IELTS Academic VS General Tests. What is the Difference?

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The type of IELTS exam you take determines how you want to use your IELTS Test results. The IELTS Academic Test is typically used for university admission. In contrast, IELTS General Training is helpful for migration purposes. The prerequisites are defined by the organization where you intend to work or study. So, when you schedule your IELTS Test, know which is best for you.

Difference Between Academic and General IELTS

Let's examine the difference between Academic and General IELTS.

IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General

The IELTS General test format is designed for those who wish to stay and work in an English-speaking nation. It is primarily concerned with measuring a person's competency, confidence, and comfort in talking in English in everyday settings.

While the IELTS Academic Test format is designed for those who want to pursue further education abroad, as a result, it is intended to determine if an IELTS Test taker is prepared and capable of using English as a medium of instruction.

Now that you understand why individuals take IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training, let's examine the material differences between the two exams.

Reading

1. IELTS Academic

You must read three large paragraphs on the IELTS Academic Reading exam. These paragraphs might include passages from novels, periodicals, or even newspapers. You will next be asked to respond to questions about what you have read.

2. Training for IELTS General reading

While the approach is similar, you will be presented with excerpts from brochures and advertising instead of magazines or newspapers in the IELTS General Reading test. These are materials that you may encounter daily.

Writing

The writing test requires the IELTS Test taker to complete two activities.

1. IELTS Academic

The IELTS Academic Writing component is focused on themes from undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. You must complete two writing assignments:

You are given a page containing a chart, graph, or diagram for IELTS Writing Task 1. The IELTS exam-taker must next analyze and explain the facts in their terms. You/test takers are asked questions to see how you process information and reach a logical conclusion. The tone of the Writing is very official.

Academic and General Training IELTS Writing Task 2 are the same. This writing assignment requires you to write an essay discussing a statement on a current subject. The essay's writing style must be official and include relevant examples.

2. Training for IELTS General

The IELTS exam-taker must write on broad issues rather than academic ones. The General Training Writing test, like the IELTS Academic, requires you to complete two problems.

IELTS Writing Task 1 requires you to compose a letter responding to a specified circumstance. The IELTS test-taker must produce a formal essay responding to a statement or premise.

Understand IELTS Band Scores

The band scores for IELTS vary from 0 to 9. Learn what degree of English proficiency each band score relates to.

The IELTS Test measures your English language abilities using band scores. These band scores range from 0 to 9, with each score corresponding to a level of English proficiency.

You will receive a band score for every section of the IELTS exam as well as an overall band score based on the average of your band scores for Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Listening.

Top universities in the US and UK require an IELTS academic band score of 7.5 or more. While top colleges and universities in Canada and Australia require an IELTS Academic Band Score of 6.5 to 7 or even more.

Improve your preparation and go closer to a high band score!

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