[header] How to improve at ielts reading [title] Determine which test you are taking. [step] There are 2 types of ielts tests: academic and general. The academic test is for test-takers who hope to be accepted to universities or professional training programs. 
The general test is intended for people who want to receive secondary education or to live and work in an english-speaking country. While the listening and speaking portions of the ielts test are the same, the reading and writing portions are different.