IELTS is an English test for people who want to study, work, or move to a country where English is the main language. There are two types of IELTS tests: Academic and General Training. IELTS is the only test that lets you choose between these two options. More than 11,500 schools, employers, and immigration offices worldwide, including 3,400 in the USA, accept IELTS as proof of English skills. The main difference between IELTS academic VS general Training tests is in the Reading and Writing sections.

The General Training test has topics from everyday life, like ads, newspaper articles, and public notices, while the Academic test includes more complex topics. Both tests check your English ability in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. IELTS scores range from 1 to 9 and a higher score improves your chances of studying or working in top institutions. To learn more about difference between IELTS general and academic, please keep reading below:

Test Format for IELTS General VS Academic

The IELTS test has four parts: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. There are two types of IELTS tests: Academic and General Training. The Listening and Speaking parts are the same for both, but the Reading and Writing parts are different.

What are the Major Differences between Academic and General IELTS?

IELTS General Training is for people who want to live and work in an English-speaking country. It tests how well they can use English in everyday life, like talking to others, reading signs, and writing simple messages.

IELTS Academic test is for students who want to study in a university abroad. It checks if they can understand and use English for learning, like writing essays, reading textbooks, and listening to lectures. Both tests check English skills, but the topics and difficulty levels are different. Now, let’s look at how the IELTS general VS academic test content differs.

IELTS Writing Test

The IELTS Writing test has two tasks that you must complete.

IELTS Academic Writing

Task 1 – You will see a chart, graph, diagram, map, or process in IELTS academic writing task 1. You must write at least 150 words to explain the information in a formal way.

Task 2 – You will write an essay (at least 250 words) on a given topic in IELTS academic writing task 2. The question may ask for your opinion, discussion of two different views, or analysis of a problem. You must use a formal tone and provide examples.

IELTS General Training Writing

Task 1 – You will write a letter based on a given situation in IELTS general writing task 1. It may be formal (e.g., request, complaint, recommendation) or informal (e.g., an invitation to a friend).

Task 2 – The essay task is the same as the Academic test but with more general topics in IELTS general writing task 2. You must write in a formal style and give examples.

IELTS Reading Test

The IELTS general reading test is different from the IELTS Academic and General Training tests.

IELTS Academic Reading

The IELTS academic reading test has three sections, and each section has one long passage.

• The passages come from books, magazines, and journals.
• The language used is more complex, similar to what students read in universities.

IELTS General Training Reading

The IELTS general reading practice test has three sections with different types of texts.

• Section 1 has short texts, like notices and advertisements.
• Section 2 has two medium-length texts, usually work-related.
• Section 3 has one long passage, like an article from a magazine or guidebook.
• The language is simpler and more practical for everyday life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between IELTS Academic VS General Training depends on your goal. If you plan to study at a university, the Academic test is the right choice, as it includes complex topics from books and journals. If you need the test for work, migration, or everyday use, the General Training test is better, as it focuses on practical English from newspapers and advertisements. Since the General Training test has simpler topics, many find it easier than the Academic test.

FAQs

What is the IELTS academic fee in Pakistan?

As of February 10, 2025, the IELTS Academic test fee in Pakistan varies by location. In Islamabad, Karachi, etc., the fee is approximately 66,000 PKR.

How can I take the IELTS academic practice test?

You can practice for the IELTS Academic test online on the IDP website or other similar websites.

What is the difference between academic and general IELTS?

IELTS Academic is for university studies, while General Training is for work or migration. Academic uses formal language; General focuses on daily English.

What is the general IELTS listening score?

A general IELTS listening score is your result in the listening part of the test, rated from 0 to 9, including half scores like 6.5 or 7.5.