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IELTS General Training 2023: Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Score, Tips, Books, Practice Test
IELTS General Training is accepted for visa and employment benefits for UK, US, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand. If you are someone planning for permanent residency in any of these countries, taking the IELTS general training will be necessary.
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Predictions from IELTS experts have stated that the IELTS reading and listening sections will have a moderate level of difficulty, hence the basic IELTS general training exam pattern needs to be studied. IELTS Exam Pattern is different for both versions. On the other hand, IELTS Academic is designed for those who plan to pursue higher education abroad.
CheckIELTS General Training vs Academic
IELTS General Training: Mean Performance
As per available data of IELTS test-takers, it is noticed that the percentage of marks in IELTS General Training secured by test takers is comparatively higher than the marks secured in IELTS Academic. The reason behind the increase in the IELTS general training band score is, the academic reading passage is way more complex than that of the general training. IELTS general training test-takers need to correctly answer a higher number of questions to balance with the academic test-takers.
From the above graph, it is clear that the female test-takers have scored higher than the male.
Also Check CEFR Level for IELTS
IELTS General Training Pattern
IELTS general training syllabus comprises four main skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking tests. The main differences between IELTS academic from general training are:
- IELTS general training reading section is different from academic;
- IELTS general training writing section is different from academic;
- IELTS academic section consists of academic/educational contexts, whereas general training consists of communicative and general-interest-based contexts.
- IELTS writing general training requires a semi-formal tone, whereas academic writing requires a formal tone.
Is IELTS general easier than academic?
When it comes to academic vs. general training IELTS, the latter one is considered comparatively easier than that of IELTS academic. Since IELTS general training focuses more on communication skills the concentration is more on speaking and listening skills and these two sections are stated to be the easiest of all four sections.
IELTS General Listening
IELTS general listening focuses on testing if the candidate who is planning to work abroad is able to understand the spoken language. IELTS online test general training guides in getting ideas about the different English accents.
Points to be noted about IELTS general training listening section:
- Section 1: 10 questions (General conversation between 2 English natives)
- Section 2: 10 questions (Monologue on a general topic)
- Section 3: 10 questions (Conversation between 2-4 people around academics)
- Section 4: 10 questions (Monologue on an academic topic)
- 40 questions to be answered in 30 minutes
In the IELTS General Listening test takers have to listen to pre-recorded recordings to answer these sections. Questions can be MCQ type, fill in the blanks, flowcharts, or tables. In India, an individual is well acquainted with listening to English content.
IELTS General Listening Score
There are 40 questions in this section each carrying 1 mark. Therefore, IELTS Listening score out of 40 will be converted into IELTS 9 band scale. Test takers will be marked out of 9. Grammatical and spelling mistakes are penalized.
IELTS General Speaking
IELTS General Speaking section of 11 - 14 minutes evaluates if the test-taker is proficient in speaking basic English required for residing abroad. Examiners measure the skills of candidates on four criteria- accuracy and usage of grammar, coherence and fluency, lexical resource, and pronunciation. Each criterion has a weightage value of 25%
- There are 3 parts to this section
- Part 1 - 4 to 5 minutes: Questions are asked on general introduction like family, home, studies, work
- Part 2 - 3 to 4 minutes: Test takers have to talk about a topic given through a task card
- Part 3 - 4 to 5 minutes: Examiner will discuss issues with test-taker related to Part 2
IELTS General Speaking Score
Examiners will mark the candidate’s ability to speak to. Each criterion carries 25% of the total mark. Test takers are marked on the basis of usage of vocabulary, correct grammar, coherence and fluency, lexical resource, and pronunciation.
IELTS General Writing
The IELTS general training writing task concentrates on testing if the candidate is capable enough to write communicative English like essays and letters. IELTS general training writing provides questions taken from magazines, newspapers, journals, all of which are requirements while working abroad.
Points to be noted about IELTS general writing:
- 2 questions to be answered in 60 minutes
- In IELTS general writing task 1, test takers have to write a letter in response to a situation given in either informal or semi-formal or formal way
- 20 minutes are there to complete Task 1 in 150 words
- In IELTS general training writing task 2, test takers have to write an essay in either a semi-formal or discursive manner in response to a problem or argument or a point of view
- 40 minutes are there to complete Task 2 in 250 words
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IELTS General Writing Score
In IELTS General Writing section, both tasks carry different weightage but the total score is marked on a scale of 1 - 9. Examiners mark the test takers after assessing responses given to questions. This section is marked on the basis of four criteria- task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resources, and correct usage of grammar. Marks are given either in half bands or whole bands. Few points to keep in mind while writing IELTS General writing task 1 and task 2 –
Step 1: Put only relevant facts and opinions as deviating from the topic will cost marks;
Step 2: Never leave any question unanswered;
Step 3: Put linking phrases while writing and connect each idea coherently
Step 4: Make paragraphs for all the essays;
Step 5: Make use of uncommon vocabulary and also spell it properly
Step 6: Study from authentic books like the bunch of Cambridge IELTS general training books.
IELTS General Reading
IELTS general reading evaluates the test taker's reading ability through different question types. The extracts for testing are derived from advertisements, guidelines, company handbooks, magazines, notices, books, and more. IELTS general training reading practices test provides a comprehensive idea about the question types.
Points to be noted about IELTS general reading:
- 40 questions to be answered from 3 reading sections in 60 minutes
- Section 1 contains either 2 or 3 short texts
- Section 2 consists of 2 texts
- Section 3 consists of 1 long complex text
- There are around 11 question types- MCQ, Identifying information, Identifying writer’s opinions, Matching information, Matching heading, Matching features, Matching sentence endings, Sentence completion, Summary or flow chart completion, Diagram label completion, and short answer questions.
- IELTS general training reading practices test pdf with answers is a good way to practice numerous reading questions and improve the score.
IELTS General Reading Score
Examiners measure the analytical, logical, and deductive skills of the test takers. After marking, Cambridge Assessment English further analyzes the scoring band. IELTS Reading Scores are given out of 40 which is later converted to an IELTS score band of 9.
IELTS General Training Sample Papers
IELTS General Training requires rigorous practice to secure good marks in the overall band score. For this, test takers require to practice study materials available online other than books available. Practice IELTS exam sample papers to get an overall idea of the exam.
IELTS General Preparation
The IELTS general preparation tips are listed below:
- Take a diagnostic test before starting your preparation as it will determine your strength and weaknesses;
- Make an IELTS general training study plan according to your schedule;
- The study from IELTS general training books like Cambridge IELTS general training book, Barron’s, Target Band 7, and more;
- IELTS is a time-bound exam, therefore take your practice tests under time pressure;
- Study IELTS vocabulary from flashcards and PDFs;
- You should at least devote 6 - 8 weeks as IELTS preparation time
IELTS general training exams are conducted many times a year. Candidates planning to take the general training exam should register at least 2 months before.
As per available data of IELTS test-takers, it is noticed that percentage of marks in IELTS General Training secured by test takers is comparatively higher than marks secured in IELTS Academic. Such a change in marks is because IELTS Academic is taken by those who want to pursue higher education in English-speaking nations. Whereas IELTS General Training is for those who want to pursue secondary education or migration or employment opportunities.
IELTS Preparation Books
From the wide range of books, candidates need to find out the best possible books for IELTS General Training. Unlike IELTS Academic, candidates have to score well in IELTS listening and speaking section mainly for general training. Few IELTS preparation books that help the aspirants in mending the path to success are as follows
- Cambridge IELTS 13 General Training Student's Book with Answers with Audio
- IELTS General Training Book 2018
- IELTS 14 General Training Student's Book with Answers with Audio
- IELTS GT Essays and Letters from the Past Exams - IELTS GT Essays and Letters From The Past Exams Paperback – 2017
- Cambridge IELTS 12 General Training Student's Book with Answers
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College
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