Academic IELTS or General IELTS?

The ‘Speaking’ and ‘Listening’ test sections are the same for both IELTS General Training and IELTS Academics. However, the ‘Writing’ and ‘Reading’ sections are different.

Academic

The IELTS Academic test is for people applying for higher education or professional registration in an English speaking environment. It reflects some of the features of academic language and assesses whether you are ready to begin studying or training. This approach is widely supported by the institutions that recognize IELTS.

The reading section in IELTS Academic test comprises of three long texts that can be factual, analytical or descriptive. The text is usually taken from magazines, books and newspapers.

The writing section in IELTS Academic test includes topics that are suitable for candidates seeking professional registration, or intending to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies. There are two tasks that you need to complete:

• Task 1: You are required to summarise or describe a given graph, chart or diagram in your words.
• Task 2: You have to write an essay in response to an argument, problem or point of view. Unlike the case in IELTS General Training Test, the responses must be in a formal style.

General

The IELTS General Training test is for those who are going to English speaking countries for secondary education, work experience or training programs. It is also a requirement for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. The test focuses on basic survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts.

The reading section in this test includes test from books, newspapers, advertisements, notices, guidelines and company handbooks.

In the writing section of IELTS General Training, the topics included are of general interest. The section includes two tasks:

• Task 1: You are given a situation, and you have to write a letter describing a situation or seeking some information. The letter may be personal or formal in style.
• Task 2: You have to write an essay in response to an argument, problem or point of view. The responses can be in personal style.