IELTS General Training
The IELTS General Training test is for those migrating to English-speaking countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK) or applying for secondary education, training programs, or work experience. Our mock tests focus on everyday English in social and workplace contexts, with writing tasks that reflect real-world communication needs.
Exam Structure
Detailed breakdown of each section with timing, question types, and scoring.
Listening
30 min + 10 min transferBand 1–9 (40 questions)Identical to the Academic module. Four recorded sections: a social conversation between two speakers, a social monologue (e.g. a speech about local facilities), an educational or training conversation between up to four people, and an academic or training lecture. You write answers during playback, then transfer in the final 10 minutes.
General Training Reading
60 minutesBand 1–9 (40 questions)Three sections with extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks, and guidelines. Section 1 contains 2–3 short factual texts (social survival). Section 2 has 2 short factual texts (workplace survival). Section 3 is one longer, more complex text on a topic of general interest.
Writing
60 minutesBand 1–9 (2 tasks)Two tasks. Task 1 requires writing a letter in response to a given situation (minimum 150 words, recommended 20 minutes). The letter may be personal, semi-formal, or formal depending on the prompt. Task 2 is an essay expressing a point of view, argument, or problem on a general topic (minimum 250 words, recommended 40 minutes) — slightly more personal and practical than the Academic version.
Speaking
11–14 minutesBand 1–9 (3 parts)Identical to the Academic module. A face-to-face interview (AI-simulated) in three parts: Part 1 is general questions about familiar topics (4–5 min), Part 2 is a cue card long turn where you speak for 1–2 minutes (3–4 min), and Part 3 is an abstract discussion related to Part 2's theme (4–5 min).
Available Mock Tests
Choose from 10 full-length practice tests, carefully designed to mirror the real exam.
Full General Test 1
45 min · Listening + Reading · 80 questions
Full General Test 2
2h 45m · All Sections · Complete
Full General Test 3
2h 45m · All Sections · Complete
Full General Test 4
2h 45m · All Sections · Complete
Complete Test 3 to unlock
Full General Test 5
2h 45m · All Sections · Complete
Complete Test 4 to unlock
Full General Test 6
2h 45m · All Sections · Complete
Complete Test 5 to unlock
Full General Test 7
2h 45m · All Sections · Complete
Complete Test 6 to unlock
Full General Test 8
2h 45m · All Sections · Complete
Complete Test 7 to unlock
Full General Test 9
2h 45m · All Sections · Complete
Complete Test 8 to unlock
Full General Test 10
2h 45m · All Sections · Complete
Complete Test 9 to unlock
Scoring Guide
Understand what your score means and how it maps to real-world proficiency.
| Score Range | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Expert User | Fully operational command. Appropriate, accurate, and fluent. Meets all immigration and professional registration requirements. |
| 8–8.5 | Very Good User | Fully operational with occasional inaccuracies. Handles complex language well. Exceeds most immigration minimum scores. |
| 7–7.5 | Good User | Operational command, handles complex language. Meets typical immigration requirements (e.g. Canada CLB 9+, Australia 7+). |
| 6–6.5 | Competent User | Effective command despite some inaccuracies. Meets minimum for many immigration pathways and skilled worker programs. |
| 5–5.5 | Modest User | Partial command, handles overall meaning. May meet minimum for some immigration programs but additional study recommended. |
| 4–4.5 | Limited User | Basic competence in familiar situations. Generally insufficient for immigration or work purposes. |
| 3.5 & below | Extremely Limited / Non-User | Conveys only general meaning. Significant English study needed before attempting General Training. |
Fully operational command. Appropriate, accurate, and fluent. Meets all immigration and professional registration requirements.
Fully operational with occasional inaccuracies. Handles complex language well. Exceeds most immigration minimum scores.
Operational command, handles complex language. Meets typical immigration requirements (e.g. Canada CLB 9+, Australia 7+).
Effective command despite some inaccuracies. Meets minimum for many immigration pathways and skilled worker programs.
Partial command, handles overall meaning. May meet minimum for some immigration programs but additional study recommended.
Basic competence in familiar situations. Generally insufficient for immigration or work purposes.
Conveys only general meaning. Significant English study needed before attempting General Training.
Academic vs General Key Differences
The Listening and Speaking sections are identical. Reading and Writing differ significantly.
| Component | Academic | General Training |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 4 recordings, social & academic | Same as Academic — Identical in every way |
| Speaking | 3 parts, 11–14 minutes | Same as Academic — Identical format and scoring |
| Reading | 3 long academic passages from journals, textbooks, and research papers | Section 1: Social survival (2–3 short texts) Section 2: Workplace survival (2 short texts) Section 3: General interest (1 long text) |
| Writing Task 1 | Describe a chart, graph, table, or diagram (150+ words) | Write a formal, semi-formal, or informal letter (150+ words) responding to a given situation |
| Writing Task 2 | Academic discursive essay on a formal topic (250+ words) | General essay on an everyday topic, slightly more personal (250+ words) |
| Typical Purpose | University admission, professional registration, academic research | Immigration (Australia, Canada, NZ, UK), work experience, secondary education |
Sample Writing Task 1: Informal Letter
General Training — 150+ words · 20 minutesYou recently stayed at a hotel and had some problems.
Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter:
- describe the problems you had
- explain what the hotel staff did about it
- say what you would like the manager to do
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir/Madam,
Sample Writing Task 1: Formal Letter
General Training — 150+ words · 20 minutesAn employer has announced a vacancy in your company and you want to apply for it.
Write a letter to the hiring manager. In your letter:
- describe the position you are applying for
- explain why you are a suitable candidate
- say what you would like to happen next
Write at least 150 words. Begin your letter as follows: Dear [Name],
Sample Questions
Preview the types of questions you will encounter in each section of the IELTS General Training test.
Listening — Section 1: Form Completion
Social context · Complete the form belowYou hear a woman calling a community centre to book a class.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Reading — Section 2: Identifying Information (T/F/NG)
Workplace survival text · Questions 15–20"Greenfield Office Supplies has introduced a new flexible working policy effective from January 1st. Full-time employees may now choose to work from home up to three days per week, provided they maintain a minimum of two days on-site. All remote workers must ensure they have a reliable internet connection and a dedicated workspace. The company will not provide equipment for home offices, though employees may claim up to £200 per year for essential purchases. Team meetings will continue to be held in person every Monday morning."
Statement: Employees must work at least two days each week in the office.
TRUE
Statement: The company will supply computers and desks for employees working from home.
FALSE — "The company will not provide equipment for home offices."
Statement: Part-time employees are also eligible for the flexible working scheme.
NOT GIVEN — The policy is described for "full-time employees" only.
Writing — Task 2: General Essay
250+ words · 40 minutes"In some countries, more and more people are choosing to live alone. Why is this happening? Do you think this is a positive or negative trend?"
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Speaking — Part 2: Cue Card (Long Turn)
1 minute preparation · 1–2 minutes speakingDescribe a shop or store you enjoy visiting.
You should say:
- where the shop is located
- what the shop sells
- how often you go there
- and explain why you enjoy visiting it.
Part 3 follow-up themes may include: the rise of online shopping, small businesses vs. large chains, the social aspect of shopping, and the future of retail.
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