If you are preparing for the IELTS test at home, having the best IELTS books is extremely important. They help you improve your English skills and get ready for the exam. But with so many books out there, it can be hard to choose the best ones. Don’t worry, we are here to help you.
Table of Contents
In this article, we have put together a list of the best IELTS books to help you out. These books cover everything you need to know for the test, from reading and writing to listening and speaking. With determination and some smart studying, you can do well on the IELTS exam.
Key Takeaways
- IELTS is an exam for studying abroad or moving to a foreign land. It tests your English skills and logical thinking
- The exam has four parts: listening, reading, writing, and speaking
- Each part is scored from 1 to 10, with 7 or higher considered good
- Preparing for the IELTS and GRE together is smart since they have similarities, especially in writing
- The IELTS test format includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking sections
- You should choose IELTS preparation books based on your needs and preferences. You should consider content, style, and practicality
- IELTS scores are valid for two years from the result date, so plan your study and application timeline accordingly
What is an IELTS Exam?
When you want to study abroad, you need to take a test called IELTS. It is an online test that checks how well you know English and how good you are at thinking logically. Universities use your IELTS scores to see if you can understand their classes.
The test has four parts: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. You get a score from 1 to 10 for each part, and if you get a 7 or higher, it is considered good.
But how do you score well on the IELTS exam? You need to put in consistent effort and use good study materials. There is no easy way, but if you work smart, it will help a lot.
Can You Prepare for IELTS and the GRE Together?
When you want to pursue your higher education abroad, you might need to take two tests: IELTS and GRE. IELTS checks how well you know English, while GRE shows if you are ready for a master’s program.
Both are important, so it is good to spend time preparing for them. The good thing is, they are a bit similar, especially the writing part. So, if you practice for one, it can help with the other too. Practice is key for the GRE, so please make sure you do lots of it to get ready.
What Is The Format of the IELTS Exam?
When you take the IELTS test, you will be assessed on four main skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Let’s break down what each part involves.
1. Reading section
You will have an hour to read a text and answer 40 questions about it. The questions can be multiple choice, true or false, or about summarizing the text.
2. Writing
You will have to complete two tasks in an hour. The first task involves describing a picture or graph in about 150 words. For the second task, you will need to discuss an argument or opinion in around 250 words.
3. Listening
You will listen to four recordings and answer 10 questions for each. You will have about 40 minutes to do this. It is important to take notes because you will only hear each recording once.
4. Speaking
This part is a face-to-face interview with an examiner and takes about 15 minutes. You will introduce yourself, speak for two minutes on a given topic, and then have a discussion based on that topic.
That is the format of the IELTS test. Each section tests different skills, so it is important to prepare for all of them.
How To Choose The Best IELTS Books For Preparation?
IELTS books play an important role in deciding your fate in the IELTS exam. These books will help you score the minimum IELTS band requirements for the country where you want to pursue your higher education.
The minimum IELTS band requirements for universities in the UK are extremely high. So it is important to select the best IELTS books wisely during your preparation. Here are some tips on how to select the best IELTS books for your preparation:
- When you are picking an IELTS preparation book, you should think about what you want from it. Some are more general, while others focus on academic training. Academic books give you more details than general ones.
- You should think about what you like to read. Some books can be boring, so it is better to choose something interesting. That way, you won’t get tired while studying, and you will stay motivated.
- You can also work with a tutor for writing and speaking practice. They can give you feedback that a book can’t.
- You can also try an online mock exam to see what the real test is like.
Top 9 Best IELTS Books
When you are getting ready for the IELTS test, having the right books is important whether you are studying on your own or with a teacher. There are so many resources online, but it can be overwhelming to go through them all.
Sometimes, the information you find online can be confusing or even wrong. Books, on the other hand, are carefully made and edited. So you can trust them more. In this section, we have picked out some of the best IELTS books to help you prepare. Let’s have a look at them:
| Name of the Book | Cost | User Ratings |
| The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS | $33.00 | 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗 |
| Cambridge IELTS 16 Academics Students Books | $50.11 | 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗 |
| The IELTS Trainer book | $19.95 | 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗 |
| Simon Braveman’s Target Band 7 | $21.98 | 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗 |
| Barron’s IELTS Super Pack | $32.37 | 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗 |
| Mometrix IELTS Books for General Academic Training | $19.99 | 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 |
| IELTS English Vocabulary | $35.36 | 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 |
| IELTS Foundation Coursebook | $41.98 | 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑 |
| Official IELTS practice material | Free | Available on the IELTS website |
1. Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS is one of the best books for studying for the IELTS exam. It gives you tips and advice from students who did well on the test. The book has clear explanations and eight practice tests to help you understand the exam better. It also includes videos and audio to practice listening.
Why it is good:
- It shows you common mistakes to avoid during your preparation
- You get advice from students who have already passed the test
- It helps you practice speaking and listening to CDs
2. Cambridge IELTS 16 Academics Students Books
Looking at real test papers helps you understand what the IELTS exam is like. The newest version of Cambridge IELTS 16 Academics Students Books are made for IELTS Academic students and has four tests with answers for each section. Doing these tests and checking the answers is helpful for your preparation.
Why it is good:
- It gives you tips for each part of the test
- It explains the different types of questions to help you prepare
- It has a lot of details
3. IELTS Trainers
The IELTS Trainer book has 6 full practice papers to help you do well in the exam. It is known as one of the best books for getting ready for the IELTS test. It gives you lots of advice. It also comes with CDs for the listening test and other parts, with different answers and tips on how to handle them.
Why it is good:
- It has detailed answers and tips for every question
- You will find good examples for the speaking, writing, and listening tests
- There is a step-by-step guide for each type of question
4. Simon Braveman’s Target Band 7
If you want to do well in your exams and get into your dream university, then Simon Braveman’s Target Band 7 is perfect for you. It is great for both reading and writing. It is written by experts who did well in their tests. Also, it has simple strategies to help you ace every part of the exam.
Why it is good:
- It helps you manage your time better during the test
- It gives you the answers you need while you are taking the exam
5. Barron’s IELTS Superpack
Barron’s IELTS Super Pack has everything you need to study for the IELTS exam in one package. It includes books, practice modules, test papers, strategies, and CDs. These materials help you prepare for the test. This book is best when it comes to the listening part.
Why it is good:
- It has all the study materials you need
- The CDs make learning easy because you can listen to them instead of just reading
- You can improve your listening skills by listening to the audio
6. Official IELTS Practice Materials
Official IELTS practice material is made by the people who create the actual IELTS test. It shows you how each part of the test is done and gives you tips to help you prepare. You will get practice papers, answer sheets, and more to study. It is not just helpful for students but also for teachers who are helping students get ready for the test.
Why it is good:
- You get feedback from people who make the test, so you can prepare better
- It’s useful for both students and teachers who are preparing for the IELTS test
7. Mometrix IELTS Books for General Academic Training
Mometrix IELTS Books for General Academic Training is great for improving your IELTS writing and general training skills. It has helpful video tutorials that explain things in detail, along with practice tests and useful tips. The book covers all four sections of the IELTS test, and it is not too expensive.
Why it is good:
- It has answers and explanations for practice tests
- The step-by-step video tutorials make it easier to understand even the tricky topics
- It gives a thorough review of each section
8. IELTS English Vocabulary
IELTS English Vocabulary helps improve your reading skills for the IELTS test. It teaches you lots of new words and makes your vocabulary stronger. It is good for both general and academic purposes. If you are just starting to prepare for the IELTS and want to get better at English, this book is perfect for you.
Why it is good:
- It helps you do well in the IELTS test by improving your vocabulary.
9. IELTS Foundation: Coursebook
The IELTS Foundation Coursebook gives you a strong start in improving your language skills for better scores. It has lots of things to read and study. This includes a big collection of important questions, helpful tips, and projects you can do on your own. Also, it comes with CDs for listening practice.
Why it is good:
- It has CDs and great study materials
- It is a good way to boost your language skills beyond just IELTS
How To Register for the IELTS Exam?
You can sign up for the IELTS test right from your computer. Here is how you can do it:
- Go to the official IELTS website.
- Click on the “Register for IELTS” option.
- Choose the type of test you want, pick a date, and select a city where you want to take the test. Usually, there are four tests available each month at a center.
- After you pick your test center, you will see if there are any seats left.
- Fill out the application form online.
- Use a valid credit card to pay the test fee.
Validity of the IELTS Test Scores
As an international student, your IELTS scores stay valid for only two years starting from when you get your results. You can’t make them last longer. So if they expire, you will need to take the test again.
That is why it is important to plan carefully when you will apply, when you will start your studies, and when you will take the IELTS test.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the best book for IELTS preparation at home?
All the books that we have mentioned in this article are good for getting ready for your IELTS test. The best one for you depends on what you want to achieve and how high you want to score. If you just need to do well in certain parts of the test, then focus on books that cover those areas.
But if you want to do well in all parts of the test, then you need to put in consistent effort and work smart with the right books.
2. How many books should one buy for IELTS preparation?
It mostly depends on what you are aiming for. You can get good IELTS study material by choosing a book that covers everything or you can pick specific books for each part of the test.
3. How can you prepare for IELTS at home?
If you are getting ready for the IELTS at home, you can practice by doing some test questions, and reviewing your practice tests and speaking skills. You can also improve your reading with newspapers, blogs, and more.
4. What are some best books for the IELTS reading section?
Here are some great books for improving your reading skills for the IELTS:
1. IELTS Reading for Academics 2022
2. Makkar IELTS Reading Volumes 1 and 2
3. Collins Readings by Els Van Geyte
4. IELTS Reading Actual Tests Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4.
5. Can you refer to some online resources instead for IELTS?
You can choose the best IELTS books and online resources to get ready for the IELTS exam. It all comes down to which ones you find most comfortable and convenient for you.
Conclusion
If you are preparing for the IELTS test, it might feel like a big task. But it doesn’t need to stress you out. If you are patient, eager to learn, and determined, you will do just fine. You just need the best IELTS books for your preparation.
The best IELTS books are really helpful. They will help you understand what you need to know for the test, and how to get a good score and do better than others. There are lots of preparation books out there, so in this article we picked the best ones for you.
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