IELTS Reading Format Overview (Academic vs General)
Understand the key differences between Academic and General IELTS Reading formats, question types, and scoring. Learn what to expect and how to prepare effectively for both versions.
Many IELTS test-takers are confused about the differences between Academic and General Training Reading sections. While both assess your ability to understand and analyze written English, the format, text types, and scoring vary significantly. Knowing what to expect can make or break your preparation strategy.
In this guide, we’ll break down the structure, passage types, scoring systems, and question styles for each version—and share practical tips to help you ace the Reading section.
IELTS Reading Test Basics
- Duration: 60 minutes (no extra transfer time)
- Number of questions: 40
- Scoring: 1 point per correct answer; raw score converted to Band score
- Question types: Multiple choice, True/False/Not Given, matching headings, sentence completion, and more
Academic vs General Reading: Key Differences
| Feature | Academic Reading | General Training Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | For those entering university or professional registration | For those migrating to an English-speaking country |
| Text Sources | Extracts from books, journals, newspapers, and academic texts | Notices, ads, company handbooks, newspapers, and instruction manuals |
| Text Complexity | More formal and technical | More everyday and practical |
| Sections | 3 long academic passages | 3 sections: 1–2 short texts in Section 1, 2 texts in Section 2, 1 long text in Section 3 |
| Vocabulary Level | Advanced academic vocabulary | More common, workplace-related vocabulary |
Academic Reading Format
- 3 long texts, each followed by 13–14 questions
- Topics are academic but accessible, meaning you don't need specialist knowledge
- Texts may include diagrams, graphs, or illustrations
- Ideal for: Students applying to university or professional registration bodies
Example Passage Topics
- The evolution of the printing press
- Climate change and coral reefs
- Psychology of decision-making
General Training Reading Format
- Section 1: 2–3 short factual texts (e.g. advertisements, public notices)
- Section 2: 2 texts related to workplace topics (e.g. policies, job descriptions)
- Section 3: 1 longer passage of general interest, similar to a magazine feature
- Ideal for: Those taking IELTS for immigration or work purposes
Example Passage Topics
- How to open a bank account
- Workplace safety protocols
- Article on healthy eating habits
Common IELTS Reading Question Types
- Multiple Choice
- Matching Headings
- True/False/Not Given or Yes/No/Not Given
- Matching Information
- Matching Features
- Sentence Completion
- Summary Completion
- Table/Flowchart Completion
- Short Answer Questions
💡 Tip: Not all question types appear in every test, but expect a mix of factual and inferential questions.
Scoring Differences
Although both versions have 40 questions, the raw scores required to reach certain band scores differ due to the variation in difficulty.
| Band Score | Academic (approx. raw score) | General Training (approx. raw score) |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 39–40 | 40 |
| 8 | 35–36 | 37 |
| 7 | 30–32 | 34–35 |
| 6 | 23–26 | 30–31 |
🔍 As you can see, General Reading requires more correct answers for the same band.
Preparation Tips for Both Versions
For Academic Reading
- Read editorials, journal articles, and academic essays
- Practice summarizing long texts into main ideas
- Learn to identify tone, writer’s opinion, and argument flow
For General Reading
- Practice reading practical documents like brochures, manuals, and work memos
- Focus on skimming and scanning techniques
- Expand everyday vocabulary and workplace expressions
Sample Prompts for Practice
Academic
- Reading Passage: “The Rise of Electric Vehicles”
- Question: Do the following statements agree with the views of the writer?
General
- Reading Passage: “Employee Handbook – Safety Guidelines”
- Question: According to the text, what should you do in case of a fire emergency?
📘 Related Blog: IELTS Listening Format Introduction
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