Two Reading Worlds
Academic texts on one side, everyday workplace texts on the other.
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Academic texts focus on research and analysis, while General Training texts handle daily survival and workplace scenarios.
How Academic and General Training reading passages differ, and what each one expects from you.
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Academic and General Training use the same questions but very different texts. Here is how.
If you are taking the IELTS, you will face either the Academic or General Training Reading test. While both tests share the same time limit (60 minutes) and use the exact same question types, the world of texts you are stepping into is completely different.
Knowing your test type helps you focus your practice on the right kind of reading materials.
Academic texts on one side, everyday workplace texts on the other.
Academic texts focus on research and analysis, while General Training texts handle daily survival and workplace scenarios.
Read short extracts and decide: Academic or General Training?
Read this extract: 'Employees must submit their annual leave requests to the HR department at least two weeks prior to the intended start date to ensure adequate shift coverage.' Which test does this belong to?
Say which test you are taking, and plan your daily practice for it.
Connecting your specific test format to your daily habits is the fastest way to improve your reading speed. Fill out the reflection below to set your reading targets.
State your specific exam format.
Name at least one specific source (e.g., BBC News, employee manuals, science magazines).
Identify a specific weakness, like reading too slowly or panicking at big words.