What is the difference between the IELTS Academic and General Training reading tests?

IELTS.WORK IELTS FAQ # 1711354858

The IELTS Academic and General Training reading tests differ in terms of the content, purpose, and the type of texts they include. Here are the main differences:

1. Content: The IELTS Academic test is designed for students who want to study or work in an English-speaking environment where academic study is required, such as universities or professional institutions. The General Training test is designed for those who want to migrate to an English-speaking country or seek non-academic employment where a high level of English proficiency is not necessary.
2. Purpose: The IELTS Academic test measures the ability to understand and analyze complex concepts in academic contexts, while the General Training test focuses on everyday situations that people might encounter in their daily life, such as work, study, travel, or leisure activities.
3. Type of texts: The IELTS Academic test includes a variety of text types, including charts, graphs, tables, and diagrams related to academic topics. The General Training test may include more general reading materials like newspaper articles, advertisements, instructions, and other non-academic texts.
4. Tasks: Both tests have three sections with different tasks (e.g., multiple choice, matching, sentence completion, short answer, table/diagram labeling, summary writing). However, the IELTS Academic test includes a section on opinion or argument essays that require the candidate to analyze and evaluate information from various sources. The General Training test focuses more on comprehension and task-specific skills.
5. Marking criteria: The marking criteria for both tests are slightly different. For instance, the IELTS Academic test places greater emphasis on understanding complex language and analyzing data from multiple sources, whereas the General Training test requires a broader range of reading skills, including skimming and scanning, understanding explicit information, and inferring meaning from context.

Overall, the main difference between the IELTS Academic and General Training reading tests lies in their content focus, purpose, and the types of texts and tasks they include, reflecting the varying needs of students or professionals who will use English in different environments.

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