It’s one of our most commonly asked questions: What is the difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General and which one should I take?
Many students are unsure of which test they will be required to take and the simple answer is that it depends.
Generally speaking, IELTS Academic is used by people who are applying for education or professional registration in an English speaking country and IELTS General is used by those who are attempting to emigrate to another country on a visa, or for work and training experience.
Be sure to check with the organisation you are applying to which test you will be required to take.
The two tests are fairly similar. In fact: Listening, Speaking and Writing Task 2 are exactly the same for both IELTS Academic and General.
The only major difference is between Writing Task 1 and the Reading exam. Both of these exams will be less academic in the General exam. It is generally agreed that these two sections are a little bit easier in the General test.
IELTS Academic or IELTS General: Writing Task 1
Academic
Describe one of the following:
- Table
- Bar chart
- Diagram
- Pie chart
- Line graph
General
Write a letter in one of the following styles:
- Formal (such as government, job application)
- Semi-formal (to someone you know formally)
- Informal (to a loved one)
Test time: 20 Minutes
Word count: 150 words
IELTS Academic or IELTS General: Reading
In the Academic test:
- Three passages which get more difficult as they go on
- University-style tests
- Discuss Academic topics such as science, government, healthcare
General
- Four shorter which get more difficult as they go on
- Focus on “every-day” reading
- Discuss society, jobs, newspapers, magazines
Test time: 20 Minutes
Questions: 40
If you would like help with the IELTS test, don’t forget to sign up for our free online IELTS course which covers all areas of the exam.
