What Type of IELTS Exam Should I Take?

One common problem for people who are taking the IELTS is whether they need the Academic or the General Training module of the examination. There are people who cannot decide on which to take for they do not know any information about the test. What they should be doing is checking on the agency or to the visa requirements indicated in the country’s immigration website. To give a general idea on which module to take, here is a little information about the two modules of the IELTS examination. 

The Academic Module

The Academic module of the IELTS is generally designed for those individuals who are planning at a tertiary level in an English speaking country. For example, if a certain individual wants to pursue his or her education overseas, an IELTS Academic score is needed. How is this different from the other examination? Basically, the difference is the content of the reading and the writing sections. Reading passages are longer and more complicated, and the writing tasks are more serious and difficult. Taking an Academic is pretty tough that reviewing for the test is a must.

The General Training Module

For individuals who want to do work experience or those who are to undergo training programs, people who want to study in a secondary school or migrate to other English speaking country, a good score from the General Training is needed. Mentioned above to have a difference between the Academic and the General Training, this test has easier reading section as passages are shorter and less complicated to understand. The writing tasks are easier as the topics are more familiar and easier to write.

Looking at the test, their purpose and the content (in reading and writing) are the two major differences. Talking about their fees, they are just the same. However, if you are someone who is enrolling in an IELTS review center, it is best to choose the program on the specific type of module you are taking. Some activities are designed for Academic students that would make it hard for General Training module students understanding. This means that upon enrolment, the student should be able to know which type of test to enrol in to avoid wasting money and time as well.

Being with IELTS centers do not mean waste of money or time. With the specialized review program schedules, possible candidates can take a pick on which time they feel most comfortable in reviewing. Students should remember that they have different times of the day they feel best for studying. Follow this pattern and get good results for the IELTS examination.

Get more IELTS tips here www.ieltsexamstips.com.

IELTS Letter Writing for the General Training Module

Writing letters are easier than academic writing. This is a fact that IELTS General Training candidates will definitely agree with. The IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination has a letter writing task on its General Training Writing Section. Though it is easier than the graph interpretation in the Academic Writing, exercises should be practiced to hone the writing skills of the candidate. To further improve and better your skills, here are some tips for the letter writing section of the IELTS test.

1. Make sure to understand what the task is all about. Knowing what to write is a key point in writing.
2. Since it is a letter writing task, always write a greeting and a closing.
3. There are some tasks that need to be responded in the letter. Double check if all tasks are answered. Failure to do so can result to a low score.
4. Check your grammar. Be consistent with your tenses. The flow of the verb tenses should be smooth and with the right transitions.
5. Know the tone of your letter. There are some tasks wherein you need to write in a formal tone since you are writing to a professor or a boss. While some tasks need to be in an informal writing tone since it is addressed to friends.
6. Choose the right words or vocabulary in your sentence. Make sure it suits the tone of your letter.
7. Check the number of words you have. You will lose some points if your letter is below 150 words.
8. Spelling check. Since it is a paper-based test, be extra careful in committing mistakes on spelling.
9. Use transition words if possible.
10. Use correct punctuation marks on your sentences.


Sample Task 1 General Training letter

Question:

You live in a room in college which you share with another student. However, there are many problems with this arrangement and you find it very difficult to work. 

Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In the letter, 

• describe the situation 
• explain your problems and why it is difficult to work 
• say what kind of accommodation you would prefer

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing this letter about my problems with my accommodation here in the university, particularly with my roommate. 

As you know, I am currently sharing a room with another student. I really do not have a problem sharing a room with someone; however, my roommate has been very inconsiderate for the past few weeks. During the first few months of living together, everything was going smoothly until recently. He has been bringing friends over the room and they stay until the early morning. They talk so loud that I cannot concentrate on my work and sleep as well. I have talked to him about this but he seemed not to take things seriously. Last night, I came home and saw him using my computer without even asking for my permission. This is really upsetting. The finals are in two weeks and I am so stressed living with him. 

With this, I am asking from your office to find me a single room. I would not mind paying a little extra as long as I am relaxed and comfortable with the room. 

I am hoping to hearing from you soon. 

Truly, 

James

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