What to choose between IELTS Academic & General Training Tests?

IELTS in Sri Lanka is one of the main English language testing examinations that is required for those who intend to migrate or study overseas. There are two main types; academic and general. The main difference between IELTS Academic and General Training is the purpose for which they are taken. Here are the key distinctions:

1.    Test Purpose:

·      IELTS Academic: This module is designed for individuals who wish to pursue higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking environment. It is commonly accepted by universities, colleges, and other educational institutions as evidence of English language proficiency.

·      IELTS General Training: This module is intended for individuals who are seeking work experience, planning to undertake non-academic training programs, or applying for immigration purposes in English-speaking countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

2.    Reading and Writing Sections:

·      IELTS Academic: The reading texts in the Academic module are more academically oriented, such as excerpts from books, journals, and articles. The Writing section requires candidates to interpret and describe data presented in charts, graphs, or diagrams, and also write an essay on a given topic.

·      IELTS General Training: The reading texts in the General Training module are more focused on everyday situations, such as advertisements, notices, or workplace-related materials. The Writing section includes a letter-writing task based on a given scenario, as well as an essay, which are generally covered in any IELTS online course.

3.    Listening Section:

Both the Academic and General Training modules have a similar Listening section. It assesses candidates' ability to understand conversations and monologues in various everyday contexts.

Speaking Section:

The Speaking section is the same for both the Academic and General Training modules. It consists of a face-to-face interview with an examiner and assesses the candidate's ability to engage in conversations, express opinions, and discuss a range of topics.

It is important to determine which module is appropriate for your specific needs and objectives. For instance, if you plan to pursue higher education, you will generally need to take the IELTS Academic module. On the other hand, if your purpose is work or immigration-related, the IELTS General Training module is more suitable. Remember to check the specific requirements of the institution or organization you are applying to, as they may have their own preferences or minimum score requirements for either module. You can easily follow a reputed class in order to better prepare for the test, since the IELTS Sri Lanka course fee is affordable for many.