If you're planning to take the IELTS exam, did you know there are two versions to choose from? That's right! The two formats are IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Although they share similarities, these exams have different purpose and varies in content, specifically in the Reading and Writing sections. This blog will assist you to know the key differences between IELTS Academic and IELTS General, compare the scoring systems, and explore which version might be right for you.

Which test should you register for?

• IELTS Academic is designed for individuals applying to higher education institutions or seeking professional registration in English-speaking countries. It’s typically required by universities and employers in fields like medicine, law, and engineering. It assesses your ability to handle complex, academic level reading and writing tasks.
• IELTS General Training is aimed at those who need English for everyday use, particularly for immigration purposes or general employment. If you're moving to an English-speaking country like Canada or Australia for non-academic reasons—such as living with family or working in a non-specialized job—IELTS General Training is the right option. It focuses on more practical, everyday English language skills.

IELTS Format:

Both versions of the IELTS test the same four skills as follows:

• Listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking

The Listening and Speaking sections are similar in both the Academic and General versions. This means that whether you're sitting for the Academic or General IELTS, the listening questions and the face-to-face speaking interview will be the same in content, format, and difficulty.

Content Differences: Reading and Writing

Here’s where the two exams vary:

• IELTS Academic:
• Reading: You’ll encounter passages from academic sources such as journals, textbooks, and professional magazines. The texts are more complex and formal, as they are meant to assess your ability to understand academic and professional English.
• Writing: You will need to write an essay and interpret data from graphs, charts, or tables. This tests your ability to communicate effectively in academic settings.
  
  
• IELTS General Training:
• Reading: The reading materials are more practical and everyday-focused. You’ll see texts from sources like advertisements, employee manuals, or newspapers, designed to assess your English usage in day-to-day situations.
• Writing: You will be tasked with writing a personal letter and a basic essay, which is more reflective of common real-world tasks rather than academic requirements.

Scoring: IELTS Academic vs. General

Scoring in the Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections is the same for both tests. However, the Reading section is scored differently:

• In IELTS General, achieving a score of 30/40 in the Reading section might give you a Band 5.
• In IELTS Academic, the same 30/40 raw score could translate to a Band 6 because the texts are more difficult. This means that Academic Reading tends to be scored more leniently to account for the complexity of the material.

Which One Is Easier?

While difficulty can be subjective, many test-takers/candidates find IELTS General slightly easier than IELTS Academic, especially in the Writing section. For example, writing a letter (General) is often perceived as less challenging than summarizing data from complex graphs (Academic). Similarly, the Reading section in IELTS Academic features more advanced texts, which can be tougher to comprehend.

However, the Listening and Speaking sections are equally challenging in both versions, so don’t expect an easier ride there!

How RESET Learning Can Help

Preparing for either version of the IELTS can be overwhelming, but RESET Learning is here to help! We offer IELTS preparation with classes tailored to your specific needs, whether you're aiming for IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. Our experienced tutors will help you improve your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills with targeted practice, detailed feedback, and strategies to boost your confidence. Get in touch today to book your first complimentary trial session and start your journey towards IELTS success!