Education
Full language learning consultation, lessons, and courses
IELTS specialisation course
A personalised online IELTS specialisation course
Get your best possible IELTS band score
Study with an instructor of 15+ years’ experience
Designed for Your Success
CELTA qualification holder
With a teacher certified from Cambridge University with more than 15 years’ experience in exam preparation, we will design the perfect IELTS strategy and lesson plans.
Exam preparation experience worldwide
We have run exam preparation courses for a major European language school and have a wide range of experience with exam formats, strategies, and learner’s needs.
Personalised one-on-one lessons
We can flexibly design the curriculum in a way that language schools cannot. We provide full-custom guidance for your goals, deadlines, and areas of weakness in English or IELTS.
Benjamin Allison
Your teacher
I am an English language teacher - qualified from University of Cambridge - with over 14 years of teaching experience. I have experience in teaching in Asia, Europe, and London, and have lead the exams preparation course at a major European language school. I also study how to teach (professional development) to offer the best, modern teaching practices to my students. I aim to get you to be an independent learner so you can continue to learn without a teacher.
Learning a language is a really big challenge. It can take many months and years. We’ll break it down into smaller steps, and celebrate your success on the way. I also learn languages myself (Japanese and Spanish) so I can understand how hard it is!
I began teaching English in London after studying English Literature at University. I have taught across many cultures, to speakers of many different languages, including: Russian, Ukrainian, Polish, German, Czech, French, Spanish, Greek, Turkish, Romanian, Italian, Colombian, Venezuelan, Brazilian, Argentinian, Saudi, Moroccan, Libyan, Taiwanese, Korean, and many more.
My one of my proudest achievements is teaching Exam English for IELTS, TOEIC, TOEFL where I taught the English skills and exam strategies for thousands of students to get their desired exam score. These students went on to their first choice University or helped improve their career. Exam English is much more specific than General English but when students are so focused and driven, there is no limit to what we can achieve together.
What do my students say?
“His feedback and exam strategies were really helpful and I couldn’t have done it without him.”
“I took up classes at the spur of the moment and Ben was flexible and accommodating. His feedback and exam strategies were really helpful and I couldn’t have done it without him. I spent a long time trying to study on my own, but I’m really glad I found Ascend!”
IELTS student - Mr. K.S.
“He is a patient and kind teacher.”
“His lessons are always bright and enjoyable. After the trial lesson, I immediately decided to continue learning with him. I am currently studying pronunciation and accent, and his explanations are so clear that they are easy to understand. In class, I am given many opportunities to practice, which allows me to do practical exercises and receive constructive feedback. He also understands that I am practicing for the IELTS exam and assigns me suitable homework. As his CELTA qualification proves, he is an excellent English teacher, and above all, since he can understand and speak Japanese, I especially recommend him to Japanese learners who may not yet feel confident speaking with a native speaker. For me, he’s absolutely 10 out of 10.”
IELTS student - Mr. M.
“What I learned from Mr. Allison in Japan has been a great help. I’m truly grateful to him.”
Study abroad student - Mr. T.Y.
Lessons
This is a specialised IELTS preparation course.
Lessons are primarily conducted online. (Please note this is not a General English and it is not suitable for absolute beginners.)
Fees
To improve your English skills for the IELTS exam, we recommend taking at least two lessons per week. (Please contact us if you have any alternative requirements.)
Price List:
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24 lessons: ¥576,000 (¥24,000 per lesson)
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36 lessons: ¥720,000 (¥20,000 per lesson)
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48 lessons: ¥864,000 (¥18,000 per lesson)
Please note: Each lesson is 60 minutes long. Lessons are valid for 3 months from the first lesson.
24-lesson course
24 times：¥576,000（1 lesson will cost ¥24,000）
Lessons 2 times a week for 3 months.
(Prices can be converted to your local currency at checkout.)
¥576,000
Buy now Contact me
36-lesson course
36 lessons: ¥720,000 (1 lesson will cost ¥20,000)
Lessons 3 times a week for 3 months.
(Prices can be converted to your local currency at checkout.)
¥720,000
Buy now Contact me
48-lesson course
48 lessons: ¥864,000 (1 lessons will cost ¥18,000)
Lessons 4 times a week for 3 months.
(Prices can be converted to your local currency at checkout.)
¥864,000
Buy now Contact meMore about me
As an editor, I have edited materials for APEC, and EDO-TOKYO MUSEUM and Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo. I have also collaborated with policymakers to produce reports for the G20, STS Forum, and the International Maritime Organization. Furthermore, I have edited and written white papers, press releases, advertising copy, and annual reports for numerous Japanese corporations including Nissan, Toyota, Ajinomoto, Kitayoshi, and Rakuten.
In addition, I have worked extensively with the Japanese government. Working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Finance, National Personnel Authority, and Imperial Household Agency has been a great honor and a wonderful experience.
Examples of Work:
- Museum catalogs and artifact plates
- PowerPoint presentations for conferences and symposiums
- Summaries and minutes of board meetings and audit procedures
- Legal and historical publications
- Technical documentation on 5G network installation and procedures
- Annual reports
- Interview transcriptions
- Advertising and content copy
- Website and digital marketing activities for Japanese market entrants
- Subtitle creation for internal PR videos
- Press releases
FAQ
Q: Am I the right level for this course?
A: This course is specificially for getting better at the IELTS exam. There are no different levels for the IELTS exam itself, all students take the same exam and are graded on a spectrum. However for the best chance for success and to not feel overwhelmed, you should be studying at a B1 level already. If you are not sure about your own level, feel free to get in touch, and I can grade you myself.
Q: Is this course in Japanese?
A: The course is in English, but Ben can explain some things in Japanese if it is helpful. We accept students from all around the world.
Q: Do I need to take the IELTS course?
A: If you are not planning on taking the IELTS exam, this course may not be the best for you. We also offer General English courses, so please check them out.
Q: Can you guarantee a 7.5?
A: We cannot guarantee a exam result, but we have good knowledge on what is necessary to get a 7.5 (or any score). After taking this course, you’ll also understand very well what kind of score you are able to achieve. That being said, our students must also be dedicated to get the best score. It takes two to tango!
Q: How can I pay?
A: We accept all major credit cards via Stripe. You can pay in (almost) any currency.
Q: Do I need to pay for course materials?
A: We will provide you with the most suitable teaching materials and learning resources according to your level and needs.
Q: I already have some experience with IELTS. Can this course help me?
A: We regularly teach re-takers of the exam. And we can help you improve on your past performance. Many students also retake the IELTS exam at later stages in their life, for Master’s courses or working visas, for example.
Inquiries
Please feel free to reach out if you have any other questions about the course.
Contact usLevels
If your level is not ready for the IELTS course, we cater for all levels from Absolute Beginner to Intermediate and Advanced in our General English courses. We can, therefore, improve your general English ability and get you in the best position to join the exam course. Level structure at Ascend English is aligned with the CEFR levels.
| Skill | Level | CEFR | IELTS band score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic user | Absolute Beginner | A1 | |
| Basic user | Elementary | A2 | |
| Independent user | Pre-Intermediate | B1 | 4 |
| Independent user | Intermediate | B1 | 4.5 |
| Independent user | Intermediate | B1 | 5 |
| Independent user | Intermediate | B2 | 5.5 |
| Independent user | Upper Intermediate | B2 | 6 |
| Independent user | Upper Intermediate | B2 | 6.5 |
| Proficient user | Advanced | C1 | 7 |
| Proficient user | Advanced | C1 | 7.5 |
| Proficient user | Advanced | C2 | 8 |
| Proficient user | Advanced | C2 | 9 |
