Best Books for IELTS General Exam 2024

What's General IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS General, is a global examination that is administered at various locations across the globe. Those who want to move overseas, mainly for employment, must pass the IELTS general examination. In addition, this exam is an entry point for settling in several English-speaking countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Thousands of people take the IELTS general exam each year in an attempt to immigrate abroad for several reasons. The General IELTS exam's objective is to confirm that a candidate who intends to relocate abroad possesses the fundamental skills necessary to comprehend and converse in ordinary English.

Who should take IELTS Academic and General tests?

IELTS Academic and General tests are not the same. Different candidates take each test for very different reasons. General IELTS is only used for immigration, whereas, Academic IELTS is for people who wish to be admitted to universities and colleges overseas. Despite having two distinct purposes, both assessments evaluate a test-taker's speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension of English for each applicant.

Best Books for IELTS General Exam

1. Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS

This is among the most widely utilised resources for students to ace the IELTS test. Both the IELTS Academic and General Training versions of this booklet are appropriate. This guide includes six comprehensive academic practice exams and two comprehensive general training practice exams, which also provides advice and examples from people who have already aced the IELTS exam. This guide is among the best for preparing for the IELTS because of all these elements.

2. Cambridge IELTS 12-18

IELTS general exam preparation is made easier for candidates by the fresh and highly helpful publications that Cambridge University regularly releases. The Cambridge IELTS Academic 18, the eighteenth edition of their IELTS book series, has just been launched. This most recent edition replaced the prior 17th edition. With its release in July 2023, Cambridge IELTS Academic 18 offers a plethora of innovative and practical elements to aid in your preparation for every area of the Academic IELTS exam. These papers provide an excellent method for students to mimic the IELTS test as part of their self-study, as they contain four full tests for the Academic version. Downloadable audio for the listening assessments, tapescripts, model writing responses, and a special example Speaking test video are all included with the book. This IELTS book is helpful for candidates because of all of these factors.

3. English Collocations in Use: Advanced

You should definitely read this book if you want to speak like a natural speaker! This book is your key to understanding the nuances of English collocations, whether your goal is to talk fluently and authentically or to write with accuracy. With 60 lessons covering a wide range of themes, each with two pages dedicated to theory and practice exercises, you'll be able to improve your written and spoken English with more than 1,500 collocations. For anyone taking the IELTS at an intermediate level or above, this book is perfect.

4. English Vocabulary in Use: Upper-intermediate

The book includes many activities, approximately 100 units, and 3000 vocabulary words. If your goal is to score a 6 or higher on the IELTS general exam, then it's unquestionably a worthwhile purchase. There are multiple tasks in it that are appropriate for learners of English at all skill levels. This book is a good choice for those who are anxious about the speaking and reading portions of the IELTS exam.

5. Barron's IELTS Superpack

Another popular book on this list is Barron's IELTS Superpack. This book provides advice on all of the test's components. It should come as no surprise that the "Superpack" IELTS study guide contains nearly all the resources a candidate may need to prepare for the exam.

This implies that Barron's IELTS Superpack is lacking in specific information regarding specific test items. There is abundant written and audio study material in the book and its resources. This is fantastic news for those who struggle to remember material from textbooks and require a different method of understanding them.

6. Official IELTS Practice Materials Volume 1 and 2

This book, written by Cambridge ESOL trainers and examiners with years of IELTS teaching experience, provides insightful advice and recommendations. For every module, there are multiple practice papers in the book. Additionally, the examiners have offered comments and answers for each of the questions. The purpose of each simulation is to assess your performance and comprehension level. These practice tools are among the top IELTS reading materials you should have if you're willing to get a band of 9.

7. Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS

In addition to covering the vocabulary required for students aiming for band 6.5 and above on the IELTS, this advanced version of "Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS" gives students practice questions for each paper. With a focus on vocabulary-building techniques required for success at advanced levels, Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS Advanced aims to lead students to 6.5 and beyond. It covers particularly difficult topics like paraphrasing and collocation and offers helpful advice on how to approach IELTS exam tasks.

8. Cambridge Grammar for IELTS with Answers

If you want to create a solid foundation in English grammar, this is the book you need. Most IELTS test takers find the book to be rather popular. It is great for developing listening, reading, and writing abilities and includes glossaries and explanations of grammar.

9. Road to IELTS

One of the best IELTS study guides created by the British Council, the official exam governing body, is the Road to IELTS. This is the best free online IELTS general exam preparation resource that you can download in PDF format. Candidates who register for IELTS with the British Council will gain free access to the book “Road to IELTS”. This is the best IELTS exam book that can be used for both Academic and General preparation. This book includes study material, interactive exercises, practice tests, teaching tutorials, and my progress section.

10. Focus on IELTS Foundation Coursebook

This book, written by Sue O'Connell, a longtime collaborator on the Cambridge main suite tests, is a treasure trove of knowledge about the language proficiency needed to take the IELTS. It introduces you to new subjects and offers a wealth of engaging reading material that will aid in your preparation for the speaking skills test.

Other Important Resources/ Books for IELTS General Exam

Below are some of the important resources required for IELTS preparation.

For improving IELTS vocabulary

• IELTS Vocabulary Book by IELTSmaterial.com

• Collins Vocabulary for IELTS

• Barron’s Essential Words for IELTS

• IELTS Band 9 Vocab Secrets

• IELTS Vocabulary Booster

• Check your English Vocabulary for IELTS

For improving grammar

• Oxford Practice Grammar Advanced

• Oxford Practice Grammar Intermediate

• English Grammar in Use

For improving writing

• IELTS General Writing by Daniella Moyla

• Barron’s Writing for the IELTS

• IELTS General Writing Task Masterclass by Marc Roche

For improving listening

• IELTS listening Practice Tests

• Cambridge Grammar for IELTS

• Mometrix IELTS General Training and Academic 2023

For improving reading

• Check your English Vocabulary for IELTS by Rawdon Wyatt

• IELTS Reading Strategies: The Ultimate Guide by Rachel Mitchell

• Road to IELTS

• The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS

How to Choose the Best Books for IELTS General Exam?

Some of the greatest books you can study to prepare for the IELTS general test in 2024 adequately are those that are mentioned above.

You must determine your needs in order to select the ideal IELTS exam preparation books. Are you looking to improve your English speaking abilities or study overseas? Are you seeking opportunities to migrate abroad to your preferred destinations? Or do you have a professional obligation to appear for the IELTS?

You should take the following into account when searching for the top IELTS general training books for 2024:

1. Your budget: If there is a financial constraint, you can consider a library membership, such as the online membership plans offered by the British Council. For half the price, they offer a plethora of online tools to aid with your IELTS exam preparation.

2. Your English proficiency level: Some people could forego the introductory level of IELTS materials and resources in favour of the advanced ones. However, it is usually preferable to review the basics before moving on to something more complex. 

3. Recognise your needs: Don't confuse IELTS academic books with IELTS general test books if you're seeking them.

4. Look for practice papers: Pick books that include practice exams and their solutions. It will enable you to assess your performance more accurately. 

5. Make sure the source is authentic and genuine: Opt for officially released books at all times. You should be cautious about IELTS books, as there are a lot of fake ones out there. 

Conclusion

Although all of the books on our list above are excellent resources for IELTS candidates to study with, it is important that you should consider their alternatives before making a purchase. Determining your exact objectives for the book and how you want it to advance your knowledge is crucial. It's possible that you already know the exact band score you need or want to get, in which case, certain publications will obviously be more helpful than others.

Now, we hope that you have got detailed information about the best books to prepare for the IELTS General exam. However, you can contact Prepare IELTS (PI) expert counsellors for further guidance. Our team of education experts is dedicated to providing you with the best guidance in the IELTS exam. You can get a one-on-one counselling session online via our platform. Contact us at info@prepareieltsexam.com or call us at +91 9773398388.