International English Language Testing System {IELTS}
Overview
IELTS Academic Module
The IELTS Academic module is designed for individuals who are planning to pursue higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking environment. This module assesses whether a candidate is ready to begin studying or training in an academic context, where the medium of instruction is English.
Who Should Take the IELTS Academic?
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University or College Students: Those applying for undergraduate or postgraduate programs.
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Professionals: Individuals seeking professional registration in fields like medicine, nursing, law, or engineering.
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Academic Researchers: Scholars intending to publish or present papers in English-speaking settings.
Test Format
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Listening (30 minutes): Four recorded monologues and conversations.
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Reading (60 minutes): Three long texts that range from descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical, sourced from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers.
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Writing (60 minutes): Two tasks:
- Task 1: Describe a visual (graph, chart, table, or diagram) in at least 150 words.
- Task 2: Respond to an argument or problem in an essay format of at least 250 words. -
Speaking (11-14 minutes): A face-to-face interview that assesses general speaking skills.
Scoring
The IELTS Academic module is scored on a 9-band scale. A higher score indicates a better command of the English language. Most universities and professional bodies require a minimum band score ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
IELTS General Training Module
The IELTS General Training module is intended for those who are planning to work, migrate, or study at a secondary education level in an English-speaking country. It evaluates the everyday language skills needed in social and workplace contexts.
Who Should Take the IELTS General Training?
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Immigrants: Individuals seeking permanent residency or citizenship in countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.
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Workers: Professionals looking to work or train in English-speaking environments below the degree level.
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Students: Those applying to study at the secondary education level or participate in work-related training programs.
Test Format
-
Listening (30 minutes): Four recorded monologues and conversations.
-
Reading (60 minutes): Three sections with a mix of texts from everyday life, such as advertisements, official documents, and work-related content.
-
Writing (60 minutes): Two tasks:
- Task 1: Write a letter requesting information or explaining a situation in at least 150 words.
- Task 2: Write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem in at least 250 words. -
Speaking (11-14 minutes): A face-to-face interview that assesses general speaking skills.
Scoring
Similar to the Academic module, the General Training module is also scored on a 9-band scale. Immigration and work requirements usually ask for a band score between 4.0 and 7.0, depending on the country and specific visa category.
Key Differences
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Reading and Writing: The Academic module focuses more on academic and professional contexts, while the General Training module emphasizes everyday situations.
-
Purpose: The Academic module is for higher education and professional registration, while the General Training module is aimed at those entering secondary education, vocational training, or migrating to an English-speaking country.
IELTS Academic Module
The IELTS Academic module is designed for individuals who are planning to pursue higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking environment. This module assesses whether a candidate is ready to begin studying or training in an academic context, where the medium of instruction is English.
Who Should Take the IELTS General Training?
-
University or College Students: Those applying for undergraduate or postgraduate programs.
-
Professionals: Individuals seeking professional registration in fields like medicine, nursing, law, or engineering.
-
Academic Researchers: Scholars intending to publish or present papers in English-speaking settings.
Test Format
-
Listening (30 minutes): Four recorded monologues and conversations.
-
Reading (60 minutes): Three long texts that range from descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical, sourced from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers.
-
Writing (60 minutes): Two tasks:
- Task 1: Describe a visual (graph, chart, table, or diagram) in at least 150 words.
- Task 2: Respond to an argument or problem in an essay format of at least 250 words. -
Speaking (11-14 minutes): A face-to-face interview that assesses general speaking skills.
Who Should Take the IELTS Academic?
Key Differences
Scoring
-
The IELTS Academic module is scored on a 9-band scale. A higher score indicates a better command of the English language. Most universities and professional bodies require a minimum band score ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
IELTS General Training Module
-
The IELTS General Training module is intended for those who are planning to work, migrate, or study at a secondary education level in an English-speaking country. It evaluates the everyday language skills needed in social and workplace contexts.
-
Immigrants: Individuals seeking permanent residency or citizenship in countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.
-
Workers: Professionals looking to work or train in English-speaking environments below the degree level.
-
Students: Those applying to study at the secondary education level or participate in work-related training programs.
Test Format
-
Listening (30 minutes): Four recorded monologues and conversations.
-
Reading (60 minutes): Three sections with a mix of texts from everyday life, such as advertisements, official documents, and work-related content.
-
Writing (60 minutes): Two tasks:
- Task 1: Write a letter requesting information or explaining a situation in at least 150 words.
- Task 2: Write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem in at least 250 words. -
Speaking (11-14 minutes): A face-to-face interview that assesses general speaking skills.
Scoring
-
Similar to the Academic module, the General Training module is also scored on a 9-band scale. Immigration and work requirements usually ask for a band score between 4.0 and 7.0, depending on the country and specific visa category.
-
Reading and Writing: The Academic module focuses more on academic and professional contexts, while the General Training module emphasizes everyday situations.
-
Purpose: The Academic module is for higher education and professional registration, while the General Training module is aimed at those entering secondary education, vocational training, or migrating to an English-speaking country.