Preparing for the IELTS test? For many candidates—possibly including you—the Reading and Writing sections are often the most challenging. In the Reading section, you need to understand the full text and answer questions that often involve implied meaning. Meanwhile, the Writing section tests your ability to express ideas clearly, with proper structure and context in essay form.
Consistent practice is key to improving your skills in both sections. But with today’s rapid tech development, more people are turning to AI tools for IELTS to support their learning. With just a few prompts, AI can summarise complex texts or generate paragraphs on a topic instantly.
This leads us to a big question: which is more effective for preparing for IELTS Reading and Writing—AI tools or a human tutor?
Challenges in IELTS Reading and Writing
Each part of the IELTS test presents its own level of difficulty, depending on your ability and learning habits. However, Reading and Writing are two components that many find most difficult—mainly because both demand strong time management and a high level of English skills.
In the Reading section, you’re required to read several long texts and answer a set of questions under time pressure. The main challenge lies in time management and vocabulary—the more words you know, the easier it is to understand the text and find accurate answers, even for questions with implied meanings. To succeed in the IELTS reading exam, it is crucial to develop strong reading skills, such as skimming, scanning, and understanding question types. If you’re struggling to improve IELTS reading score or facing IELTS reading difficulty, this is where tools or guidance can really help.
Meanwhile, the Writing section asks you to write two types of texts in one hour. Your ability to develop ideas, present them in a clear essay structure, and maintain coherence between paragraphs is essential. You’ll also need to focus on grammar and sentence structure so your writing not only makes sense but also meets the IELTS scoring criteria. If you face IELTS writing struggles, you’re not alone.
Understanding these challenges is an important first step in your IELTS preparation. Once you identify which areas need improvement, the next step is choosing the best learning method. To become fully prepared for the IELTS test, you need to learn effective strategies that address your weaknesses and help you perform at your best.
With current advancements in technology, many test-takers are considering AI tools for IELTS as part of their study plan. So, what are some of the popular AI tools, and how can they help?
Understanding IELTS test and IELTS question types
Effective IELTS preparation goes beyond just practicing sample questions. It involves a comprehensive understanding of the test format, the various question types, and the assessment criteria used to evaluate your performance. Developing strong strategies for time management, expanding your vocabulary, and improving your reading and writing skills are all crucial steps in the preparation process. In today’s digital age, educational technology and artificial intelligence (AI) have become valuable tools for IELTS learners, offering detailed feedback, personalized guidance, and targeted practice materials to help you achieve your desired score. By leveraging these resources, you can approach the IELTS exam with confidence and a clear plan for success.
A key part of effective IELTS preparation is understanding the different question types you’ll encounter in each section of the test. In the Reading section, you’ll face a variety of question formats such as multiple-choice, short answer, and true/false/not given questions. These are designed to test your reading comprehension, vocabulary, and ability to analyze and interpret information. Each question type requires specific strategies to answer efficiently and accurately.
IELTS Writing Section:
This section is divided into two tasks. Writing Task 1 typically asks you to describe visual information—such as a graph, table, or diagram—while Writing Task 2 requires you to write a discursive essay on a given topic. Both tasks assess your ability to organize ideas, use appropriate vocabulary, and demonstrate clear, logical argumentation.
IELTS Reading Section
In this section, you will encounter a variety of texts and question types designed to assess your reading skills, vocabulary knowledge, and ability to understand implied meanings. This section requires you to read several passages within a limited time and answer questions such as multiple-choice, short answer, true/false/not given, and matching headings. Mastering effective reading strategies like skimming for main ideas, scanning for specific information, and understanding different question types is essential to improve your performance. Consistent practice using reliable materials will help you build the necessary reading skills and manage your time efficiently to achieve a high band score in the IELTS reading exam.
Top AI tools for IELTS Reading & Writing preparation
In everyday life, AI tools are widely used to simplify tasks—whether it’s finding information, writing documents, or managing schedules. In the context of IELTS preparation Indonesia, AI is becoming more popular for offering instant and flexible support in reading, writing, and grammar improvement. AI tools can also support academic writing and IELTS writing preparation by helping learners develop structured responses and improve their performance in exam-related writing tasks.
There are now various AI tools for IELTS with different features and strengths. Some are designed to help with writing, grammar correction, or fast summarising—everything that can help you perform better in both Reading and Writing. These tools assist with IELTS writing tasks by providing feedback and addressing key criteria such as grammatical range and lexical resource, which are essential for success in academic writing and exam contexts.
Here are a few widely used AI tools today:
ChatGPT
ChatGPT for IELTS is a powerful AI tool that generates text based on prompts or questions. Its features include answering questions, summarising texts, providing essay examples, and explaining paragraph or sentence structure. It’s great for understanding topics, clarifying grammar, or building an essay outline.
The free version is already useful for general needs, though it has some limitations with complex responses or advanced access. The premium version offers deeper context understanding and more natural output.
For IELTS prep, ChatGPT for IELTS can be used to simulate Reading questions, draft Writing Task 1 and 2 responses, and even provide feedback or suggestions for improvement—making it a helpful tool to improve IELTS band score. ChatGPT can generate detailed comments on your writing, offer analysis of your responses to highlight strengths and weaknesses, and help boost your motivation to practice regularly.
Grammarly
Grammarly for IELTS focuses on grammar checking, spelling, punctuation, and sentence clarity. Its standout features include a grammar checker, tone detector, and contextual writing suggestions—ideal for refining your writing and avoiding technical errors in formal English.
While the free version offers basic grammar and spelling corrections, Grammarly premium review IELTS gives you deeper insights on style, sentence structure, and clarity.
In an IELTS context, Grammarly is especially helpful for evaluating your Writing Task 1 and 2 drafts independently, helping you spot common errors and improve writing quality. Additionally, Grammarly can assist you in meeting task achievement criteria by ensuring your responses fully address the requirements of each IELTS writing task. This is one of the cheapest ways to preparationm IELTS if used effectively.
QuillBot
QuillBot is known for its paraphrasing and summarising tools. With features like a paraphraser, summariser, and grammar checker, it helps you rewrite sentences or understand core messages quickly. It’s particularly useful for expanding vocabulary and sentence structure variety—skills that matter in both Reading and Writing.
The free version has word and paraphrasing limits, while the premium version offers more writing modes and better output quality. For IELTS writing help Indonesia, QuillBot can teach you how to paraphrase ideas—an essential skill, especially for Writing Task 2. Using QuillBot can also enhance your creativity by encouraging you to express ideas in different ways.
Preparing for IELTS with a human tutor
Despite the rise of technology, many IELTS candidates still find that working with a human tutor offers more effective preparation. You can join in-person sessions or connect with an online IELTS tutor in Indonesia through trusted providers like IDP. Even learning from friends or mentors who have achieved high scores can provide valuable insights. A teacher can provide personalized guidance, detailed feedback, and support that helps address your specific learning needs.
Human tutors offer advantages that AI tools can’t fully replicate—such as real-time interaction, personalised feedback, and realistic exam simulations. A tutor can help identify your weaknesses and design tailored strategies to help you reach your target band score—making them a great option for those seeking structured and personalised IELTS support. There are a variety of IELTS preparation courses and training programs available, including on-site, online, and blended learning modes. Enrolling in a course can help build your self efficacy as a test-taker by providing structured instruction, practice, and support.
Here are key benefits of studying with a tutor:
Structured learning Tutors provide a clear curriculum, covering question types, answering strategies, and weak-point improvements.
Accurate band score prediction Experienced tutors can assess your current level and predict your IELTS band score based on practice tasks.
Realistic Test Simulations Mock tests mimic the actual IELTS format, helping you prepare both mentally and technically.
AI vs Tutor: Which is more effective for IELTS preparation?
After learning the strengths of both AI tools for IELTS and tutors, you may wonder: which one works best? The answer depends on your learning style, goals, and preferences.
Recent advances in education and teaching methods, especially the integration of AI in language education, are shaping how students prepare for the IELTS exam.
Here’s a quick comparison between AI tools and human tutors for IELTS preparation:
| AI Tools | Human Tutors |
|---|---|---|
Feedback Speed | Instant; results in seconds | Depends on tutor schedule |
Grammar Support | Automatic corrections and suggestions | Deep, contextual explanations |
Cost | Mostly free or freemium | Can be costly, though IDP often offers free sessions |
Personalisation | Limited to your input | Fully tailored to your needs and score goals |
IELTS Score Accuracy | Not official; AI-based estimate | More accurate; aligns with IELTS standards |
Best For | Self-paced learners needing flexibility | Those needing structure and intensive guidance |
Pros & Cons: Human Tutor vs AI IELTS
Let’s break it down further, considering the perspective of different students and their unique needs when choosing between AI tools and human tutors:
| AI Tools | Human Tutors |
|---|---|---|
Pros | Fast, accessible 24/7 Great for exploring ideas Low-cost or free Useful for grammar and paraphrasing practice Allows students to practice at their own pace and from various perspectives | Deep, personalised feedback Help with strategy & structure Mock test experience Speaking confidence building Tutors can adapt to each student's perspective and learning style |
Cons | No contextual explanations Depends on quality of input No official IELTS evaluation No interactive Speaking/Listening practice May not address every student's perspective or specific needs | Can be expensive Limited availability Less flexible for busy learners Slower progress without extra practice Some students may find it challenging to get multiple perspectives in a single session |
So, when should you use AI tools vs a human tutor? Use AI tools for IELTS if you:
Are just starting out
Prefer independent learning
Have a limited budget
Want to focus on grammar and vocabulary
Need fast support for daily practice or writing structure
Use a human tutor vs AI IELTS if you:
Are aiming for a high band (e.g., 7+)
Struggle with argument structure
Need intensive mock test experience
Want personalised IELTS help, strategy tips, and confidence building
When deciding between AI tools and human tutors, consider reviewing relevant research on language learning effectiveness and AI applications. Think about your own research questions regarding which preparation methods work best for your needs. For more guidance, consult informative blog posts and online resources that discuss IELTS strategies and experiences.
Comparing the costs of AI tools vs human tutors
Before deciding on a preparation method, it’s important to consider the costs involved. Both AI tools and human tutors come with different pricing structures, depending on features, session duration, and service provider.
Here’s a general overview of the estimated costs for premium AI tools, tutoring services, and IELTS preparation courses in Indonesia:
Service | Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
Grammarly Premium | AI Tool | From IDR 180,000/month* |
ChatGPT Plus | AI Tool | Around IDR 300,000/month* |
Local Tutor | Human Tutor | IDR 150,000 – 500,000/session* |
IETS Preparation Courses | Human Tutor | Book your test with us and get advise from our experts |
*Prices are estimates and subject to change. Please visit each provider’s website for the most updated information.
Start preparing for your IELTS test
Both AI tools for IELTS and human tutors have their own strengths when it comes to preparing for the test—especially for Reading and Writing. If you value flexibility and efficiency, AI can be a practical study companion. But for deeper, more personalised guidance, tutors are still the best option.
Combine both approaches for the best results—use AI for self-paced practice, then enhance your skills with direct feedback from a tutor.
To support your journey, IDP offers a wide range of free resources—from the IELTS by IDP app to practice materials and expert-led prep classes. Consider exploring relevant literature on IELTS preparation to deepen your understanding, and view the process as an opportunity for broader language learning that extends beyond the test itself.
Ready to take the next step? Register for your IELTS test with IDP today!