Recommended books
The IELTS books worth buying
You don't need many. Pick one course book for your level and the latest practice tests — then check your progress with our free practice and full test.
Cambridge IELTS (Authentic Practice Tests) series
Cambridge University Press & Assessment
Numbered books, usually one new book a year. Each has four complete tests with audio and answer keys. From book 11 there are separate Academic and General Training editions.
Best for: Everyone — especially in the last 4–6 weeks before your exam. Start with the most recent books; they are closest to today's test.
How to use it: Do each test under real timing, in one sitting. Then spend as long reviewing your mistakes as you spent on the test.
Search on Rokomari →The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
Pauline Cullen, Amanda French, Vanessa Jakeman — Cambridge
A complete course: explains every question type with strategies, plus practice tests.
Best for: Students starting from around band 4.5–5.5 who want a step-by-step guide.
How to use it: Work through one skill unit a day, then try the matching question type in our free practice.
Search on Rokomari →IELTS Trainer 2 (Academic / General Training)
Cambridge
Six practice tests; the first ones are guided with tips that explain how to approach each question.
Best for: Students who have learned the format and now want guided test practice.
How to use it: Use the guided tests first, then the unguided ones as real mocks.
Search on Rokomari →Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS
Pauline Cullen — Cambridge
Topic-based vocabulary for the kinds of subjects that come up in the test.
Best for: Anyone whose Writing or Speaking band is held back by vocabulary.
How to use it: Learn 10–15 words a day and use each one in a sentence of your own.
Search on Rokomari →Cambridge Grammar for IELTS
Diana Hopkins, Pauline Cullen — Cambridge
Grammar explained with exercises in an IELTS context.
Best for: Students losing marks on grammar in Writing and Speaking.
How to use it: Focus on the units for your common mistakes (articles, tenses, subject–verb agreement).
Search on Rokomari →Collins English for IELTS
Collins
Skills books (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) organised by level.
Best for: Students who want to build one skill at a time.
How to use it: Pick the book for your weakest skill first.
Search on Rokomari →Tip: search results also show guide and "solution" books by other writers. Check that the publisher is Cambridge University Press (or Collins) before you buy.
A simple 6-week plan
- Week 1: take our free full test to find your level.
- Weeks 2–4: a course book for your weakest skill + our practice drills.
- Weeks 5–6: one timed Cambridge practice test every few days; review every mistake.
The official IELTS website also has free sample questions: ielts.org.
Buy genuine copies — photocopied books often have missing or wrong audio and answer keys. We only recommend these books; we are not affiliated with their publishers or sellers and earn nothing from these links. Book titles belong to their publishers.