IELTS Academic Vs IELTS General Training

IELTS General Training (GT) and IELTS Academic (AC) are the two types of IELTS tests available. The continuous debate between IELTS Academic and IELTS General is caused only by the fact that many test-takers need clarification on which test to take.

The tests differ depending on the individual requirements of the test-takers themselves. In terms of the Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking modules, both exams follow an identical format. However, the content has a few changes.

To help you understand the difference between IELTS General and IELTS Academic, let’s first go through the basics of both IELTS test types.

The IELTS test has 4 parts:

1. Writing (tasks 1 & 2)
2. Reading
3. Listening
4. Speaking

For both, IELTS Academic and IELTS general the Writing Task 2, Listening and Speaking modules are the same.

So, how exactly do these two tests differ from one another? The answer is the content you’ll find in the reading section and writing task 1.

Let’s study both in detail to help identify which test can meet all your requirements for IELTS tests.

[Read More: Top 10 IELTS Misconceptions That Stop you in getting a High Score]

Purpose

IELTS Academic:

This test is the one to select if you want to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate abroad or if you want to register for a profession like law or medicine. This test measures your language proficiency on an academic level and decides whether you are prepared to start your study or training, rather than just your day-to-day communication skills.

IELTS General Training:

IELTS General Training is the test to take if you want to transfer to an English-speaking country or if you want to pursue secondary education (below degree level).

Format

It’s important to know what exactly the tests require from you and what they contain.  Let’s discuss the format of both, IELTS Academic and IELTS General training to help you familiarize yourself with the respective tests.

The Reading Test

The reading task of both, the IELTS Academic and the IELTS General needs to be finished within an hour.

1. IELTS Academic reading task

• 3 long paragraphs that increase in difficulty
• Academic style texts (journal articles, textbook extracts)
• Content related to academic topics such as science, history, sociology
• Lookout out for the author’s voice, purpose, and key arguments.

• IELTS General reading task

• 4 short paragraphs that increase in length and difficulty
• More general and everyday-style texts ( newspaper snippets and advertisements)
• Workplace environment (job descriptions, employment contracts etc.); general texts (newspapers, magazines, travel brochures etc.)

The Writing Test

1. IELTS Academic:
2. You will be required to describe the content in a table/chart/diagram/graph etc in 100 words.
3. Followed by the second task which is to write a short essay in 250 words.

• IELTS General Training:

 You will have to write a letter of 100 words or an essay of 250 words.

Write a letter in one of the following styles:

• Formal (to someone you do not know)
• Semi-formal (to someone you know, formally)
• Informal (to a friend or family)

[Read More: 10 Tips for IELTS General Training Writing]

You have 20 minutes to complete Writing task 1 for IELTS Academic and General both. 

We hope this blog helps you decide which IELTS to take. For further information and expert guidance, you can visit Global Tree’s website wherein study material, sample papers and prep tips are available. And for IELTS preparation tips by experts, reach us now.

How to Handle IELTS Listening

Writing an English Language proficiency test, such as the IELTS, is an important part of going abroad to study. In some countries where English is the primary language, having a good score on IELTS can also increase the chance of getting a PR. It is important to have a firm grip on the language and be able to think critically to score well on an IELTS test.

The IELTS has four sections. The first three sections will be conducted together; they are Listening, Reading, and Writing. The final section, Speaking, will be taken separately either on the same day or within a week of your first test. Most people start IELTS preparation six to eight weeks before the exam. They work on improving their reading speed, comprehension power, vocabulary, etc.

IELTS Training: Four Things to Get Right

A majority of the candidates who apply for IELTS fret about preparing for the reading and writing section. While these sections are important, another equally important section that you have to watch out for is the listening section. At least with the reading and writing sections, the prompts are present in front of you at all times. On the other hand, The audio is played only once in the test and if you miss the answer then there’s no going back.

[Read more: 10 Tips for IELTS Writing & General Training]

Here are four tips to keep in mind while attempting the IELTS listening section:

1. Read the questions beforehand: It is important to read all the questions in the listening section so that you know what you look out for when the audio is being played. You cannot afford to get stuck on one question, chances are you might miss the queues for the other questions.
2. Practise listening section: IELTS is a computer-based test so you cannot make notes while listening to the audio. The only way to sharpen your listening skills is to keep practising. You can find free listening tests online and practise how you can increase your concentration and ability to retain specific information.
3. Be precise: The IELTS focuses on only the answer, if you add a few prepositions and articles in front of the answer then it might not be correct. For example, if the question is ‘together we…’ and the answer is ‘went’, then you cannot answer as ‘together we went’, your answer should only be ‘went’.
4. Don’t leave any questions: When you get stuck, just pick a random option or the option that you feel will fit the question. The reason why you should answer a question even while feeling doubtful is that there is no negative marking. So, the worst that could happen is you might not score a point, but we know for a fact that you won’t reduce your score by answering wrong.

You can ensure that you don’t miss any important tips and strategies by signing up for IELTS Coaching in Hyderabad. For more details log on to Global Tree’s website now!

British Council Launches Virtual Classrooms for IELTS Training

The British Council has announced that it is launching a new feature called as IELTS Coach, which is a customized online learning course that has been designed to assist test takers across India to optimize their IELTS training. IELTS Coach has been set up in a way that equips aspirants for the IELTS BY PROVIDING THEM WITH TIPS, strategies and insights about the IELTS and improving their performance in the test. The launch of the virtual classroom was presided over by Beth Caldwell, Head of Blended Learning, British Council in India who stated that, the organization was committed to creating, and developing high quality English language tutorials for students from across the world. The IELTS coach would help test takers who are at different levels of English proficiency to excel in the exam and improve their scores

British Council Launches Virtual Classrooms for IELTS Training

IELTS Training Made Easy For All Through IELTS Coach

IELTS Coach is an engagement-driven IELTS coaching program which combines online learning with expertly curated learning material and flexibility to learn at your own pace. The online course was developed by experienced IELTS writers and the faculty for the same will be picked from British Council’s team of English teachers.

The new course will be holistic as it brings together the ease of online learning with the personal attention of an in – person tutor to answer doubts. The classrooms will have focused attention on students, with a low teacher-to-student ratio of 1:20. The virtual classroom is ideal for aspirants who who have a fair knowledge of the English language, and are proficient enough to get IELTS band 5. The IELTS training course will span over a period of 42 hours over 4 weeks including 30 hours for app-based learning

The IELTS coach also features 12 hours of live internet based classroom training, with 3 hours set aside each week to work on one’s Speaking and Writing skills. Test takers will gain insights and strategies on improving performance in speaking, listening, reading and writing sections.

Read more about below links:

IELTS or TOEFL Which Is the Best Option for Study Abroad

Effective IELTS Training to improve your score

IELTS Training – Myths vs. Facts

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IELTS Training – How to Score at Band 7.0 Or Above

The IELTS is one of the most frequently attempted tests by individuals who want to study or settle abroad. The exam is a standardized test that evaluates your ability to communicate in the English language, and grades you on various parameters including speaking, listening, reading and writing. Getting a score of 7.0 or higher is considered as a good score as it allows you to get into most universities in USA and also is the acceptable minimum for IMMIGRATION TO CANADA.  We take a look at a few tips to score at band 7.0 or above

IELTS Training – How to Score at Band 7.0 Or Above

IELTS Training – Scoring At Band 7.0 Or Above

1. Join an IELTS training class

Many students initially assume that they can study on their own and score good marks in the IELTS, but evidence suggests the contrary. You can buy material online and learn on your own, but you cannot identify your areas of weakness in an unbiased manner. Also, you will find the support of a peer group very necessary to keep you motivated at times when you feel likely to slack.

2. Do your own research

IELTS exam is basically a test of the English language, so you should read as much as possible from every genre to make yourself familiar with the vagaries of the language. You should also attempt as many practice tests as possible before the actual test date.

3. Make a study plan for IELTS training

You should make a personalized study plan with the help of your instructors at the IELTS TRAINING center that considers the time you have left for attempting the test and your areas of strength and weakness. You will honestly need to budget for at least 2 to 3 months of preparation if your English is at expert level or above and at least 6 months if your English is at intermediate level or below.  You should make sure that the plan you make is balanced and leaves you enough time to pursue other activities to avoid over stressing yourself.

4. Don’t miss a single day of IELTS training

If you want to get a good score on the IELTS you should be sure to put in the minimum requisite hours of training every day. It is recommended that you choose a time that is most likely to be free of distractions such as early in the morning and be consistent with your preparation

5. Create your own space

One of the most challenging aspects of studying for a test is the inevitable distractions from your family members or noises around you.  To minimize these, you can use a few strategies such as designating a room or section of the room as your personal study space. Informing your family members that they should not disturb you. You can use a simple study prop/symbol such as a mini figure/ idol or show case item for this. Every time you put it on your desk it can be an indication to your family that you should not be disturbed.

The above tips can be very helpful for scoring well on the IELTS exam and propelling your efforts to study abroad

Read more about below links:

Section-wise IELTS Training Tips for Assured Success

Effective IELTS Training to improve your score

How to select the perfect IELTS coaching center

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IELTS Training – Myths vs. Facts

The IELTS exam is used by students for gaining admission to a university, as well as by potential immigrants in their quest for settling in an English speaking country. The exam though widely taken by thousands of individuals every year, still gives rise through a few myths which we try to address in this post.

Myths related to IELTS

Myth 1: Band 9 is possible only for Native English speakers

Reality: IELTS is a skills based exam and the skills can be learned by non-native speakers just as well as native speakers. Very often native speakers may be used to speaking with grammatical mistakes that they have absorbed from people around them. With proper preparation there is no reason why you cannot score band 9 on the IELTS.

Myth 2: You do not need to prepare if you are good at English

Reality: Even though a student is proficient in English, the pattern of the test requires meticulous preparation. Moreover by receiving IELTS training from an experienced tutor, you can get recourse to many strategies and tips which will help you secure a higher score

Myth 3: Using big words can help you score more

Reality: The examiner will be looking for context and flow of your words in a sentence, rather than the complexity of the words that you use. You should aim on writing grammatically correct sentences that are relevant to the context rather than demonstrating your superior vocabulary. One more important thing to note – do not use any words that you are not sure about.

Myth 4: Speaking with a foreign accent can give you a higher score

The speaking section of the IELTS is used to assess your proficiency at speaking the English language and is not dependent on your accent. Moreover trying to speak in a fake accent which is unnatural to you can dampen your confidence and thus make you perform worse in the test.

It is important to receive proper IELTS Coaching in order to do your best at the examination and optimize your overall score

IELTS training provides you with strategic tips and techniques that can help you score your optimal best in the exam. Many students however plan on attempting the test on their own and get carried away with various myths regarding the test. We attempt to address a few of the myths and clarify them in this post.

Read more about below links:

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How to select the perfect IELTS coaching center

How to select the perfect IELTS Coaching Center – Global Tree

How many times have you given the IELTS only to be disappointed with your results? Have you ever done really well on your SAT or GRE but failed to get admission to your dream University because your IELTS score was too low? Well you are not alone! A majority of students from India, who are extremely intelligent and academically brilliant in the STEM subjects tend to score low when it comes to English language tests. What is more, even for an experienced professional who is trying to immigrate to countries like Canada and Australia, a poor score in the IELTS exam can put a serious block on their immigration dreams.

The IELTS exam is an English language test that you need to take in order to get admission to universities and colleges in English speaking countries. Also individuals who wish to immigrate to countries such as Canada and Australia are required to give the IELTS as proof of their ability to communicate effectively in English. Many colleges and countries specify a minimum score or band for you to qualify. It is very important to score well on the exam and to do so you need the expert guidance of a qualified IELTS coach. One way to ramp up your preparation for the test would be to join an IELTS Training center. It is necessary to do your research to make sure that you are joining a coaching class that is the right fit for you. Below are a few tips to choose the perfect coaching center.

Tips for choosing the best coaching center

1. Go and take a look at the coaching center personally. This will help you form a fair opinion about the state of classrooms and quality of teaching.
2. Check whether the coaching centers uses the latest updated tech aids to assist learning methodology.
3. Do a little snooping about the faculty at the coaching center. What is their experience? What is their teaching style? You can ask the past students for info on this.
4. Know whether the coaching center will provide you with sufficient mock tests to help you prepare for the test.
5. Ask about the size of the class and the student teacher ratio. This will impact the amount of time your teacher can spend on your efforts

Remember, when you study with the best IELTS coaching center, you will be well prepared for your IELTS exam and will score well on your very first attempt.

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GRE or GMAT which is better for MBA? – Global Tree

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SAT or ACT which is better for you?

 

Effective IELTS Training to improve your score

The IELTS test is a mandatory requirement for various purposes such as immigration to English speaking countries such as Australia and Canada as well as getting admissions to colleges in many countries for higher studies. The test is widely believed to be the most effective method of determining individual ability to communicate in the English language by testing him on listening, reading, writing and speaking skills. The test allows immigration authorities as well as admissions officers to get a better picture of whether he or she can integrate better into an English speaking society.  You will need dedicated and strategic IELTS training if you wish to score in the top band. We advise the following tips to improve your score

Tips for improving IELTS score

1. Concentrate on reading a variety of genres

The IELTS reading test will have passages from a wide variety of subjects and the best way to train for them is by reading from as many genres as possible to familiarize yourself. Don’t just stick to your favorite authors or books but try reading from a wide and eclectic collection from both fiction and non-fiction

2. Watch TV in English

Once you take the decision to take the IELTS, it may be the best strategy to switch at least half of your TV time to English language programs. Watching English programs can be more effective as they will help you catch various nuances of the language which may be missed if you just concentrate on reading. Watch any program that may interest you as well as a News program in English. This will help you not just in the listening and speaking section but the other sections as well.

3. Read a Newspaper daily

Reading the Newspaper is one of the best habits you can develop as you prepare for the IELTS. A newspaper provides you with a range of topics which you can go through in a very short time.

4. Practice journaling in English

The practice of writing down your thoughts daily in a journal will help you familiarize yourself better with the language and also improve your grammar skills which will help you in all sections of the test. Moreover writing out your thoughts is known to be a proven method for reducing stress. Which means you get the double benefit of improving your English as well as staying calm for the examination

5. Take as many mock tests as possible

Taking mock tests can help you to get a realistic picture of your test-readiness and help you identify your areas of weakness. One of the best ways to ensure that you take a number of tests in simulated conditions is to join a good IELTS training center in your city

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A Complete Guide for Dependent Visa Process to USA!

Prepare for your Dependent Visa Process to United States of America!

It has been surveyed proven, researched and perceived with all the statistics and evidences that Indians are on the top list of the immigration to USA. Mexico occupied the first place for immigration to USA while India has been pushed to 2^nd. The US government has provisions to allow the immigrants to bring in their families to live with them for the duration of their stay in the country. The eligibility criteria to sponsor the dependent differs for  different visa categories visa and in most cases the dependent family members are not allowed to work or earn any income during their stay in USA. In this blog we have listed a few of them for reader’s reference.

H4 Dependent Visa

A H4 Visa holder is eligible to sponsor the spouse and dependent children until 21 years of age. After 21 yearsthe H4 Dependent Visa will be no more valid and the children if desire to enter USA must apply for B2 Visa. H4 visa is issued to Dependent family members (spouse and children) of immigrants who enter USA under H1=B visa can accompany the H1-B visa holder by applying for and obtaining the H4 visa. The primary applicant is the H1-B visa holder and is required to apply on behalf of their dependents.

Eligible applicants for a dependent H4 Visa Application

The spouse and dependent children of the primary applicant who are less than 21 years of age are eligible to accompany the primary applicant on a H4 visa which is otherwise called Dependent Visa USA.

Documents required for Dependent Visa Process

 

1. The H1-B Visa holder’s approval notice approved by USCIS’s copy for the proof
2. Copy of I-129 petition
3. Marriage Certificate if entering US as spouse, or birth certificate if entering US as son/daughter of H1-B Visa holder
4. The Dependent Visa applicant’s passport should be valid for at least six months from the application date

Terms and Conditions for H4 Dependent Visa Process

The applicant can apply for H4 visa for his dependents along with his application for H1B. The following rules apply for staying in USA on a H4 Visa Process.

1. Persons living on H4 cannot be employed unless they have been granted EAD (Employment Authorization Document).
2. Persons living in USA on H4 are eligible to drive in USA and get a driver’s license
3. They can pursue education but only restricted to short term courses. For a long term course they will need to obtain a F1 visa which is otherwise called study visa USA
4. H4 visa holders can open bank accounts in their own name and file for a TIN (Tax Identification Number)
5. H4 visa holders cannot get a social security number (SSN), which can be identified for H1-B Visa Holders.

L2 Dependent Visa

The L2 dependent visa is issued to Dependent family members who accompany a L1 or intracompany transfer visa holder to USA.

Eligibility Criteria for L2 Visa Application

The spouse and dependent children of the primary applicant who are less than 21 years of age are eligible to accompany the primary applicant on a L2 visa.

Terms and Conditions applicable for L2 Visa process

The applicant can apply for L2 visa for his dependents along with his application for L1. Intracompany transfer visa. The following rules apply for persons staying in USA on a L2 visa.

1. Persons with L2 visa can undertake employment during their stay in USA.
2. Persons living in USA on L2 are permitted to drive provided with documents.
3. They can apply to convert their visa to other non immigrant visa types such as F1, B1, and L1.
4. They can open bank accounts in their own name and file for a TIN (Tax Identification Number) and social security number (SSN).
5. They can pursue higher studies during their stay in USA.

F2 Dependent Visa Process

The F2 dependent visa is granted to Dependent family members of students who are currently studying in USA on a F1 visa.

Terms and Conditions for F2 Visa holders

1. The F2 visa holder cannot seek employment during their stay in USA.
2. The F1 visa holder has to take care of all financial responsibility for the expenses incurred by the F2 visa holder.
3. The F2 visa holder cannot pursue full time study while living in the US.

For more information on Dependent Visa, USA and other Visa processes, Immigration to other countries, Contact Global Tree Overseas Education and Immigration Consultants, who are certified consultants in immigration with expert counseling team. Log on to our website now to find the branch near to you because Global Tree has 14 branches across India.

A complete guide to the SAT Subject Test

SAT – Suite of Assessments, guidance and techniques!

What is the SAT Subject Test?

The Scholastic Aptitude Test – Subject Tests are individual examination in specific subjects that are taken by students who wish to demonstrate their expertise in a particular subject. These tests are comprised of multiple choice questions and are used by many universities in USA as a second level assessment tool to admit students to courses in specialized subjects and allow the admissions committee to assess whether the prospective student can handle the rigors of the specific subject in the new destination. Universities also use the results of the SAT subject test to place the students in the appropriate course and to advise the students about the best options for them.Generally the test is administered on the same day as the SAT Reasoning Test and therefore the students wishing to take the SAT subject test have to take it on a different date from the reasoning test. Moreover the subject tests are offered on different days individually.

How do colleges Utilize SAT Subject Test Scores?

Many Universities in USA use the scores of the Scholastic Aptitude Test for the purpose of admission and to provide advice and guidance on the courses suitable to the students. Some Universities specify the exact subject that the student need to take but, often it is the students who decide on which test to attempt based on the course they intend to take up and the specific entrance criteria of the University they plan to apply.

Some of the more exclusive and competitive Universities in USA require that the students submit scores for at least two Subject Tests.  For example engineering courses may make it mandatory for the student to get a score in Physics and Math Level. A few of the top colleges such as Harvard and others may even expect the students to attempt the test for three subjects all together.

How are SAT Subject Tests scored?

Each individual test on the SAT subject is scored on a scale ranging from 200 to 800.

Who should attempt the SAT subject test?

Students should only take Scholastic Aptitude Test Exam, if they are well prepared for it and they feel it will enhance their chances of admission. Also students applying to colleges pursuing particular subjects require the subject test will have to take this test. However it is better to refrain from attempting it instead of submitting sub-par results. The following points need to be in mind, when it comes to deciding whether or not to take the test.

• Determine if it is a required part of your application .if it is required, then it is important that you take the test and submit your test scores in the concerned subject.

• Sometimes colleges do not make it mandatory but recommended to submit the scores of the test. In such cases giving the SAT subject test is proven to be an advantage, provided you manage to score well on it.

• A student can give the test provided, they wish to showcase specialized knowledge in a specific subject and show his or her commitment to the admission committee.

How to Prepare for SAT subject Test?

The best way to prepare for the SAT Subject Test is to first decide on which tests you wish to attempt. For example, if you plan to take up a major subject for specialization in a STEM related course, then choose the subjects that are related to science or maths. Alternatively, if you intend to take up a course in literature, then a subject test in English literature can be your best bet.

Before starting preparation it is important to take a preliminary diagnostic test to see your level of preparation and help you understand the areas where you need to concentrate. It is important to chalk out a study plan and prepare with concentration and dedication to do well in the examination.

Get in touch with Global Tree at Begumpet; Hyderabad for more information, tips and insights on acing your SAT Subject Test. Global Tree has SAT Preparatory coaching centers in Hyderabad with expert faculty and state of the art class rooms for SAT, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL Exam and other gateway exam.

Best PTE Academic Coaching Center

All about PTE Academic Classes in Hyderabad

PTE Academic is a computer-based three hour test designed by Pearson’s to test English Language proficiency for study abroad and immigration purposes in academic environments. The test is designed to assess the communicative capacities of an individual through speaking, writing, reading and listening forms. The test score is assessed through automated scoring technology from 10-90 across all skills on Global Scale of English.

Advantages of PTE

1. Book the slot in your convenient location and time for PTE Academic because the test sessions run 364 days of the year and over 200 locations world wide
2. Results are announced within 5 business days of PTE Exam
3. PTE test is accepted by Australian Government for Visa Applications
4. The PTE exam is accepted by universities and colleges in UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland along with Harvard, Yale and INSEAD.
5. PTE Academic helps the universities to select genuine candidates as the test is through palm-vein scanning, randomized test forms, and data forensics. The universities are rest assured that the test score belong to the candidate applying and certainly not fake
6. Test can be scheduled within 48 hours prior to attempt
7. Speaking test is recorded but not done manually unlike IELTS Classes

Speaking and Writing test: It is Part 1. The candidate will be tested on speaking and writing skills from 77 to 93 minutes of test time. This assesses the speaking skills in academic environment.

Writing Section consists of writing responses in English using correct grammar and spelling.

Reading Test: It is Part – 2 which lasts from 32-41 minutes of PTE exam. This section consists of 15-20independent forms which depend on the combination of items in a test. Different response formats, Rearranging paragraphs, Multiple choice questions, Fill in the blanks are all part of the Reading test.

Listening Test: It is Part -3 which lasts from 45-51 minutes. Questions are based on Audio and Video clips and played only once. Scribbling notes is allowed not to miss the important points but not before the exam starts. For every question, adjusting volume is allowed according to candidate’s convenience, during the audio clip. The candidate moves the control bar right to increase the volume and left to decrease the volume.

Good news for candidates seeking for PTE coaching is that, there are renowned coaching centers in Hyderabad. Global Tree has highly talented, faculties trained and experienced over decades to meet the growing needs of PTE Academic Exam. They prepare integrated notes to prepare the candidate for the test. Several mock tests are conducted in order to gain complete command over all the patterns of the test. The faculties are specialized in training with several tips and techniques to solve the listening, speaking, reading and writing aspects of PTE Academic. It is always advised to get your training before attempting PTE exam because the candidate can score the desired mark in getting the admission into their favorite course and college of their choice. As the PTE Academic is accepted for immigration purposes also the candidate needs to know the tips and techniques in answering the questions correctly, while managing the time. The analyzing part of listening test typically needs guidance which no candidate afford to miss. The tips and techniques can be learnt from only the experienced faculty who are treasures of Global Tree.

Don’t miss your scores in PTE Academic, don’t regret later! Call Global Tree now for expert advice and training.