What is the Difference Between IELTS General and Academic

The main difference between IELTS General and Academic is their purpose. IELTS Academic test is specially designed to test the English language skills of candidates who wish to study at a college or a university as an undergraduate or a postgraduate student or those who wish to join an institute of professional training. IELTS general test, on the other hand, measures the commonplace non-academic English knowledge of candidates.

Furthermore, both IELTS General and Academic tests measure the English writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills of candidates. However, there is a significant difference in the IELTS writing and reading tests between the IELTS General and IELTS Academic tests.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is IELTS General  
      – Definition, Features 
2. What is IELTS Academic
     – Definition, Features 
3. Similarities – IELTS General and Academic
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between IELTS General and Academic
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

IELTS General, IELTS Academic, English

Difference Between IELTS General and Academic - Comparison Summary

What is IELTS General

IELTS General examination is more appropriate for candidates who wish to apply for studies below a degree level, such as a short-term course in an English-speaking school or a college. Furthermore, candidates who wish to pursue work experience or employment training in an English-speaking country often take the IELTS General examination. At present, most candidates who migrate for work in the countries such as Canada, Australia, the UK, and  New Zealand essentially face IELTS general training as this test features everyday English language skills they might need to adapt to their socio-cultural and workplace environments.

IELTS General and Academic - What is the difference?

IELTS General test is different from the IELTS Academic test, especially in terms of IELTS Writing and Reading tests. The general test includes topics of general interest such as notices, advertisements, newspapers, etc. When it comes to IELTS Academic test, it has more serious topics that blend more with higher studies. Therefore, this difference usually leaves students with the perception that the IELTS General examination is relatively easier than the IELTS Academic examination.

What is IELTS Academic

IELTS Academic test is quite similar to the IELTS General test as it also measures the four competencies of the English language. However,  IELTS Academic test is more suitable for candidates who wish to pursue higher education in an English-speaking environment.

IELTS General and Academic

Furthermore, it is possible to sit for the IELTS Academic examination for purposes such as professional registrations. IELTS Academic examination mainly evaluates if the candidate is ready to begin his or her studies in English. Therefore, this test includes a vocabulary that is connected to an academic setting. Furthermore, when it comes to the Reading and Writing competencies, IELTS Academic test includes topics more suitable for academic or professional contexts.

Similarities Between IELTS General and Academic

  • Both tests measure the English language skills of candidates who wish to migrate to English-speaking countries under different circumstances.
  • Whether you choose IELTS Academic or IELTS General, in both the tests, the listening and speaking tests are exactly the same.
  • Whether it is IELTS Academic or IELTS General, candidates have to sit for listening, reading, and writing tests on the same day, without any intervals in between them.
  • In both IELTS General and IELTS Academic, the total time duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
  • Both tests are internationally valid.

Difference Between IELTS General and Academic

Definition

IELTS is a test that measures a candidate’s English knowledge in all key competencies: writing, speaking, listening and reading. IELTS Academic, on the other hand, is the test that measures whether a candidate’s level of English language proficiency is suitable for an academic environment

Purpose

IELTS Academic test is specially designed to test the English language skills of candidates who wish to study at a college or a university as an undergraduate or a postgraduate student or those who wish to join an institute of professional training. IELTS general test, on the other hand, measures the commonplace non-academic English knowledge of candidates.

Skills Tested

IELTS General reading and writing test include topics of general interest, whereas IELTS Academic test includes more complex topics that blend more with university studies or professional institutions.

Nature

Most candidates consider IELTS Academic to be easier than IELTS General.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the main difference between IELTS General and Academic is that IELTS general exam includes more everyday topics when it comes to the writing and reading tests while the Academic test includes more profound, academically inclined topics.

Reference:

1. “What Is IELTS Academic and Who Needs It?” IDP IELTS.
2. “IELTS General.” Exam English ✓.

Image Courtesy:

1. “IELTS logo colour LARGE 2010” By JSAF-IELTS – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “IELTS” By Pedram.hn – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia

About the Author: Anuradha

Anuradha has a BA degree in English, French, and Translation studies. She is currently reading for a Master's degree in Teaching English Literature in a Second Language Context. Her areas of interests include Arts and Literature, Language and Education, Nature and Animals, Cultures and Civilizations, Food, and Fashion.

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