The main differences between the IELTS Academic module and the General Training module are the purpose of the test and the type of content covered in each module.
Purpose:
The IELTS Academic module is designed for individuals who want to study at an undergraduate or postgraduate level in an English-speaking country. This test is also required for professional registration in fields such as medicine, nursing, and engineering.
On the other hand, the IELTS General Training module is intended for individuals who are going to an English-speaking country for secondary education, work experience, or training programs. This module is also suitable for those who plan to immigrate to an English-speaking country.
Content:
Both modules have the same four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. However, the content of each section is different.
The Reading and Writing sections in the Academic module are more academically focused, and the texts are more complex than those in the General Training module. The Reading section includes passages on topics related to academic subjects such as science, social science, and humanities. The Writing section requires test-takers to write a report or an essay on an academic topic.
In the General Training module, the Reading and Writing sections are based on everyday life and workplace situations. The Reading section includes passages from books, newspapers, and advertisements, while the Writing section requires test-takers to write a letter or an essay on a general topic.
The Speaking section in both modules is the same, and it assesses the test-taker’s ability to communicate in spoken English. The topics covered in the Speaking section are general and not specific to any particular field.
In summary, the IELTS Academic module is more suitable for individuals who are planning to study at a higher education level, while the General Training module is suitable for individuals who want to work, train or immigrate to an English-speaking country.