different for both)
Academic Reading
Some of the differences between the Academic and General IELTS are in the Reading section. This section is designed to test the reading abilities of a person and consists of 40 questions. The allotted time for the test is 60 minutes. The candidate is asked to read different passages and answer the questions accordingly. This particular section is designed for testing higher education aspirants or working professionals.
The test includes reading three long paragraphs that can be factual, analytical, or descriptive. These paragraphs are taken from journals, magazines, research works, newspapers, or books. The candidate needs to answer related questions after reading the passages.
General Reading Test
This section is designed to check the reading skills of a person and it consists of 40 questions. These have to be answered within one hour. Candidates are provided with passages related to company guidelines, advertisements, brochures, and so on. It is believed that this test is relatively easier than the academic test. The passages contain words that are encountered regularly.
IELTS Writing Test (Different for both)
Academic Writing Test
In this test, candidates are asked to write on different topics related to their undergraduate and postgraduate studies. They are required to complete the test in one hour. In the first task, a paper containing either tables, graphs, or diagrams is handed to the candidate.
The candidate needs to define the visual information in their own words. Additionally, they could be asked to explain a flowchart. In the other tasks, candidates need to write an essay based on the data. They also need to support the data with the correct examples. The writing style should be strictly formal.
General Writing Test
In this section, the candidate needs to write about topics of general interest. The tasks need to be completed within one hour. For the first task, the candidate needs to write a formal, semi-formal, or personal letter on a situation presented to them. They need to explain the given request or argument.
Conclusion:
As can be seen, the IELTS Academic and General tests serve varying purposes for aspirants. You should assess your goals and then make an informed choice accordingly. After all, the IELTS is indispensable for higher studies abroad, and you should prepare smartly for the test in order to give the right fillip to your future prospects.
IELTS Academic vs General Training test- which one is easier?
Usually, the questions in IELTS are designed to test a candidate’s skills in English and there is no such thing as a pass or fail. The Academic version of IELTS tests a student’s level of comprehension and when it comes to the difficulty level, the reading section of the General Training test is easier than the Academic test.
What is the difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General?
The academic and general IELTS difference is that the reading section in both types varies in the passage numbers and topics. There are differences in the writing section as well.
Is it possible to convert IELTS General Training to Academic?
Yes, it is possible for IELTS test-takers to change from IELTS General Training to Academic. The IDP Education has prepared a form for aspirants who want to change from one test type to the other. They should fill in this form and send it to their local testing center at least five days before their test date. The form should be accompanied by a photocopy of a passport or ID proof to verify the authenticity of the candidates.
How difficult is the IELTS General test?
If we compare general IELTS vs academic IELTS, the latter is more difficult as it requires the candidate to have a broad vocabulary and mastery of English compared to the former. However, with sheer practice and dedication to improve one’s English, it is not very difficult to score a band of 7 or more.
Which IELTS should I give for MS?
To pursue an MS abroad, students should appear for the IELTS Academic. This would help them to get admission to a reputed college or university abroad by proving their English skills.
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