The IELTS General Reading test is slightly different in format to the Academic Reading test and is taken for a different reason.

We’ll start by discovering why you would choose the General test and then, I’ll give you all the information you need to understand the test, including samples from real IELTS test papers.

Here’s an outline of what we’ll be covering: 

• Why take IELTS General Reading
• Test format
• Types of text
• Links to my step-by-step strategy pages for the 12 question types
• Sample tests

Why Take IELTS General Reading

When choosing which IELTS exam to take, the most important consideration is why you need an IELTS qualification.

IELTS General Training is for people wanting to work in or emigrate to the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada or New Zealand. It is widely accepted for,

• Visa and employment applications
• Education at high-school level
• Non-academic training such as practical vocational courses

Your test result is used by various institutions to help them decide if you will be able to study, work or live successfully in the country to which you are applying.

The British Council website has a very useful search facility that will give you valuable information on employers, governments, immigration authorities and professional bodies around the world that accept IELTS, and the minimum band score requirements for each.

It will also tell you which IELTS test would be most appropriate for the industry you want to work in.