The General & Academic IELTS Exams: What's The Difference And Which Should I Take?

If you've been learning English for some time, you've certainly heard of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS): a standardized test designed to assess the English language proficiency of (mostly) non-native English speakers.

But it's not as simple as that.

There are two actually two different forms of the IELTS: the academic and general exams!

The academic and general IELTS exams are two very similar, but somewhat different versions of the IELTS test that may be chosen based on an individual’s purpose for taking it.

In today's article, we're going to learn the difference between the two and discuss which you should take, depending on your needs! 

Which Test Should I Take?

This is a question I get from students all the time. Which test you take depends entirely on your needs! In general: 

• The IELTS Academic test is designed for individuals seeking to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, or for those seeking professional registration in an English-speaking environment.
• The IELTS General Training test is for those planning to migrate to an English-speaking country or for those wishing to train or study at below degree level.

Different institutions and organizations have different requirements: 

• Universities and academic institutions typically require the IELTS Academic test for admission to undergraduate or postgraduate programs
• Immigration authorities and employers may require the IELTS General Training test for visa applications, migration purposes, or employment opportunities

💡If you are planning to take the IELTS exam for a specific purpose and you don't know whether you should take the academic or general test, always ask the institution or organization which test they would prefer!

Now, let's talk a bit about the differences between the two forms of the test.

In general, the speaking and listening components of the two versions are very similar; however, the biggest differences are found in the reading and writing sections. 

Key Differences: Reading

Academic Test:

In this test, candidates encounter three long texts taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. The texts are of general interest but are more suited to an academic context (think school & university).

General Test:

In contrast, this test includes texts of a more practical nature, such as notices, advertisements, company handbooks, and guidelines (think everyday English media that you will encounter when living in an English-speaking country)

Key Differences: Writing

Academic Test:

In this test, Task 1 requires candidates to describe visual information (graphs, charts, diagrams), and Task 2 involves writing an essay on a general academic topic.

General Test:

In this test, Task 1 involves writing a letter based on a given situation, and Task 2 requires writing an essay on a more general topic related to everyday life.

That's all for now.

In future articles, we will discuss the IELTS in greater detail. 

In the meantime, if you are serious about improving your English this year, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for weekly articles, lessons, and tips on all things English.

I'll talk to you soon, 

-Your teacher Michael