Types of IELTS Exam 2024 – Interesting Facts about IELTS Exam

19 January, 2024

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Types of IELTS Exam 2024

Overview

Do you want to study in one of the top study-abroad destinations, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia? If so, you may find this blog valuable. Studying abroad provides wonderful opportunities, which one shouldn’t skip. However, before enrolling in universities abroad, one should know that they might have to prove their English language skills, especially if they wish to study in an English-speaking nation.

Qualifying for the IELTS test is an excellent alternative for settling in English-speaking nations because it tests your language competence. However, this isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. IELTS examinations are classified into several groups based on their intended purpose. It is critical to understand which style of IELTS exam 2024 is most appropriate for you.

In this article, we have discussed the various types of IELTS exams 2024, their objectives, and facts related to them. Preparing for the right type of IELTS Exam will ensure your proficiency in English according to your purpose. So, let's explore the different types of IELTS exams 2024 and uncover interesting facts about them.

Types of IELTS Exam 2024

In 2024, there are 3 types of IELTS exams – IELTS Academic, IELTS General, and IELTS Life Skills & UKVI, catering to specific needs and objectives.

IELTS Academic Training 2024 - Shaping the Path to Higher Education

  • IELTS Academic is tailored for those aiming for higher education or professional registration in English-speaking environments. 

IELTS General Training 2024 - Bridging Language for Everyday Life

  • For those seeking non-academic training, work experience, or immigration, IELTS General Training is the go-to choice. 

IELTS Life Skills & UKVI 2024 - A Specialized Focus on Practical Language Skills

  • For practical language skills necessary for visa applications or immigration, IELTS Life Skills & UKVI come into play. 

IELTS Academic Training 2024

IELTS Academic Training is a test for those who want to go to university for higher education or join a professional organisation in a country where English is the primary language. Doing well in the IELTS Academic test is important as it will show how well you can use English during study or work.

Many universities and professional groups in English-speaking countries use this test to check your readiness for academic challenges. A good band score in IELTS proves you can easily handle academic challenges in English. The exam consists of four modules, each accurately created to analyse specific language skills:

  • Academic Reading Module - Evaluates the ability to comprehend and analyse complex academic texts. You will find academic texts to read and understand.

  • Academic Writing Module - Challenges candidates to express their thoughts coherently in an academic format. In the writing module, you have to write about a topic in an academic way.

  • Academic Listening Module - Tests the capacity to understand and interpret spoken English in academic scenarios. You will find a recording that you have to listen carefully to understand what they say.

  • Academic Speaking Module - Assesses the ability to communicate effectively in English, simulating real academic conversations. In the speaking section, you will discuss different topics, just like in a real academic conversation.

To appear in the IELTS Academic test, you have to first register for it. The official authorities have released various exam dates for the year 2024. Candidates can select any IELTS Exam Date at their convenience. The exam fee for IELTS Academic 2024 in India is INR 17,000.

Moreover, you can choose IELTS Academic computer-based or paper-based while registering. The duration for both modes is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. Furthermore, your result will be reported on a 0 to 9 band scale, providing a detailed assessment of language proficiency across the four modules. Getting a good band score will open doors to studying at your dream universities and being part of professional communities.

 

Important Highlights of the IELTS Academic Exam

If you are going to appear in 2024, you must understand the exam. Below, you can check the important highlights of the IELTS Academic 2024 Exam.

Parameters Details

Exam Name

IELTS Academic

Purpose

To Study Abroad

Fee

INR 17,000

Total Number of Modules 

4

Pattern 

Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking

Exam Modes

Paper-based and Computer-based 

Test Duration

2 hours 45 minutes 

Band Scale 

0-9

Frequency of Availability

Various Dates in a year

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IELTS General Training 2024

IELTS General Training 2024 serves as a valuable guide for those intending to work or reside in an English-speaking country. It assesses candidates’ ability to navigate everyday situations in the English language. This test is designed to demonstrate practical language skills rather than academic proficiency.

If you want to work and live in an English-speaking country, then IELTS General Training is the best test for you. It is a way to prove you can handle daily situations using English. Just like the Academic test, the IELTS General test also has four parts which are:

  • General Reading Module - They give you things you might see every day to read and see if you understand them. This section evaluates your ability to comprehend and analyse daily life situations.

  • General Writing Module - You might need to write a letter or an essay about everyday topics. It will identify how you can show your feelings by writing. 

  • General Listening Module - They play recordings of everyday conversations, and you must understand what they say. The General Listening module analyses your ability to understand daily life conversations. 

  • General Speaking Module - You talk about everyday topics, like hobbies or experiences. It will assess your English speaking in real-life conversations. 

If you want to work or live in an English-speaking country, doing well in IELTS General Training is important. This test will help Employers and immigration offices identify that you are ready for real-life situations where English is used.

When you sign up for IELTS General Training 2024, you can choose to take the test on a computer or paper. Both versions have the same questions, but you pick the one that suits you best. Also, you must pay exam fees to appear in the IELTS General Test. The exam fees can differ in different countries, but it is INR 17,000 in India, as per the latest update.

Moreover, the test takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes, and the score scale is 0 to 9, just like the academic version.

 

Important Highlights of the IELTS General Exam

Check out the key points from the IELTS General 2024 Exam down below.

Parameters Details

Exam Name

IELTS General

Purpose

To Live, Work or Migrate Abroad

Fee

INR 17,000

Total Number of Modules 

48

Pattern 

Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking 

Exam Modes

Paper-based and Computer-based 

Test Duration

2 hours 45 minutes 

Band Scale 

0-9

Frequency of Availability

Various Dates in a year

IELTS Life Skills & UKVI 2024

The IELTS Life Skills and UKVI exam is for people who want to move to or live in the UK. If you plan to move in with a spouse or relative in the UK, want to settle in the UK permanently, or are eligible for British citizenship, you must appear in IELTS Life Skills.

There are two types of IELTS UKVI - IELTS for UKVI (Academic) and IELTS for UKVI (General Training). Those who want to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels in the UK should appear in UKVI Academic, while for immigration, living, or working in the UK, should appear in IELTS UKVI General training.

Although the IELTS UKVI and IELTS Life Skills are the same as IELTS Academic, the major difference is that both are conducted only at a SELT-approved test centre, and the exam fees for Life Skills are INR 16,050.

The IELTS Life Skills Exam is conducted in the presence of an examiner and a second test-taker within 16 to 22 minutes.

Unlike the other two IELTS examinations, the Life Skills exam doesn't give a band score. It only provides a "Pass" or "Fail" option. A failure means you're not yet ready, while a pass means you can converse in an English-speaking context.

There are three levels in the test: A1, A2, and B1, which correspond to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Below, you can check the overview of all 3 test levels. 

Test Level Purpose for Visa Tasks Details

IELTS Life Skills A1

Family of a settled person

  • Describing/Commenting on a given topic

  • Stating opinions and preferences

  • Selecting options

  • Justifying, agreeing or disagreeing with the given statements 

IELTS Life Skills A2

Extension to a Family, Spouse or Partner

  • Comparing

  • Prioritising

  • Planning

  • Persuading

IELTS Life Skills B1

Citizenship or indefinite leave to remain 

  • Exploring future prospects

  • Talking about events from the past or future

  • Showing contrast, cause or reason

IELTS Academic vs IELTS General Training vs UKVI

Below, we have provided you with the major differences between IELTS Academic vs IELTS General Training for more clarification about the types of IELTS Exam 2024.

IELTS Academic vs IELTS General Training

Aspect

IELTS Academic Training

IELTS General Training

Purpose

For academic purposes such as university admissions.

For work, immigration, and general everyday life.

Reading Module

Involves academic texts, articles, and journals.

Features materials related to general interest topics.

Writing Module

Requires essays or reports based on academic subjects.

Involves letter writing and essay tasks related to everyday situations.

Listening Module

Involves academic lectures, discussions, and conversations.

Features conversations related to daily life, workplace, and public contexts.

Speaking Module

Focuses on academic discussions and presentations.

Covers conversations on familiar topics, personal experiences, and opinions.

Scenarios

Designed for individuals pursuing higher education.

Suited for those seeking employment, immigration, or general adaptation in English-speaking countries.

Test Takers

Suitable for students planning academic journeys.

Appropriate for individuals seeking work or residence opportunities abroad.

Use of English

Emphasizes complex language structures and academic vocabulary.

Focuses on practical language use in real-life situations.

Registration Choice

Allows candidates to choose between Academic and General Training.

Candidates need to specify if they are taking the General Training test.

Conclusion

Knowing the different types of IELTS Exam 2024 is crucial before appearing for the exam. Above, we have covered the complete details of all IELTS Exam Types regarding academic, general, and UKVI. After reading this blog, you now understand that the choices between Academic Training and General Training are pivotal and aligned with distinct aspirations. The Academic variant caters to those pursuing higher education, while the General Training variant accommodates individuals aiming for work, immigration, or general life experiences in English-speaking countries.

We hope you select the best IELTS Exam Types from all these options, providing a pathway to success in diverse global endeavours. Also, we hope that the information regarding the types of IELTS Exam 2024 will be helpful to you in choosing the appropriate test for you. However, you can contact Prepare IELTS Exam (PI) expert counsellors for further guidance. Our team of education experts is dedicated to providing you with the best guidance in the IELTS exam. You can get a one-on-one counselling session online via our platform. Contact us at info@prepareieltsexam.com or call us at +91 9773398388.

FAQs

The main difference lies in the purpose – Academic is for university admissions, while General Training is for work, immigration, and daily life in English-speaking countries.

Yes, candidates can choose the type of test that aligns with their specific goals and needs.

The Writing module exhibits notable differences, with Academic requiring essays on academic topics and General Training involving tasks related to daily life, such as letter writing.

Yes, both types of tests are scored on a scale of 0 to 9, with the same bands indicating proficiency levels across different language skills.

No, the choice between Academic and General Training is made during registration, and candidates need to specify their preference before the test day.

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