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IELTS General Training

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The IELTS General Training test format explained

The General Training version of IELTS measures English language proficiency in a practical, every-day context. The tasks and texts reflect both workplace and social situations. It's the only non-academic test recognised for migration, secondary education and work experience in Australia.*

*Please check with your migration agent, education consultant and workplace to confirm which IELTS test you need.

Listening*

  • Duration: 30 minutes

  • Four recorded monologues and conversations.

Reading

  • Duration: 60 minutes

  • Total 40 questions in the test, with each passage followed by a set questions.

  • The reading passages are more every day and practical, such as advertisements, notices, or workplace-related documents.

Writing

  • Duration: 60 minutes

  • The IELTS Writing Task 1 asks you to write a letter based on a given situation. The letter could be formal or informal and would be about a request, explanation or a viewpoint supporting the situation.

  • The IELTS Writing Task 2 asks you to write a formal essay in response to a statement or premise.

Speaking*

  • Duration: 11 to 14 minutes

  • Consists of 3 parts: interview with general questions, speaking on the given topic for two minutes, and a two-way discussion.

*The Listening and Speaking components are the same for both IELTS Academic and General Training versions. The Reading and Writing components differ.

Learn more about the IELTS Academic test to help you choose the test that matches your needs and English skills.

If you're sure about what test you need, proceed to book your IELTS test here.

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