02 Mar 2024 | IELTS Academic vs General Training: Which to Pick?
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Comparison of IELTS Academic and General Training Scores Among Indians
The IELTS is a widely accepted measure of English proficiency of non-native speakers of English for academic, professional, and migration purposes abroad. Depending on the purpose of one taking the test, it has mainly two varieties - IELTS Academic and General Training.
IELTS Academic vs. General Training
IELTS Academic: The IELTS Academic is for students who are interested in studying abroad in an English-speaking country and for employment in some professional organizations. The test assesses how far the test-taker is ready and comfortable to use English as the medium of study.
IELTS General Training: The IELTS General Training is for those who wish to work and live in an English-speaking country abroad and for studying courses below a degree level. The test assesses how far the test-taker can handle everyday situations in English.
| Aspect | IELTS Academic Test | IELTS General Training Test |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | For those applying to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels or for professional registration. | For those migrating to Australia, Canada, the UK, and New Zealand or applying for secondary education, work experience, or training programs. |
| Reading | Three long texts ranging from descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical. Texts are authentic and taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. | Three sections. Texts are extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks, and guidelines. |
| Listening | Four recorded monologues and conversations. Topics are academic in nature, such as university lectures and discussions. | Four sections with recordings of conversations and monologues in everyday contexts, such as social situations and workplace scenarios. |
| Writing | Two tasks. Task 1 requires candidates to describe visual information, such as graphs, charts, or diagrams. Task 2 is an essay response to a point of view, argument, or problem. |
Two tasks. Task 1 requires candidates to write a letter based on a situation described in the prompt. Task 2 is an essay response to a point of view, argument, or problem. |
| Speaking | A structured interview with a certified examiner. Consists of three parts: introduction and interview, long turn, and a two-way discussion. | A structured interview with a certified examiner. Consists of three parts: introduction and interview, long turn, and a two-way discussion. |
| Topics | Academic topics such as education, technology, society, environment, etc. | Everyday topics such as family, work, hobbies, interests, travel, etc. |
| Scores | Scores are reported on a 9-band scale for each section (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) and an overall band score. | Scores are reported on a 9-band scale for each section (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) and an overall band score. |
| Validity | Valid for up to 2 years. | Valid for up to 2 years. |
| Requirement by | Required by universities and colleges in English-speaking countries for academic programs. | Required for immigration purposes by certain countries and for vocational training or work experience programs. |
| Test Duration | Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. | Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. |
| Location | Offered at IELTS test centers worldwide. | Offered at IELTS test centers worldwide. |
| Preparation Focus | Focuses on academic language and skills needed for higher education. | Focuses on everyday language skills and situations encountered in social and workplace contexts. |
| Example | Analyzing a graph showing trends in population growth. | Writing a letter to a friend about plans for an upcoming trip. |
| Target Audience | Students applying for university programs, professionals seeking registration, and individuals pursuing higher education. | Individuals seeking immigration to English-speaking countries, and those aiming for vocational training or work experience abroad. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the IELTS Academic and General Training tests serve distinct purposes catering to the diverse needs of individuals aiming to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. The Academic test is designed for those pursuing higher education or professional registration, focusing on academic language and skills essential for university-level studies. On the other hand, the General Training test is tailored for individuals migrating to English-speaking countries or seeking vocational training, emphasizing everyday language skills relevant to social and workplace contexts.
Ultimately, whether a candidate opts for the IELTS Academic or General Training test depends on their goals and aspirations. Those pursuing academic endeavors such as university studies or professional registration will find the Academic test more suitable, while individuals aiming for immigration, work experience abroad, or vocational training will benefit from taking the General Training test. Ensuring that candidates can demonstrate their English language skills effectively in their respective fields of interest.
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