Learning Outcomes
After reading this article, you will identify how General Training Reading passages are designed for IELTS, with an emphasis on everyday and workplace texts. You will be able to distinguish between the Academic and General Training test, recognize the types of materials and skills tested, and develop practical strategies to approach real-world reading tasks commonly found on General Training papers.
IELTS Academic, General & UKVI Syllabus
For IELTS, you are expected to know the core differences between Academic and General Training Reading papers, particularly in relation to everyday and workplace texts in the General Training module. For revision, focus on these syllabus points:
- Distinguish the content, text types, and objectives of General Training versus Academic Reading papers.
- Explain the typical real-world text types used in the General Training Reading test.
- Identify workplace materials and everyday documents tested in General Training.
- Develop methods to approach notices, advertisements, instructions, schedules, messages, forms, and workplace communications.
- Apply effective reading strategies for texts with practical, everyday purposes.
Test Your Knowledge
Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.
- What is the main difference in text type between the Academic and General Training Reading tests?
- Give two examples of workplace materials you may encounter in the General Training Reading module.
- Why are everyday documents used as reading texts in the General Training paper?
- True or false: The General Training Reading paper includes texts from academic journals.
Introduction
The IELTS General Training Reading test is designed to assess your ability to read and understand materials you are likely to find in your daily life or work environment in an English-speaking country. This module uses passages based on real-world documents to check your practical reading skills. It contrasts with the Academic Reading test, which focuses on material typical of higher education or professional contexts.
Key Term: General Training Reading
The IELTS module that evaluates reading skills using everyday and workplace texts relevant to daily life in English-speaking environments.Key Term: Academic Reading
The IELTS module that measures the ability to comprehend more complex, often academic or scholarly texts suitable for university-level study.Key Term: Everyday Text
Any written material you encounter in routine life, such as notices, advertisements, forms, schedules, or emails.Key Term: Workplace Text
Materials found in a work setting, including business emails, instructions, company policies, and official messages.
Structure of the General Training Reading Test
The General Training Reading test contains three sections. Compared to the Academic Reading paper, which always uses longer, more scholarly articles, General Training starts with simpler everyday texts and progresses to longer pieces that may be more work-related or informational.
- Section 1: Short texts from everyday life (e.g., advertisements, timetables, signs, instructions, leaflets).
- Section 2: Workplace-oriented material (e.g., company handbooks, job descriptions, work policies, staff notices, memos).
- Section 3: One longer text (e.g., a magazine feature, descriptive non-fiction article, or workplace report), requiring more detailed reading.
Key Term: Section
A distinct part of the General Training Reading test, each focusing on a specific context: daily life or the workplace.
Common Text Types in General Training Reading
Many passages on the General Training Reading paper are drawn from documents you would find outside an academic setting.
- Notices and Signs: Announcements, directions, rules, or warnings (e.g., train station signs).
- Advertisements: For accommodation, services, events, or jobs.
- Instructions: Manuals, guidelines, how-to steps.
- Timetables and Schedules: Public transport tables, work rosters, event calendars.
- Forms and Applications: Registration forms, feedback surveys, workplace checklists.
- Emails and Messages: Informal workplace emails, reminders, memos, staff communications.
- Information Leaflets: Tourist guides, complaint procedures, workplace safety brochures.
Key Term: Notice
A short written text displayed in public or workspaces, giving information or instructions.Key Term: Memo
A brief written message used for internal communication in a workplace.
How General Training Reading Differs from Academic Reading
The Academic Reading paper uses articles typical of textbooks, journals, and higher-level informational sources. In contrast, General Training Reading uses practical materials relevant to daily survival and functioning in an English-speaking society.
Key differences:
- Purpose: Academic Reading tests your ability to understand detailed and technical texts; General Training prioritizes communication in everyday and work contexts.
- Content: Academic uses lengthy, often challenging articles; General Training uses functional, concise, and accessible texts.
- Skills Tested: Academic requires interpreting argument, referencing, and data; General Training checks for the ability to read with a task in mind—finding details, understanding instructions, and managing documents.
Key Term: Functional Text
Written material with a practical purpose, designed to help the reader accomplish a specific task.
Worked Example 1.1
You are given the following notice in a General Training Reading test:
Notice:
"Fitness Room Opening Times:
Weekdays: 06:00–21:00
Weekends: 08:00–18:00
Please bring your membership card."
Question:
What time does the fitness room close on Saturdays?
Answer:
The notice says weekends run 08:00–18:00. So, the correct answer is 18:00 (6 pm).
Worked Example 1.2
A workplace memo in Section 2 reads:
Memo:
"Staff are reminded that the new uniform policy starts from May 1st. All employees must wear the company shirt and closed-toe shoes. Please contact HR with questions."
Question:
According to the memo, what is the required footwear for employees under the new policy?
Answer:
The policy states 'closed-toe shoes' are required.
Exam Warning
A frequent candidate error is approaching General Training Reading texts in the same way as Academic papers, by seeking academic vocabulary or expecting detailed arguments. Always check the practical function and context of each text. Do not over-interpret workplace notices or everyday signs—focus on the facts, and answer each question with clear evidence.
Revision Tip
When practicing General Training Reading, collect and read real-world materials such as receipts, public notices, company emails, and forms. This will help you become familiar with the language and structure of everyday and workplace documents.
Summary
General Training Reading is designed to test how well you understand and use English in real-life situations, at home, in the community, or at work. The passages are shorter and more practical than those in Academic Reading. Success in this module comes from your ability to read quickly for purpose, extract details efficiently, and use context clues to understand functional documents.
Key Point Checklist
This article has covered the following key knowledge points:
- Identify the major differences between Academic and General Training Reading.
- Recognize the typical text types used in the General Training Reading test.
- Explain why workplace and everyday documents are chosen for assessment.
- Practice strategies for efficiently answering questions about notices, advertisements, schedules, forms, and memos.
- Understand that the General Training Reading module assesses practical, task-based reading skills needed in English-speaking communities and workplaces.
Key Terms and Concepts
- General Training Reading
- Academic Reading
- Everyday Text
- Workplace Text
- Section
- Notice
- Memo
- Functional Text