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?
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
- 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.
- 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.
- IELTS Trainer (by Cambridge)
- Best for: Realistic practice tests
- Includes: 6 full practice tests + answer keys + tips
- Why: It builds your skills gradually.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Thank you @Arbaz_7286 @mayank_mohan_roy for the suggestions. I will go through the books and YT videos for the same.
I feel you 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.