Which Exam Is Easier : IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training?

The IELTS is one of the world’s most popular English language proficiency tests. It is put together by Cambridge University, in which around 3 million candidates appear every year. The IELTS scores are admissible in over 140 countries.

A lot of IELTS aspirants have these two common questions in mind before they start their preparation – is the IELTS general easier than the academic or vis-a-vis; and which one to take? 

In this article you will learn: 

1. Is IELTS easy?
2. How to choose between Academic and General Training IELTS.
3. What is the exam formal for IELTS Academic and IELTS General?
4. What is the difference between Academic and General IELTS?
5. How best to prepare for the IELTS exam to score a high band in all the four IELTS sections.  
6. Syllabus for IELTS Academic
7. Syllabus for IELTS General

Is IELTS easy?

The IELTS exam is often regarded as a challenging test. However, difficulty can be subjective, as it depends on an individual’s language proficiency and preparation. While some may find it relatively easy, others may struggle with certain aspects.

Why do some students find the IELTS test hard?

1. Time pressure: One reason candidates find the IELTS exam difficult is the time pressure. The test comprises four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, which must be completed within a strict time frame. This can be daunting for test-takers, requiring them to manage their time effectively and work efficiently under pressure.
2. Comprehensive skill evaluation: The IELTS exam evaluates various language skills, including vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and fluency. These skills need to be showcased across different question types, such as multiple-choice, short answer, and essay writing. This comprehensive evaluation can challenge candidates who may excel in some areas but struggle in others.
3. Requires understanding of different accents: The IELTS exam assesses candidates’ ability to comprehend different accents and dialects, making the Listening section particularly demanding. Test-takers must train their ears to grasp nuances in pronunciation and vocabulary, which can pose difficulties for non-native English speakers.

To succeed in the IELTS exam, candidates need thorough preparation, practice, and familiarity with the test format. Understanding its demands and implementing effective study strategies can help alleviate the perceived difficulty and increase the chances of achieving a favorable score.

Choosing between IELTS General or IELTS Academic

Here let’s try to understand which exam to take – IELTS General or IELTS Academic. 

People appear for the IELTS General examination for the purpose of migration to another country. It is a part of their application as it tests their fluency in English for everyday use and communication purposes. 

On the other hand, students take the IELTS Academic if they plan to study abroad. It is also necessary for those who wish to work abroad, as many of the organisations require a decent IELTS Academics test score. However different degree programs have different band score requirements.

Here’s a list that explains how much score is required for each degree program: 

It is very important to check the requirements of the college/university/organisation where one is planning to pursue their education.

Comparing IELTS General and IELTS Academic

Now, the next commonly asked question by the students is – Which exam is easier – IELTS General Training or IELTS Academic?

Before we arrive at the answer to this question, let’s understand the format of the exam:

Format of IELTS General test 

Format of IELTS Academic test 

Important Pointers: 

As per the format explained above, one can easily conclude the following:

IELTS Speaking Test and IELTS Listening Test are the same irrespective of which test you take. 

In the IELTS Speaking test, the examinee is required to sit through a one-0n-one interview and tackle questions that test their English fluency. There, it is important to learn how to prepare for the IELTS Speaking Test. 

The IELTS Listening test is the same for both the modules. Examinees are required to listen to an audio conversation and accordingly answer the given questions. This module is the easiest to score if you know how to prepare for the IELTS Listening Test.

The difference is only between the reading module and writing module.

 Now let’s look at the differences in detail for IELTS Reading and IELTS Writing.

Difference between IELTS General and IELTS Academic Tests for Reading Module

Similarities between IELTS General and IELTS Academic: 

As explained in the above section of the IELTS reading module, you will have 60 minutes to attempt 40 questions in multiple formats. There are mainly 14 types of questions asked that includes Sentence Completion, Short Answer Questions, Matching, Classification, Sentence Completion with a Box, Short Answer Questions, Labelling Diagram, Paragraph Headings, Multiple Choice, Finding Information in Paragraph, Summary Completion, Summary Completion with a Box, Pick from a List, Table/Flow Chart Completion, True/False, Not Given and Yes/No/Not Given. 

Differences between IELTS General and Academic: 

IELTS Academic: In this, you have to watch out for the author’s voice, purpose, and key arguments. There will be three long academic-style texts (academic topic, from science to history) with different difficulty levels. A glossary will be provided for any term you might not know, so don’t get panicked if you encounter any unfamiliar terms. The Academic test has 3 long texts which are usually However, the entire test is designed keeping in mind the non-native speakers of the English language.

IELTS General Training: IELTS General Training tests your English- proficiency in a social setting. You can expect four short passages with variable length and difficulty from a variety of everyday situations. These can be anything from newspaper snippets to advertisements. Do remember that these everyday-style texts may seem simple but picking out the details from the chunk of information might be challenging. The topics usually revolve around notices or advertisements and are sometimes picked from company handbooks, official documents, books and newspapers.

Table below explains the differences briefly: 

Get an in-depth understanding on IELTS Reading in this blog – How to prepare for IELTS Reading Test

Difference between IELTS General and IELTS Academic Tests for Writing Module

Similarities between IELTS General Training and Academic:

The Writing tasks in the IELTS General and IELTS Academic tests share several similarities, let’s have a look at them:

1. Time Allocation: Both the IELTS General and IELTS Academic Writing tasks require you to complete two writing tasks within a total time limit of 60 minutes. The first task is usually a shorter task that should take about 20 minutes to complete, while the second task is longer and should take about 40 minutes.
2. Word Count: The recommended word count for each writing task in both the IELTS General and IELTS Academic tests is around 150 to 250 words. This range ensures that you have enough space to develop your ideas and demonstrate your writing skills without exceeding the allotted time limit.
3. Coherence and Cohesion: Both tasks require you to maintain coherence and cohesion throughout your writing. This means that you should use cohesive devices such as transition words, pronouns, and conjunctions to connect your ideas and create a well-structured piece of writing. Doing so will help ensure that your writing is easy to read and understand.
4. Grammar and Vocabulary: Both tasks assess your ability to use accurate grammar and a wide range of vocabulary. In order to demonstrate your language proficiency, it is important to use correct grammar and sentence structures. Additionally, using a variety of vocabulary will help showcase your language skills and impress the examiner.
5. Task Response: Both tasks require you to provide a clear and direct response to the given prompt. You need to demonstrate your ability to organize and present information effectively, supporting your ideas with relevant details and examples. Additionally, it is important to address all aspects of the prompt in your writing in order to receive a high score.

Differences between IELTS General Training and Academic: 

Find the table below that briefly explains the differences between IELTS general and academic writing tasks: 

Know more on How to prepare for IELTS Writing Task 2

Now coming to the question, which test is easy: IELTS Academic or IELTS General?

The common norm is that the IELTS Academic Test is slightly difficult as compared to the IELTS General Test, for obvious reasons. 

• In the General Training exam, you’ll encounter questions that revolve around everyday life, covering topics that are relatable and familiar. On the other hand, the Academic test takes you on a more focused journey, diving into specific subjects and academic contexts.
• There is a difference between the scoring formats of these tests, as there is always a difference of 1 band. The reason for this difference lies in the complexity of the reading materials. In the IELTS Academic test, questions are designed to assess your ability to understand and analyze complex academic texts. Therefore, you need a higher level of reading comprehension to answer the questions correctly. On the other hand, the reading passages in the IELTS General Training test are simpler and more straightforward, and the questions are designed to test your ability to read and understand texts related to everyday life situations. Hence, the questions in the General Training reading section are easier to answer than those in the Academic test. For example, If you have a score of 37-38 out of 40, you get 8.5 bands in IELTS General reading. But with the same score, you will get 8 bands in IELTS Academic reading. Therefore, to ensure fairness in the scoring system, the band score for the General Training Reading section is slightly higher than that of the Academic test.

Commonly Asked Questions about IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training

1. I am applying for an undergraduate degree program. Which exam should I take?

The IELTS General Training exam is most suitable if you’re applying for any undergraduate degree program. But there are colleges, and schools that specifically would like to check your ability to present logical explanations. So before you book your exam, check the criteria of that particular college for clarity. 

2. I am going to study at a university for a graduate/post-graduate degree. Which will be the most suitable exam for me?

You should be focusing on the IELTS Academic exam if you’re planning to study in higher education. The test will assess if you’re ready to begin studying the subject in the English language. 

3. I am going to apply for a visa or migrate to an English-speaking country. Which exam should I appear for?

If you are planning to migrate to countries like the UK, USA or Australia, you probably need to appear for the IELTS General Training test. But you must check the criteria before applying because the requirements can change very quickly. 

4. Is the IELTS Academic test extremely difficult?

Most of the parts of the IELTS General and Academic Tests are the same. The only difference lies in the two modules where you need to present your opinion logically. It is slightly more difficult than the General exam but once you understand the strategies, it will be easy to handle the questions. 

5. Would IELTS General be considered if I am applying for a job in a foreign country?

Most of the time organizations in English-speaking nations seek IELTS Academic scores and they have already mentioned the minimum eligibility criteria. But it is always a good idea to contact the organization and get clear information. 

6. Which IELTS is easy paper or computer?

There is much of a difference between the two. Especially, when it comes to factors such as the test format, question types, time allocated to each test part, and content, the two are identically the same. The only difference is that the experiences of both tests are different, and rightfully so. Therefore, when it comes to choosing the mode of the IELTS exam, you should weigh factors such as your typing speed versus your writing speed. The faster, the better. 

7. Does handwriting matter in IELTS?

Yes. It is undoubtedly important to maintain clear and readable handwriting throughout your answer script when sitting for the IELTS examination, specifically if you choose the handwritten mode of the exam. When it comes to the style of writing, it is totally up to your own choice. All styles of writing (cursive, etc.) are admissible in the IELTS exam. 

8. Can I take the IELTS exam from home?

In the wake of the COVID-19-induced lockdown, IELTS announced a new system of testing whereby individuals can choose to give their IELTS exam from the comfort of their homes. IELTS Online is a specialized arrangement for IELTS Academic givers so that they can continue their education journey. 

9. Is IELTS marked by a computer?

Yes and no. The IELTS Reading and Listening sections are marked automatically by the computer. On the other hand, the IELTS Writing and Speaking sections continue to be graded by trained Examiners.

10. Can I prepare for IELTS from home without taking coaching?

Yes. Anyone can prepare for IELTS from home without taking any form of coaching. However, one should be well versed in the English language, and also have a hold on the examination pattern, syllabus, and marking criteria. One should also make sure that their source of information is genuine and follows the right rules. You can visit our website for free IELTS study material so that you can prepare at home without taking any coaching. 

Both these courses are taught by the best instructors in the industry. The contents of these courses are uniquely created to build a strong foundation that helps students to answer any type of question asked on the test. The classes are conducted in small groups with the exception of doubt clearing and speaking sessions which are conducted one-on-one for individual attention.

If you are looking for a comprehensive IELTS preparation course or just want to work on a particular section, get in touch with us at www.yunolearning.com. You can also find free practice tests for self-study. In case of any query, give us a call at 098739 98199.