Free Online Resources for IELTS preparation

Preparing for the IELTS exam requires a strategic approach that includes utilizing the best resources, books, and apps available. Candidates should explore free downloadable materials, such as IELTS preparation PDFs, which offer structured guidance and practice exercises.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a crucial examination for students and professionals looking to study or work in English-speaking countries. Preparing for this IELTS test can be challenging, but with the right resources, candidates can significantly enhance their chances of achieving a high score. The article includes the best resources, books, and apps for IELTS preparation, focusing on options that are free or available for download, as well as highlighting the best IELTS books for self-study.

For those who are looking for IELTS preparation materials, numerous free IELTS preparation books and study guides are available online. These IELTS resources often come in PDF format, making them easily accessible to anyone. Additionally, aspiring test-takers can benefit from various online platforms that offer free practice tests and exercises tailored to the IELTS format. Check the best book for IELTS preparation that aligns with the latest exam patterns and requirements.

Best Books for IELTS Preparation

Any test prep is incomplete without good books. With a deluge of books in the market, the students tend to get confused. It is always advisable for the students not to pick up too many resources for their preparation, as it might lead to confusion. The students will do well if they revise the books/notes multiple times and attempt practice tests. Some of the important books for IELTS preparation have been mentioned below:

1. The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS: The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS is the best book, to begin with, for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The book will help you understand the pattern of the test and practice all the types of questions asked in different sections of the examination. The skill-building exercises along with eight practice tests will provide you with sufficient questions to practice. The book comes with CDs that will help you prepare for the speaking and reading sections. The book contains real IELTS candidates’ answers, along with suggestions and tips to improve your scores, and this is what separates this book from the others. 

2. Cambridge Grammar for IELTS: The book has been popular with students from non-English-speaking regions. It contains lessons and sufficient exercises that will help you get a stronghold on grammar. It caters to both Academic and General Training.

3. Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS: This book will help you improve your vocabulary and improve your score. The entire book is divided into chapters that contain practice exercises. At the end of each chapter, there are tasks from either listening, reading, or writing sections of the IELTS exam. The book can prove to be your excellent study partner in your self-preparation.

4. Barron’s IELTS Superpack: It is highly detailed and comprehensive. This Superpack is a three-book set that provides practice tests, audio, and reviews to help you prepare comprehensively. Barron’s Superpack is usually recommended for those who have more than 3 weeks to prepare for the exam. The best part about this pack is that it covers both the academic and the general modules. The overall package contains:

• • Academic module practice papers
  • General module practice papers
  • Subject review
  • Audio tracks
  • Essential Words

5. Target Band 7 by Simone Braverman: This is a wonderful self-study book that will help you prepare in a few weeks of time. The book has been authored by Simone Braverman who herself has scored very well on the IELTS exams.

6. Mometrix Test Preparation's IELTS Book for General Training and Academic: This book covers all the sections of the IELTS exam. It provides good practice papers, tips, techniques, and video tutorials to help students ace the exams.

Top IELTS Preparation Apps

The IELTS exam prep apps can help a student prepare for the exam when he is on the move or when he is revising and attempting some extra practice questions. We have compiled a list of the top 5 apps that will help students prepare for the IELTS exam. Students must note that these apps only serve as a complementary resource to the IELTS preparation books and cannot be used as base resources.

1. IELTS Prep App by the British Council: The app needs no introduction for IELTS test takers. The app has excellent study material for all the sections of the IELTS exam. It provides you with practice exercises and tests, including listening and speaking tests.

2. IELTS Exam Preparation, Lessons & Study Guide by Magoosh: Magoosh is a well-known brand in the field of test prep. This app provides high-quality material that will help in improving vocabulary, practising mock tests, and much more. There are video tutorials as well.

3. IELTS Practice & IELTS Test (Band 9): The app provides IELTS tests, vocabulary-building words, writing tasks, speaking tasks, etc. No test prep is complete without mock tests. The IELTS Practice & IELTS Test (Band 9) app helps you practice questions so that you are confident on the real test day.

4. Spotify: Yes, Spotify. Why? IELTS has a listening section as well where you are supposed to answer 40 questions. For that, you need to familiarize yourself with the accent of native speakers. You can listen to good podcasts on Spotify to improve your listening skills. There are extremely informative and inspirational podcasts that will not only help you improve your listening skills, but also keep you pumped up during the course of your preparation. What is better than preparing and simultaneously getting motivated?

5. IELTS 5000 Words: This app is for those who wish to improve their vocabulary in order to score better on the IELTS. The app has a very user-friendly interface. Full definitions, sample usage, and pronunciation are given for all the words. Daily new words are also added to the app. If you are travelling and want to learn a few words, this is the app of your choice.

Additional Resources for IELTS Preparation

Still not satisfied with IELTS preparation books? We are mentioning a few more resources that will help you get those extra points in your exam.

1. Cambly App: The Cambly app connects you with native English speakers over a live video chat. You can improve your pronunciation and communication skills with this app. It will help you improve your performance in the listening and speaking sections of the IELTS.

2. IELTS Official website: Everything that you want to know about IELTS starts from here. Before even picking up the books, you must go through this website thoroughly and understand what IELTS is all about. The website provides sample test questions for all the sections, official IELTS practice tests, official IELTS practice materials, and much more. Make sure that you keep visiting the website from time to time and complete the study material and questions that have been provided.

Best website for IELTS preparation Free

Here are some of the best websites for free IELTS preparation that can help you enhance your skills and confidence before taking the exam:

1. British Council (takeielts.britishcouncil.org)
2. Cambridge English (cambridgeenglish.org)
3. IELTS.org
4. IDP IELTS (idpielts.me)
5. IELTS Liz (ieltsliz.com)
6. IELTS Buddy (ieltsbuddy.com)
7. Shiksha Study Abroad (Shikshastudyabroad.com)
8. EngVid (engvid.com)
9. IELTS Advantage (ieltsadvantage.com)
10. IELTS Practice Online (ieltspracticeonline.com)

What to Use for IELTS If You Have Only 2–3 Weeks Left

If there is a scenario where you are left with only 2 or 3 weeks for IELTS exam preparation, don’t worry too much. It’s normal to feel nervous. But even with less time, you can still get a good IELTS band score if you use the right IELTS preparation material and study smart. It is recommended not to try to learn everything. Just focus on important topics and practice every day.

One can check how to prepare for the IELTS exam in only 2-3 weeks below. 

• Use official IELTS books and practice papers – These will help you understand the real IELTS exam pattern and questions. From the first day, start doing full IELTS practice tests to improve your speed and accuracy.
• Revise short notes and templates – Now is not the time to read big theory. Just check IELTS Writing Task 1 and 2 formats, some sample answers, and checklists. It will help you revise fast.
• Do mock tests – Try to take 2 or 3 IELTS mock tests before your exam. After each test, look at your mistakes and work on them. Taking one full test every 2–3 days is helpful.
• Practice Speaking and Listening – Record your answers for common IELTS speaking topics. Also listen to English audio, like news, YouTube, or simple talks. It helps in fluency and understanding accents.
• Use Shiksha Study Abroad resources – You can find free IELTS study material, tips, and guides on the Shiksha website. If confused or need help, you can talk to Shiksha counsellors. They will guide you based on your target band and how much time you have.

There is no shortage of study material; however, your goal should not be to collect the study material, but to score well on the exam. You should complete the syllabus, practice sample questions, and do multiple revisions in order to score well on the test.