Which IELTS test should I take: Academic or General Training?

Academic is usually required for university study and some professional registrations; General Training is often used for work and migration. Check what your university, employer or immigration program asks for before you book.

Which IELTS sections benefit most from a tutor?

Speaking and Writing, because they are assessed by examiners against published criteria and need detailed feedback that you cannot get from an answer key. A tutor can also teach strategies for Reading and Listening question types.

How long does IELTS preparation take?

It depends on your current level and the band score you need. A tutor can estimate a realistic plan after a diagnostic; improving by a full band usually takes sustained practice, so plan ahead of your deadline.

Can I prepare for IELTS online?

Yes. Online lessons work well for speaking practice over video and for detailed written feedback on essays. Many IELTS tutors on WantATutor teach online.

How much does an IELTS tutor cost?

Each tutor sets their own hourly rate, shown on their profile, and you pay the tutor directly. WantATutor takes no commission.

Guide for students and parents

IELTS preparation with a tutor

Updated November 10, 2026 · WantATutor

Short answer

To prepare for IELTS with a tutor, confirm whether you need Academic or General Training and the band score required, take a practice test to find your weakest sections, and work with the tutor on Speaking and Writing feedback while practicing Reading and Listening question types on your own. Plan backwards from your test date.

IELTS is one of the most widely used English tests for study, work and migration. A tutor helps most where self-study struggles: knowing exactly why your essay or spoken answer sits at a certain band and what to change. This guide walks through a practical plan. Always check the current official test format and band descriptors, as details can change.

Step 1: Know your target

Find out which version you need (Academic or General Training) and the overall and section band scores your university, employer or program requires. Some set a minimum for each section, which changes how you plan.

Step 2: Diagnostic and plan

A timed practice test shows your starting band in each section. Your tutor reviews your writing and speaking against the official criteria and agrees a weekly plan with you, focusing on the sections furthest from your target.

Step 3: Speaking practice

Practice all parts of the speaking test in timed, realistic conditions
Get feedback on fluency, vocabulary range, grammar and pronunciation
Build ways to extend answers naturally instead of memorized scripts

Step 4: Writing feedback

Learn the structure examiners expect for each writing task
Write timed responses and receive detailed corrections
Work on task response, coherence, vocabulary and grammatical range

Step 5: Reading and Listening

These sections have answer keys, so much of the practice can be done independently. A tutor teaches strategies for each question type, time management and how to avoid common traps, then reviews the questions you keep getting wrong.

How to choose an IELTS tutor

Look for a tutor who has prepared students for your version of the test and target band, gives detailed written feedback on essays and offers realistic speaking practice. Ask how they assess your current level and track progress. Compare two or three tutors with our questions to ask a tutor.

Get started

Browse IELTS tutors or post a free request with your target band and test date. Preparing for TOEFL instead? See TOEFL tutors.