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IELTS Books 2024

updated at

Updated on Sep 29, 2024, 14:29

When it comes to preparing for the IELTS exam, picking the right books is crucial to ace the exam.

 

But don't worry; we've put together a list of recommended preparation books that will make your journey to a high IELTS score easier.

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1. IELTS Preparation Books

We've picked out the top IELTS books for you. Whether you're going for the Academic or General Training test, we've got you covered.

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2. IELTS Preparation Tips

Here are some great tips to help you prepare for the IELTS test. 

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1.

IELTS Preparation Books

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Here is a list of IELTS best preparation books:

 

Barron's IELTS Superpack

 

Barron's IELTS Superpack is designed to make your IELTS exam preparation as comprehensive and convenient as possible. In this set of four essential books, you'll find all the materials you need to excel in your English language proficiency exam.

 

Here's what you'll find in Barron’s IELTS Superback:

 

  • Barron's IELTS Book: This book provides a solid foundation with four practice exams for the Academic Module and two for the General Training Module. It also offers a thorough subject review to enhance your understanding of the test content. Access to online audio tracks is included.

 

  • IELTS Practice Exams with MP3 CD: You'll have access to six practice exams for the Academic Module and six for the General Training Module. Detailed answer explanations will help you understand where you went right or wrong. Additionally, you'll find audio materials available online and on a CD.

 

  • IELTS Strategies and Tips with MP3 CD: Learn expert strategies to tackle exam questions efficiently. This book offers valuable insights to help you perform at your best. You'll also find audio material online and on CD for your convenience.

 

  • Essential Words for the IELTS: Expand your vocabulary by learning 600 words that frequently appear on IELTS exams. Enhance your language skills with this book and access audio content online and on CD.

 

Publisher: Barron's Educational Series, Inc.

 



The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS

 

Unlike other IELTS preparation books, The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS caters to both Academic and General Training. It offers you advice and tips based on previous test-takers' experience, along with clear explanations of how to achieve high scores. 

 

You can sharpen your knowledge with eight official practice tests and a step-by-step guide for each section.

 

With this latest IELTS book, you can prepare for the speaking and listening sections. It even comes with a DVD to help you. You'll find valuable advice from successful test-takers in this book.
 

 

Publisher: Cambridge University Press.



Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Student's Book with Answers

 

Here's what you'll find in the Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Student's Book with Answers:

 

  • Realistic Practice: This book is part of the renowned Cambridge IELTS Academic Series and includes four authentic examination papers from Cambridge Assessment English. The best part? These practice tests are a mirror image of the real IELTS exam, providing you with a true-to-life test experience.

 

  • Insightful Content: Beyond the four complete practice tests, you'll also discover an introduction to all IELTS modules and a thorough explanation of the scoring system employed by Cambridge Assessment English. This insight is invaluable for understanding how your IELTS performance is evaluated.

 

  • Answers and Audio: To facilitate your preparation, the book offers a comprehensive section of answers, allowing you to self-assess your progress. You'll also have access to downloadable audio materials, particularly helpful for the listening section.

 

  • Independent Study: Whether you're studying independently or with guidance, this book caters to your needs. It's a valuable resource for students working partly or entirely on their own.

 

  • Real Test Experience: The authenticity of the Cambridge Assessment English examination papers provides the perfect opportunity to know the IELTS exam and hone your examination techniques using real test materials.

 

Here's what you'll find interesting in this book:

 

  • It will help you get familiar with all the parts of the test.
  • You can understand how the scoring works by looking at what the exam will be like before you take it.

 

Publisher: Cambridge University Press.


 

Official IELTS Practice Materials

 

Official IELTS Practice Materials, created by the official IELTS partners, is your comprehensive guide to understanding how each section of the IELTS exam is assessed, and it's packed with valuable study tips. 

 

Here's what you can expect from this IELTS practice book:

 

  • In-Depth Insights: This resource delves into the assessment process for every section of the IELTS test. You'll understand what the examiners seek, giving you a significant advantage.

 

  • Practice Tests Galore: Prepare confidently by working through practice tests covering all academic and general training sections. These tests come complete with answer sheets, tapescripts, typical examiner feedback, and more.

 

  • Teacher's Assistance: But that's not all—this resource isn't just for students. Even teachers guiding students through their IELTS journey can benefit from this material. It is a comprehensive teacher resource pack to help instructors better prepare their students for the IELTS test.

 

  • Expert Guidance: Rest assured that you're learning from the best. Cambridge ESOL examiners and material writers with extensive experience crafting IELTS tests create this resource.

 

Publisher: Cambridge University Press.


 

IELTS Trainer

 

The IELTS Trainer is a helpful resource for your IELTS preparation. It gives you a structured way to study for the test. The first two sections have eight example test modules with step-by-step guidance. While the Cambridge Guide has advice from past test-takers, this book gets input from expert IELTS professionals on handling different parts of the test. This boosts your self-study.
 

The book also has other interactive tools, like audio, to help you with the listening part of the test. But the best thing about it is that it provides great sample answers for the writing and speaking parts. Experienced IELTS professionals have reviewed these answers.
 

The tests in this book are pretty challenging, even though Cambridge examiners wrote them. Also, this book focuses on the Academic test, but the Speaking, Writing task 2, and Listening parts are the same as the General test.
 

Publisher: Cambridge University Press.


 

Road to IELTS

 

"Road to IELTS" is a course created by the British Council, which makes the IELTS test. It's not a book; it's all online. It's full of interactive materials to help you get ready for the IELTS exam.

 

You'll find more than 100 different things to help you, like videos with IELTS experts, practice papers with answers and tips, and a lot more. If you want to test your knowledge while studying alone, this IELTS course is one of the best options out there.

 

Provided By: The British Council.


 

Check Your English Vocabulary for IELTS

 

This book is an excellent resource for you if you are preparing for the IELTS exam. It is made to help you avoid common mistakes related to vocabulary, which can often hamper your performance in writing tasks. It functions like a workbook, allowing you to engage with the content actively. 

 

By completing the exercises provided, you can expand and strengthen your vocabulary, enhancing your ability to score well on the IELTS test.

 

One of the notable strengths of this book is its user-friendly format. It offers clear and concise instructions on approaching each exercise, making it easy to understand and apply the lessons effectively. 

 

Many candidates find it a valuable tool for self-study, and it's particularly beneficial for those motivated to take charge of their vocabulary improvement. This is what makes it one of the best IELTS writing books that can help you achieve a good band score. 

 

It's worth noting that instructors frequently recommend this book to their students due to its practicality and effectiveness in vocabulary enhancement.

 

Authored By: Rawdon Wyatt.


 

Simone Braverman's Target Band 7

 

This book, endorsed by IELTS Canada, is highly regarded for contributing to IELTS preparation. It will help you enhance your existing understanding of the IELTS and empower you to work towards achieving higher band scores. 

 

In addition to serving as comprehensive IELTS study material, this book stands out by offering guidance on time management and strategies for writing well-structured answers to essay questions.

 

Simone Braverman's IELTS book includes model answers at the Band 7 level and beyond. These model answers are accompanied by brilliant advice on applying the same techniques to your IELTS essays. 

 

This resource serves a dual purpose – it widens your knowledge and equips you with the problem-solving skills required to navigate common challenges in the IELTS exam.

 

Written By: Simone Braverman.

 

 

Focus on the IELTS Foundation Coursebook

 

The "Focus on IELTS Foundation Coursebook" is a valuable tool for those seeking to master the skills needed to excel in the IELTS exam and attain a good band score. 

 

This coursebook offers a holistic approach, including various test papers and exercises, along with a language bank to bolster your fundamental language skills. It functions as a foundational resource to help you comprehend the English language and perform well in the IELTS general exam.

 

This book provides insights into the essential skills required for IELTS success, making it a good resource for anyone looking to establish a solid foundation for their IELTS preparation. 

 

Authored By: Sue O'Connell. Published By: Pearson Longman.

 

 

English Collocations in Use: Advanced

 

"English Collocations in Use: Advanced," a publication by Cambridge, focuses on enhancing your understanding of how words are naturally paired or combined in the English language. 

 

These word combinations, called collocations, are critical to fluent and natural communication. This book consists of 60 lessons, each exploring various topics and covering nearly 1500 collocations.

 

This resource is specifically tailored for individuals with an intermediate level of English proficiency who aim to achieve a band score of 6 or higher on the IELTS exam. 

 

It is a valuable asset for refining your language skills, as it delves into everyday English usage and provides insights into how certain words naturally go together. By understanding these common language patterns, you can enhance your overall language fluency and vocabulary, which are essential for success in the IELTS exam.
 

Authored By: Felicity O'Dell and Michael McCarthy. Published By: Cambridge University Press.

FAQs

Q. Why do I need IELTS preparation books?

A: IELTS preparation books are essential because they offer structured resources and practice materials to help you become familiar with the format and content of the test. They allow you to improve your skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking, which are key to achieving a high score on the exam.

Q. Are there different IELTS books for Academic and General Training?

A: Yes, there are distinct IELTS books designed for the two main test types: Academic and General Training. It's crucial to select the appropriate book that aligns with the version of the exam you plan to take, as they have different question types and scoring criteria.

Q. What are the best IELTS books for self-study?

A: Some of the most popular IELTS books for self-study include "The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS," "Barron's IELTS," and "IELTS Trainer." These books offer comprehensive content, practice tests, and helpful tips for your preparation.

2.

IELTS Preparation Tips

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Preparing for your IELTS test can be overwhelming, but we have some tips to help you get started.
 

  • Take a practice test: Take a practice test to identify your weaknesses and strengths. This will help you focus your preparation.
  • Understand the test format: Learn about the IELTS test format and question types for each section. Familiarity with the format is key to success.
  • Be aware of time constraints: Get used to the time limits by practising under timed conditions. Practice this by setting a timer while you work on sample questions or take practice tests. This way, you'll become accustomed to the time limits, preparing you to handle the time constraints effectively during the real test.
  • Develop your English skills: Remember that IELTS is an English proficiency test, so improve your English alongside IELTS practice. It takes time to progress, so start preparing at least 3-6 months in advance.
  • Multitask when listening: Practice listening to English conversations and learn to recover quickly if you miss something. Understand what kind of information to provide for different question types.
  • Develop a wide range of reading skills: You should focus on improving your reading abilities. Try techniques like quickly looking over the text to grasp the main points (skimming), and pay attention to the writer's viewpoints. Also, practice different question types to become comfortable with how they are structured.
  • Use appropriate English when writing: The writing module may be challenging. Practice writing in a formal style for Task 1 and learn to structure essays for Task 2. Use appropriate language for different chart types in Task 1 and practice common IELTS essay topics.
  • Speak fluently and clearly: Practice each part of the speaking test, including discussing a random topic. Focus on pronunciation, vocabulary, and fluency. Learn to take notes to talk for two minutes.
  • Immerse yourself in English: Read in English, write daily, and listen to native speakers. Try the 'shadowing' technique to improve pronunciation and intonation. Seek feedback from others or consider an institution for guidance.

 

Remember

Persistence is the key to success in your IELTS preparation. Stay committed, and you'll improve your English skills and increase your chances of success on the test.

FAQs

Q. How can I score 9.5 in IELTS?

A. Achieving a remarkable score of 9.5 in IELTS is an ambitious goal, but it's attainable with consistent effort and good preparation. Here are some tips to help you on your journey:

  • Record yourself while speaking and analyse your performance. 
  • Watch English-based TV shows, movies, and documentaries. 
  • Don't be in a hurry to finish your responses in the Speaking section. 
  • Listen to various sample IELTS recordings to become aware of different accents and question types.
  • Use a pencil instead of a pen during the Writing section to make corrections more neatly.
  • In the Reading section, focus on details and nuances in the text. 
  • Read widely and regularly. 
Q. Is 2 days enough to prepare for IELTS?

A. Two days of preparation for the IELTS exam may not be sufficient to achieve the desired score. IELTS is a comprehensive test that assesses your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. However, you should invest more time in meaningful preparation and a higher chance of success. A common recommendation is to dedicate a minimum of 14 to 21 days for each test part. 

Q. Can I get 7 in IELTS in 15 days?

A. Achieving a score of 7 in the IELTS exam within just 15 days is possible, but it's a challenging task that requires a focused and structured approach. Here's a more detailed plan to help you work toward this goal:

  • Understand each section's IELTS exam format, scoring criteria, and question types. 
  • Allocate a significant part of your day to IELTS preparation. 
  • Listen to various English audio materials, such as podcasts, news broadcasts, and IELTS sample recordings.
  • Practice skimming and scanning techniques to identify information quickly.
  • Enhance your vocabulary and grammar.
  • Take full-length mock tests to simulate exam conditions.
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FAQs

Q. Can I rely solely on IELTS books for preparation?

A: While IELTS books are a valuable resource for your preparation, you might need more than just them to provide a comprehensive study experience. You can combine your book-based study with additional approaches like taking online practice tests, seeking guidance from an experienced IELTS tutor, or even enrolling in an IELTS preparation course. 

Q. How can I improve my IELTS writing skills using books?

A: IELTS books are excellent tools for enhancing your writing skills. They typically offer many resources to help you become a more proficient writer. Sample essays, model answers, and various writing exercises are found in these books. These materials serve as practical examples and guidance for improving your writing. They often include valuable tips on structuring your responses effectively, utilising vocabulary to convey your ideas more clearly, and organising your thoughts logically. 

Q. Are there IELTS books with sample questions and answers for the Speaking and Listening sections?

A: Absolutely; most IELTS books include dedicated sections with sample questions and answers for the Speaking and Listening components of the test. These sections are particularly valuable because they allow you to become familiar with the questions you will likely encounter in the exam. They offer model responses and answers to illustrate what examiners seek in your speaking and listening abilities.

Q. Do I need to buy the latest edition of an IELTS book?

A: While older editions of IELTS books can still be valuable for your preparation, using the most recent edition is generally recommended. This is important because the IELTS exam is periodically updated, and newer editions of the books are more likely to align with the current test format, question types, and any adjustments made to the exam content. 

Q. How long should I study with IELTS books each day?

A: The ideal amount of time you should dedicate to studying with IELTS books can vary depending on your starting proficiency level and specific study goals. On average, it's a good practice to aim for about 1 to 2 hours of focused study per day. However, it's essential to remember that consistency in your study routine is more important than the number of hours you put in. Consistent daily practice helps you retain what you've learned, build your skills gradually, and avoid cramming, which can be less effective in the long run. Additionally, you should adjust your study duration based on your needs and progress. Some individuals may benefit from shorter, more frequent study sessions, while others prefer longer, in-depth study periods. 

Q. Are there IELTS books specifically for vocabulary and grammar improvement?

A: Yes, you can find IELTS books specifically designed to help you enhance your vocabulary and grammar skills. These books focus on required language factors essential for success in all sections of the IELTS exam. Within these resources, you'll discover exercises, examples, and explanations tailored to improve your understanding and use of vocabulary and your mastery of English grammar.

Q. Can I access IELTS reading books online for free?

A: While some IELTS reading resources are available online for free, comprehensive IELTS books that provide structured and in-depth preparation materials are typically available for purchase. Free online resources may include sample questions, tips, and practice tests, which can be useful to some extent. However, to achieve a more thorough and structured preparation experience, investing in best IELTS reading books like the Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS designed for comprehensive study is often recommended. These books typically contain content, practice exercises, and authentic test materials that can significantly aid your preparation efforts.

Q. What should I look for in a quality IELTS book?

A: When selecting an IELTS book, several key factors can help you identify a quality resource that will effectively support your preparation:

  • Refer to updated content.
  • Look for a variety of practice tests.
  • The book should offer clear and concise explanations of concepts.
  • Review user reviews and recommendations from other test-takers.
  • A quality IELTS book should cover all exam sections, including Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
Q. Are there IELTS books with strategies for time management during the exam?

A: Yes, many IELTS books include valuable strategies and tips for effectively managing your time during the exam. Time management is critical to the IELTS test, as you must complete all sections within the allotted time limits. These books guide how to distribute your time wisely among different sections when to move on to the next question, and how to avoid spending too much time on a single task. 

Q. Can I use IELTS books for other English proficiency exams, like TOEFL?

A: While there may be some overlapping content between IELTS and other English proficiency exams like TOEFL, using materials specifically designed for the exam you are preparing for is generally advisable. Each English proficiency test has its unique format, question types, and scoring criteria. Using materials tailored to the test you will take ensures you are adequately prepared and familiar with the test's specific requirements. 

Q. Are IELTS books suitable for all English proficiency levels?

A: Yes, IELTS books are available for various English proficiency levels, catering to a wide range of learners, from those at a beginner level to those at an advanced level. Choosing an IELTS book that aligns with your current skill level is essential. This ensures that you study at an appropriate difficulty level and can steadily progress in your preparation.

Q. Which is the hardest part of the IELTS?

A. The Writing section is the most challenging Among the various sections of the IELTS exam. Several factors contribute to the perceived difficulty of the Writing section. First, it demands a high level of language proficiency and the ability to effectively express complex ideas and arguments. Task 2, in particular, requires you to develop a coherent and well-structured essay with clear arguments and supporting evidence, which can be daunting for many test-takers.