Do you want to migrate abroad to an English speaking country to work or study? Are you planning to take the IELTS exam? Don’t you have any knowledge about how to prepare for the IELTS exam by yourself? Are you searching for the best IELTS book for self study?
If yes, then you are at the best place. Here in this blog you will get the answer to all your questions about IELTS preparation resources for self study.
Many times students get confused between choosing the books for IELTS preparation as there are numerous books for the IELTS exam in the market.
They get confused about which book they must choose for their preparation when they are preparing for it on their own.
So let’s get started and learn the best IELTS book for self study!
What Is the IELTS Exam?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a standardised test. This test is designed to assess the student’s ability in four modules: Listening, Speaking, Writing, and Reading.
This test is for those candidates who want to study or work in abroad countries where English is the main language. It is recognized by employers, universities, and immigration organisations in many countries.
This test has two types: IELTS Academic & IELTS General Training. IELTS Academic is used for getting admission in abroad universities. And IELTS GT is used for immigration purposes.
Best IELTS Book For Self Study
There are many books that are available online that can help you to prepare for IELTS exam but some of the highly recommended Best IELTS Book For Self Study are given below:
| Books | Buy |
| The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS | Click Here To Buy |
| IELTS Superpack | Click Here To Buy |
| Target Band 7 | Click Here To Buy |
| IELTS Trainer | Click Here To Buy |
| IELTS Advantage: Reading, Writing, and Speaking Skills | Click Here To Buy |
| Road to IELTS | |
| IELTS Prep Plus 2021-2022 | Click Here To Buy |
| Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS Advanced Band 6.5+ with Answers and Audio CD | Click Here To Buy |
| IELTS 15 Academic Student’s Book with Answers with Audio with Resource Bank: Authentic Practice Tests | Click Here To Buy |
| Collins English for IELTS – Get Ready for IELTS Workbook | Click Here To Buy |
The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS is one of the best books published by Cambridge University Press. This books will definitely help you prepare for the IELTS exam. It covers all four modules of the exam: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
In this book, You will get detailed explanations of the exam format, and also the best strategies for approaching each module. You will also get an audio CD with listening practice material, and also access to online resources such as video tutorial and practice tests.
One of the main advantages of using this book is that it is published by the makers of the IELTS exam. So, it provides a reliable and accurate source of information about the IELTS format. You can buy this book if you want to crack the IELTS. I will highly recommend this book to everyone.
Benefits Of Using This Book
- Comprehensive Coverage: The book covers all IELTS modules with authentic exam questions, offering a well-rounded preparation experience.
- Expert Strategies: It provides effective test-taking strategies and techniques for each module, enhancing your performance.
- Ample Practice: Abundant practice exercises and full-length tests help you build familiarity and confidence with the test format.
- Audio Support: High-quality audio recordings aid in improving listening skills and adapting to various accents encountered in the exam.
IELTS Superpack
IELTS Superpack is also one of the best books which is designed to help students prepare for the IELTS exam. It is published by Barron’s and he is a well-known educational publisher.
It has three pack of books:
- IELTS: This book provides an overview of the IELTS exam, including its format and content. You will also get detailed guidance of each module of the exam. This book will also provide you the best strategies for answering different types of questions.
- Essential Words For The IELTS: It provides important vocabulary phrases and words which are used on the IELTS exam. It includes sample sentences, definitions, and exercises to help you learn and remember the words.
- Practice Exercises For The IELTS: You will get practice test and exercises for each module of the IELTS exam in this book. It also includes answer keys and explanations to help you understand the correct answers.
This book also includes audio CDs with listening practice material and a code for access to online study resources, including additional practice tests and exercises.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who is looking for a comprehensive set of study materials for the IELTS exam as this is the best IELTS book for self study.
Benefits Of Using This Book
- All-in-One Solution: The IELTS Superpack offers a comprehensive package with books for each module, covering all aspects of the exam.
- Varied Practice: It provides diverse practice questions and mock tests, allowing you to refine your skills across different question types.
- In-Depth Guidance: The book includes detailed explanations, sample answers, and strategies to effectively tackle each module.
- Time-Efficient: The Superpack streamlines your study process by offering a consolidated set of materials for a holistic IELTS preparation approach.
Target Band 7
This book is also one of the best books which is published by Simone Braverman. It is designed for students to help achieve a 7+ band score on the IELTS exam. This book is suitable for both classroom use and self-study.
This book focuses on techniques and strategies for each module of the IELTS exam, including Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. You will also get sample answers and explanations, and advice and tips for improving your score.
This book also provides guidance on how to approach the exam, including how to manage your time effectively and how to deal with test anxiety.
You will also get detailed explanations and example strategies, which makes it easy for you to apply them to your own exam preparation. I highly recommend this book to everyone who want to achieve good score in the IELTS exam.
Benefits Of Using This Book
- Specific Goal Focus: “Target Band 7” centers on achieving a Band 7 score, offering tailored strategies to meet this goal.
- Task Mastery: The book provides comprehensive techniques for excelling in each module’s tasks, enhancing your overall performance.
- Realistic Practice: It offers authentic practice materials and exercises mirroring the IELTS exam, ensuring readiness for the test day.
- Score-Oriented Insights: “Target Band 7” equips you with insights into examiner expectations and assessment criteria, boosting your chances of reaching your desired score.
IELTS Trainer
This book is published by Cambridge University Press which is designed to help students prepare for the IELTS exam. This book is also suitable for both self-study and classroom use and is one of the great addition to the best IELTS book for self study.
You will get detailed guidance on all four modules of the IELTS exam, such as Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. You will also get the best techniques and strategies for approaching different types of questions and practice exercises to help you develop your skills.
One of the main key strengths of this book is its focus on developing language skills. This book also provides many activities that can help you to build your vocabulary and improve your grammar and pronunciation.
You will get six practice tests with audio material for the Listening section in this book. The tests are designed to reflect the format and difficulty level of the IELTS exam.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who is looking to prepare for the IELTS exam.
Benefits Of Using This Book
- Guided Skill Development: “IELTS Trainer” offers structured exercises and tasks to progressively enhance your test-taking abilities.
- Exam Simulation: The book includes full-length practice tests with genuine IELTS questions, replicating real test conditions.
- Performance Analysis: Detailed answer explanations and scoring guidelines help you identify strengths and areas for improvement.
- Speaking Confidence: “IELTS Trainer” provides speaking activities and tips to boost your confidence in the Speaking module.
IELTS Advantage: Reading, Writing, and Speaking Skills
This is the another great addition to the list of our best IELTS book for self study. This book is published by Jeremy Taylor and Jon Wright. This book focuses on specific skills needed for the IELTS exam. This book is also suitable for both classroom use and self-study.
You will get detailed guidance on each module of the IELTS exam, with a particular focus on Writing, Reading, and Speaking skills. You will get the best techniques and strategies for approaching different types of questions, and practice exercises to help you develop your skills.
This book has a lot of vocabulary-building exercises and grammar lessons that can help you improve your language skills. I highly recommend this book to everyone who are looking to develop specific skills for the IELTS exam.
Benefits Of Using This Book
- Comprehensive Skill Focus: “IELTS Advantage” hones Reading, Writing, and Speaking skills individually, ensuring well-rounded proficiency.
- Targeted Strategies: The book offers specialized strategies for tackling complex tasks in each module, elevating your performance.
- Model Responses: It provides sample answers and essays to demonstrate effective communication and writing techniques.
- Enhanced Fluency: “IELTS Advantage” emphasizes language developmenbenefits of using IELTS Advantaget, helping you express ideas more confidently during the Speaking module.
Road To IELTS
This is an online course which is developed by the British Council, in partnerships with Cambridge Assessment English. It is designed to help you prepare for the IELTS exam.
This course is available in both free and paid versions that includes many resources and practice exercises to help you develop your skills.
These include:
- Practice Tests: This course includes a full-length practice test for the Reading, Listening and Writing module of the IELTS exam, with detailed answer keys and feedback.
- Interactive Activities: This also includes many interactive activities and exercises to help you develop your language skills including grammar lessons, vocabulary-building exercises, and pronunciation practice.
- Skills Development: This course also provides guidance on specific skills needed for the IELTS exam, such as academic writing techniques, strategies, and speaking practice exercises.
- Expert Feedback: The paid version provides access to feedback from IELTS experts, who can provide personalised advice and guidance on how to improve your performance.
IELTS Prep Plus 2021-2022
IELTS Prep Plus 2021-2022 is the next and also a useful book on the list of best IELTS book for self study.
The Kaplan test prep published this complete IELTS study guide. This book helps students to prepare for the IELTS exam with ease, as you will get the answer key for all modules with proper explanation.
This book gives students a structured and focused approach to master the skills for the different modules of the IELTS exam.
Here are some of the key features of this book that can help students to get a good band score;
- Students will get the detailed explanation and example for every concept of the IELTS exam. There will be strategies for every module of the exam in this book.
- Students will get many complete practice tests for the IELTS exam that they can use to check their preparation for the exam.
- The book provides access to online resources, including additional practice tests, quizzes, and audio recordings to fasten-up their preparation.
- The book includes various exercises and activities to improve the specific skills required for each module of the IELTS exam, such as vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and essay writing.
Benefits Of Using This Book
- Updated Content: “IELTS Prep Plus” offers the latest IELTS exam content and trends, keeping you aligned with recent changes.
- Interactive Practice: The book includes online resources such as practice tests and exercises for dynamic, hands-on learning.
- Performance Tracking: Detailed score reports and progress tracking tools help you gauge improvement and focus on weak areas.
- Flexible Learning: “IELTS Prep Plus” caters to different learning styles, offering print and digital options for convenient and adaptable study.
Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS Advanced Band 6.5+ with Answers and Audio CD
A famous writer Pauline Cullen, who is known for her work in English writes this one of the best IELTS book for self study.
It is specifically for the students who aim to get a band score of 6.5 or higher.
The book includes a wide range of vocabulary exercises to improve your vocabulary skills for both IELTS general training and IELTS academic.
It covers various topics commonly asked in the IELTS exam, such as education, technology, environment, and more.
It also provides strategies for learning and remembering vocabulary, as well as techniques for finding the meaning of unfamiliar words.
The package of this book also includes an audio CD that offers listening practice to improve pronunciation, intonation, and listening comprehension skills.
Benefits Of Using This Book
- Elevated Vocabulary: The book focuses on advanced vocabulary essential for achieving a Band 6.5+ score on the IELTS exam.
- Contextual Learning: Vocabulary is taught in context, aiding comprehension and effective application in various modules.
- Audio Support: The accompanying CD provides authentic audio examples, aiding pronunciation and understanding of nuanced words.
- Score Boosting: Improved vocabulary enhances your Writing, Speaking, and overall communication skills for higher IELTS scores.
IELTS 15 Academic Student’s Book with Answers with Audio with Resource Bank: Authentic Practice Tests
This book is specially designed for students who are preparing for the IELTS Academics and published by the IELTS officials Cambridge English Language Assessment.
This book offers a complete package of resources that will help students familiarize themselves with the IELTS exam format and improve their essential skills for the exam. Here are some key features because of which I have added this book to the list of best IELTS book for self study:
- The book contains four full-length practice tests that are just like the actual IELTS Academic exam. These practice tests include all four sections of the exam: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
- The book gives detailed answers and explanations for all the test questions. This allows students to learn the reasoning behind each correct answer and learn from their mistakes.
- This book also includes audio recordings for the Listening module of each practice test.
Benefits Of Using This Book
- Official Practice: “IELTS 15 Academic” features authentic exam questions, ensuring accurate test preparation.
- Comprehensive Audio Support: The audio resources aid Listening practice, familiarizing you with diverse accents and scenarios.
- Answer Explanations: Detailed answers and explanations help you understand the reasoning behind correct choices.
- Resource Bank: Additional materials enhance learning, offering extra practice and further refining your skills.
Collins English for IELTS – Get Ready for IELTS Workbook
“Collins English for IELTS – Get Ready for IELTS Workbook” is a complete study guide that is specially designed to help students to prepare for all the modules of the IELTS exam.
It includes a wide range of practice exercises that are essential to ace the IELTS test in the first attempt. Here are some of the most important key features of this one of the best IELTS best books for self study;
- This book covers all features of the IELTS exam that help students to prepare for every single module of the IELTS exam. It also includes exercises that build vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension skills, and some strategies to improve listening and speaking skills.
- This book includes authentic IELTS exam questions and passages, ensuring that students can become familiar with the format of the test.
- For every question there is an explanation with the answer key that helps students to understand the reason behind every answer of the questions in this book.
- Students will also get the audio file of the listening module to help students familiarize himself with IELTS listening.
Due to these reasons I have added this book to the list of best IELTS book for self study. I highly recommend this resource to students who are preparing for the IELTS exam.
Benefits Of Using This Book
- Structured Preparation: The workbook provides organized exercises and tasks to systematically prepare you for the IELTS exam.
- Practical Application: It focuses on practical skills needed for each module, aiding in real-life test scenarios.
- Targeted Practice: The book offers a variety of exercises that align with different question types, enhancing your test-taking strategies.
- Skill Enhancement: “Collins English for IELTS” workbook sharpens your language proficiency, helping you achieve higher band scores.
11 More Books To Prepare For The IELTS Exam
Here are 11 more best IELTS book for self study that can also help you to prepare for the IELTS exam:
- “IELTS Life Skills Official Cambridge Test Practice A1 Audio CDs (2)” by Cambridge English Language Assessment
- “IELTS Premier with 8 Practice Tests: Online + Book + CD” by Kaplan Test Prep
- “IELTS Practice Tests Plus 2 with Key and CD Pack” by Judith Wilson and Morgan Terry
- “IELTS General Training & Academic Study Guide: Test Prep Book & Practice Test Questions for the Listening, Reading, Writing, & Speaking Components on the International English Language Testing System Exam” by Test Prep Books
- “IELTS General Training and Academic Secrets Study Guide” by Mometrix Test Preparation
- “IELTS Practice Tests 1-4” by Peter May
- “IELTS Band 9 Vocab Secrets: Your Key To Band 9 Topic Vocabulary” by Cambridge IELTS Consultants
- “IELTS Listening Strategies: The Ultimate Guide with Tips, Tricks and Practice on How to Get a Target Band Score of 8.0+ in 10 Minutes a Day” by Rachel Mitchell
- “Check Your English Vocabulary for IELTS” by Rawdon Wyatt
- “Mastering IELTS Writing: Task 2 (Academic and General Training)” by Matt Houstoun
- “IELTS Speaking: Strategies and Tips to Increase Your Speaking Score” by Julia White.
Tips For IELTS Preparation From Books
Here are some of the most useful tips for students while preparing for the IELTS exam using the books. Students must be aware of these tips after learning about the best IELTS book for self study. So let’s get started!
- Choose the right books: There are plenty of IELTS preparation books that students can use to prepare for the IELTS exam. Not every book works for every IELTS test taker during their IELTS preparation. You must choose the book that suits you the best. You must choose the book that focuses on all four modules and is from a well-known publisher.
- Follow a study schedule: Create a study plan that provides you sufficient time for each module. Consistency and regular practice are key to success.
- Understand the test format: Familiarize yourself with the format of each module in the IELTS exam. The books should provide detailed explanations and examples for each question type.
- Practice sample tests: Practice is important. Use the books to access sample tests and try to set exam conditions as closely as possible.
- Work on time management: The IELTS exam is time-bound, so practice answering questions within the given time limits. Learn to manage your time effectively.
- Improve your required skills: Improve all the basic required skills for the IELTS exam. Use the book that focuses on reading, listening, speaking, and writing modules. Don’t spend all your time on only one module, practice and improve on all the modules of the IELTS exam.
- Use answer keys and explanations: Most IELTS preparation books come with answer keys and explanations for practice tests. Use those answer keys to check your answer and explanation to find out why any of your answers is wrong.
- Learn from your mistakes: Analyze your weak areas and learn from your mistakes. Focus on improving those areas by giving more time to those areas to improve your language skills.
Other Valuable Resources For IELTS Preparation
There are numerous other resources apart from the books that can be a valuable resource to prepare for the IELTS exam. Along with studying from the best IELTS book for self study you can use the following resources for IELTS preparation.
- Online Practice Tests: There are multiple websites offering free and paid IELTS practice tests that follow the actual exam format. These tests can help you become familiar with the test format, timing, and types of questions you will face in the exam.
- Mobile Apps: Many mobile apps provide IELTS preparation materials, including practice questions, sample essays, and vocabulary exercises. Some popular apps include “IELTS Prep App” by the British Council and “IELTS Practice & IELTS Test” by IELTS Material.
- YouTube Channels: Many YouTube channels offer IELTS preparation videos, lectures, and tips from experienced and qualified IELTS trainers. Some of the popular YouTube Channels are “IELTS Liz,” “IELTS Advantage,” and “IELTS Ryan.” They provide useful content to improve your IELTS exam understanding.
- Online Forums and Communities: Engaging in online forums and communities on a daily basis that are dedicated to helping students with IELTS preparation can be very beneficial. Social platforms like Reddit and IELTS-Blog have active communities where you can interact with other test-takers, exchange study materials, and ask for guidance from those who have already taken the test.
- Podcasts: Listening to podcasts related to IELTS can improve your listening skills along with providing valuable tips and strategies for taking the exam. “IELTS Energy English Podcast” and “IELTS Podcast” are popular podcasts that help you during your IELTS preparation.
- Study Groups: Joining or forming a study group with other IELTS test takers can help you create a supportive environment for IELTS preparation. You can discuss study materials, practice speaking and writing tasks, and provide feedback to each other.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have discussed 10 best IELTS book for self-study that can help you to achieve a good band score in the IELTS exam. Finding the best book for self study depends on different factors, such as your current level of proficiency, your specific strengths and weaknesses, and your preferred learning style.
But the above-mentioned books are some of the most popular and highly recommended books that can help you prepare for the IELTS exam on your own.
Remember that it is very important to choose a book that aligns with your study goals and gives you access to ample practice material and reliable feedback.
I hope you like our blog on best IELTS book for self study, if you like our blog, then share it with your friends and family. If you have any query related to this blog, then you can comment to me, I will reply to you as soon as possible.
FAQs
Are there any IELTS books specifically designed for different skill areas?
Yes, there are IELTS books that focus on specific skill areas.
1. For Reading, “IELTS Reading Strategies: Master the IELTS Reading Test” by Rachel Mitchell is highly recommended.
2. For Writing, “Target Band 7: IELTS Academic Module – How to Maximize Your Score” by Simone Braverman is a popular choice.
3. Additionally, “Listening Strategies for the IELTS Test” by Alex Bryne is a valuable resource for improving listening skills.
Can you suggest any IELTS books for vocabulary building?
Absolutely! “Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS Advanced Band 6.5+” by Pauline Cullen is a comprehensive book that covers advanced vocabulary required for higher IELTS scores.