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20 Best IELTS Preparation Books for Students

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Every year, more than 8 lakh students move out of India for foreign education. To gain admission to a top university abroad, you need to provide scores for your English skill tests. IELTS is one of the widely accepted English Proficiency tests for non-native English speakers. The IELTS test has four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. 

When it comes to scoring the highest possible bands in the IELTS, preparation is the key. It can feel daunting at times, especially when you are at the beginning of your preparation. But a little practice takes you a long way. You can do many things to prepare for your 2024 -2025 IELTS exams. IELTS books are a great resource. They will help you cover all the aspects of the exam as well as give some tips and strategies to ace the exam. Connect with Yocket Premium, a leading study abroad consultancy with a vibrant community of 1.2 million Yocketers. We will help you improve your IELTS preparation and study abroad process. Our AI-powered tools and counselling services can help you shortlist universities and courses that admit students based on their IELTS scores and other requirements! Reach out to Yocket Experts today to know more!

Table of Contents

List of Best IELTS Preparation Books

We have curated a list of best books for IELTS preparation for you:

1. Cambridge IELTS 16 Academics Students Books

2.  Barron's IELTS Superpack

3.  The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS

4.  Official IELTS Practice Materials Volume 1 & 2

5.  IELTS Trainers

6.  Mometrix IELTS Books for General Academic Training

7.  Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS

8.  IELTS Foundation: Coursebook

9.  Simone Braverman's Target Band 7

10. IELTS Academic Test Preparation Set of 6 Books by Career Launcher

11. IELTS Graphs from the Past Exam - Makaar IELTS

12. English Collocations in Use

13. English Vocabulary in Use

14. New Insight into IELTS

15. Cambridge Grammar for IELTS

16. IELTS Advantage Series

17. Cambridge English Grammar in Use

18. IELTS Academic COMBO Pack of Latest 5 Books

19. IELTS Trainer 2 Academic (South Asian Edition)

20. Collins Vocabulary for IELTS

1.  Cambridge IELTS 16 Academics Students Books

Cambridge IELTS Academic 16 Student's Book [paperback] cambridge press [Jan 01, 2023]…

The authentic test papers in the book give you an idea about what to expect in the IELTS test exam. Its most updated version is aimed at IELTS Academic, containing 4 tests with section-wise answers. Attempting the papers and their solutions is invaluable for you in preparation.

Why consider?

  • Good tips divided into each section
  • Explanation for each question type to prepare well

Price: INR 138 at Amazon

2.  Barron's IELTS Superpack

As the name suggests, the Super pack comes with all the vital IELTS study materials in a single package which is required to qualify for the exam. With an extensive set of best books for IELTS listening to techniques & strategies, you will find practice modules, test papers, strategies, and CDs in it. It also contains an extensive list of 600 words to strengthen your vocabulary for the exam.

Why consider?

  • The study material is comprehensive.
  • Its packs of CDs make learning more interesting even when you are not interested in reading. You can listen to the audio to improve your IELTS listening test.

Price: INR 3851 at Amazon

3.  The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS

The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS is among the best IELTS books for general training and academic studies. This book provides you with strategies, insights, and guidance from high achiever students with clear explanations to score good marks. You will also boost your understanding through its eight practice papers and a step-by-step guide for each section. It also contains videos and audio for each practice test and the listening questions.

Why to Consider?

  • Provides a glimpse of mistakes you can make during your IELTS preparation
  • Pointers from appearing students who have cleared the test
  • Enables you to prepare well with its speaking and listening sections with CDs.

Price: INR 642 at Amazon

4.  Official IELTS Practice Materials Volume 1 & 2

This book is a comprehensive teacher resource pack that helps to prepare learners for the IELTS test.

Why Consider?

  • It is written by Cambridge ESOL examiners and material writers.
  • They have many years of experience preparing for IELTS tests. It shows candidates how the tests are assessed and gives valuable tips. 
  • The Official IELTS Practice Materials Volume 1 & 2 contains samples of the Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking tests with sample answers and examiner comments.

Price: INR 1569 at Amazon

5.  IELTS Trainers

The IELTS trainer book contains 6 full practice papers that will assist you in securing success in the examination. It is considered one of the best books for IELTS preparation and offers ample guidance to students. It contains CDs for your listening test and for other sections, answers are provided to guide you to tackle them.

Why Consider?

  • Thorough answers and tips for every question.
  • Includes CDs for listening tests, as well as sample exams for other sections.
  • Good samples for speaking, writing, and listening tests.
  • Step-by-step guide for every type of question.
  • Guides you through six test papers.

Price: INR 1786 at Amazon

Suggested: Universities Accepting IELTS Scores 5.5 to 6

6.  Mometrix IELTS Books for General Academic Training

This is the best book for IELTS writing and general training, especially if you are looking for some quality video tutorials with detailed explanations and practice test examinations along with tips and strategies. This book covers all four sections of IELTS with video tutorials to master the topics and is very affordable.

Why Consider?

  • Explained answer keys with practice papers
  • Step-by-step video tutorials which help in mastering complex topics as well
  • A thorough review of each section.

Price: INR 2189 at Amazon

7.  Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS

This book guides you with a lot of new words and strengthens your vocabulary. It has a wider range of vocabulary sections and is ideal for both general and academics. This book is best suited for those who are in the middle phase and starting their preparation to get a command of English.

Why Consider?

  • It helps you to Ace the IELTS paper with improvement in your vocabulary.
  • It comes with a CD to help you in the preparation

Price: INR 460 at Amazon

8.  IELTS Foundation: Coursebook

This book provides you with a solid foundation in language skills and the capabilities required to score better. It contains numerous interesting study materials and texts, an important question bank, tips and strategies, DIY learning projects, and listening CDs to prepare better.

Why Consider?

  • Comes with a CD and the best study materials.
  • Can be a better alternative to enhance your language requirements outside of IELTS.

Price: INR 4353 at Amazon

9.  Simone Braverman's Target Band 7

If you want to score high for your dream university, then this one is the best book for you for IELTS reading and IELTS writing preparation. It is written by top professionals who have secured great scores in their examinations. Also, it contains some straight-to-the-point strategies to conquer every section without any hurdles.

Why Consider?

  • Helps you manage your time effectively and efficiently.
  • Solutions students get while solving questions in the examination.

Price: INR 1471 at Amazon

10. IELTS Academic Test Preparation Set of 6 Books by Career Launcher 

This book offers an excellent learning experience since it incorporates concept-based learning with a sufficient amount of practice exercises to reinforce learning.

The package includes six books: Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening, Grammar, and Aviator. All of these books are appropriate for the Academic section of the IELTS test.

Price: INR 973 at Amazon

Suggested: How to Send IELTS Scores to Universities?

11. IELTS Graphs from the Past Exam - Makaar IELTS

This book of IELTS Graphs is focussed on IELTS Academic Writing Task 1. A few graphs are those reproduced by students after coming out of the examination hall. The rest are from the various forums on the net where different students share their IELTS questions. No graph has been taken from any books available in the market. The sample descriptions are written with graphs to help you prepare for academic writing.

Price: INR 327 at Amazon

12. English Collocations in Use

To sound like a native speaker, you should check this book out without fail! Whether you’re striving for precision in your written assignments or aiming to speak with fluency and authenticity, this book is your key to understanding the specifics of English collocations.

Why Consider?

  • It will help you enhance your spoken and written English with 60 lessons on a wide range of themes, each having 2 pages of theory and practice activities and a total of over 1,500 collocations.
  • For anyone taking the IELTS at an intermediate level or above, this book is ideal.
  • To achieve a Band 6.5+ on the IELTS, this book, English Collocations in Use, is strongly recommended.

Price: INR 3038 at Amazon

13. English Vocabulary in Use

This book series is the best-selling vocabulary reference and practice book from elementary to advanced level. It is the perfect choice for IELTS learners who want to build their vocabulary skills.

Why Consider?

  • Vocabulary is explained and presented on left-hand pages with a wealth of innovative follow-up activities opposite.
  • 100 units, covering approximately 3,000 new vocabulary items
  • Offers learners the opportunity to consolidate and expand existing vocabulary

Price: INR 3052 at Amazon

14. New Insight into IELTS

New Insight into IELTS offers comprehensive preparation and practice for IELTS. By exploring the test paper-by-paper, and looking in detail at each task type, the course gradually builds up the skills, language, and test techniques students need to approach IELTS with confidence.

Why Consider?

  • One of the greatest IELTS books for use in the classroom or for self-study, the course includes a thorough overview of the test as well as a comprehensive answer key.
  • The course material is appropriate for both Academic and General Training applicants, with the target audience being students whose current level is about Band 6.

Price: INR 505 at Flipkart

15. Cambridge Grammar for IELTS

Cambridge Grammar for IELTS is one of the best Grammar books for IELTS preparation. It helps you in terms of the grammar needed for the IELTS test and also helps develop your listening skills.

Why Consider?

  • It includes a wide range of IELTS tasks from the Academic and General Training Reading, Writing, and Listening modules, and contains helpful grammar explanations and a grammar glossary.

Price: INR 436 at Amazon

Suggested: Tips to prepare for IELTS at home

16. IELTS Advantage Series

IELTS Advantage: Writing Skills

‘IELTS Advantage: Writing Skills’ written by Richard Brown (Author), and Lewis Richards (Author) is a fully comprehensive resource designed for IELTS learners who want to achieve a grade of 7.0 or higher in the Writing section of the Academic IELTS test.

Why Consider?

  • Students are guided step-by-step through the different tasks in the writing module, using material developed in the classroom, by authors with many years’ experience in helping hundreds of IELTS candidates achieve a high IELTS score.
  • It is one of the best books for IELTS in terms of learning how to write essays.

IELTS Advantage: Reading Skills 

This book is suitable for IELTS learners who want to pass the IELTS Academic Reading Test with a grade of 6.5-7.5 or higher. It provides intensive preparation for success in the IELTS reading paper, with a focus on vocabulary development and paraphrase training. It teaches IELTS learners a range of key strategies for reading effectively and for understanding texts more easily, such as skimming, scanning, and speed-reading techniques, helping students to get better results in the Reading paper.

IELTS Advantage: Listening & Speaking Skills

‘IELTS Advantage: Speaking & Listening Skills’ is a comprehensive resource for all IELTS candidates who aim to get a Band 6.5 or higher in the Speaking and Listening modules. IELTS learners are guided step-by-step through the different stages of the speaking and listening modules, covering a wide range of topics that are likely to occur in the IELTS examination.

Price: INR 474 at Amazon

17. Cambridge English Grammar in Use

‘English Grammar in Use Fourth Edition’ is the world’s best-selling self-study grammar book for learners of English.

Why Consider?

  • It has 136 two-page units covering all areas of English Grammar
  • It has additional practice exercises to consolidate learning.
  • It is a highly recommended book to any IELTS learners who want to get a 6.0 or above on the IELTS test.

Price: INR 3799 at Amazon

18. IELTS Academic COMBO Pack of Latest 5 books, Achievers 9 Bands January 2023 New Edition Perfect Paperback

Why Consider?

This combo pack includes five Academic IELTS books: Academic 10 Reading & 6 Listening Practice Tests with Answer Keys, Achievers IELTS Books 9 Bands 4 in One for Speaking and Writing Academic Training (February 2023 Updated New Print Edition), Achievers IELTS 9 Bands Bool – 2, 15 Listening Practice Set With Answer Keys, Achievers IELTS 9 Bands Student's Notebook, and Sure Shot exam questions handy book.

Price: INR 1105 at Amazon

19. IELTS Trainer 2 Academic (South Asian Edition) 

A highly specialized and carefully constructed book, "IELTS Trainer 2 Academic (South Asian Edition)" is intended to support South Asian candidates in their quest for success in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test. It is evidence of the dedication to providing useful and efficient test-taking resources that address the particular requirements of professionals and students from the South Asian region.

Why Consider?

  • Six IELTS practice tests for thorough exam preparation, including specifics on the test format, question kinds, and scoring system, as well as step-by-step instructions and advice.
  • It provides simple-to-follow, professional advice and pointers meant to ensure exam success, along with six comprehensive practice exams.
  • The first two exams include comprehensive guidance on how to approach each paper.
  • Extra practice in grammar, vocabulary, and writing is centered on areas where students usually need the greatest assistance and is based on a bank of actual candidate exam papers.

Price: INR 589 at Amazon

20. Collins Vocabulary for IELTS

Collins English for IELTS concentrates on the particular areas that require development. Whether it's vocabulary or grammar in the speaking, writing, listening, or reading portions, a book to master every skill will help candidates in gaining a thorough understanding of all aspects of the test and how to respond to specific questions. The Collins English for IELTS has an approachable layout and is designed to help students get an IELTS score in the band of 5.5 to 6.

Price: INR 174 at Amazon

Suggested: IELTS Academic vs General

Importance of IELTS Preparation Books

Choosing the best IELTS book for self-study is essential to achieve success in the test. As the questions in the IELTS test are quite moderate, a good preparation book with a plan will do that. The books will help you to prepare and nurture you to face every challenging question asked in the test.

  • With some best IELTS practice books by your side, you can expect to score great marks on the test, but you just need to remain alert while preparing for the same.
  • Moreover, IELTS exam preparation books may also enhance your concentration in each section and help you achieve your desired test scores.

How do these IELTS Books help in your IELTS Preparation?

One of the most important aspects of your IELTS preparation is to ensure that the study material you are using is authentic and from a reputable publication. When it comes to the IELTS exam, there are many different IELTS preparation materials accessible, thus it's critical to pick out the best sources from the mediocre ones. The IELTS books listed in this blog are written by well-known, popular authors or publishers who have significant first-hand experience taking the test. Therefore, it's safe to say that each book on this list will greatly enhance your abilities and get you ready for a stellar IELTS score. We hope this blog can give you an idea about all the best books for IELTS preparation you need for self-study. Having said that, we also realize that the costs of some good IELTS books are quite high, but you can also refer to the Kindle version of these books to save your money.

Suggested: How to Reschedule or Cancel the IELTS Exam?

Conclusion

Having a good command of the English language does not ensure that you will score better in the IELTS test. This is because it also tests your logic, understanding, quick thinking, and time management. But you can excel in all these areas with determination, smart work, and a good amount of preparation. The aforementioned list of books will help you in preparation for the IELTS exam covering all the aspects. Go through the above list thoroughly and find 2-3 books that will be best fit for you in preparation. 

You can secure good scores in IELTS with the preparation. However, the study abroad journey does not end at just scoring good scores in IELTS. You have to go through various other things such as shortlisting universities, applying to universities, getting visas, finding scholarships, and a lot more. If you feel overwhelmed with these steps and want to know more about how to score high bands in the IELTS examination, reach out to Yocket Premium. We will help you streamline your preparation and will guide you through the complex process of studying abroad. Connect with Yocket experts today!

Frequently Asked Questions About IELTS Preparation Books

Which is the best book for IELTS preparation at home?

How many books should one buy for IELTS preparation?

How can I prepare for IELTS at home?

What are some best book for IELTS reading section?

Can I refer to some online resources instead for IELTS?

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