IELTS General Training or Academic - which one should you choose?
If you are planning to take the IELTS exam, the first thing you need to decide is which version of the IELTS exam you should take – the Academic version or the General Training version. Both are IELTS tests, but they serve different purposes.
Here we will explain to you about these tests, how they are different, and help you decide which version of the IELTS exam is right for your goals – whether you want to study abroad, shift to another country, or work in an English-speaking environment.
What is IELTS?
IELTS ( International English Language Testing System ) is one of the most popular English tests in the world. More than 10,000 organizations, including universities, governments, and employers, accept IELTS scores to validate the English level of their applicants.
There are two types of IELTS tests – IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic. Both tests have four sections – listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The listening and speaking sections are the same in both versions of the exam, but the reading and writing sections are different.
What is IELTS Academic?
IELTS Academic is mainly for the people who want to:
- Study at a college or university abroad.
- Get a student visa.
- Apply for professional jobs like doctors, nurses, or teachers.
This test is to check that you are ready to study or work in an English-speaking environment. The reading section has longer and more complicated passages, often taken from textbooks or journals. In writing, you have to analyze charts or graphs and also write an argumentative academic-style essay. So, if you want to study abroad or to work in a professional field, IELTS Academic is the right choice for you.
What is IELTS General Training?
IELTS General Training is usually for people who want to:
- Shift to countries like Canada, Australia, or the UK.
- Apply for Permanent Residency (PR).
- Work in non-academic jobs or join training programs.
This version of the test focuses on everyday English, like reading newspapers, writing letters, or speaking in social and work situations. The reading section includes notices or short articles. In writing, you’ll need to write a letter about an everyday sort of situation and then write an argumentative essay on a given topic.
So, if you are planning to move to an English-speaking country or work there in a general job, the IELTS General Training is usually the better choice.
Key Differences between IELTS Academic and General Training :-
- In the Academic test, you are going to read more difficult and formal texts. The writing part will ask you to describe data (like graphs or charts) and to write an academic essay.
- In the General Training test, the reading texts are going to be shorter and easier, and the writing task will include topics like letter writing. The second writing task is also an essay, but it’s on a general topic.
- The listening and speaking sections are the same in both tests. For listening, you have to listen to the recordings and answer questions. For speaking, you will have a face-to-face conversation with the examiner.
Which one is easier?
Many people find the IELTS General training slightly easier than the Academic. This is mostly because in General training, the texts are shorter and simpler, and the writing tasks are more about daily situations.
However, both tests are still serious exams.
What score do you need?
The IELTS Exam uses a scoring system from 1 to 9 (called band scores). Most universities ask for an overall band score of 6.5 or 7 in the academic version. If you are applying for immigration, a bit lower will usually also work, depending on the country and visa type. It’s important to check the score you need for your study program, visa application, or job.
Can you change the test type later?
Yes, you can change your test from Academic to General Training or from General Training to Academic if you contact the test center before your test date. Try to choose the correct version at the time of booking, but if you can, request a change to your test type.
So, which test should you choose?
- If your goal is to study at a university abroad, then choose IELTS Academic.
- If you want to shift to a country like Canada or Australia for immigration, then choose IELTS General training.
- If you need professional registration (like to work as a doctor, nurse), then it may require IELTS Academic.
If you are still confused, you can check the website of the university, immigration service, or company you are applying to.
OR
You can contact us – THE GATEWAY CENTER.
If you are still confused or have doubts, then you can contact us. Our expert team can guide you. We even provide mock tests and coaching for both versions (IELTS Academic and General training).
You can connect with us offline at our Haridwar or Dehradun campus or online too.
Get in Touch
You can contact us via mail at enquiry@gatewaycenter.in or give us call at : +91 7818813912.