The IELTS test serves as a significant gateway for students wishing to pursue higher education abroad or relocate to another country. However, the difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training has to be decided first. Both types of IELTS focus on two different purposes and cater to two different ends. 

IELTS classes in Maninagar, Ahmedabad, can help you get the desired results in months. Here is how you can choose between these and know which one to give and when.

What is the Purpose of Each IELTS Test?

The IELTS Academic test is designed to evaluate English language proficiency in an academic setting and is, therefore, mostly given by students wishing to study abroad at universities or colleges or in English-speaking countries, where skills in academic language prove crucial for success.

On the other hand, the IELTS General Training test measures your English ability in a social and vocational setting. It is for those migrants, immigrants, who intend to move abroad to work, do business or training commercially outside their countries of origin, with their destination countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where everyday English skills are practically needed.

Selection of right tests is crucial if you are looking to achieve in academic or professional ways. 

Key Differences Between IELTS Academic and General Training

The two IELTS tests have the same four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Listening and Speaking sections are the same for both tests, but the contents of Reading and Writing vary to meet the purposes of different tests.

1. Listening Section (Common to Both Tests)

This section checks your ability to listen to spoken English under various circumstances. It comprises four recorded monologues and conversations on subjects that range from everyday situations to more academic discussions. In both tests, you need to exercise similar listening skills.

2. Reading Section

The Reading section is where you are likely to see a large difference.

IELTS Academic

• Has three long texts, which are often taken from journals, books, or research articles.
• It uses texts of general interest that are easier and life-like: advertisements, brochures, and manuals.

IELTS General Training

• IELTS General Training texts are closer to how English sounds in real-life work or social surroundings.
• Texts are analytical and information-rich in a manner that follows typical university environments.

Tip: If you are looking for IELTS Coaching classes in ahmedabad, then Dynamic Education Consultants can help you with preparation materials, depending on the version of IELTS, to suit the demands of the reading section.

3. Writing Section

The Writing section of the test varies as well between IELTS Academic and General Training.

IELTS Academic

• Task 1: Describe visual data, such as graphs, tables, or diagrams, to reflect your analytical and descriptive abilities.
• Task 2: You will write an academic-style essay on a given topic, aimed at demonstrating argumentation skills.

IELTS General Training

• Task 1: Write a letter based on a particular scenario outlined for the test (formal or informal).
• Task 2: You will write a more general essay. This is usually less complex than the Academic version.

For students aiming to pursue further studies, IELTS Academic tasks resemble the type of writing typically done at university. General Training tasks relate more closely to the everyday use of English and have a greater relevance to working and community life abroad.

4. Speaking Section (Same for Both Tests)

Speaking: Face-to-face with an examiner. This section aims to assess the candidate’s ability to communicate in English, with a focus on fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammatical expertise. There are three parts: a general introduction, a short speech on a specific topic, and a discussion. The type of testing for both forms consists of this section as well.

Scoring and Band Requirements

The IELTS Academic and General Training tests operate on a 9-band scale that ranges from a non-user at band 1 to an expert user at band 9. However, essential band scores would require your purpose of undertaking the test:

Academic Program: Specific IELTS Academic score requirements are usually required for entry into most universities in many countries, especially when the postgraduate programs attract a higher score band.

Immigration: Some countries set score requirements for migrants wishing to immigrate, and these requirements could be published for the IELTS General Training test. For instance, in Canada, the minimum score required for each of the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) is set differently according to the various immigration pathways but is typically lower than for entry into an academic course.

Which Test Should You Take?

Your choice should depend on your objectives and the requirements specified by universities or immigration bodies.

Choose IELTS Academic if

• You are entering for undergraduate or postgraduate courses.
• You need English language qualifications for career employment, for example, medical and legal professionals
• You are applying to scholarship courses that include requirements for an English language test.

Select IELTS General Training if:

• You plan to work or pursue vocational training overseas
• You are emigrating to a country where English is the native language, permanently
• You wish to get an overall idea of your ability to use practical English skills in real-life situations.

Worked Examples for Both Tests

Whatever test you take, be prepared. There are some effective strategies-

Take Practice Tests: 

Taking practice tests helps you familiarize yourself with the test format, timing, and question types. Reliable practice resources can be accessed with the help of online IELTS classes in India.

Vocabulary and Grammar Emphasis: Both writing and speaking scores would be strengthened by a strong vocabulary base and understanding of grammar structures. Try to learn new words, especially the real academic vocabulary in the IELTS Academic test.

Listen Often: Exposure to various English accents-British, Australian, or American will help prepare you for the listening section. Since the listening section will have different pronunciations and speed, as will the IELTS, it is helpful to get used to these.

Seek Professional Help: To achieve a special band score, dynamic education consultants, best IELTS classes in Ahmedabad  or preparatory classes would be really helpful for you. Experts can guide you with personal tactics and suggest areas of improvement in your weak zones.

Final thoughts

It completely depends on the aspirations or goals of a person. The selection of the appropriate test will decide how much time you can invest in preparation, which might also change your score immensely. It is, hence, advisable to consult experienced IELTS coaching in Maninagar to give you a lead and align your IELTS journey with your ultimate goals.

Whether your goal is to study, work, or even live abroad, your success in IELTS brings you one step closer to achieving that dream!

Connect with Dynamic Education Consultants, one of the best online IELTS coaching classes in India today, to achieve your desired score in IELTS and step into your dream university abroad.