Top 10 best books for IELTS exam preparation

When it comes to getting the highest score you can in your IELTS exams, preparation is key. Yes, it can feel a bit overwhelming at times, especially if you’re just getting started with the language, but lots of little bits of practice can make a huge amount of difference.

There are lots of things you can do to prepare for your 2021 IELTS exams, and IELTS books are a resource. Most of them will cover all aspects of the exam, give you sample test and answers and give you some useful tips and strategies to help you conquer your nerves on exam day.

The best books for IELTS general will give you well-rounded guidance to approaching the exam.

 

Read on to discover our round-up of the top 10 best books for IELTS general preparation.

1. The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS 

Suitable for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

Designed to help you achieve a high score in your IELTS exam, this book gives you hints and tips from people who have done the course themselves. Step-by-step guides will help you plan, prepare for and pass your IELTS exam with the best grades possible.

Why we like it:

• It’s based on information gathered from people who have taken the IELTS test themselves.
• Will help you prepare for all the sections of the IELTS exam.
• Gives you strategy advice that is relevant and possible to implement.
• Detailed answers are provided for all 8 of the full-length practice tests.
• It includes a DVD with listening and speaking tests.

• It’s better for getting to know the exam format and structure rather than learning new things.

2. Barron’s IELTS Superpack

Complete with strategies and tips

Ideal for both academics and professionals, this is one of the best books for IELTS general preparation. The comprehensive IELTS preparation pack gives you literally everything you need to help you score highly in your IELTS exam.

Why we like it

• It comes with two practice exams and 2 audio CDs
• The Essential Words included are great for giving focus to your IELTS preparation
• It’s got lots of information included and is great value for money
• It’s very comprehensive

• It’s not designed for absolute beginners
• The amount of information included makes it good value for money, but it’s still expensive

3. Simone Braverman’s Target Band 7

Great for those who want to achieve a high score in their IELTS exam

Easy-to-understand with clear tips and strategies that are easy to put into practice, this is a book written by someone who has taken and IELTS exam themselves. It gives solutions to problems you might encounter, loads of tips and it gets great reviews from students, whpo say it is one of the best books for IELTS general preparation.

Why we like it:

• Gives you good tips on test strategy including how to use your time more effectively and work more efficiently
• It’s clear and easy-to-read
• It’s written by someone who has taken the IELTS tests themselves

• Some of the sample tests don’t have answers
• There are no full IELTS exams included

4. IELTS Practice Tests Plus 2 with Key and CD Pack

A great practice book which covers all 4 tests and the strategies you’ll need to score highly

Suitable for General Training exams as well as those studying towards their IELTS Academic, this is a great resource of practice exams, particularly as it goes through the analysis of what makes a correct and incorrect answer. It has useful tips and the audio scripts will really help you improve.

Why we like it:

• It gives you lots of ideas about strategies
• Sample answers with annotations and explanations
• There are 6 full tests included
• It’s really easy to use

• It doesn’t cover anything new as it just focusses on test strategy
• You’ll need to combine it with another guide in order to get the most out of your IELTS prep

5. Cambridge IELTS 15 Academic Student’s Book with Answers

Authentic examination papers give you a really good idea of what to expect when it comes to your IELTS exam.

The most up-to-date version of this well-respected series, this book is aimed at IELTS Academic students it contains 4 tests as well as a really good answers section which is invaluable for helping with your IELTS preparation and improvement.

Why we like it:

• Good tips which are divided up by section
• It’s good at explaining the different question types which helps you prepare well
• It goes into a lot of detail

• Not ideal for complete beginners
• The information isn’t brilliantly laid out

 

6. Road to IELTS

Okay so it’s not technically a book. Road to IELTS is an interactive online course offering mock papers, tutorial videos, and other interactive exercises. You can download free IELTS practise papers, and if you’re registered for the test through the British Council, you can get some free videos and interactive activities.

You can also pay $50 for the full version, which includes a complete online course, over 300 activities, and nine practise tests. 

Why we like it:

• It’s interactive and engaging.
• Gives you great practise exams.
• Lots of free features. 

• Full version is fairly expensive compared to other books and resources. 
• You only get 90 days access, even on the paid version. 

 

7. IELTS Trainer

IELTS Trainer gives you six full practise tests, and helps you build up to success in your IELTS exams. It is one of the best books for IELTS preparation because it guides you along your IELTS journey, giving you step-by-step advice on the first two papers. 

One happy customer on Amazon said that IELTS Trainer is “the best way to train yourself for the exam day.”

Why we like it:

• Includes CDs for listening tests, as well as sample exams for other sections.
• Comes with answers. 
• Guides you through two test papers.

• Only suitable for Academic IELTS preparation. 
• Doesn’t focus on grammar. 

 

8. Mometrix IELTS Book for General Training and Academic 2021 - 2022

Mometrix Test Preparation's IELTS Book for General Training and Academic 2021 - 2022 - IELTS Secrets Study Guide is a fantastic book for anyone looking to pass their IELTS exam.

It comes with practise test questions, video tutorials, and tips and strategies.

Why we like it:

• Covers all four areas of the IELTS test. 
• Video tutorials to help you master difficult topics.
• Affordable.

• Not affiliated with or endorsed by any testing organisation.

 

9. Check Your English Vocabulary for IELTS

This is a vocabulary book for you if you need to expand your vocabulary before your IELTS exam. 

Why we like it:

• Suitable for both IELTS General and Academic.
• Wide range of vocabulary to help you improve your scores. 

• Aimed at the intermediate level, so not suitable for beginners. 
• Only focuses on vocabulary - you will need to use other resources to help you fully prepare for the test.

 

10. Focus on IELTS Foundation: Foundation Coursebook

Focus on IELTS Foundation is a book providing a good grounding in the language and skills you’ll need to master to get a great score in the exam. 

It features interesting texts and materials, a key language bank, and DIY learning strategies and projects for progression outside of the classroom. 

Why we like it:

• Comes with a listening CD to help you prepare for the listening exam.
• Can be used for other English language practise outside of IELTS.

• This book doesn’t focus much on grammar, so you may need another resource to focus on that.
• Most useful for in-class learning, rather than independent learning.

 

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