Which IELTS Test Should You Take? Understanding the Academic IELTS

Not sure which IELTS test is right for you? If you plan to study in higher education or seek professional registration in an English-speaking country, you might need to take the IELTS Academic test.

IELTS Academic test assesses your English-language proficiency at an academic level to determine whether you are ready to study at an undergraduate or post graduate level, or work in a professional setting, such as doctor, nurse, teacher or lawyer.

The Academic test looks at your English-language proficiency across the four skillsets, listening, reading, writing and speaking.

The Listening and Speaking parts of the test are the same for both Academic and General Training, while the Reading and Writing parts are different.

Book IELTS Academic

IELTS Academic and IELTS General training are comprised of the same four sections of the test.

The Listening and Speaking sections are the same, but the Reading and Writing tests are where they differ.

Reading Test

In the IELTS Academic Reading test, you will be asked to read three long paragraphs. These paragraphs can consist of excerpts from books, magazines or even newspapers. You will then be asked to answer questions relating to what you have read.

Read more about the question types in the IELTS Academic Writing test

Writing Test

The Writing section for IELTS Academic, test takers is based on topics from undergraduate or postgraduate studies. You have to complete two Writing tasks:

• For the IELTS Writing Task 1, you are given a page with a chart, graph or diagram. The test-taker then have to analyse the data and interpret it in their own words. You/test takers are asked questions to test how they process the given information and arrive at a logical conclusion. The writing style is strictly formal.

• IELTS Writing Task 2 is the same for both Academic and General Training. This task involves writing an essay discussing a statement about a contemporary issue. The writing style must be formal, and the essay has to have relevant examples.

Read more about the question types in the IELTS Academic Writing test