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As a formidable institute for IELTS coaching in Ahmedabad, one of the most common questions that is asked to us is – What exactly is the difference between IELTS General and IELTS Academic? Which test is the right-fit for us?
Well, we have decided to address this most common confusion arising in the mind of aspiring immigrants.
Generally speaking, IELTS developed the Academic version for students who wish to study in an English speaking country at a university or college for under graduation or post graduation program. Also, if someone wants to join a professional institution or join an association, they need to appear for IELTS Academic.
IELTS General test version is developed to test the proficiency of everyday, non-academic English language. So, if an individual is willing to emigrate to another country for work, training, or on a visa, IELTS General is the right test for them.
IELTS Academic Vs IELTS General – Test Sections Explained
The IELTS test basically has four main parts – Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing
Regardless of what you choose IELTS Academic or General, the Listening and Speaking tests are the same in both.
The IELTS Writing and Reading tests are different in the Academic and General version. For example, the Academic test consists of topics suitable for a candidate entering a college or university. While the IELTS General test has topics of general interest.
IELTS Speaking Test
As mentioned above, the IELTS Speaking test is the same for both the General and Academic versions. The speaking test is 11-14 minutes long. This part includes a face-to-face interview without any disruptions and a structured discussion on a topic.
IELTS Reading Test
IELTS General
The IELTS General Reading test lasts for 60 minutes and contains 3 sections.
Section 1: 4 short texts with difficulty level increasing
Section 2: General/everyday-style texts
Section 3: One long text related to general subjects (an extract from a magazine, newspaper, brochure, etc) or workplace (job descriptions, employment contracts, anything company-related, etc) or social survival subjects (notices, advertisements, etc)
IELTS Academic
The Academic test also lasts for 60 minutes and contains 3 sections.
Section 1: 3 long passages with difficulty level increasing
Section 2: Academic style texts (textbook extract, journal articles, etc)
Section 3: One long text related to academic topics like sociology, science, tech, history, etc.
IELTS Writing Test
The writing test is 60 minutes long divided into two task sections.
IELTS General
For the General test, there will be a letter (150 words) and an essay (250 words).
You will have to write a letter in one of the following styles:
– Formal (to some you do not know), Informal (to a family member or friend), Semi-formal (to someone you formally know)
IELTS Academic
For the Academic test, you will have to describe a table, diagram, chart, or graph in the first task. And, for the second task, you will have to write an essay (250 words).
IELTS Listening Test
The Listening test lasts 30 minutes long and is the same for both the General and Academic versions. This part of the test has 4 sections, each consisting of 10 questions. The first two sections are related to everyday social subjects and the last two as related to training and education subjects.
If you need more information about the IELTS exam, feel free to get in touch with the leading Canada visa consultant in the city. We will be more than happy to guide you.
