IELTS Test Formats and Modules

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) offers two distinct formats: Academic and General Training. Each format is tailored to specific purposes, such as university admission, professional registration, or migration. Understanding these formats and their modules is essential for Pakistani candidates to choose the right test and prepare effectively.

Types of IELTS

IELTS Academic

• Designed for individuals applying to higher education institutions or professional bodies.
• Measures whether you are ready to begin studying or training in an English-speaking environment.
• Often required by universities in countries like the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

IELTS General Training

• Suitable for those migrating to an English-speaking country or applying for vocational training.
• Focuses on basic survival skills in a broad social and workplace context.
• Required by immigration authorities such as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Australian Department of Home Affairs. 

Listening 

• Duration: 30 minutes (+10 minutes transfer time for paper-based test)
• Format: 4 recordings of native English speakers with 40 questions.
• Skills Tested: Understanding main ideas, recognizing opinions, and following the development of ideas.

Reading 

• Duration: 60 minutes
• Academic Reading: 3 long texts taken from books, journals, and newspapers.
• General Training Reading: Extracts from notices, advertisements, company handbooks, and newspapers.
• Questions: Multiple choice, matching headings, sentence completion, and more.

Writing

• Duration: 60 minutes
• Academic Writing:
• Task 1: Describe a graph, chart, diagram, or process.
• Task 2: Write an essay in response to an argument or problem.
• General Training Writing:
• Task 1: Write a letter (formal, semi-formal, or informal).
• Task 2: Write an essay on a general topic.

Speaking

• Duration: 11–14 minutes
• Conducted face-to-face with an examiner.
• Parts: 
• Introduction & interview (4–5 mins)
• Individual long turn (3–4 mins)
• Two-way discussion (4–5 mins)

Table: Quick Comparison of IELTS Academic vs. General Training

Choosing the Right Format

• Students → Academic IELTS
• Skilled workers or migrants → General Training IELTS

Conclusion

Selecting the correct IELTS format and familiarizing yourself with its modules ensures targeted preparation. Knowing the differences between Academic and General Training helps Pakistani candidates focus on the specific skills required for their goals.