Wondering which book to refer for IELTS?

2 years ago | Posted By: Dr Venkat Reddy | Category: IELTS
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Find out which IELTS books you should read for the 2021 & 2022 exams


The process of planning to study abroad can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. There are times when you need to make tough decisions, like deciding on the best course of study for your higher studies, identifying the appropriate country, and finding the right university offering that particular degree. Regardless of the program or country you enroll in, you will have to take a few language tests to demonstrate to the admission council that you have no communication issues and therefore are familiar with the medium of instruction of the course. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most accepted tests for English language ability. It measures four primary aspects of English: Reading, Writing, Language, and Speaking. We have compiled a list of the five best IELTS preparation books, IELTS essential guide, and IELTS study material for people thinking about heading to a country that accepts the International English Language Testing System. While the books listed here are in no particular order, one of them may be more suited to your needs than another.


Let's get started!


Best Books for IELTS Preparation


1. The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS

We recommend this book for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training Reading.


Here is the first book you should check out. This book, The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS, is published by Cambridge University Press to assist students in preparing for the IELTS test. Furthermore, the British Council has recommended this book as one of the best books to prepare for IELTS. This book provides a wide range of tips, suggestions, and hints to help you prepare for the exam. These tips are straight from the people who cleared the course with stellar scores. There is no better experience than a personal one, so this is a must-try.


Things you would love about the book:

  1. First and foremost, the book draws from the experiences of the experienced, that's no. 1. 

  2. This book covers all of the sections included in the IELTS exam, so it's a valuable resource.  

  3. The strategy is simple to implement, which is very likely what students want.  

  4. You'll find a maximum of eight full-length practice and sample papers available with detailed answers.

  5. This book includes a DVD that can help you with the listening and speaking tests.


2. Barron's IELTS Superpack 

Having the right notes and study materials is essential as you prepare for IELTS. As the name implies, Barron's IELTS Superpack contains all the materials you'll need for Barron's IELTS in one convenient package. It includes the four books listed below:

  • Barron's IELTS: Two general training module practice exams and four academic module practice exams, plus a comprehensive subject review and online audio tracks

  • IELTS Practice Exams with MP3 CD: Includes six academic module practice tests and six general training module practice tests with answer explanations, as well as access to audio material online and via CD

  • IELTS Strategies & Tips with MP3 CD: Access audio material online and on a CD to learn strategies for answering exam questions efficiently

  • Essential Words for the IELTS: Build your vocabulary with the 600 most frequently occurring words in IELTS exams, with access to online and CD audio recordings


Things we think you would love in this book:

  1. It is incredibly detailed and thorough.

  2. If you are not in the mood to read but have time to listen, the book comes with two CDs ( majorly audio) and a few online tracks.

  3. You will not regret buying the book, so don't hesitate to give it a try.


3. Simone Braverman’s Target Band 7 

In the book Target Band 7- IELTS Academic Book Module- How to Maximize your Score, Simone Braverman explains how to achieve the highest score on the test. It is an excellent IELTS self-study guide that is written specifically for IELTS preparation. It has been designed especially for students who need to prepare for IELTS in the next few weeks. 


In this book, students will find tips, techniques, strategies, and advice that will help them improve their IELTS scores. Students can enhance their vocabulary, improve their efficiency in taking tests, reduce the chances of making mistakes, and increase their self-confidence by using this book.


Things we like the most about the book:

  1. With its short time-consuming and successful preparation approach, you will have the best chance of passing this exam. :) 

  2. Students will have no problem understanding this information since it is so clear and concise.  

  3. The person who compiled this book has faced the same obstacles at least once before. 


4. Road to IELTS

While not technically a book, Road to IELTS is an interactive online learning program that includes mock tests, tutorial videos, and other interactive exercises. This program is available in three versions:

  • Free IELTS practice papers are available to help you get a better understanding of the test.

  • For those who register through the British Council for the IELTS test, Last Minute includes nine videos with advice and tutorials, 100 interactive activities, and two practice tests for each of the four skills.

  • You will find everything you need to prepare for the IELTS test in the full version. You can access the course for $50, which features over 300 digital activities and nine practice tests. As part of this version, you will also receive tutorial videos created by experts and a report based on the results of your practice tests.


Here is what makes it so WOW:

  1. It's very interactive, which means you have access to more real-world learning opportunities.

  2. You have access to their practice tests as well! 

  3. In addition to their full paid version, there are a lot of free features. 

  4. They are excellent for classroom preparation and self-study.


Focus on IELTS Foundation: Foundation Coursebook 

It is one of the best books for improving your language skills and ultimately getting a high score in the IELTS exam. However, it does not cover other exam topics, so you will have to find other sources for those.


What's interesting about the book:

  1. You'll receive a DVD with it for your convenience.

  2. You can use this book as a language reference for purposes beyond IELTS.


How to Pick the Best IELTS Book For You

Carefully consider what you hope to gain from an IELTS preparation book before making your choice. Some books provide academic training, while others are more general. There is much more information in academic books for IELTS than in regular training books.


It is also crucial to keep in mind that choosing your own reading material can prevent you from reading a boring book. Honestly, some IELTS books are not as captivating as others. You will be less likely to fall asleep at the wrong time if you choose something you're interested in. Choosing something you are interested in will make preparing for an exam easier!


Last but not least, consider working with a tutor to prepare for the writing and speaking portions of the IELTS examination since they can provide you with feedback in a way that a book cannot. To get a better sense of what to expect, you can try taking an online mock exam. You will reap a significant amount of benefits in IELTS exams by choosing Gradeway Pre as your learning partner.


Always remember, it takes practice to achieve perfection! Fortunately, Gradeway Prep specializes in making people achieve perfection. We offer the most advanced and comprehensive IELTS test preparation material, including more than 50 hours of live, online classes with one of our expert faculty members. Our online IELTS coaching classes come with an improvement tracker that will motivate you to achieve an ideal IELTS score smartly so that you can tackle the exam crisp and strategically.


Feel free to contact us if you would like more information about our syllabus and courses.