IELTS Academic vs General Tests - What's the Difference? Which test should I take?

Are you preparing for the IELTS exam and wondering whether to choose IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training? Understanding the differences between these two versions of the IELTS test is crucial for your success. In this blog post, we'll explain the key distinctions in simple terms, helping you make an informed decision. Whether you're planning to study at a university or aiming to work and live in an English-speaking country, this guide will provide the information you need to choose the right IELTS test. Read on to learn more about the format, purpose, and content of IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

There are two types of IELTS tests: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Why Take Each Test?

• IELTS Academic:

  • For: People who want to study at a university or college.
  • Focus: School and university subjects.

• IELTS General Training:

  • For: People who need English for work or to move to another country.
  • Focus: Everyday life and work.

2. What’s the Same?

Both tests have these sections:

• Listening:

  • What You Do: Listen to recordings and answer questions.
  • How Long: 30 minutes to listen + 10 minutes to write answers.

• Speaking:

  • What You Do: Talk to an examiner about different topics.
  • How Long: 11-14 minutes.

3. What’s Different?

• Reading:

  • IELTS Academic:
    • What You Read: Long passages from books or articles.
    • Purpose: Understand complex ideas.
  • IELTS General Training:
    • What You Read: Short texts like ads, notices, and articles.
    • Purpose: Understand everyday information.

• Writing:

  • IELTS Academic:

    • Task 1: Describe a graph or chart.
    • Task 2: Write an essay about an academic topic.

  • IELTS General Training:

    • Task 1: Write a letter (for a job, to a friend, etc.).
    • Task 2: Write an essay about everyday topics.

4. Choosing the Right Test

• IELTS Academic: Choose this if you are going to university or college.
• IELTS General Training: Choose this if you are applying for a visa or need English for work.

Summary

• IELTS Academic: For studying at a university.
• IELTS General Training: For work and everyday life.

Here’s a simple chart to illustrate the differences between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training:

Aspect	IELTS Academic	IELTS General Training
Purpose	For university or college study	For work, immigration, or everyday life
Reading	Long passages from books, journals, or articles	Short texts like ads, notices, and articles
Writing Task 1	Describe a graph, chart, or diagram	Write a letter (formal, semi-formal, or informal)
Writing Task 2	Write an essay on an academic topic	Write an essay on a general topic
Listening	Same for both	Same for both
Speaking	Same for both	Same for both
Test Duration	2 hours 45 minutes (including breaks)	2 hours 45 minutes (including breaks)