Can’t join IELTS coaching. What books should I study from?

Test Prep IELTS Test Preparation
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I’m preparing for IELTS and can’t go for any coaching since I’ve got school and tuitions almost full day. I still want to score well tho. What’s the best ielts prep book I can follow to study by myself? Anyone else here doing self-study too?

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No worries! You can absolutely prepare well for the IELTS on your own with the right books and a good study plan. Here’s a list of the best self-study books for each section of the exam (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking):

**Top 5 Books for Self-Study IELTS Preparation

  1. The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS (by Cambridge University Press)
  • Best for: All four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
  • Includes: 8 practice tests, audio files, detailed strategies
  • Why: It’s created by the IELTS test-makers themselves.
  1. Barron’s IELTS Superpack
  • Best for: Vocabulary, strategies, and full-length practice
  • Includes: 2 books + audio CDs + online access
  • Why: Good explanations, grammar tips, and extra vocabulary practice.
  1. IELTS Trainer (by Cambridge)
  • Best for: Realistic practice tests
  • Includes: 6 full practice tests + answer keys + tips
  • Why: It builds your skills gradually.
  1. Collins English for IELTS Series
  • Best for: Section-specific practice
  • Includes titles like:
    • Listening for IELTS
    • Reading for IELTS
    • Writing for IELTS
    • Speaking for IELTS
  • Why: Each book focuses deeply on one skill.
  1. Vocabulary for IELTS (by Cambridge or Collins)
  • Best for: Improving academic and topic-specific vocabulary
  • Why: Vocabulary is key to scoring well, especially in Speaking & Writing.
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Same here bro I didn’t join any classes too. i’m using the Cambridge IELTS books series. they’ve got real test papers from past years. start with book 9 or 10 if u want it closer to current ones. Also watch some yt channels like E2 or IELTS Liz for tips.

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Thank you @Arbaz_7286 @mayank_mohan_roy for the suggestions. I will go through the books and YT videos for the same.

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I feel you :sob: Juggling school n prep is a lot. I got this book called Barron’s IELTS Superpack and it’s kinda all-in-one. hHas practice tests, vocab, and audio stuff too. TBH it’s one of the best ielts prep book sets if u want everything in one place. Also try timing yourself from day 1 it helps for real.