Ielts

Top 10 IELTS Study Materials and Resources for UK Students

Score high in your IELTS exam with the best study materials. Learn about essential resources for reading, writing, listening, and speaking sections to study in

Published on: Aug 2, 2024

Are you planning to study in the United Kingdom? Well, it is a great choice to make but to study here at one of the prestigious universities you need to score a high band in your IELTS exam. IELTS preparation will help you score a high band in your exam. Therefore, in this blog, you will learn about some of the best study materials for your preparation.

Further, with the help of these study materials, you will get a good hand over all sections of exams, including speaking, listening, writing, and reading. So, what are you waiting for? Without wasting much time here let’s get delve into the blog ASAP!

Understanding International English Language Testing System

IELTS also called International English Language Testing System is globally recognised. Further, it is designed to assess the English Language proficiency of non-native English speakers. It allows students from non-English speaking countries to study abroad. In particular, it evaluates skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Moreover, it is essential for students and professionals aiming to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries to ensure they can effectively communicate in academic and professional settings.

Besides, there are two types of International English Language Testing Systems, one is for students who seek further studies abroad and the other is general training IELTS for those seeking job opportunities abroad.

Understanding The IELTS Exam Pattern

Before diving into the preparation, it is crucial to understand the exam pattern, this will help you effectively prepare for the exam. In general, it consists of 4 sections including reading, speaking, listening, and writing. Each section of the exam assesses different skills of students.

Reading

Content: The reading section includes three texts on general topics, suitable for students planning to do undergraduate or postgraduate studies.

Task: Answer questions, complete sentences, match headings, and more.

Duration: To complete the section you will have 60 minutes.

Writing

Content: The section comprises two tasks that you have to attend.

(i) Task 1: In the first task you have to describe a graph, table, chart, or diagram in approx 150 words each.

(ii) Task 2: In the second task you will have to write an essay responding to a point of view, argument, or problem in 250 words each.

Duration: To complete these tasks you will have 60 minutes.

Speaking

Content: In this section, you will have a face-to-face interview with an examiner.

Task: This section comprises 3 tasks:

(i) Introduction and Interview: Answering questions about yourself and your background.

(ii) Long Turn: Speaking about a specific topic for 1-2 minutes.

(iii) Discussion: Engaging in a conversation with the examiner about the topic from the long turn.

Duration: For this section, you will 11-14 minutes.

Listening

Content: The listening section consists of four recordings of native English speakers, covering various topics.

Task: You have to answer questions based on the recordings, testing comprehension and listening skills.

Duration: To complete this section you will have 30 minutes.

How The International English Language Testing System Is Scored

IELTS is scored on a 9-band scale. Each section is scored individually, and then an overall band score is calculated. The scores range from 1 a non-user to 9 an expert user. Most UK universities require a minimum overall band score of 6.5. Additionally, these universities require you to score at least 6.0 band in each section.

Top 10 Study Materials And Resources For IELTS Preparation

Well, there are various study materials and resources available for IELTS preparation. Including, mock tests, books, apps, and more. Let’s discuss in brief:

1. Official IELTS Practice Materials: The International English Language Testing System's official website provides you with authentic study materials and resources. It includes practice tests and sample answers. Together, it helps you get familiar with the real exam format and question types.

2. Cambridge IELTS Series: It was published by Cambridge University Press. Further, this series includes past exam papers for preparation. These exam papers are going to help you get familiar with questions. Together, it offers detailed answers and tips, giving you a great way to practice with real test questions and see how to answer them.

3. IELTS Prep App By British Council: It is a mobile application by the British Council and is perfect for studying on the go. It includes practice tests, interactive exercises, and useful tips for all parts of the IELTS exam, making it easy to fit study time into your busy schedule.

4. Road To IELTS By British Council: This is an online course provided by the British Council. This course offers you comprehensive practice materials, including timed tests and tutorial videos. It helps you prepare thoroughly with a study planner and various practice resources.

5. IELTS Trainer By Cambridge English: This book provides six full practice tests along with step-by-step guidance for each section of the exam. It is ideal for self-study and getting a feel for the test format and question types. The detailed answer explanations will help you understand your mistakes and learn how to correct them.

6. Official Cambridge Guide To IELTS: This guide is suitable for both Academic and General Training IELTS. It includes practice tests, skill-building exercises, and helpful study tips to improve your performance in all sections of the exam. Further, the clear instructions and practice exercises ensure you are well-prepared for every part of the test.

7. Magoos IELTS Preparation: It is an online preparation course providing video lessons, practice questions, and study schedules. It provides you with a flexible option that lets you study at your own pace. You can get started on the course with a free trial option available. The extensive video library and personalised study plans cater to various learning styles and needs.

8. IELTS Liz: It is a website managed by an experienced teacher Liz. The website provides free practice materials, video lessons, and valuable exam tips. It is a great resource for additional support and advice on how to tackle the test. The practical tips and insights from an expert can help you approach the exam with confidence.

9. IELTS Simon: This blog, run by a former IELTS examiner, offers model answers for writing tasks, video lessons, and practical exam tips. It’s a useful resource for understanding what examiners look for in your responses. The examiner’s perspective helps you customise your answers to meet the expectations of the IELTS scoring criteria.

10. Target Band 7 By Simone Braverman: This is one of the most popular books for the International English Language Testing System exam. Further, it offers practical tips, strategies, and practice exercises to help you aim for a high score. It’s a self-study resource designed to help you improve your IELTS performance effectively. Its focused strategies and practice tasks are customised to help you achieve a band 7 or higher.

Preparation Tips For International Students

(i) Understand the Exam Format: Know the types of questions and the structure of the test to feel more prepared.

(ii) Create a Study Schedule: Plan your study time and stick to it. Break your study into manageable parts and cover all sections of the test.

(iii) Use Practice Tests: Practice with real test questions to get used to the format and timing. This will help you identify areas where you need more practice.

(iv) Join Study Groups: Studying with others can make learning more engaging and help you get different perspectives on difficult topics.

(v) Stay Balanced: Get plenty of rest, eat nutritious foods, and take regular breaks while studying. This helps keep your mind fresh and ready for learning, which can improve your exam performance.

Conclusion

In summary, preparing for your IELTS exam is the best way to achieve a high band and unlock the opportunity to study at one of the prestigious universities. Further, there are many resources available that you can take help of for your preparation. You can get authentic study materials from the official website of the International English Language Testing System. Remember preparation is the key to success.

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