Preparing for IELTS can be daunting for international students. While there are many free resources and test materials online, a well-structured IELTS book can give you practice tests, answer explanations, and useful study tips in one place. In this article, we will discuss four IELTS preparation books, their advantages and disadvantages, and what each one includes.
There are two main IELTS tests for most test takers: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Because this site focuses on undergraduate and graduate degrees, we will focus on IELTS Academic books. Some of the books we recommend also include useful material for IELTS General Training.
Which Books for IELTS Should I Buy?
There are two main categories of IELTS books: practice-test books and study guides. We recommend buying one book from each category. However, if you can only buy one book, choose a practice-test book first. Practicing is essential because it helps you become familiar with the IELTS format, timing, and question types. If your budget allows, buy at least one practice-test book and one study guide. For extra practice, you may also consider using all four books below.
IELTS Books for Practice Tests
These IELTS practice-test books can help you become more comfortable with the test format, time limits, and common question types. The best practice books include full-length tests designed to closely reflect the IELTS exam.
1. The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS Student’s Book with Answers with DVD-ROM (Cambridge English)
If you can purchase one book, consider purchasing this book for IELTS. It contains eight official IELTS practice tests with answers. The book also includes listening audio and Speaking test videos through the DVD-ROM or the related Cambridge digital resources. In addition, it contains useful study tips and exercises for each IELTS question type.
The preparation book is published by Cambridge University Press & Assessment, one of the official co-owners of IELTS. If you need a reliable IELTS prep book that combines strategy and official practice tests, this is a strong option.
Pros:
- Useful study material
- Eight official IELTS practice tests
- Extra exercises for different IELTS question types
- Listening audio and Speaking test videos
Cons:
- The study-guide section is not as detailed as some dedicated strategy books
We highly recommend this book to students preparing for IELTS. It is one of the best options for official IELTS practice tests. To see customer reviews on Amazon for this book, visit this link.
2. Barron’s IELTS with MP3 CD, 4th Edition
If you are looking for extra practice tests and review material, Barron’s IELTS Preparation book can still be useful. However, the 4th edition is older and has been followed by a 5th edition with downloadable audio. The 4th edition includes four full-length Academic Module practice exams and two full-length General Training Module practice exams. The newer 5th edition also uses downloadable audio rather than the older MP3 CD format.
Pros:
- Often available at a lower price than some official Cambridge books
- Includes Academic and General Training practice exams
- Includes review and practice for IELTS question types
Cons:
- The 4th edition is outdated; check whether the 5th edition is available before buying
- The study tips may not be as detailed as those in dedicated strategy books
IELTS Study Guide
This type of IELTS preparation book focuses more on how to take the test than on providing many full-length practice tests. The study guides in these books are more detailed than the short study tips found in many practice-test books. However, they usually do not provide as much test practice, which is important for improving your score. For that reason, buying only a study guide may not be enough. When combined with practice-test books, however, study guides can help you apply better strategies while practicing under test-like conditions.
1. Target Band 7: IELTS Academic Module – How to Maximize Your Score (Third Edition)
Do not let the simple-looking book cover fool you. Although the cover may not look impressive, Target Band 7 was written by Simone Braverman, the founder of IELTS-Blog. The book focuses on practical techniques, strategies, and advice for improving speed and avoiding common IELTS mistakes. A newer fourth edition was published in 2021 and covers both paper-based and computer-delivered IELTS, so students should check whether they are buying the latest edition.
The author does a good job of dividing each section into smaller parts. For example, in Reading, the book discusses different task types and strategies for approaching them. For Writing Task 2, it gives guidance on planning and structuring different kinds of essay responses.
The main criticism of this book is that it is primarily a strategy guide rather than a full practice-test book. It is useful for learning techniques, but students should pair it with books that include several full-length IELTS practice tests.
Pros:
- Strong strategy-focused IELTS book
- Detailed explanation of how to approach different question types
- Helps students answer questions more efficiently
Cons:
- Not enough full-length practice tests for complete preparation
- The heading refers to the third edition, but a fourth edition is now available
2. IELTS General Training & Academic Study Guide: Test Prep Book & Practice Test Questions for the Listening, Reading, Writing, & Speaking Components on … English Language Testing System Exam
If you want a broad study guide for the main IELTS sections, this book may be useful. It includes an overview, test-taking strategies, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections, practice questions, and detailed answer explanations. However, it was published in 2017, so students should compare it with newer IELTS study guides before buying.
Pros:
- Includes review material for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking
- Includes practice questions and detailed answer explanations
- Useful for students who want a general overview of the test
Cons:
- Not many full-length practice tests
- Older edition; check for newer IELTS preparation books before purchasing
We hope that this guide has helped you choose the best IELTS books for your preparation. To learn more about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
