Which IELTS Should you Take, General or Academic?
Don’t know which IELTS to take? There are several key differences between the two, and these will impact your decision. Studying for the Academic or General IELTS depends on what you want to do with it afterwards.
We have created an infographic answering these questions for you. The IELTS allows you to either travel or study abroad and is the most versatile English language test in the world.
Why take Academic IELTS?
The Academic IELTS is the most popular IELTS type, as it is the most versatile. You can use the Academic IELTS for applications to universities all over the world and it is widely-recognised as the most thorough preparation for university level courses.
However, this means that it is significantly different from English you may have encountered in daily life or in your average General English class. The language in the Reading and Listening texts may include scientific or academic vocabulary and may be at a ‘higher’ level.
Fortunately, the IELTS Pass Academic Writing Course focuses on the strategies you will need to answer the questions effectively, and the IELTS Reading and IELTS Listening courses are designed for both the Academic and General IELTS tests.
Why take General IELTS?
The General IELTS is most commonly used for immigration purposes or for students who are going to another country for courses below university level (i.e. secondary school). It is recognised by the Australian, New Zealand, British and Canadian immigration agencies, although they each have their individual requirements.
You may need to take additional material for immigration purposes but please contact your local embassy for more information.
How do I prepare for the IELTS?
Start studying English – this will help you learn the fundamentals needed for the IELTS test, you should aim to start studying at at B2 level least 3 months before the test itself, at the latest. If you wait any longer you may not be at a high enough level on test day to perform at your best.
Learn about the IELTS test from the IELTS Pass blog – use our informative infographics and blog posts to learn more about skills and strategies about how to get a good score on your IELTS.
Buy an IELTS Pass course to get useful information about the IELTS – our one-time membership fee gives you unlimited access to all courses and information on IELTS Pass. This will help you study useful task type skills and strategies for the test.
Study IELTS skills and strategies needed with IELTS Pass online courses – view our individual skills courses to learn specific skills for each part of the IELTS.
Take IELTS practice tests included in the course to perfect your new test-taking skills and strategies – take the official IELTS practice tests once you have learnt all the skills needed. Learn from our useful worksheets and e-books included in your course.
Practise your Speaking and Writing skills and get feedback with IELTS Pass online classes – our experienced Cambridge-qualified IELTS trainers will guide you through the IELTS process in our online classes.
Learn from your mistakes and improve your English – learn from the feedback given by our IELTS trainers and learn from where you can improve.
Take the IELTS and get your perfect score – take the IELTS after you have studied the test-taking skills and strategies, and get your perfect score!
Top 10 IELTS Reading and Listening Skills
General information
Part of Speech – a word that falls into the one of the following categories: verb, noun, pronoun, determiner, adjective, adverb, conjunction or interjection.
Key word – an important word in the task, this could be a missing word you have predicted, or word you will look for in the text.
Skills before Reading/Listening
Pre-reading – the time you have before reading the main text when you can implement test-taking skills.
Pre-listening – the time you have before you listen when you can implement test-taking skills.
Prediction – making an educated guess based on the context or task before reading/listening to information.
Test-taking skills
Skimming – reading a text quickly to get a general idea of the meaning.
Scanning – looking for specific information in a text.
Reading for detail – reading a text in-depth to understand both the meaning and language on a sentence-level.
Gist listening – listening to understand the general meaning rather than trying to listen for specific information.
In-Text Skills
Detecting signposts – noticing important cohesive structures in a listening or reading that indicate a change (e.g. however, even though, despite).
Noticing linkers – identifying cohesive structures that provide organisation to a text (e.g. firstly, in addition, until).
Note-taking – recording information beside the text or on a piece of paper for reference at a later point.
From Couch to Classroom: The Benefits of Studying IELTS from Home
In today’s fast-paced world, studying from the comfort of your home has become increasingly popular, especially for those preparing for the IELTS exam. IELTS preparation online offers a flexible and convenient way to achieve your desired scores without the constraints of traditional classroom settings. With a plethora of resources and innovative learning methods at your fingertips, you can create a personalized study experience that caters to your unique needs and schedule.
Flexibility and Convenience
One of the most significant advantages of studying for the IELTS from home is the flexibility it provides. Traditional classes often require students to adhere to rigid schedules that may not align with their personal or professional commitments. Online preparation allows you to set your own pace. Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, you can choose study times that fit your lifestyle. This flexibility means you can dedicate more time to challenging sections or simply take breaks when needed, ensuring a more balanced and enjoyable study experience.
Diverse Learning Resources
When it comes to IELTS exam preparation, online platforms offer a wide range of resources that can enrich your learning. From interactive quizzes to video tutorials, the variety of materials available makes it easier to grasp complex concepts. Many platforms even provide access to past exam papers, enabling you to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions you will encounter. This diversity allows for a more engaging study process, catering to different learning styles—be it auditory, visual, or kinesthetic.
Personalized Study Plans
Studying from home allows you to create a customized study plan tailored to your strengths and weaknesses. By assessing your current level, you can focus on specific areas that require improvement, whether it’s writing, listening, reading, or speaking. Online courses often come with diagnostic tests that can help identify which sections of the IELTS need more attention. With this insight, you can allocate your study time more efficiently, ensuring that you maximize your efforts for the best possible results.
Community Support
Another benefit of studying for the IELTS online is the ability to connect with a global community of learners. Many platforms offer forums and discussion groups where students can share tips, resources, and experiences. Engaging with peers who are on the same journey can provide motivation and a sense of camaraderie. This support network can also serve as a platform for practicing speaking skills through online conversations, enhancing your confidence in real-life situations.
Expert Guidance
While self-study is essential, having access to expert guidance can significantly boost your preparation. Many online IELTS courses offer the opportunity to learn from qualified instructors who can provide valuable insights and feedback. These experts can help you understand the scoring criteria, guide you on effective writing techniques, and assist in honing your speaking skills. Online platforms often allow for one-on-one sessions, giving you personalized feedback that is invaluable in your preparation journey.
Ending Note
IELTS preparation online offers a myriad of benefits that make studying from home an appealing choice for many students. With the flexibility, diverse resources, personalized plans, community support, expert guidance, and the ability to track progress, you can maximize your chances of success. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider leveraging platforms like IELTS Pass, which specializes in providing tailored online courses that meet your needs. With the right tools and support, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the scores you desire.