The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is considered as the standard assessment test worldwide for evaluating English language proficiency. IELTS consists of two testing streams: IELTS General and IELTS Academic. To select the IELTS testing option that supports your particular career goals, it is crucial to understand the differences between these two tests. In this blog post, we will make it easy for you by highlighting the unique features of each exam.
IELTS General Vs IELTS Academics: How the aims of two tests vary
If you are planning to move to an English-speaking country for the purpose of employment or vocational training, the IELTS general test is for you. The test aims to assess your English language proficiency in real-life situations like social interactions and workplace. However, if you wish to seek higher education in an English speaking country, then IELTS Academics is the correct choice for you. IELTS Academics seeks to measure your abilities to work proficiently in academic settings.
What is the difference in format of IELTS General vs IELTS Academics
IELTS Academic and IELTS General tests consist of the same four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. However, there are significant differences in the format and content of these sections between the two tests. When we talk about Listening and Speaking Tests, there is absolutely no difference in the structure of IELTS General and IELTS Academic. However, the Reading section in IELTS Academic Vs IELTS General differs in terms of content and complexity.
Speaking and Listening Section in IELTS Academics Vs IELTS General
The Speaking section in both IELTS Academic and IELTS General tests follows a similar pattern, consisting of a face-to-face interview with an examiner. In this test, there are three sections – first, the examiner expects the candidate to provide a very basic introduction of themselves. In the second section, the examiner gives the candidate a task card to speak on a topic for a few minutes. Finally, in the end, the examiner carries a two-way discussion with the candidate regarding a certain topic.
In both IELTS Academic and IELTS General, the Listening section aims to evaluate the ability of an individual in listening and comprehending spoken English. The candidates listen to and answer questions about four recordings in the listening section.
Reading and Writing section: IELTS General Vs IELTS Academics
The Reading section in IELTS Academic test is difficult as compared to IELTS General. It requires a greater level of comprehension and analysis. The reading passage in IELTS A cadeics is usually taken from scholarly journals, books or papers. Compared to it, the reading passages in the IELTS General test are more accessible and relate to everyday life. They are based on general topics like advertisements, newspapers, or magazines. The reading sections in IELTS General and IELTS Academic show variations in content and difficulty levels. Even though both tests assess your ability to extract information, understand main ideas and comprehend the meaning of text.
Similarly, the Writing section is another area where the IELTS Academic and IELTS General tests differ from each other. In the IELTS Academic test, Task 1 requires you to describe, or explain graphical information, such as charts, diagrams, or graphs. This task aims to assess your ability to interpret data in an academic context. In Task 2, you are required to write an essay expressing your viewpoint on a specific academic topic. In contrast to this, the IELTS General test has different writing tasks. Task 1 in IELTS General Writing involves writing a letter in response to a given situation, such as requesting information or expressing opinions. Task 2 requires you to write an essay on a general topic. The purpose of these tasks is to evaluate your ability to communicate effectively in common workplace scenarios and social situations.
IELTS General Vs IELTS Academics: Scoring system
When we talk about the scoring system, it is the same for both, ranging from 0 to 9 bands. The average score of all sections is used to calculate the overall score. Each section is assessed independently. The required score for each test taker may be different as it depends on your specific goals. The minimum benchmark set by the institutions or organizations you are applying to.
Which test you should take; IELTS General vs IELTS Academics
To determine which test is suitable for you, consider your goals and the requirements of your desired institution. If your objective is to pursue higher education, IELTS Academic is the way to go. As it provides a comprehensive assessment of your skills in the context of academic language. However, if you plan to migrate for employment, IELTS General is the suitable stream for you. It is essential to understand the purpose, target people, and key features when deciding between IELTS General and IELTS Academic. Finally, do not forget to practice thoroughly to master the relevant skills. Familiarize yourself with the test format to maximize your chances of success. Good luck on your IELTS journey!
