15 Best IELTS Preparation Books

IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, is a test that measures your proficiency in the English language. It is widely accepted by universities, employers, and governments globally as proof of English language proficiency. IELTS preparation books can help familiarize you with the test format, question types, etc. so that you can approach the test with confidence.

Choosing the right IELTS preparation book is important to get a high score on the IELTS test. There are many different preparation books available, and it can be difficult to know which one to choose. In this article, we will discuss the best IELTS preparation books and what they offer to the study abroad aspirant.

Table of Contents

• Recommended Best Book for IELTS Preparation
• 1. The Official Cambridge guide for IELTS
• 2. Barron’s IELTS Superpack
• 3. IELTS Practice Tests Plus 2 with key and CD Pack Paperback
• 4. IELTS 15 Academic Student's Book with Answers with Audio with Resource Bank
• 5. Target Band 7: IELTS Academic Module
• 6. Road to IELTS 
• 7. IELTS Book for General Training and Academic 2021-2022: [Includes Audio track access]
• 8. Check Your English Vocabulary for IELTS
• 9. Official IELTS Practice Materials 1 with Audio CD
• 10. IELTS Trainer Six Practice Tests with Answers and Audio CDs (3) (Authored Practice Tests)
• 11. Focus on IELTS Foundation Coursebook
• 12. English Vocabulary in Use
• 13. IELTS Trainer
• 14. Improve your IELTS skills series
• 15. New Insight into IELTS
• How to choose the best IELTS preparation books?
• Online IELTS study materials
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Recommended Best Book for IELTS Preparation

You want to get a high score on the IELTS test to study, work, or migrate overseas, but what's the best IELTS book to help you achieve that?
The best IELTS book will help you to improve your English language skills, as well as your test-taking and exam strategies.

The Best Books for IELTS Preparation are:

S No	Best IELTS preparation books	Author
1	The Official Cambridge Guide for IELTS	Cambridge
2	Barron’s IELTS Superpack	Lin Lougheed
3	IELTS Practice Tests Plus 2 with key and CD Pack Paperback	Judith Wilson, Ms Morgan Terry
4	IELTS 15 Academic Student's Book with Answers with Audio with Resource Bank	Cambridge
5	Target Band 7: IELTS Academic Module	Simone Braverman
6	Road to IELTS	British Council
7	IELTS Book for General Training and Academic 2021-2022: [Includes Audio Links]	Mometrix
8	Check Your English Vocabulary for IELTS	Rawdon Wyatt
9	Official IELTS Practice Materials 1 with Audio CD	Cambridge ESOL
10	IELTS Trainer Six Practice Tests with Answers and Audio CDs (3) (Authored Practice Tests)	Louise Hashemi
11	Focus on IELTS Foundation Coursebook	Sue O'Connell
12	English Vocabulary in Use	Michael McCarthy and Felicity O'Dell
13	IELTS trainer	Cambridge
14	Improve your IELTS skills series	Sam Mccarter
15	New Insight into IELTS	Cambridge

1. The Official Cambridge Guide for IELTS

The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS, authored by Pauline Cullen, Amanda French, and Vanessa Jakeman, is a comprehensive guide to IELTS designed to help candidates achieve their best possible score on the IELTS test. This book covers all four skills - listening, reading, writing and speaking - and provides logical explanations of each task type of practice material for each. The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS is an essential tool for anyone who wants to improve their IELTS score.

Features that make it the best IELTS book

• Contains material for candidates appearing for both the Academic and & General Training modules
• 8 Official practice tests from Cambridge English
• DVD-ROM with listening files in mp3 format and speaking test videos
• Mobile app features include all the course audio and video material
• Introduction available in many languages
• Additional preparation content

2. Barron’s IELTS Superpack

When it comes to acing the IELTS, Barron’s IELTS Superpack has everything you need. It is the definitive guide for most students. The package includes Barron’s IELTS with 2 audio CDs, so you can practice your listening skills at home. Plus, Barron’s IELTS Practice Exams with 2 audio CDs are perfect for test day prep. And to help you build your vocabulary, Essential Words for the IELTS is included. With everything in one package, you’ll be ready to ace the IELTS!

Features that make it the best IELTS book

• Four + four full-length practice exams, that match the actual test in length, format, question types, and difficulty level
• All questions answered and explained
• Listening and reading tests can be found in the enclosed CDs
• Extra practice test for the reading part with answer keys
• In-depth review of all question types
• Test-taking tips
• English vocabulary building exercises
• Vocabulary lists related to environment, leisure activities, the arts and culture, transportation, health, business, technology and more.
• Strategies for learning and retaining meanings of words
• Additional practice exercises

3. IELTS Practice Tests Plus 2 with key and CD Pack Paperback

IELTS Practice Tests Plus 2 with key and CD Pack Paperback by Judith Wilson and Ms Morgan Terry is a great resource for those who are preparing to take the IELTS exam. The book contains six complete practice tests, which incorporate the 2005 modifications to the writing module. Additionally, there are Reading and Writing Modules for General Training candidates. The book is a great way to prepare for the IELTS exam, and it is a valuable resource for those who are taking the exam.

Features that make it the best IELTS book

• Includes a full description of the exam
• Strategies for sub-skills training
• Assessments for writing and vocabulary
• Annotated answer key
• Sample answers to writing tasks
• Complete tape scripts with marked answers 

4. Cambridge IELTS 15 Academic Student's Book with Answers with Audio with Resource Bank (NEW EDITION)

The Cambridge IELTS 15 Academic Student's Book with Answers with Audio with Resource Bank is a comprehensive guide to preparing for the IELTS exam. The book is authored by experienced IELTS teachers and examiners, and includes everything you need to know to get a high score on the IELTS exam. This book includes four full-length authentic IELTS practice tests with answer keys and audio recordings, as well as a wealth of tips and strategies for each section of the IELTS exam. The IELTS 15 Academic Student's Book with Answers with Audio with Resource Bank is published by Cambridge University Press, and is available now.

Features that make it the best IELTS book

Resource bank includes:

• Example speaking test video
• Audio for the listening tests - scan the QR code and play the audios
• Answer keys with extra explanations
• Additional sample Writing answers
• Play videos by scanning QR code 
• Provides authentic test taking experience
• Practice tasks

5. Target Band 7: IELTS Academic Module - How to Maximize Your Score (Fourth Edition)

In "Target Band 7", Simone Braverman provides readers with a comprehensive guide to achieving their desired score on the IELTS Academic Module. The book includes information on how to effectively prepare for and take the test, as well as tips and strategies for achieving a high score. With the fourth edition, this guide has been updated to reflect the most recent changes to the IELTS test, making it an essential resource for anyone looking to maximize their score.
This book has some great reviews on Amazon: 

"Terrific book!

I teach IELTS and own over ten IELTS books. This is one of my favorites because the author has delivered excellent information in a short, user-friendly book.

Importantly, it is written in plain English so it is easy to understand. It focusses on plenty of useful tips and tricks which can be of great benefit for anyone who is going to take the IELTS test.

Other great features include appropriate phrases to use in the writing and speaking segments as well as an excellent study plan that students can use to prepare for the test.

It is a terrific book for IELTS preparation."

- D. Bottaro (Australia)

Short but useful books with fantastic strategies and tips to accomplish band 7 In IELTS. I recommend it strongly for IELTS aspirants.

- Raj Patel

Features that make it the best IELTS book

• Tips, techniques, strategies for Listening, Speaking, Writing and Reading tests
• Covers computer-delivered and paper-based IELTS.
• Listening test audio is available as an online download
• Sample study plan included
• Includes one full length practice test with answers

6. Road to IELTS

While it’s not a book, we have included Road to IELTS in this list because it is such a wonderful resource. It is the official British Council online course for IELTS preparation. It offers a wide range of resources to help you prepare for your IELTS test. The website provides a comprehensive overview of all four IELTS test modules – reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Features 

• 300 interactive activities modeled on real IELTS test papers, with instant feedback
• 17 tutorial videos by British Council IELTS experts
• eBooks and more
• Free assessment test to check your current score levels

7. IELTS Book for General Training and Academic 2021-2022: [Includes Audio Links]

IELTS Book for General Training and Academic 2021-2022 by Mometrix is a comprehensive guide to preparing for and taking the IELTS exam. Written by experts in the field, this book provides everything you need to know to ace the test and get the score you need to achieve your goals. With clear and concise explanations of all the topics covered on the exam, as well as sample questions and tips for success, this book is your one-stop-shop for IELTS success. The book is authored by Mometrix Test Preparation, a company that specializes in test preparation materials, and is published by Mometrix Media LLC. The book was released in 2021.

Just wanted to say thank you. Due to your product, I was able to ace my exam with very little effort. Your tricks did the trick. Thanks again, and I would recommend this product to anyone." - Erich L.

Features that make it the best IELTS book

• Practice test questions with detailed answer explanations
• Tips and strategies that help you maximize your test performance
• A complete overview of all IELTS test sections
• Listening Module and Reading modules (Including Links to Audio Samples)
• Writing Module
• Speaking module

8. Check Your English Vocabulary for IELTS

Check Your English Vocabulary for Ielts is a great way to prepare for the Ielts exam. It is packed with essential words and phrases that will help you to maximize your score. The book is written by Raydon Wyatt, who is also the author of numerous other vocabulary preparation books. The workbook includes plenty of vocabulary exercises, making it ideal for self-study or classroom use.

Features that make it the best IELTS book

• General vocabulary and topic-wise vocabulary
• Uses fun, useful, and interesting exercises to test and improve vocabulary
• Instructions are clear and easy to follow
• Additional information is provided in the answer key
• To allow productive practice of target language, IELTS-style Speaking and Writing tasks with sample answers are included

9. Official IELTS Practice Materials 1 with Audio CD

Official IELTS Practice Materials 1 with Audio CD is a study guide published by the IELTS partners in order to help candidates prepare for the IELTS test. The book is written by experienced IELTS examiners and material writers, and provides an overview of how each section of the test is assessed. In addition, the book offers valuable tips for test-takers. This book offers an insider view of the evaluation so that you can perform better. 

Features that make it the best IELTS book

• Practice tests for all the four parts of the exam
• Covers both Academic and General Training
• Practice test answer keys and Listening tapescripts;
• Examiner comments and sample candidate writing responses
• Examiner comments and samples of candidate speaking tests.
• Candidates can practise listening to an example of the Speaking test on the CD.

10. IELTS Trainer Six Practice Tests with Answers and Audio CDs (3) (Authored Practice Tests)

IELTS Trainer Six Practice Tests with Answers and Audio CDs (3) (Authored Practice Tests) is a book published by Cambridge English in 2016. The book is authored by Louise Hashemi and Barbara Thomas. This book contains six practice tests for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The tests provide test takers with an authentic IELTS test experience. This book also comes with audio CDs containing the listening sections of the tests.

Features that make it the best IELTS book

• Six full-length practice tests
• Detailed information on the IELTS exam
• Step-by-step guidance on approaching each section
• Extra grammar, vocabulary and writing practice to help students avoid mistakes
• Answer keys with detailed explanations
• CD features all listening activities 

11. Focus on IELTS Foundation Coursebook

The book, Focus on IELTS Foundation Coursebook, is a great resource for ESL students who wish to improve their English skills. The book was published by Pearson Education ESL in 2006 and was written by Sue Connell. The book focuses on reading, listening, speaking, writing, grammar and vocabulary. This book also comes with audio scripts which makes it a great resource for ESL students.

Features that make it the best IELTS book

• Practice activities are linked to specific exam tasks in Exam Link boxes.
• Learn how to become a more independent learner and learn faster with DIY learning strategies
• Academic Word Study and Vocabulary Builder
• Key language skills are reinforced through regular review sections
• The Key language bank provides reference and extra practice material in essential areas of grammar.
• The Writing practice bank provides guided practice in additional writing topics.

Also Read: Best Books for IELTS General Exam 2023

12. English Vocabulary in use

Vocabulary is one of the most vital skills to be enhanced while appearing for the IELTS exam. Be it general IELTS or Academic IELTS test, improvising your vocabulary will guide you in gaining a band score of 7 and above. This book has a rich resource of vocabulary for readers who are looking to enrich their language skills. This English Vocabulary for use book is one of the best materials for IELTS preparation. 

Features that make this the best IELTS preparation book:

• Vocabulary is given along with explanations for a better understanding of the words.
• To make it easier for the readers, follow-up practices for developing language skills are provided.
• This book has nearly 3000 new vocabularies covered in 100 units.
• The book is helping in improving the vocabulary of beginners to advanced skill level aspirants.

13. IELTS trainer

IELTS trainer is a book published by Cambridge having 6 full-length practice tests and expert-proven tips and strategies to crack the exam with a high band score. In the given tests, 2 tests will be provided with a step-by-step guide to solve the answers. The other tests will be provided with a blank to aid you in learning about the ways to solve the IELTS question types and tasks. 

14. Improve your IELTS skills series

Improve your IELTS skills series is having 3 books namely for improving your skill set in Academic reading, academic writing, and improving your skills in listening and speaking skills. This book put emphasis on the skills the candidates must acquire to clear the exam with a higher band score. Using this book series is easy to use as they give targeted practice to solve each question type and provided tips that will help you in understanding the tasks easily. This can be used as study-alone material that doesn't require any trainers to understand the subject.

15. New Insight into IELTS

The “New Insight into IELTS” is prepared to guide the students in their preparation progress to improvise their IELTS band score. The book covers, work-out questions, and strategies to answer each question type skillfully. The book gives a clear insight into solving the questions smartly within the given time limit. The books give a brief description of the IELTS exam, and its exam pattern and provide exercises with answers that will guide you in preparing for the exam from home or with a trainer.

How to Choose the Best IELTS preparation books?

When it comes to IELTS preparation books, it is important to choose the right one that suits your needs and goals. There are a few factors that will simplify it for you. 
The level of difficulty is an important factor when choosing an IELTS preparation book. If the book is too difficult, it may be overwhelming and discourage you from studying. On the other hand, if the book is too easy, you may not learn anything new.
Next, consider the type of content. Some books focus on grammar, while others focus on vocabulary or listening comprehension. Choose a book that focuses on the area you need to improve the most.
Finally, the format of the book has to be taken into account. Some books are purely text-based, while others include audio or video components. Choose a book that is in a format that you are comfortable with and that will help you a lot. 

Online IELTS Study Materials

The internet has a plethora of online IELTS study materials. These materials come in various forms, such as PDFs, e-books, CDs, audio files, and video lessons. They are also often interactive, offering quizzes and exercises to help you learn and retain the information better. The best online IELTS study materials will be those that are comprehensive, up-to-date, and offer a variety of resources. They should also be user-friendly and easy to browse.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many IELTS preparation books available on the market. However, the best IELTS book for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Be sure to carefully consider all of your options before making a purchase. With the right book in hand, you'll be well on your way to acing the IELTS exam.

FAQs

1. Which books or material should I refer to prepare for IELTS?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best choice for books depends on your individual needs and goals. However, some general tips that may be helpful include:

• Using official IELTS preparation materials, such as the Cambridge IELTS series or the Official IELTS Practice Materials 1 with Audio CD or The Official Cambridge Guide for IELTS.  For improving your vocabulary, Check Your English Vocabulary for IELTS. For extensive practice tests, use IELTS Trainer Six Practice Tests with Answers and Audio CDs (3) (Authored Practice Tests)
• Searching online for IELTS preparation tips and resources.
• Asking your friends or family members who have taken the IELTS test for their recommendations.

2. What are the best tips for selecting IELTS preparation books?

There are a few things to consider when choosing IELTS preparation books:
1. Make sure the book is up-to-date. The IELTS test is constantly evolving, so you want a book that reflects the most recent changes.
2. Choose a book that covers all four sections of the IELTS test: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
3. Find a book that includes a variety of practice questions and answers. This will help you better understand the test material and prepare for the exam.
4. Select a book that offers test-taking strategies and tips. These can be extremely helpful in increasing your chances of success on the IELTS exam.
5. Choose a book that helps you achieve your band score levels. 

3. What are the best books or resources for self-studying for the IELTS?

All the books in the above list are great for self-study. These are some popular choices among students. 

4.What are the best ways to prepare for IELTS test?

When you prepare for the IELTS, you should focus on the following to obtain the best results: studying regularly, practicing your test-taking skills, and becoming familiar with the format and content of the test.

5.How can I (I am an IELTS preparing student) improve my grammar fluency and not make silly mistakes?

If you want to improve your grammar, the best thing to do is practice writing and speaking in English as much as possible. This will help you get used to using correct grammar and to become more confident in your abilities. Another helpful tip is to read a lot of English material, both fiction and non-fiction. This will help to expand your vocabulary and to see how grammar is used in different contexts. Finally, you can try using a grammar checker when you are writing or revising your work. This can help you to identify and correct errors. Paying attention to your mistakes is one way to improve your grammar fluency real quick.