IELTS Academic vs General Training: what is the difference?
IELTS comes in two versions: Academic, usually for university study, and General Training, usually for work or migration. The Listening and Speaking sections are identical in both; only Reading and Writing differ.
What changes
- •Listening and Speaking: exactly the same in both versions.
- •Reading: Academic uses long texts from journals and books; General Training uses everyday texts like notices and workplace documents.
- •Writing Task 1: Academic asks you to describe a chart or process; General Training asks you to write a letter.
- •Writing Task 2: an essay in both, though General Training prompts are a little more everyday.
Frequently asked questions
Which IELTS do I need, Academic or General Training?
Academic is normally required for university and professional registration; General Training is normally for work experience, training or migration. Always check what the receiving organisation specifies.
Is General Training easier than Academic?
Not exactly — the Reading and Writing texts are more everyday, but the band scale and standard are the same, and the raw-score-to-band conversion differs to reflect the different texts.
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