IELTS Academic and General: Top 3 Major Differences
Choosing between IELTS Academic and General is the first critical step for anyone planning to take the IELTS test. Are you feeling unsure about which version aligns with your goals? You are not alone. A common query we receive at IELTS-TestPro revolves around distinguishing between these two major test versions. Generally, while they share the same grading scale, they serve different purposes. Let’s dive deep into the similarities and differences to help you make the right choice.
I. Similarities Between the Two Versions
Before diving into the differences, it is essential to understand the common ground. Both versions of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) share standardized features to ensure fairness and accuracy.
- Purpose:
Fundamentally, both the IELTS Academic and General tests serve a singular goal: to evaluate a candidate’s English language proficiency across four key skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
- Test Format:
Whether you are taking the Academic or General Training module, the total test duration is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. The structure for both includes:
-
- Listening: 4 sections (40 questions) – Approx. 30 minutes
- Reading: 3 passages (40 questions) – 60 minutes
- Writing: 2 tasks – 60 minutes
- Speaking: 3 parts – Approx. 11–14 minutes
Note: The Listening and Speaking sections are identical for both versions.
Despite the same general feature, IELTS Academic and General Training still possess several differences.
II. IELTS Academic
With the foundational similarities established, let’s now delve into the specific characteristics of each module to understand what sets them apart. We will start with the Academic version.
1. Aims and Target Audience
The IELTS Academic module is designed specifically for candidates planning to pursue higher education (undergraduate or postgraduate) or professional registration in English-speaking environments. It assesses whether your English skills are sufficient for an academic setting.
At IELTS-Testpro, we recommend this module for students aiming for universities in the UK, USA, Australia, or Canada, as well as medical professionals seeking licensure.
2. Detailed Format Analysis
Understanding the purpose is just the first step; knowing the specific exam structure is equally vital for achieving a high score. Let’s break down the format of each skill in the Academic module.
- LISTENING:
The structure of the IELTS Listening Test is in the same form for both IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic.
| Time allotted | Number of questions | Main content | Questions types | |
| Section 1 | approx. 5 min | 10 | A daily-social conversation
(telephone call, interview, etc.) |
– Multiple choice questions
– Matching – Map, plan, diagram labelling – Note, form, table, summary, flow-chart completion – sentence completion – Short-answer questions |
| Section 2 | approx. 5 min | 10 | A daily-social monologue
(presentation, radio programme, etc.) |
|
| Section 3 | approx. 5 min | 10 | An academic conversation
(thesis / dissertation, assignment, research project, etc.) |
|
| Section 4 | approx. 5 min | 10 | An academic monologue/lecture
(history, science, nature, etc.) |
Table 1. IELTS Listening Test Format
- READING:
This is where the distinction begins. The texts are more analytical and complex to reflect university-level materials.
| Number of passages | Main content | Questions types |
| 3 passages:
– Passage 1 – Passage 2 – Passage 3 |
Texts are taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers and usually related to topics like science, technology, tourism, psychology, health, environment, education, etc. | – Multiple choice
– Identifying information (True/False/Not given) – Identifying writer’s views/claims (Yes/No/Not given) – Matching information – Matching headings – Matching features – Matching sentence endings – Sentence completion – Summary/note/table/flow chart completion – Diagram label completion – Short-answer questions |
Table 2. IELTS Reading Academic Test Format
- WRITING:
The Academic Writing section requires a formal style and precise reporting skills.
| Writing Task 1 in
IELTS Academic |
Writing Task 2 in
IELTS Academic |
|
| Form | Report: line chart, bar chart, pie chart, table, map, process, etc. | – Types:
+ Argumentative / Opinion / Agree & Disagree + Advantages – Disadvantages + Discussion + Causes and Effects / Causes and Solutions / Problems and Solutions + Two-Part Questions – Topics: more common (social media, schools, family, communication, etc.) |
| Requirements | – The report must be formal in language
– The form of the report: + Introduction + Overview + Body paragraph 1 + Body paragraph 2 – The key features and data should be highlighted and compared |
– The style is more objective |
Table 3. IELTS Writing Academic Test Format
- SPEAKING:
The IELTS Speaking test takes about 15 minutes and is the same for both IELTS Academic and General Training. The test is a face-to-face interview and designed to evaluate your use of spoken English. Every test is recorded.
| Time allotted | Main content | |
| Part 1 | approx. 5 min | Introduction:
Several questions about yourself and familiar topics such as home, family, study, work, and interests |
| Part 2 | – 1 min: prepare & make notes
– 2 mins: talk |
Long turn:
A particular topic |
| Part 3 | approx. 5 min | Discussion:
Further questions related to the topic in Part 2 |
Table 4. IELTS Speaking Test Format
III. IELTS General Training
If the Academic version doesn’t seem to fit your current needs, the General Training module might be the right path for you. Let’s explore what makes it different.
1. Aims
The IELTS General Training focuses on basic survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts.
You should choose this version if you plan to:
- Migrate to English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, or New Zealand.
- Undertake secondary education (high school).
- Train or work in non-academic fields.
As emphasized by our experts at IELTS-TestPro, this test measures your proficiency in practical, everyday contexts rather than abstract academic theories.
2. Format
Just like the Academic version, the General Training test has a specific format designed to test everyday language skills. Here is how it compares.
- LISTENING:
The structure of the IELTS Listening Test is in the same form for both IELTS Academic and General Training. (see Table 1)
- READING:
The texts here are shorter and more practical compared to the Academic version, focusing on life in an English-speaking environment.
| Number of passages | Main content | Questions types |
| Passage 1 | Daily life in English-speaking countries | – Multiple choice
– Identifying information (True/False/Not given) – Identifying writer’s views/claims (Yes/No/Not given) – Matching information – Matching headings – Matching features – Matching sentence endings – Sentence completion – Summary/note/table/flow chart completion – Diagram label completion – Short-answer questions |
| Passage 2 | Jobs, application procedures, etc | |
| Passage 3 | A general topic of interest
(The texts from 3 passages are taken from notices, advertisements, company handbooks, official documents, books and newspapers.) |
Table 5. IELTS Reading General Test Format
- WRITING:
The key difference lies in Task 1, which tests your ability to communicate in daily situations.
| Writing Task 1 in
IELTS General Training |
Writing Task 2 in
IELTS General Training |
|
| Form | Letters: formal, informal and semi-formal | – Types:
+ Argumentative / Opinion / Agree & Disagree + Advantages – Disadvantages + Discussion + Causes and Effects / Causes and Solutions / Problems and Solutions + Two-Part Questions – Topics: more common (social media, schools, family, communication, etc.) |
| Requirements | – The letter can be formal, semi-formal, or informal
– The form of a letter: + Opening + Paragraphs + Closing statements |
– The style is more personal |
Table 6. IELTS Writing General Training Test Format
- SPEAKING:
The IELTS Speaking test takes about 15 minutes and is the same for both IELTS Academic and General Training. The test is a face-to-face interview and designed to evaluate your use of spoken English. Every test is recorded. (see Table 4)