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Best IELTS Books and Resources 2017

IELTS Writing Section (Academic): How To Achieve A Target 8 Score

Another book targeting the Writing module of the IELTS, this test study guide provides step-by-step guidance on mastering this section of the test.

IELTS Writing Section (Academic): How to Achieve A Target 8 Score is ideal for highly ambitious students. The guide aims to break down writing samples into concrete parts as a means of explaining how to write in a high scoring method.  The book also helps test-takers identify different question types and match corresponding answer structures to these question types, draft effective introductions to essays, and even draft high scoring phrases. Furthermore, it provides model essays, sample practice questions, and useful IELTS practice links.

Written in a no-nonsense, easy-to-understand style, this is a simple yet concrete tool for understanding how to perform well in the Writing module.

Pros:
Step-by-step writing help
Aimed at more ambitious and competent students
Dissects writing samples to show the best way to get a high score
Packed with technical writing help
Model essays and practice questions
Clear and straightforward style

Cons:
Targeted at very advanced students
Another one with narrow scope – only addresses the writing section

Barron’s Essential Words for the IELTS With MP3 CD

Best IELTS Books Barrons Essential WordsIn all the modules of the IELTS, a strong command of English vocabulary is essential. One way for test takers to improve their vocabulary is with Barron’s Essential Words for the IELTS.

Focusing on 600 English words that frequently appear on IELTS exams, this book features exercises designed to teach future test-takers how to derive the meanings of new words from their context. Strategies for learning and recalling word meanings are provided as are techniques for analyzing new compound words.

Rounding out this IELTS preparation book’s features are vocabulary expanding exercises as well as listening comprehension exercises that can be found on the accompanying MP3 CD, which has been added in the books latest 2014 edition.

In sum, this book is an easy and novel way to build your English vocabulary. If you are looking to focus specifically on vocabulary, this may well be the best IELTS book out there.

Pros:
Helps students improve their vocabulary, a key factor in IELTS success
Focuses on 600 English words that commonly occur in the test
Contains strategies for learning and word recall
Vocabulary expansion exercises
Listening comprehension activities on CD

Cons:
Focus is entirely on vocab, should be complemented with a more comprehensive book for best results

#1 The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS with DVD-ROM

Designed and published by the actual makers of the IELTS exam, The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS (for academic and general training) is a must-buy for ambitious test-takers. Built based on research and analysis of actual test-takers’ responses – and their mistakes! – the Official Guide aims to teach students everything they need to know in order to score high on either the General Training or Academic Modules.

Following an introduction to the exam, this IELTS practice book tackles all four skills of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) in separate sections, which are in turn divided in four to eight smaller units. Each unit focuses on a skill’s specific key aspect, providing helpful explanations and practice as you go along. What we found particularly helpful is how the guide approaches a problem from the test-taker’s perspective, explaining how specific types of tasks or questions should be tackled and pointing out strategies on how to improve one’s performance.

Importantly, the guide’s second half consists of eight full-length official IELTS practice tests. Each test has a detailed answer key with explanations. The guide also comes with a DVD that includes the book’s listening portions as MP3 audio tracks as well as speaking test videos.

In short, this official test prep bible is for good reason regarded as the definitive IELTS book.

Pros:
Based on research of real-life test takers
Covers all 4 sections of the test
Approaches from the perspective of the test taker
Provides strategy advice
8 full-length official practice tests with detailed answers
DVD containing listening and speaking exercises

Cons:
Not really geared towards learning new content – focus is on familiarizing yourself with the exam format and structure

#2 Barron’s IELTS Superpack 2017 Edition

Barron’s Superpack offers three manuals well organized into a nicely-presented outer box. The set includes the fundamental IELTS manual with MP3 CD, the IELTS Practice Exams book with two audio CDs, the IELTS Strategies and Tips booklet with MP3 CD, and finally the Essential Words for the IELTS guide.

The IELTS manual offers a comprehensive overview of the test, details each section of the test, and offers a plethora of useful strategies, tips, and techniques for each of the four sections. It also provides sample exercises with answers, allowing a test taker to slowly build up the skills necessary for ultimately completing the sample practice exams which are also part of the set.

A stand-out feature of Barron’s Superpack set is surely the IELTS Essential Words manual. Not only does it help with word usage, but through the provided reading and listening sample practice exercises, the Essential Words manual also enables test-takers to easily expand their vocabulary simply through completion of the exercises: No added learning necessary.

The set also includes various audio and MP3 CDs, which are useful for the listening section of the test, although the accents on the CDs are American, while the accents of the speakers on the actual test may be British, Australian, or otherwise non-American.

All in all, however, the Barron’s IELTS Superpack is an excellent and valuable set of materials.

Pros:
Good overview of the test
Well-organised
The Essential Words manual makes a useful tool
Audio materials for listening practice
Helpful practice exercises and questions

Cons:
No non-American accents in the listening materials, although the real test will likely contain some

#3 Target Band 7: IELTS Academic – How to Maximize Your Score

IELTS study guidesWritten by a former IELTS test-taker herself, Simone Braverman’s Target Band 7 is an easy-to-use and easy-to-understand strategic guide to the Academic IELTS. This popular prep book’s overarching goal is to help test-takers reduce the time that it takes to solve typical problems and assist them in avoiding common mistakes.

Providing useful tips for content and for techniques, Braverman tackles each of the four sections of the IELTS with concise and helpful advice. Of particular note are the sample exercises provided in the book as well as the materials dealing with topic construction. In addition, one of the most appealing characteristics of this prep book is the clear language and personable writing style that Braverman uses, thereby ensuring comprehension of the multitude of useful techniques she offers for conquering every section of the test. Finally, as an added bonus, the book also features a detailed study plan.

While the book does not offer full length sample IELTS tests, an audio CD, or answers to all of the sample questions that are provided, there are links to relevant IELTS resources. Moreover, the author’s website provides numerous helpful IELTS practice resources.

Target Band 7 offers a highly effective and easily digestible guide to the IELTS. As such, this is highly recommended as one of the best IELTS books currently on the market.

Pros:
Written by a former IELTS test taker
Assists with strategy
Helps candidates reduce the time taken to answer questions and work more effectively
Wide range of sample exercises
Clear, concise, easy to read

Cons:
No full-length tests included (although links to external resources are provided)
Some of the sample questions lack answers