Academic or General IELTS test? What is better? What is easier?

Most people would argue that the General IELTS test is easier, because many test takers are not very familiar with describing graphs or being asked questions about reading passages on academic topics. Unfortunately, the choice about which test to take is usually taken out of your hands, and is decided by the institution that requires the test. Most universities and many professional certification bodies require the Academic IELTS. Some immigration authorities are content with the General IELTS. It’s important to find out what the institution you are dealing with requires.  

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What's the same in the Academic and the General IELTS tests?

Both forms of the IELTS have the same four sections – reading, listening, speaking and writing. The Academic and General speaking and listening sections are the same.

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What are the differences between the Academic and the General IELTS tests?

Differences in writing

Both forms of the test consist of Part 1 and Part 2. In Part 1 of the Academic IELTS, you have to describe a graph or chart, a process or a map. Part 2 of Academic IELTS asks you to write an essay in an academic or semi-formal / neutral style. In Part 1 of the General IELTS you write a letter in a personal, semi-formal or formal style. Part 2 of the General IELTS requires you to write an essay in a fairly personal style. The time you have to write and the number of words expected in each task do not vary between the two forms of the test. 

Differences in reading

The length of the tests is the same, as is the number of questions, but the topics of the reading passages are more academic on the Academic IELTS. On the other hand, the texts on the General IELTS are on topics that you are likely to encounter in everyday life.

We offer IELTS preparation courses for both the academic and general IELTS test in Zurich or online!