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Choosing the Right IELTS Book: Expert Recommendati...

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Choosing the Right IELTS Book: Expert Recommendations

What is the most important thing for students willing to study abroad? Other than scoring well in high school, proving your English proficiency is of utmost importance. Among the many tests, IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a crucial one for students planning to study abroad. The test pattern can make you tense if you don't prepare well. But is there anything that can help you ace the test? Well, there are different books to help you prepare for the test better. The IELTS preparation books contain the right elements, including practice papers to help you overcome the odds. However, choosing the right one from the list of many is hard. You need to check a lot of things before selecting a book.

While many students refrain from taking help from experts, it is crucial to understand how expert recommendations can make a difference. Experts in this field are well-versed in the exam pattern and know the right books that can help you in the process. Various websites offer assistance with the same. Find the right website and take help from experts to choose the right book. This post aims to help students know about the books experts recommend and share suggestions for selecting the right book. Let’s get started!

IELTS Preparation Books

Here’s a look into the most preferred IELTS preparation books and authors:

The books mentioned above can help you learn about all the sections of IELTS. However, there are many more available on the internet, and students tend to make the mistake of choosing the wrong one. In the following section, we will explore the tips for choosing the right book for better IELTS preparation.

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How to Choose the Best IELTS Preparation Book?

There are a few things you need to consider while choosing IELTS preparation books. Considering the test to be crucial for international education, it is important to choose the right book for better preparation. Here’s what you must consider:

An overview of the IELTS exam

IELTS is one of the crucial tests for international education. A university-acknowledged test, IELTS is conducted in more than 140 nations across the world. Millions of students appear for the exam. The test score opens the gate to international education, immigration, and job. The test evaluates a candidate's hold on the English language. You have to answer questions to prove your English listening, reading, writing and speaking skills.

Students must be well-prepared to answer all the questions and score well to move ahead in the process. IELTS has two versions, namely, general and academic. The academic version is for students willing to study in USA, UK, New Zealand, Canada and Australia. On the other hand, the general version evaluates students willing to shift to a foreign land for work or looking to fulfill their immigration necessities.

Let’s take a look at the four different sections of IELTS:

IELTS listening exam – You have to attempt four sections with 10 questions in each. You will be asked to listen to an audio recording and answer questions that follow. Candidates get 30 minutes to complete each section. The books for preparation come with sample questions to help you be accustomed to the exam pattern and types of questions.

IELTS speaking exam – It is one of the toughest sections of the exam. You will be a part of a live discussion, and that will be documented for future valuation. This section is again divided into three parts and has to be completed within 14-15 minutes. You will be asked to speak on current affairs, questions on the exam booklet and some in-depth questions.

IELTS reading exam – In this section, you will be asked to read passages. You will come across 5-6 small passages, generally directed towards comprehensive readerships.

IELTS writing exam – You will be asked to write two essays in this section. For the first one, you will get 20 minutes and for the second, 40 minutes. Both are equally important and are assessed on the same parameters.

IELTS is regarded as one of the best tests to evaluate students planning to study abroad. You have to learn all the methods and have the right time management skills to ace the test. IELTS scores are accepted by more than 10,000 academies across the globe. It is clear why you have to be very careful while choosing a preparation book and must consult with an expert before you do so.

So, what do you need to consider while choosing an IELTS preparation book? Let's understand.

Consider reputable publishers

Reputable publishers can be trusted with IELTS preparation. They are aware of the test pattern and understand what a student needs to prepare for the test. Also, the study material will be helpful in understanding the various requirements of the exam. Books from reputable publishers carry sample questions and answers, unlike the not-so-popular ones. It is crucial to find a book that has all the necessary elements to help you ace the test. IELTS tests a lot of skills, and you have to be good with each to ensure you have a chance at getting admission to a top university. 

It is highly recommended that you get help from the experts while searching for a book. It will help you know about the right publisher and understand why they are regarded better than others. Most students look for books when the exam is knocking at their doors. You cannot do justice if you are in a hurry. Hence, it is wise to look for books before it’s too late.

Here are a few renowned publishers for IELTS preparation books:

• Cambridge University Press
• Longman
• Barron’s educational series

You will come across most books from these publishers. The experts also suggest students use books from these publishing houses. Considering IELTS to be a crucial test, you must follow what the experts suggest.

Final Thoughts,

Studying abroad is a dream for many. But it is not easy to get a seat at one of the top universities. You have to work hard and beat the competition to confirm your seat. IELTS is a crucial test for students willing to study abroad. It is crucial to prove your English proficiency to continue with the admission process. A lot of universities accept IELTS scores, and you have to be well-versed in all the elements to score well on the test.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which books or materials should I refer to prepare for IELTS?

You will come across many options when you search for the best books to prepare for IELTS. The following are the five best options you can refer to while preparing for IELTS:

1. Barron’s IELTS Superpack
2. The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
3. Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Student’s Book with Answers with Audio
4. Official IELTS Practice Materials
5. Road to IELTS

You can refer to any of the books above to prepare well for IELTS. 

What are the best tips for selecting IELTS preparation books?

IELTS tests a candidate’s English proficiency from all aspects. So, when you choose a book to prepare for IELTS, you must check if:

1. The book covers all sections of the IELTS
2. The book has been preferred by students
3. The book carries sample questions and answers

These will help you choose the right book for IELTS preparation.

What are the best ways to prepare for the IELTS test?

As IELTS is the key to the gates of an international university, you must prepare well to bag the best grades. Here are some of the best ways you can prepare for the IELTS test:

1. Take a practice test
2. Understand the test format
3. Be aware of the exam time constraints
4. Develop your English language skills and IELTS strategies
5. Multitask while listening to English
6. Develop proper reading skills
7. Use appropriate English terms while writing

The IELTS score is crucial for the entire admission process to international universities. Hence, prepare well to bag the best grades in IELTS.

How can I prepare for IELTS at home?

Preparing for IELTS at home can be easy if you follow some simple rules. Here’s an insight into some tips and tricks to prepare for IELTS at home:

1. Research and learn about all four sections
2. Record your mock speaking test
3. Develop reading skills

It is crucial to understand how each section is equally important and work on them accordingly. Don’t skip any of the steps mentioned above if you want to score well on the test.

Do IELTS books include practice papers?

IELTS books available in British Council test centres and selected bookstores are the best for studying at home. The books have a CD-ROM and recording transcript and practical tests that can help students prepare well for the IELTS test.

Is Cambridge book enough for IELTS?

Official Cambridge IELTS books are considered the best for IELTS preparation. These books have practice tests with questions from previous IELTS exams. It helps students prepare well and understand the IELTS exam pattern properly.

How much time is required to complete the IELTS preparation books?

You have to invest a lot of time to prepare for the IELTS. Generally, it takes 6-8 weeks to prepare for the IELTS. So, you cannot specify the time it will take to complete studying an IELTS preparation book. It varies from one student to another.

• Shivi Joshi
• July 13,2023