As a newcomer to the international platform for testing English language, the IELTS exam, you might wonder about the difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General exams. Let’s explore the dissimilarities in detail to help you make an informed decision on which exam is suitable for you.

The Major Difference – Reading and Writing:

The primary distinction between IELTS Academic and IELTS General lies in the Reading and Writing modules, while the Listening and Speaking modules remain the same in terms of exam pattern and assessment criteria.

What’s the Difference in IELTS Reading?

In IELTS Academic, there are three sections with three long passages, while IELTS General also has three sections, but with shorter passages in Section 1 and Section 2, and a long passage similar to IELTS Academic in Section 3. Hence, the Reading module in IELTS Academic is typically longer than IELTS General.

The reading passages in IELTS Academic are extracted from textbooks, scientific journals, newspapers, and magazine articles, focusing on academic interests. On the other hand, IELTS General sources its passages from employee handbooks, guidelines, organization policies, work-related terms, newspaper advertisements, and notices.

The level of difficulty in the Reading exam is higher in IELTS Academic due to advanced vocabulary and academic-standard content. In contrast, IELTS General provides simple vocabulary and easily understandable statements.

Band Score Scale Difference:

The band score scale is different for both exams due to the variations in difficulty:

IELTS Academic Reading Module:

– Band 9: 40-39 marks

– Band 8.5: 38-37 marks

– Band 8: 36-35 marks

– Band 7.5: 34-33 marks

– Band 7: 32-30 marks

– Band 6.5: 29-27 marks

– Band 6: 26-23 marks

– Band 5.5: 22-19 marks

– Band 5: 18-15 marks

– Band 4.5: 15-13 marks

– Band 4: 12-9 marks

– Band 3: 8-5 marks

– Band 2: 4-3 marks

– Band 1: 2-1 marks

– Band 0: 0 marks

IELTS General Reading Module:

– Band 9: 40-39 marks

– Band 8.5: 38 marks

– Band 8: 37 marks

– Band 7.5: 36 marks

– Band 7: 35-34 marks

– Band 6.5: 33-32 marks

– Band 6: 31-30 marks

– Band 5.5: 29-27 marks

– Band 5: 26-23 marks

– Band 4.5: 22-19 marks

– Band 4: 18-15 marks

– Band 3: 14-12 marks

– Band 2: 11-8 marks

– Band 1: 7-4 marks

– Band 0: 3-0 marks

What’s the Difference in IELTS Writing?

In IELTS Academic, Writing Task 1 requires writing a report based on a diagram, while IELTS General demands writing a letter. Writing Task 2 is an essay in both exams. The time limit and word count for both tasks are the same: 20 minutes and at least 150 words, respectively.

Which Exam You Should Register for?

If you plan to study abroad, IELTS Academic is suitable for you. For those seeking to immigrate or apply for work visas, IELTS General is the appropriate choice. However, some health professionals like doctors or nurses may need to take IELTS Academic to practice their professions in their destination country.