IELTS Module — Format Choice

IELTS Academic vs IELTS General Training: Which One Should You Take?

Choose the right version for your goals — university study or work/migration.

Overview

Choosing between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training is one of the most important decisions you’ll make before starting your preparation. The two tests serve different purposes and test slightly different skills. Understanding the difference will help you prepare better and choose the path that fits your goals.

What Are the Two Tests?

IELTS Academic

Designed for students planning to study at universities and higher-education institutions. It assesses whether your English level is suitable for academic contexts such as lectures, discussions, research, and academic writing.

IELTS General Training

Intended for people who want to work, live, or train vocationally abroad. It focuses on everyday English skills in practical contexts — workplace and community environments.

Core Differences

Both tests have the same Listening and Speaking sections; they differ in Reading and Writing.

Reading

Academic Reading: texts from academic sources — passages similar to textbooks, journals, and research articles.

General Training Reading: everyday materials such as advertisements, workplace notices, and basic informational text.

Writing

Academic Writing: Task 1 involves describing graphs or charts; Task 2 is an academic essay.

General Training Writing: Task 1 is a letter (formal, semi-formal, informal); Task 2 is an essay often focused on everyday topics.

Scoring is identical across formats — neither is inherently easier; suitability depends on your goals and strengths.

Which One Is Easier?

There is a common belief that General Training is easier, but this depends on your background:

• General Training: may feel simpler because texts are everyday materials; Task 1 is letter-based.
• Academic: requires interpretation of academic or formal texts and describing visual information.

If you're used to academic reading and writing, Academic may be easier; if you use everyday English more, General Training may feel more familiar.

How to Choose

Ask yourself:

• What is your goal? Study → Academic; Work/Migration → General Training.
• Do you read academic texts often? If yes, Academic may suit you.
• Are you confident with academic writing? If not, General Training may be better to start with.

Review sample tests for both formats before booking. Your English ability and focused preparation matter more than format choice.

Video

Watch this short explainer comparing Academic and General Training.