Your Passport to the World: IELTS General Training 2026
The essential step for migration, work experience, and secondary education abroad.
Why Choose General Training?
The IELTS General Training (GT) test focuses on basic survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts. It is typically the required test for:
- Migration: Applying for permanent residency (PR) in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
- Work: Getting a work visa or undertaking work experience.
- Secondary Education: Enrolling in high school or vocational training programs abroad.
Note: If you are applying for a University Degree, you likely need the Academic test. Always check with your specific organization!
The 4-Part Format: What to Expect
The test takes 2 hours and 45 minutes. While Listening and Speaking are the same as the Academic test, the Reading and Writing sections are different.
1. Listening (30 Minutes)
- Same as Academic. You will hear four recordings of native English speakers, including monologues and conversations.
- The Challenge: Accents range from British and Australian to North American. You answer 40 questions as you listen.
2. Reading (General Training) (60 Minutes)
- The Content: This section is divided into three distinct parts, designed to test your “survival” reading skills.
- Section 1 (Social Survival): Short, factual texts relevant to daily life (e.g., notices, advertisements, timetables).
- Section 2 (Workplace Survival): Two texts focused on work (e.g., job descriptions, staff training manuals, contracts).
- Section 3 (General Reading): One longer, more complex text on a topic of general interest. This is the hardest section.
- The Task: 40 questions total.
3. Writing (General Training) (60 Minutes)
- Task 1 (20 mins): The Letter. You are presented with a situation and asked to write a letter explaining the situation or requesting information.
- Types: Formal (to a manager), Semi-formal (to a neighbor), or Informal (to a friend).
- Task 2 (40 mins): The Essay. You write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. The style is formal but can be slightly more personal than the Academic essay.
4. Speaking (11-14 Minutes)
- Same as Academic. A face-to-face interview with an examiner.
- Part 1: Introduction & Interview (hobbies, family, home).
- Part 2: Individual Long Turn (speak for 2 minutes on a topic).
- Part 3: Two-way Discussion (abstract questions based on Part 2).
Fast Facts: General Training
| Feature | Details |
| Primary Use | Immigration (PR), Work Visas, Secondary School |
| Total Questions | 80 (40 Listening + 40 Reading) + 2 Writing Tasks |
| Scoring | Band 0 to 9 (Half bands available) |
| Difficulty | Reading/Writing texts are generally simpler than Academic |
| Format | Paper-based or Computer-delivered |
❓ General Training FAQ
Q: Is General Training easier than Academic?
A: Generally, yes, but only for Reading and Writing. The Reading texts are shorter and less complex, and writing a letter (Task 1) is often considered easier than analyzing a graph. However, the scoring for Reading is stricter—you need more correct answers in General Training to get the same Band score as Academic.
Q: Can I take General Training for University?
A: Usually, no. Most universities require IELTS Academic. However, some vocational colleges or foundation courses may accept General Training. Always check with the admission office first.
Q: What is the “CLB” I keep hearing about for Canada?
A: CLB stands for Canadian Language Benchmarks. If you are migrating to Canada, your IELTS score will be converted into CLB levels to calculate your points for Express Entry. For example, a CLB 9 is often the “magic number” (Listening 8.0, others 7.0).
Q: Does the letter in Task 1 have to be real?
A: No. You can invent facts. If the prompt asks you to “write a letter to your boss explaining why you were late,” you can make up any excuse (traffic, alarm clock, alien abduction—though keep it realistic!).
Pro Strategies for a High Score
1. Understand the “Tone” (Writing Task 1)
This is the #1 place students lose marks in General Training. You must identify who you are writing to.
- Formal (To a boss/company): “Dear Mr. Smith,” / “Yours sincerely.” (No slang, no contractions).
- Informal (To a friend): “Hi John,” / “Best regards.” (Contractions like “I’m” or “Can’t” are perfect).
- Strategy: Read the prompt. If it says “Write to a friend,” use informal language. If it says “Write to the manager,” use formal language.
2. Don’t Get Stuck on Section 1 (Reading)
Section 1 is easy, but Section 3 is long and difficult.
- Time Management: Try to finish Section 1 and 2 in 35-40 minutes.
- Save Time: Leave at least 20-25 minutes for Section 3. It is a long passage similar to an Academic text, and you will need the extra time.
3. Answer Every Question (Listening & Reading)
There is no negative marking in IELTS. If you don’t know an answer, guess. Never leave a blank space on your answer sheet.
4. Expand Your Answers (Speaking)
In the Speaking test, “Yes” or “No” is not enough.
- Q: “Do you like cooking?”
- A (Weak): “Yes, I do.”
- A (Strong): “Yes, I really enjoy it. I find it very relaxing after a long day at work, and I love experimenting with different spices.”
5. Practice Computer vs. Paper
If you are taking the computer-delivered test, practice typing your essays. If you are taking the paper test, practice writing by hand to build your stamina and legibility.
Ready to Move?
The IELTS General Training test is often the last hurdle before a life-changing move. Prepare specifically for the Letter task and the unique Reading format, and you will be packing your bags in no time.
Start your journey today!