IELTS preparation books and study material

If you have clicked on this article, this means you are about to sit your IELTS exam pretty soon. Yes, the exam can be intimidating, but with the correct learning methods & material, you can ease your prep experience. 

The fate of your higher education can depend on your IELTS score. Many top schools for higher education in the U.S. require an IELTS band of 7 or above. 

Preparing for IELTS in 2025 means you are overwhelmed with choices. You can set yourself up for success by strategically selecting a combination of IELTS exam preparation material. 

The first thing you need to understand about the IELTS exam is that there are two test types. The IELTS Academic & The IELTS General training. IELTS Academic is for test takers who are attempting to pursue studies in an English-speaking country. The General Training test is for those who are trying to migrate to an English-speaking country for job opportunities. Most of the guides and study materials are suited for both types of test takers. But some can lean more towards one than the other. 

This article will explore some of the most recommended IELTS preparation books for IELTS Academic test-takers. It will also highlight their key features and benefits. Whether you are taking the test for the first time or have attempted it before, this guide will help you choose the right materials.

Read on to learn about all the different types of IELTS study material you can add to your arsenal. 

Types of IELTS study material

We can split the IELTS study materials into 2 broad categories. They are:

Guidebooks & Practice Test Books

IELTS guidebooks are ideal for both Academic and General Training candidates. Guidebooks most ofter cover all 4 portions of the IELTS Test. Ones like British Council Official IELTS Practice Materials contain practical preparation exercises. The books come with a CD that allows you to listen to the material along with the written transcript. These books also have examiners’ comments and share tips for sitting the exam.

Practice test books contain only past IELTS exam papers along with the answer key. The best way to use this is by mimicking exam conditions at home. This can help you get accustomed to the time limits involved for each section of the test.  These also have audio materials for listening practice.

Skill-specific & Vocabulary Books

If you find yourself struggling to prepare for one part of the IELTS test, skill-specific books will come in very handy. One book would focus on one particular area you’re tested on in the IELTS. There are many such free-to-download guides online. They include targeted exercises and audio tracks to enhance pronunciation. 

IELTS Vocabulary books contain a list of words and phrases that you need to know for your IELTS. They explain the correct word usage and also come with books and audio tracks to help you with your pronunciation. These books are designed to help you build fluency in English.

These IELTS study material types are available as online resources or offline. Having such a variety means you can choose the right combination which is easy on your pockets but also effective for your preparation. 

Also Read: IELTS Exam Dates in India: All Important Dates

Top 5 IELTS preparation books 2025

Success in your IELTS exam depends on two main factors: your own efforts and the resources you use to prepare. The good thing is that you can control both of these factors. We’ve handpicked the top 5 preparation books for your IELTS.

• The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS:

One of the top IELTS preparation resources is The Cambridge Guide to IELTS. This comprehensive guide is suitable for both Academic and General training candidates. It provides strategies and insights straight from IELTS experts. The book includes full practice tests, combining the features of a guidebook and a practice test book.

The Cambridge Guide also comes with audio material for listening practice. So it works as a thorough resource for preparation. The book helps students understand the reasoning behind the test format. It also offers strategies to handle different question types—not just the answers.

• Barron’s IELTS Superpack

This book holds esteem for its extensive coverage of the exam sections. Barron’s Superpack includes valuable resources like practice exams and a vocabulary thesaurus. It is a three-book set that contains practice exams, audio tracks, and reviews to help you practice for the IELTS exam. One of the books in the set is dedicated to just essential words that appear in the IELTS. 

• Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic

The Cambridge IELTS Academic is a series of books that cover essential questions for the IELTS Academic test. Book 16 provides detailed answer keys and listening transcripts. It helps you familiarize yourself with the types of questions you’re likely to encounter in the exam. There are 19 books in the series with each book progressively increasing in difficulty. So you can keep track and continuously challenge yourself as you prepare.

• IELTS Trainer 2 Academic

This book stands out for its structured approach to practice. IELTS Trainer 2 includes six practice tests designed to challenge and help you build confidence. The first two tests have step-by-step guidance for each question type. This will set you up to use the next 4 tests to develop your exam technique. 

• Simone Braverman’s Target Band 7

This book is ideal for those aiming for a high band score in the IELTS exam. The book was written by an experienced educator who has achieved excellent scores herself. It offers targeted instructions for reading and writing.

What sets this book apart is its real-world perspective on the challenges of the exam. It provides valuable insights into time management— something many of its counterparts overlook. It also offers practical solutions to common problems faced during the test, not just sample questions.

The book’s straightforward approach makes it easy to follow and highly effective. 

Also Read: IELTS Exam Pattern in 2025: Latest & Updated

Online resources for IELTS preparation

There is an abundance of online resources for IELTS preparation in 2025. Using these digital tools well can greatly improve study efficiency due to its highly flexible nature. Here’s how you can make the most of these resources:

• Structured Online Courses

Platforms like Magoosh and E2Language offer comprehensive courses. They have video lessons, practice tests, and personalized feedback. You can cover all 4 test components in these online courses. The best part about online courses is that they have interactive elements like quizzes that can help reinforce learning.

• Practice Tests and Simulations

Practice tests from BestMyTest and the official IELTS website can help you understand the exam format. You can take timed practice tests and simulate real exam conditions. This helps improve your time management and analyze areas of improvement. 

• Mobile Apps

Many online platforms offer mobile apps for learning on the go. For example, the IELTS by IDP app provides practice questions and expert tips. The best part of these apps is that you can use them whenever you want. So you can maximize study time without needing a dedicated workspace.

• Interactive Webinars and Live Classes

Webinars and live classes from organizations like The British Council let you engage with instructors and peers. You can use these sessions to clarify doubts and get expert guidance. The best part here is that you have someone who can help solve your doubts in real time. The British Council runs these webinars at least once a month. So you can sign up for the classes that discuss your IELTS pain points. 

• Community Forums and Study Groups

Online forums and study groups create a supportive learning environment. You can discuss challenges, share resources, and exchange study tips with other candidates. This can help give you a fresh perspective on topics and also improve your motivation.

These online resources can help you create a flexible and effective IELTS preparation strategy. Using a combination of structured courses, practice tests, mobile apps, and live sessions can cater to different learning styles and schedules. This can ultimately lead to better results on test day.

Also Read: How To Prepare For IELTS in 2024 (Complete Strategy)

Best 5 free IELTS preparation materials in 2025

In 2025, IELTS test-takers have access to a variety of free preparation materials. And these suit a variety of learning styles. Here are five of the best resources to enhance your study experience:

• IELTS Liz

This website is a gold mine for IELTS preparation. It provides a clear overview of the test format, tips, and practice videos for each section. It has multiple-choice questions and listening exercises. You can easily map out your preparation while learning where to improve your scores.

• IELTS.org

The official IELTS website offers free practice papers for both Academic and General Training candidates. It can help students understand what to expect on exam day. It has sample audio for listening tests and speaking test examples. 

• British Council – LearnEnglish

The “Road to IELTS program” by the British Council is an excellent free resource. It offers more than 300 interactive activities and 40 practice tests. You can also access 17 video tutorials which give you guidance from experienced instructors. 

• IELTS Buddy

IELTS Buddy is known for its wide range of free study materials. It offers practice tests, sample answers, and expert tips for all four test sections. IELTS Buddy also has an IELTS Blog which give you the latest updates on IELTS model questions and topics that are likely to appear in your exam. It has grammar and vocabulary lessons to help you improve your language skills.

• TED IELTS

This is a website that provides a free eBook for the writing portion of your exam. This book includes sample essays, writing templates, and checklists. It also offers grammar courses and quizzes to help you refine your writing skills. TED IELTS is an excellent tool for those looking to improve their written English.

By using these free resources well, you can create a well-structured study plan. This can help ensure you are fully prepared to achieve your desired IELTS scores. 

10 Tips for choosing the right study material in 2025

Choosing the right study material is essential for effective preparation. Here are ten tips to help students select the best resources in 2025:

• Assess Your Learning Style

Determine how you learn best. For some, it’s through reading. For others, it’s by listening, or hands-on practice. When you understand your learning style, you can choose the correct material and implement the right method. 

• Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

Stick to a few high-quality resources. Using too many guides will be overwhelming. By sticking to a limited number, you can also save money.

• Check for Updated Content

Ensure that your study materials are current. They should reflect the latest exam format and question types. Using outdated resources will ruin your preparation.

• Read Reviews and Recommendations

Look for reviews from other students or educators about specific study materials. Honest feedback can help you determine if a resource is useful and relevant. Talk to those who have taken the test before to understand what materials they used for preparation. 

• Utilize Official Resources

Use materials from trusted sources like the British Council, IDP, or Cambridge. These are designed to meet exam standards and provide accurate practice. They are also more likely to be updated as the exam pattern changes. 

• Incorporate Diverse Formats

Combine textbooks, online courses, podcasts, and videos to make studying more engaging. Using different formats can improve comprehension and retention.

• Practice with Realistic Tests

Select materials that include practice tests simulating real exam conditions. This will help you get familiar with the test format and improve time management.

• Seek Interactive Resources

Engaging with others can deepen understanding and keep you motivated. Choose online platforms that offer quizzes, flashcards, and discussion forums. 

• Evaluate Your Progress

Tracking your progress is key to improvement. Use study materials that include progress tracking or self-assessments. Regularly checking your strengths and weaknesses will help you adjust your study plan. 

• Stay Organized

A clear mind and study space can be a game changer. Set up a dedicated study space where everything is easily accessible. 

 

These tips can help you choose your study materials wisely. This can make your IELTS preparation more effective and help you get better results. 

One big challenge with preparing for standardized tests is the competition. That in itself can be nerve-wracking. Because of this, preparing for the IELTS exam requires a well-structured approach.

More than the type of resource you select, you must select materials that match your learning style and target areas for improvement. Understanding the structure helps test-takers prepare more effectively. You should develop your strategies to manage time and answer different question types.

Success in the IELTS exam comes with consistent practice, self-assessment, and a focus on weak areas. Try speaking in the language often. Listen to English news channels. Stimulate examination scenarios for yourself to boost performance. With a lot of hard & smart work, you can maximize your chances of achieving your desired band scores.

Note: Most universities require students to submit English language proficiency test scores, but that’s just one part of the admission process. Choosing the right university is about more than meeting a test score requirement—it’s about finding a program that aligns with your career goals, budget, and long-term ROI.

That’s where GradRight’s university-search platform helps. It goes beyond rankings to match you with universities that fit your academic background, financial situation, and career aspirations.

With GradRight’s university-search platform, you can:

• Check past IELTS/TOEFL score cutoffs to know where you stand.
• Compare ROI factors like placement rates, tuition fees, and alumni success.
• Explore funding options, including scholarships and financial aid.
• Get personalized recommendations tailored to your profile.
• Receive application invites from universities that value your credentials.

Here’s how it works:

• Create a profile with your academic details.
• Enter your preferences, including budget and study destination.
• AI-powered analysis shortlists programs that best fit your needs.
• Receive a tailored university list with in-depth insights.
• Get expert advice to finalize your choices.

And the best part? It’s free for students.

Now that you know how to choose the right university, let’s move on to some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about IELTS preparation.

FAQ’s