Short answer
IELTS General Training is the version used for immigration and work-related applications. The Reading section uses texts from everyday life and the workplace, and Writing Task 1 asks you to write a letter. The Listening and Speaking sections are the same as in the Academic version.
Who is it for?
- People applying to immigrate to countries such as Canada, Australia or the UK
- Candidates who need proof of their English to work abroad
- Anyone who needs an English language certificate for a non-academic purpose
General Training Writing Task 1: the letter
In GT Task 1 you're given a situation and asked to write a letter of at least 150 words. The tone — formal, semi-formal or informal — depends on the situation, and choosing the right one has a direct effect on your score.
- Formal letter: to an organisation or an official you don't know, with well-established conventions
- Semi-formal letter: to someone you know but keep at a polite distance
- Informal letter: to a friend or family member, where a relaxed, everyday tone is fine
What is General Training Reading like?
GT Reading is based on everyday texts such as notices, brochures, instructions and workplace documents. The texts feel more familiar than in Academic, but the number of questions and the time allowed are the same, so the ability to scan quickly and find information still decides your score.
What gets you to your target band in GT?
For most GT candidates, the critical points are the right tone and full task coverage in Writing, and time management in Reading. The higher your target, the more range and accuracy matter in the letter, and the more your accuracy on the harder Reading question types counts. Sitting a practice test is how you find out which skill is holding you back.
General Training vs Academic
| Comparison criterion | General Training | Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | Everyday and workplace texts | Academic passages |
| Writing Task 1 | Writing a letter | Summary of a graph or data |
| Listening / Speaking | Same | Same |
| Used for | Immigration, work | University, academic study |