The Best IELTS Preparation Books you need!

IELTS, IELTS, IELTS—sometimes just thinking about the IELTS exam can feel heavy in your head. Why? Because many people believe IELTS is tough. However, IELTS isn't tough; we need proper guidance and materials to ace it.

Let's explore some of the ultimate IELTS prep books you should consider, along with easy tips and tricks to make your preparation more effective!

Cambridge IELTS Series

Why it's great:

The Cambridge IELTS series is among IELTS test-takers most popular and reliable choices. It is a decent set of past-year papers that are actual test papers, so it is one of the finest choices to practice under realistic exam conditions.
Each book in the series contains four complete practice tests, audio CDs for listening practice, and answer keys with explanations.

Official preparation books

Invest in books published by authorised organisations, such as the Cambridge IELTS series. These contain practice tests and sample questions that mirror the actual exam.

Tip:

Try to simulate real examination conditions by putting yourself under pressure during practice tests. This will help you stay strong against stress during the test and maximize your time management skills.

Official IELTS Practice Materials (Volume 1 and 2)

Why It's Great :

These books, developed by the IELTS test-makers themselves, offer an authentic look at the types of questions and tasks you'll encounter on the test.

Volume 1 includes a comprehensive guide to each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) and practice materials. Volume 2 also offers additional tests, perfect for continuing your preparation.

Tip:

Pay attention to learning the test format. Knowing precisely what to anticipate in every section will minimize your anxiety during the test.

Barron's IELTS Superpack

Why It's Great:

Barron's IELTS Superpack provides a range of materials, such as practice tests, skill-building exercises, and thorough explanations of answers. The Superpack includes audio tracks for the listening section and other resources to enhance your speaking and writing abilities.

Tip:

Practice essay writing for the Writing section on a range of topics. Try to vary your sentence structures as much as possible, and aim for logical, clear argumentation. Getting feedback from a teacher or peer can also help refine your writing.

IELTS Trainer

Why It's Great:

IELTS Trainer is explicitly designed to help students with rigorous practice. It contains six practice tests with complete answer keys and step-by-step solutions to help you score higher in every section. It also provides valuable tips and tricks to overcome common test problems.

Tip:

In practicing the Listening section, try to listen to as many varied types of English audio sources as you can, be they podcasts, news broadcasts, or lectures. Doing so will familiarize you with different accents and learn to listen better in general.

Now let me suggest you some tips and tricks so that it can help you in your journey:

Tips and Tricks for IELTS Preparation:

• Practice Every Day: Practice consistently! Allocate time daily to practice all four abilities—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Even 30 minutes daily can make a substantial difference in the long term.
• Record Yourself: While practicing for the Speaking test, record yourself speaking on various topics. You will then listen back and identify areas you need to improve.
• Use real-life English: Watch movies, read English books, and listen to podcasts. The more you are exposed to the language, the higher the level of confidence in listening to the language during the test.
• Practice Timing: Practice timing management by sitting for mock tests under timed conditions. This way, you can utilize your time more effectively while writing the exam.
• Practice Essay Writing Task 2: Essay Task 2 of the Writing section is more challenging, so practice more essays. Practice organizing your essays well and presenting a clear-cut argument.

Don’t worry if you are tense about your IELTS journey and its questions. Remember, MIE English Academy has your back.
MIE English Academy offers comprehensive study materials with access to carefully curated IELTS prep materials, practice tests, and mock exams that mirror real test conditions, giving you an edge in your preparation. It has personalized guidance and feedback toward your effort, which can easily get you on the right path.

Lastly, please do not lose hope when it comes to your preparation. Do not think that the path is lengthy or too complicated to complete. Just step forward, step by step, but yes, with the perfect guidance.

You can enroll in MIE English Academy’s IELTS courses, and some pocket-saving offers are available. Good luck!