The International English Language Testing System, commonly known as IELTS, is the most popular English language test for non-native speakers worldwide. It is widely recognized by universities, employers, and immigration authorities in English-speaking countries.
IELTS Test Types
There are two types of IELTS tests - Academic and General Training. The academic IELTS is intended for individuals planning to study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level in an English-speaking country. The general training IELTS is for those seeking employment or immigration opportunities in an English-speaking country.
Academic IELTS
The academic IELTS assesses the language proficiency of those who wish to study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level in an English-speaking country. This test measures the test-takers ability to understand and use complex academic language. It consists of four sections - reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The academic IELTS has a total test time of 2 hours and 45 minutes.
IELTS for General Training
The IELTS general training is intended for those seeking employment or immigration opportunities in an English-speaking country. This test measures the test-takers ability to use English in everyday situations. It consists of four sections - reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The IELTS general training has a total test time of 2 hours and 45 minutes. The IELTS General Training test is valuable for individuals seeking to immigrate or work in an English-speaking country. It assesses the test-takers ability to communicate effectively in practical, everyday situations, including social and workplace contexts.
General vs Academic IELTS
The IELTS General Training test format is similar to the academic version, with four sections - reading, writing, listening, and speaking. However, the content of the reading and writing sections is different. The reading section includes passages and questions that are more practical and less academic. In contrast, the writing section includes a letter and an essay related to everyday situations and practical scenarios.
The main difference between general and academic IELTS is the subject matter of the reading and writing sections. In academic IELTS, the reading and writing sections contain texts and tasks related to academic subjects. In contrast, in the general training IELTS, the reading and writing sections contain tasks related to everyday situations.
Structure of the IELTS exam
The test consists of four sections - reading, writing, listening, and speaking - with a total test time of 2 hours and 45 minutes.
IELTS General Training test's reading section
The IELTS General Training test's reading section consists of three passages from advertisements, company handbooks, and other everyday sources. The test-taker is required to answer 40 questions based on the passages within 60 minutes. The IELTS reading test measures a taker's ability to understand academic and non-academic texts.
IELTS General Training test's writing section
The IELTS General Training test's writing section differs from the academic version. The test-taker is required to complete two writing tasks within 60 minutes. The first task is a letter that requires the test-taker to respond to a specific situation, such as requesting information or explaining a problem. The second task is an essay that requires the test-taker to write about a general topic. The IELTS writing test measures a test-takers ability to communicate in writing.
Listening section of the IELTS General Training
The listening section of the IELTS General Training test consists of four sections and 40 questions. The test-taker must listen to conversations and monologues from everyday situations, such as public announcements, workplace discussions, or travel information. The test-taker is required to answer the questions within 30 minutes. The IELTS listening test measures a test-takers ability to understand spoken English. The test consists of four sections that are based on conversations and monologues. The test-taker is given 40 questions to answer, and the test lasts for 30 minutes.
Speaking section of the IELTS General Training
The speaking section of the IELTS General Training test is the same as the speaking section of the academic version. The test-taker must complete a face-to-face interview with an examiner, recorded for grading purposes. The interview consists of three parts - an introduction and interview, a short talk, and a discussion - and it takes approximately 11 to 14 minutes to complete. The IELTS speaking test is a face-to-face interview conducted by a certified examiner. The test-taker is assessed on their ability to communicate effectively, use grammar and vocabulary correctly, and express ideas clearly. The interview consists of three parts - an introduction and interview, a short talk, and a discussion.
IELTS Exam modes
There are two modes of IELTS exams -
- Paper-based exam
- Computer-based exam
The IELTS test measures the test-takers ability to use English in real-life situations. It consists of four sections - reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The test is scored on a scale of 1 to 9, with 1 being non-user and 9 being expert users. The IELTS Academic is designed for those who wish to study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level in an English-speaking country. The IELTS general training is intended for those seeking employment or immigration opportunities in an English-speaking country.
Which IELTS Test is Easy, Which IELTS Test is Difficult?
Both tests have the same format and use the same scoring system. However, the difficulty level may vary based on the individual's English proficiency and familiarity with the test format. The academic IELTS may be more challenging for those unfamiliar with academic English. At the same time, the general training in IELTS may be more accessible for those with experience using English in everyday situations. The IELTS test is measured using a band score system. Each section is scored on a scale of 0 to 9; the average of the four scores is the overall band score. The IELTS General Training test is typically more straightforward for test-takers more familiar with everyday English language and situations. At the same time, the Academic version may be more challenging for those who need to become more familiar with academic terminology and formal language structures. That said, the IELTS test is designed to accurately measure a test taker's language ability, regardless of their chosen version. Therefore, choosing the test most appropriate for your specific needs and goals is essential.
Regardless of which test you choose, it's essential to properly prepare for the exam by familiarizing yourself with the test format, practising your language skills, and taking advantage of resources such as official IELTS practice tests and study materials. With sufficient preparation and dedication, you can succeed on either version of the IELTS test.