General Training vs Academic: what is different
Which parts of the test change in General Training, which stay the same, and how scoring differs in Reading.
বাংলায় সারাংশ (Bangla summary)
General Training-এ কোন অংশ আলাদা, কোনটা একই, আর Reading-এর স্কোরিং কীভাবে আলাদা — জানুন।
By the end of this lesson you can
- Name the two papers that differ between General Training and Academic
- Describe the three sections of the General Training Reading paper
- Explain why the same raw Reading score gives a different band in each module
Stage 1 · Learn
Same Listening and Speaking, different Reading and Writing
Everyone takes the same Listening and Speaking tests. Only Reading and Writing change. General Training is usually taken for work, migration or school-level study; Academic is usually for university entry or professional registration. Always check which module your organisation asks for.
In Writing, Task 2 is a similar essay in both modules, although General Training topics tend to be more everyday. Task 1 is completely different: Academic candidates describe a chart, table, map or process, while General Training candidates write a letter of at least 150 words.
Stage 1 · Learn
The General Training Reading paper
You still have 60 minutes for 40 questions, but the texts come from everyday life rather than academic books and journals. Section 1 usually has two or three short factual texts such as notices, adverts or timetables. Section 2 has two workplace texts, such as a staff handbook, job advert or training guide. Section 3 is one longer text on a general-interest topic.
Because the early texts are easier, General Training needs more correct answers for the same band. As a rough guide, a band that needs about 30 correct answers in Academic may need around 34 in General Training. Accuracy on Sections 1 and 2 matters a lot.
Which module?
A nurse applying for professional registration abroad → usually Academic (check the regulator).
A family applying for permanent residence → often General Training.
A school-leaver applying for a vocational training course → often General Training.
Stage 3 · Practice
Guided practice
Choose the correct answer.
Stage 3 · Practice
Practise on your own
Answer on your own.
Stage 2 · Quiz
Mini test
Check what you learned. Wrong answers show why they are wrong and go to your mistake notebook.