Best IELTS Preparation Books: Ace the Exam with Confidence
Creating an effective preparation strategy is essential for securing a high band score in the IELTS exam. With a wide range of online and offline resources, IELTS preparation books stand out as an important tool.
They offer insights into the latest test patterns, syllabus, and tips to prepare for the exam. They also include mock tests and practice paper sets, which evaluate the readiness for the exam. To maximise your chances of taking the exam, you should refer to the following IELTS books.
- Best IELTS Preparation Books
- The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
- Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Students Book
- Barron IELTS Superpack
- Official IELTS Practice Materials with CD
- Mometrix IELTS Book for General & Academic Training
- Cambridge IELTS Trainer 2
- Cambridge IELTS General Training 18 with Answers
- Cambridge Grammar for IELTS
- Collins Cobuild Keywords for IELTS
- Cambridge English Grammar in Use
- Best IELTS Preparation Books: Section-wise List
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Best IELTS Preparation Books
Some of the best books for IELTS preparation are discussed below, along with their features and the key benefits they provide.
Name of the Book | Published by | Price (Per Unit) |
---|---|---|
The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS | Cambridge University Press | INR 720 |
Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Students Book | Cambridge University Press | INR 138 |
Barron IELTS Superpack | Barron’s Educational Series | INR 4,612 |
Official IELTS Practice Materials with CD | Cambridge University Press | INR 1,586 |
Mometrix IELTS Book for General & Academic Training | Mometrix Media LLC | INR 2,172 |
Cambridge IELTS Trainer 2 | Cambridge University Press | INR 634 |
Cambridge IELTS General Training 18 with Answers | Cambridge University Press | INR 378 |
Cambridge Grammar for IELTS | Cambridge University Press | INR 299 |
Collins Cobuild Keywords for IELTS | Collins Cobuild; HarperCollins India | INR 197 |
Cambridge English Grammar in Use | Cambridge University Press | INR 610 |
The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
This is one of the best books for IELTS preparation because it discusses exam-related content from scratch. It is for those about to start their IELTS academic and general training preparation. It includes the following:
- Step-by-step guidance on each section
- Description of the latest pattern
- 8 practice and mock test papers
- Insights and guidance from top test-takers
- Audio and video resources for the listening section
Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Students Book
This book provides the following benefits to IELTS academic test aspirants:
- Introduction to the latest pattern of the IELTS academic
- 4 test papers for practice with section-wise answers
- Explanation of each question type
- Trips and tricks
Barron IELTS Superpack
The 3-in-1 Barron IELTS book superpack covers the comprehensive package of the IELTS preparation strategy from the beginning. This book provides the following benefits and features:
- Comprehensive understanding of the IELTS Exam
- 10 full-length practice test papers
- List of 600 unique vocabularyÂ
- Test prep guide and tips
- CD package for listening section and making study more interactive
Official IELTS Practice Materials with CD

The book is written by IELTS partner examiners and writers with profound years of experience to help teachers who are preparing students to take the test. This book contains the following:
- Practice test for all 4 sections
- Answer sheets of all 4 sections
- Listening tapescripts
- Sample candidate writing response and comments from the examiner
- 3 examples of students taking the speaking test
Mometrix IELTS Book for General & Academic Training

The Mometrix IELTS preparation book for general training and academics is the ideal prep guide for students who want to achieve a high band score in the exam. It covers the following:
- Complete review of IELTS sections
- Tips and strategies for the IELTS test
- Video tutorials
- Practice tests and mock papers with detailed answer explanations
Cambridge IELTS Trainer 2

The Cambridge IELTS Trainer 2 guide aims to help the test takers by providing extra details about the test format, question types, and scoring system. It also offers the following benefits:
- Experts guidance and tips
- 6 full sets of practice tests
- Grammar, vocab, and writing practice activities
- Bank of real candidate’s exam papers
- Model answer writing system
Cambridge IELTS General Training 18 with Answers

The Cambridge IELTS General Training 18 with Answers book provides significant assistance to test takers in understanding the test pattern, examination techniques, and scoring system. It covers the following:
- 4 IELTS Test papers by Cambridge University Press
- Speaking test videos
- Audio for the listening section
- Answer keys with explanations
- QR codes in the book for audio/video access
Cambridge Grammar for IELTS

This book provides a great help to those who are struggling with their grammatical skills and want to improve them for scoring a high band score. The following are the key features of this book:
- It presents grammar in a listening context
- Real-life examples with explanations
- Analysis of language
- Practice test papers for all 4 sections
Collins Cobuild Keywords for IELTS

It contains the essential vocabulary words that help test takers succeed in the IELTS exam. The following are the features of this book:
- More than 500+ vocabulary from A-Z
- Meaning of words through full-sentence description
- 1000+ collocations and phrases
- Analysis of IELTS style language
Cambridge English Grammar in Use

It is one of the most popular books published by Cambridge University Press for IELTS aspirants who want to work on their grammatical skills. The content is explained with clear examples and simple language, along with numerous illustrations and exercises.
Best IELTS Preparation Books: Section-wise List
The IELTS exam consists of four key sections: reading, speaking, listening, and writing. Each section requires a different approach to effectively strategise and execute a plan to maximise your overall band score.Â
Reading Section
The following are some of the best IELTS books for the reading section.
- The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
- IELTS Trainer by Cambridge English
- IELTS Reading Tests by Sam McCarter
- Collins Reading for IELTS
- Target Band 7: IELTS Academic Module – How to Maximise Your Score
Speaking Section
The following are some of the best IELTS books for the speaking section.
- IELTS Speaking: From Beginner to Band 9
- Cambridge IELTS Practice Tests
- IELTS Speaking Success: Skills Strategies and Model Answers
- Collins Speaking for IELTS
- Band 9 Speaking IELTS Preparation
Listening Section
The following are some of the best IELTS books for the listening section.
- IELTS Listening Strategies: The Ultimate Guide with Tips and Tricks
- Barron’s IELTS with Audio and Online Tests
- Collins Listening for IELTS
- IELTS Listening Recent Actual Tests
- Target Band 7: IELTS Academic Module – How to Maximise Your Score
Writing Section
The following are some of the best IELTS books for the writing section.
- Cambridge IELTS Practice Tests
- Barron’s Writing for the IELTS
- Collins Writing for IELTS
- IELTS Writing Tasks 1 & 2
- IELTS Advantage: Writing Skills
Conclusion
Choosing the right IELTS preparation books is crucial for achieving a high band score. These recommended books offer relevant resources, including sample tests, expert tips, and practical exercises to help you strengthen your skills and boost your confidence.
By incorporating these books into your study plan, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the IELTS exam and reach your desired score.
FAQs
What IELTS Cambridge books should I buy for my IELTS academic preparation?
The Official Guide to IELTS by Cambridge is one of the best IELTS prep books, which ensures the test readiness of the aspirant. It offers section-wise expert guidance, interactive lessons, mock tests, and practice test papers.Â
What are the best sources for preparing for the IELTS exam?
The best sources for preparing for the IELTS exam are books and online video tutorials provided by IDP (the official agency for conducting IELTS). Along with it, study materials provided by Cambridge University Press can also be referred to on its official website.
Where can I find the latest version of the Cambridge IELTS practice books?
The latest version of the Cambridge IELTS practice books is available over several online platforms, such as Flipkart and Amazon. They are also available in your nearest bookstores.
How can I prepare for the IELTS at home?
To study for the IELTS at home, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the latest exam pattern, syllabus, and scoring system. With a well-structured study plan and access to the right resources, you can successfully prepare for the IELTS from the comfort of your home.
How can I improve my grammar skills for the IELTS?
You should start by mastering basic grammar concepts and including English in your daily life to strengthen your language command. Also, books like Cambridge English Grammar in Use and Cambridge Grammar for IELTS can provide practice and guidance to enhance your grammar skills effectively.