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Academic vs General: which test do I need?

~3 min read

IELTS comes in two versions. They share the same Listening and Speaking, but Reading and Writing differ. Choosing the wrong one is a costly, common mistake - so start here.

Choose Academic if…

  • You're applying to university or postgraduate study.
  • You need professional registration (e.g. nursing, medicine, engineering) in an English-speaking country.

Choose General Training if…

  • You're applying for migration (Australia, Canada, the UK, NZ).
  • You're going for work experience or training below degree level.

How the Writing differs

Task 1 - Academic: describe a graph, table, chart, map or process in your own words.
Task 1 - General: write a letter (formal, semi-formal or informal) for a real-life situation.

Task 2 is an essay in both versions, but General prompts are usually more everyday in topic, while Academic prompts lean more abstract or analytical.

Always confirm with the body you're applying to. Universities, regulators and immigration departments specify exactly which test and which band scores they accept.

Prepare for your exact test.

Mode tailors content and feedback to Academic or General - not a generic course.

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