Best IELTS Preparation MATERIALS: Practice Tests, Books and Apps

Summary

In this video, Asiya discusses the best resources for IELTS preparation, emphasizing the importance of using accurate, official materials. She reviews several free, official IELTS websites offering practice tests, highlights the British Council's IELTS Prep app, and explains the differences between paper-based and computer-based exam formats. Asiya also recommends books like the 'Official Guide to IELTS' and 'Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS' to enhance vocabulary and grammar. She offers links to all resources in her IELTS study plan, encouraging viewers to focus on quality materials for effective preparation.

Takeaways

• 📘 It's crucial to use high-quality, official IELTS resources, as incorrect materials can cause confusion.
• 🌐 The IELTS exam is co-owned by three companies, offering four official websites with free practice tests and tasks.
• 📱 The British Council's 'IELTS Prep App' allows users to practice all four sections of the IELTS exam on their smartphones.
• 📝 For the writing section, it's recommended to use official IELTS answer sheets to simulate real exam conditions.
• 🌍 There is no difference between IELTS exams offered by the British Council and IDP; all exam papers are created by Cambridge English.
• 💻 IDP offers a full computer-based practice test that mimics the actual exam experience with features like highlighting and switching between questions.
• 📖 The 'Official Guide to IELTS' by Cambridge is a good resource, but it may not fully explain how writing and speaking are assessed.
• 📚 Cambridge also publishes practice test books, with one for academic and general training that includes official tests and model answers.
• 📕 For grammar improvement, 'English Grammar in Use' by Raymond Murphy is recommended, particularly for B1-B2 level students.
• 📖 'Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS' by Pauline Cullen is suggested for boosting vocabulary to B2-C1 levels, which is critical for scoring well.

Q & A

Why is it important to use reliable resources for IELTS preparation?

Using reliable resources is important because many unofficial materials can be confusing or incorrect, which may lead to misunderstandings about the test format and tasks. Official resources provide accurate, exam-aligned practice materials.

Which organizations co-own the IELTS exam?

The IELTS exam is co-owned by three organizations: British Council, IDP, and Cambridge English.

What are some official websites for free IELTS practice materials?

There are four main official websites for free IELTS practice materials: IELTS.org, British Council, IDP (IELTS Essentials), and Cambridge English.

What is the IELTS Prep app and what are its features?

The IELTS Prep app by British Council offers free practice tests for both academic and general training IELTS. It includes timed sections for listening, reading, writing, and speaking, with features like model answers and score calculations, although it has some limitations like the small screen size for reading practice.

What is a limitation of practicing the reading section on the IELTS Prep app?

A limitation is that the small screen size of a smartphone prevents users from viewing both the passage and the questions at the same time, which is not as convenient as the larger monitor used in the actual computer-based IELTS exam.

How does the IELTS speaking section work in the IELTS Prep app?

The IELTS Prep app allows users to practice the speaking section by providing timed questions. You can record your responses and listen to them afterward to evaluate and improve your speaking skills.

What format is available on the IELTS.org website for practice tests?

The IELTS.org website offers a full practice test in PDF format, which simulates the official paper-based exam experience. Users can download and print these materials to practice.

What is the difference between IELTS practice tests on British Council and IDP websites?

Both British Council and IDP offer similar practice tests since the exam papers are written by Cambridge English. However, IDP provides a practice test in the computer-based format, which closely resembles the actual computer-based IELTS exam.

What is the best book for IELTS practice according to the script?

The best book recommended in the script is the 'Official Guide to IELTS' by Cambridge, which offers detailed explanations of test sections, tips, and several academic practice tests.

Which book is recommended for improving grammar for IELTS preparation?

The book 'English Grammar in Use' by Raymond Murphy is recommended for learning and reviewing essential grammar topics, making it suitable for students at B1 and B2 levels.