Difference between Academic and General IELTS

The objective exams that help measure non-native English speakers' English language competency are categorized under the term IELTS, or the "International English Language Testing System". IELTS has mainly two different types of tests: Academic and General Training. In this article, we will discuss the main differences between the two.

What is Academic IELTS?

Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a language test that measures English competence and is intended for non-native speakers who want to enroll in higher education in a nation that speaks the language. The Academic IELTS is recognized by universities and academic institutions around the world as a measure of a student's readiness to study in an English-speaking environment.

The exam measures a student's comprehension of academic vocabulary and topics as well as their capacity for verbal and written expression. There are four areas of the Academic IELTS test: Writing, Reading, Listening, and Speaking.

• The Writing section of the Academic IELTS test includes two tasks. Task 1 requires the student to describe and interpret visual information, such as graphs, charts, or tables. In Task 2, the student must compose an essay in answer to a question that addresses a subject of academic study. The essay should have a clear thesis or point of view and be well-structured.
• Three lengthy academic texts from books, journals, periodicals, and newspapers are included in the Reading component of the Academic IELTS exam. On the basis of the texts, students must respond to 40 questions. The questions are designed to test the student's ability to understand the main idea, identify supporting ideas, and make inferences.
• The Listening section of the Academic IELTS test includes four audio recordings of academic lectures and conversations. On the basis of the recordings, students must respond to 40 questions. The questions are made to gauge how well the student comprehends the key concepts, illustrative details, and particular facts.
• The Speaking section of the Academic IELTS test assesses the student's ability to speak English fluently and coherently in an academic setting. The section comprises three parts: a brief introduction, a short speech on a given topic, and a discussion on the same topic.

Overall, the Academic IELTS test is designed to evaluate a student's ability to understand and communicate in academic contexts. Students who want to show that they are proficient in the English language and wish to pursue further education in an English-speaking nation must take this test.

What is General IELTS?

The General International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test of English language competency that is used to evaluate the language proficiency of non-native English speakers who wish to work and/or reside in an environment where the language is spoken. The General IELTS test or training is recognized by many universities, employers, and immigration agencies around the world as a measure of an individual's readiness to communicate effectively in English in various daily life situations.

The four sections of the General IELTS exam are Writing, Reading, Listening, and Speaking. The exam measures a student's comprehension of common language and scenarios in addition to their capacity for verbal and written expression.

• The Writing section of the General IELTS test includes two tasks. Task 1 requires the student to write a letter in response to a given situation, such as requesting information or making a complaint. In Task 2, the student must compose an essay in answer to a question with a broad topic. The essay should have a clear thesis or point of view and be well-structured.
• The Reading section of the General IELTS test includes three shorter texts, which are taken from newspapers, advertisements, and other non-academic sources. Students are required to answer 40 questions based on the texts. The questions are designed to test the student's ability to understand the main idea, identify supporting ideas, and locate specific information related to everyday situations.
• The Listening section of the General IELTS test includes four audio recordings of everyday conversations and talks. Students are required to answer 40 questions based on the recordings. The questions are designed to test the student's ability to understand the main ideas, supporting details, and specific information related to everyday situations.
• The Speaking section of the General IELTS test assesses the student's ability to speak English fluently and coherently in various everyday life situations. The section comprises three parts: a brief introduction, a short speech on a given topic, and a discussion on the same topic.

Overall, the General IELTS test is designed to evaluate an individual's ability to understand and communicate in everyday life situations. This test is essential for individuals who want to work, and live in an English-speaking environment and need to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language.

Difference between Academic and General IELTS

Let us now find out the notable differences between Academic and General IELTS with the help of the following table, which will help us to quickly differentiate between these two types of tests:

Conclusion

In conclusion, Academic IELTS and General IELTS are two different types of English language proficiency tests that are designed to assess an individual's language skills in different contexts. Academic IELTS is mainly intended for students who wish to pursue higher education, while General IELTS is intended for individuals who want to work and/ or live abroad.

The listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections of both tests assess the same four language skills, but the content and tasks are different. The Academic IELTS test focuses on academic content, while the General IELTS test focuses on everyday situations. Depending on your needs and goals, it's critical to select the right exam. Take the Academic IELTS test if you want to attend a university to further your education. On the other hand, if you are planning to work and/ or live abroad, you should take the General IELTS test. Both tests are scored on a scale of 0-9 and are valid for two years, so it is important to plan your test-taking accordingly.