IELTS preparation

Make the next IELTS priority clear.

IELTS is more than repeated practice questions. We start with the student's current level, target band, test date and weaker skills, then plan one-to-one preparation around them.

All four IELTS Academic skills, with online lessons available

  • One-to-one lessons
  • Online or in person
  • No enrolment fee, no material fees in most cases

Support and tutor assignment depend on the student's goal, level, timeline and tutor availability.

What we consider when planning IELTS preparation

The right preparation depends on the target band, the test date and the student's skill balance. We check the current level first, then focus on what matters most.

  1. Confirm the target band and likely test date
  2. Assess Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking separately
  3. Give more time to weaker skills and set priorities

Separate the four skills

IELTS Academic assesses four different skills.

IELTS Academic includes Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. We look at which skill is holding the student back, not just the overall score.

Listening

We can work on question previewing, identifying key information, paraphrase recognition and vocabulary.

Reading

We can work on passage strategy, question types, time management and vocabulary.

Writing

We can review Task 1 and Task 2 structure, idea development, vocabulary, grammar and clarity.

Speaking

We can practise Parts 1 to 3 with attention to fluency, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and extending answers.

See the official IELTS Academic test format ↗

How preparation works

Work back from the target band and test date.

The right plan depends on the starting point and the time available. The four skills rarely need equal lesson time.

A woman wearing headphones, writing in a notebook in front of a laptop
  1. Check the current level

    We review past IELTS results or mock work, school English and actual Writing or Speaking output.

  2. Confirm the target and timeline

    We clarify the required band, likely test date and purpose, such as study abroad.

  3. Separate the weaker areas

    We split skills that need urgent work from those that need steady development.

  4. Recheck under test conditions

    Timed, test-style work shows whether the plan needs to change.

Tutor matching

For IELTS, matching goes beyond general English ability.

A tutor smiling beside a learner as they write in an open notebook

We look at more than how strong a tutor's English is: we look at whether they are a good fit for IELTS preparation, including the student's skill gaps and stage.

  1. IELTS or English-qualification experience

  2. Strength in the skill that needs work, such as Writing or Speaking

  3. Experience that suits the student's age and stage

  4. Japanese support, lesson format and a schedule that fits the timeline

We do not guarantee a particular tutor, opening or score increase. Options depend on the student's needs and tutor availability.

Teenagers and high-school students

Plan IELTS around school and study-abroad goals.

High-school students often balance school English, exams and activities alongside IELTS. We help set priorities around the test date and school workload.

A short intensive period and a longer programme that also builds school English need different plans.

Petra tutors who can support IELTS

Each name links to the tutor's own profile.

  • Sara

    Sara

    Keio University · Faculty of Economics

    English, IELTS, primary to adult

    Sara adapts lessons to each student's strengths and areas for improvement, helping them use English in their studies and everyday life.

  • Hazel

    Hazel

    Sophia University · Faculty of Liberal Arts

    IELTS, TOEFL & academic English

    Hazel focuses on exam preparation and academic English, working back from the target score and deadline to identify the areas that need strengthening.

  • Julie

    Julie

    English, IELTS & SAT

    Julie keeps explanations simple and clear for students who feel unsure about English, working at a pace that supports gradual confidence.

  • Tina

    Tina

    Sophia University · SPSF

    IB English, economics & IELTS/TOEFL/SAT

    Tina focuses on the IB, English examinations and essay writing, identifying what to strengthen even when the available preparation time is limited.

  • Nikko

    Nikko

    International Christian University

    Conversation, EIKEN, IELTS/TOEFL & school English

    Nikko covers everything from everyday conversation to EIKEN, IELTS/TOEFL preparation, school English and essay writing. With Japanese explanations when helpful, he supports students in building confidence.

See more tutors →

FAQ

Questions about IELTS preparation

Can high-school students take IELTS lessons with Petra?

Yes. We can discuss IELTS preparation for teenagers and high-school students after checking the target band, current English level and test timing.

Can we focus only on Writing or Speaking?

Yes. If the priority skill is already clear, lessons can focus more heavily on that area.

Can you guarantee a particular score increase?

No. Petra does not guarantee an IELTS score increase. We identify the current gaps and structure preparation around the student's target and timeline.

Are online lessons available?

Yes. Online lessons are available. Tokyo in-person lessons are by consultation depending on the area and tutor availability.

Do you support both IELTS Academic and General Training?

We first confirm which test the student needs. Academic and General Training use different Reading and Writing papers, so tutor suitability is checked for the required format.

Free consultation / trial

Start with the target band and test date.

Tell us the current score or level, target band and test date. We can discuss a realistic approach and possible tutor fit.

Ask about IELTS preparation