IELTS Academic vs General Training: Which One Should You Take?
The first thing you need to decide when registering for IELTS is which module to take. The two tests share the same Listening and Speaking sections, but their Reading and Writing sections differ. Taking the wrong module for your purpose can mean your score won't be accepted, so always confirm this before you register.
The Differences at a Glance
| Section | Academic | General Training |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | Identical | Identical |
| Speaking | Identical | Identical |
| Reading | Academic passages and graphs | Everyday and workplace practical texts |
| Writing Task 1 | Describing a graph or chart | Writing a letter |
| Writing Task 2 | Academic essay | Essay (more everyday topics) |
The Difference in Reading
Academic Reading features long passages and figures at the level of academic journals and textbooks. General Reading starts with real-world texts such as advertisements, notices, and workplace manuals, then gradually gets longer. General may look easier, but the number of correct answers needed to earn the same band is set higher, so the difference in perceived difficulty is smaller than you might expect.
The Difference in Writing
The biggest difference is in Task 1. Academic requires you to objectively describe a graph, table, or diagram, while General requires you to write a letter appropriate to the situation (formal, semi-formal, or informal). The Task 2 essay follows a similar format in both, but the General topics tend to be a little more everyday.
Which One Should I Take?
- University and graduate study abroad → Almost always Academic
- Professional licensing and registration (medicine, accounting, etc.) → Usually Academic (always confirm with the body)
- Immigration and permanent residency (Canada, Australia, the UK, etc.) → Usually General Training
- Employment abroad and work visas → Varies by occupation and country; always check the requirements
Check before you register The module is determined by where you're applying. Choose based on what the institution you're submitting to accepts, not on which one seems easier. If you take the wrong test, your only option is to sit it again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is General easier than Academic?
The passages and topics are more familiar in General, but the marking criteria for earning the same band (especially the number of correct Reading answers) are stricter. As a result, the difference in difficulty in reaching your target score is often not that significant.
Can I combine scores from both modules in one submission?
No. Each test sitting is taken as a single module, and you cannot combine or cross-credit scores between modules.