IELTS academic vs general

Hi there, it’s Tasfia again. I want to clear your confusion regarding the IELTS academic vs. general test.

According to its purposes, the International English Language Testing System, also known as IELTS, has two main versions, academic and general. Most people who want to take the IELTS in the future sometimes get confused about whether to choose Academic or General.

In short, the IELTS Academic is designed for those who want to pursue higher education, such as at universities or colleges. On the other hand, general training is required for English-speaking countries abroad, and it is often necessary for migration or employment.

Which IELTS is best, Academic or General?

When you decide to go abroad, you must first consider your purpose. If you want to apply for university or get admitted to higher studies, you must choose IELTS Academic training. Next, you need IELTS General for a vocational course or migration abroad.

I assume you are clear about which one you should select between IELTS Academic and IELTS General.
Now that you know how academic and general IELTS tests work, let’s break down everything thoroughly so that it gets easier for you to receive.

IELTS Academic:

Purpose:

• For those who want to pursue higher studies , you need to apply to institutes, colleges, or universities for undergraduate or postgraduate studies.
• Professionals like doctors, engineers, and nurses, specifically, in English-speaking countries.

Differences:

• Reading:
  

  Focuses mainly on academic passages such as journals, books, and newspapers.

• Writing:
  
  • Task 1: Describe a graph, diagram, chart, or process.
  • Task 2: Write an essay on a formal academic topic.

IELTS General

Purpose:

• For visa applications or immigration, for example, if a person is applying for a skilled worker visa in Australia or Canada.
• IELTS General is designed for practical purposes. It's perfect for those seeking non-academic training, such as vocational courses. This practicality prepares you for the real-world challenges you'll face in your chosen field.
  
  

Differences :

• Reading:
  
  • This reading part focuses on the daily materials that you encounter.
  • Includes:
    • Advertisements
      Example: A flyer for a gym membership.
    • Notices
      Example: A public notice about a library schedule change.
    • Workplace Documents
      Example: An email from a manager or a company policy guide.
      
      
• Writing:
  
  • Task 1: Letter Writing
    
    • You will be asked to write a letter based on a situation.
    • The tone can be:
      • Formal – e.g., to a company or government office
      • Semi-formal – e.g., to a landlord or school teacher
      • Informal – e.g., to a friend or relative
    • Example: Write a letter to your employer requesting time off for a family emergency.
      
      
  • Task 2: Essay Writing
    
    • You have to start the essay by responding to a point of view, argument, or problem.
    • The tone of this passage should be less academic and more personal or practical than the IELTS Academic.
    • Example: Some people believe that a remote job is better. Do you agree or disagree?
      
      

Wrap up now buddy-

From my perspective, IELTS General is often seen as being easier than IELTS Academic, especially in the Reading and Writing sections, due to the simpler texts and tasks.

MIE English Academy: is the door to your journey –

At MIE English Academy, we help you choose and prepare for the version that best suits your needs, whether your goal is immigration or academic study abroad. With expert guidance, practice questions, and specialised assistance, MIE ensures that you have all you need to succeed on either edition of the IELTS exam.

Regardless of the matter, this is where your success starts.