IELTS Academic Preparation Course
Our IELTS Academic preparation course covers all four papers: listening, reading, writing (Task 1 graphs and processes, Task 2 essays) and speaking. The course combines recorded lessons with live one-to-one sessions with a verified English tutor, who marks your writing against the four band descriptors (task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy) and runs mock speaking tests. Suitable for students applying to universities in the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, and for visa and professional registration.
Reviewed by Divya, Master's in English, IGNOU; IELTS trainerLast updated
$13 – $18
per hour
Free demo class · pay only if you continue
What you will learn
Learning outcomes
- Score Band 7+ in IELTS Academic Reading and Listening
- Write Task 1 reports and Task 2 essays to Band 7 standard
- Speak confidently in all three parts of the IELTS Speaking test
- Complete full practice tests under exam conditions
Prerequisites
- B2 level English or above
Tags
Course structure
Syllabus(5 modules)
- Skimming & scanning
- True/False/NG
- Matching headings
- Summary completion
What is IELTS Academic Preparation?
In short: this course gives one-to-one online IELTS Academic preparation for university entry and professional registration. A verified English tutor builds strategies for all four skills and marks your Writing and Speaking against the public band descriptors, aiming at your target band.
IELTS Academic is the version of the International English Language Testing System taken for university admission and professional registration in English-speaking countries. It tests Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, each scored on a band scale from 0 to 9, with an overall band score that universities set as an entry requirement.
This online course teaches IELTS Academic Preparation one to one with a verified tutor who has studied or taught it at university level, at your pace and aligned with your own module.
Official specification: IELTS Academic test format (IELTS).
What is the IELTS Academic test format?
IELTS Academic has four sections, Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, with a total test time of 2 hours 45 minutes. You can take it at a test centre or online, and the format is the same either way. Listening and Speaking are the same as in General Training; Reading and Writing differ.
| Section | Time allowed |
|---|---|
| Listening | About 30 minutes |
| Reading | 60 minutes, including transfer time |
| Writing | 60 minutes |
| Speaking | 11 to 14 minutes |
Source: IELTS Academic test format.
What does the IELTS Academic Preparation course cover?
| Skill | Format | What we practise |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | About 30 minutes, 4 parts, 40 questions | Prediction, form completion, multiple choice, map and diagram labelling |
| Reading | 60 minutes, 3 long passages, 40 questions | Skimming and scanning, True/False/Not Given, matching headings, summary completion |
| Writing | 60 minutes: Task 1 (at least 150 words) describing a graph, table, map or process; Task 2 (at least 250 words) essay | Structure, data description, argument, cohesion, vocabulary and grammar |
| Speaking | 11 to 14 minutes, 3 parts, face to face with an examiner | Fluency, the Part 2 cue card, extended Part 3 discussion, pronunciation |
How is IELTS Writing marked?
Each task is marked on four criteria, equally weighted.
| Criterion | What examiners look for |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement (Task 1) / Task Response (Task 2) | Fully answering the task with relevant, well-supported ideas |
| Coherence and Cohesion | Logical organisation, paragraphing and linking |
| Lexical Resource | Range and accuracy of vocabulary |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | Variety of structures with few errors |
Task 2 counts for twice as much as Task 1 in the Writing score.
How do you write a high-band Task 2 essay?
- Spend five minutes planning your position and main ideas.
- Write a clear introduction that paraphrases the question and states your view.
- Write two or three body paragraphs, each with one main idea, explanation and example.
- Use a range of linking words naturally, not mechanically.
- Write a short conclusion restating your position.
- Leave time to check grammar and spelling.
What does a high-band Task 2 plan look like?
Here is an illustrative plan for the Task 2 question: "Some people think universities should focus on job skills. To what extent do you agree?" Planning for about five minutes keeps your answer clear and on topic.
| Part | Content |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Paraphrase the question and give a clear position: partly agree |
| Body 1 | Job skills improve employability, with a specific example |
| Body 2 | Universities also build critical thinking and research skills that employers value |
| Conclusion | Restate the balanced position clearly |
Where do candidates lose band scores?
Candidates most often lose band scores by not answering every part of the Task 2 question, writing under the word limit, using memorised phrases, making repeated grammar errors and giving short, undeveloped Speaking answers.
| Mark-loser | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Part of the question ignored | Address every part of the prompt |
| Under the word limit | Write at least 150 words (Task 1) and 250 (Task 2) |
| Memorised phrases | Use natural, accurate language |
| Repeated grammar errors | Practise accuracy with targeted feedback |
| Short Speaking answers | Extend answers with reasons and examples |
How is it assessed, and how can a tutor help?
IELTS is a test rather than a course module; your tutor sets practice tests and marks Writing and Speaking against the public band descriptors so you know your current level and what to improve.
Tutors explain concepts, work through practice problems with you and give feedback on your approach. Graded work you submit must be your own, as set out in our academic integrity policy. For deadline-driven guidance, see assignment help.
How the lessons work
Lessons are live and one to one on video with screen sharing and a shared whiteboard. You can follow a full course or book sessions on the topics you find hardest before exams. See also our Essay Writing Masterclass and Business English. FLN Tutors is not affiliated with IELTS, the British Council, IDP or Cambridge.
IELTS Academic preparation online: who this course is for, prerequisites and study plan
IELTS Academic preparation online gives you live 1-to-1 lessons on all four skills, with feedback on your writing and speaking against the band descriptors.
This course suits university applicants and professionals who need an IELTS Academic score, in any country.
Prerequisites: B2 level English or above.
Course length: 32 lessons of 30 minutes across 5 modules.
| Stage | Topics | What you can do afterwards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reading | Skim, scan and handle each question type |
| 2 | Listening | Follow the recording and avoid common traps |
| 3 | Writing Task 1; Writing Task 2 | Describe data and write a clear essay |
| 4 | Speaking | Answer all three parts with confidence |
Where it leads: see the Essay Writing Masterclass for university essays.
IELTS Academic Preparation Course: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between IELTS Academic and General Training?
Academic is for university study and professional registration; General Training is for work and migration.
How long is the IELTS test?
The total test time is 2 hours 45 minutes: Listening about 30 minutes, Reading 60 minutes, Writing 60 minutes and Speaking 11 to 14 minutes.
How is the overall band calculated?
It is the average of the four skill bands, rounded to the nearest half band.
How many words should I write?
At least 150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2.
How can I improve my Speaking score?
Practise speaking at length, extend your answers with reasons and examples, and get feedback on fluency and pronunciation.
How long does it take to improve by one band?
It depends on your level and practice; regular marked practice speeds it up.
Do you mark my writing?
Yes. Tutors mark your essays against the band descriptors.
Do you offer mock Speaking tests?
Yes. Tutors run timed mock Speaking tests with feedback.
How much does a IELTS tutor cost?
The price depends on the tutor and session length. You see the hourly rate before booking, with no subscription.
Can a tutor do my assignment for me?
No. Tutors explain, guide and give feedback so you can complete your own work, in line with our academic integrity policy.
What is a good IELTS Academic band score?
It depends on your goal: many universities ask for an overall band of 6.0 to 7.0, often with a minimum score in each section, and some courses need 7.5. Check your target institution's exact requirement. A tutor assesses your current level and plans practice to close the gap in your weakest section.
How long is the Speaking test?
11 to 14 minutes.
How long is an IELTS Academic score valid?
IELTS recommends that organisations accept results for two years from the test date, because language skills can change over time. Universities and visa authorities set their own rules, so some accept older results and some ask for a recent test. Always check the validity rule of each organisation you are applying to.
Can I take IELTS online?
IELTS Academic can be taken at a test centre or online, with the same format.
How long is the Writing test?
60 minutes for Task 1 and Task 2 together.
How do I plan a Task 2 essay?
Spend about five minutes deciding your position and main ideas, then write a clear introduction, two developed body paragraphs and a conclusion.
Is IELTS Academic difficult?
IELTS Academic is harder than General Training in Reading and Writing, because it uses academic texts and asks you to describe charts or processes in Task 1. Most candidates find Writing the hardest section. With timed practice and feedback against the band descriptors, steady improvement is realistic for most learners.
Who should take IELTS Academic?
Students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate study and professionals seeking registration, such as doctors and nurses.
How can I improve my IELTS Writing score?
Answer every part of the task, organise each paragraph around one clear idea, and use a range of accurate grammar and vocabulary rather than memorised phrases. For Task 1, describe the main trends with data; for Task 2, give a clear position and support it. Regular feedback on full timed essays makes the biggest difference.
Do you offer lessons in my time zone?
Yes. Lessons are online, so you can book times that suit your time zone.
Can I do IELTS Academic preparation online?
Yes. You can do IELTS Academic preparation online through live 1-to-1 video lessons from any country. Your tutor practises all four skills, marks your writing against the band descriptors and runs speaking practice. Progress depends on your starting level, and no band score can be guaranteed.
Student reviews
What students say about IELTS Academic Preparation Course
Used FLN Tutors? Be one of the first to share how it went, in writing or in a short video.
Money-Back Guarantee
Full refund if we miss the agreed deadline, can't find a suitable expert, or major errors can't be fixed by revision.
Learn more →100% Confidential
Your identity, order details and institution are never shared with any third party.
Learn more →Deadline-Backed Delivery
Every order has an agreed deadline. If we don't deliver by it, you can claim a full refund.
Learn more →Get started today
Ready to get expert help?
Tell us what you need and get matched with a tutor who teaches your subject. Delivered on time, every time.