IELTS Study Material

Good quality study material is one of the major requirements for clearing the IELTS exam. Students must ensure that the study material they are using for their IELTS preparation is comprehensive and accurate. While selecting books or online study material for IELTS, check if they cover the IELTS syllabus completely or not. Follow the right IELTS preparation tips, and you are good to go. Along with that, taking the IELTS Sample Test regularly is also considered a major factor in improving the IELTS score. This blog aims to explore some of the best IELTS study materials of all time!

IELTS Exam 2025–26

Below is the updated and consolidated overview of the IELTS exam format you should know before appearing for the test:

IELTS Exam Format (2025–26)

Section	Details
Writing	2 tasks in both Academic and General Training
Speaking	3 parts (face-to-face interview)
Listening	40 questions
Reading	40 questions in both Academic and General Training

Duration

2 hours 45 minutes (total test time, excluding the speaking test, which may be scheduled separately)

Total Number of Sections

4 sections – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking

Marking Scheme

• Each question in Listening and Reading carries 1 mark
  
• Scores are converted into the IELTS Band Scale (1–9)

List of IELTS Study Material

Students are now moving from traditional modes of learning to online platforms for test preparation. Here are some of the top online service providers for IELTS preparation that also provide comprehensive study material:

Leverage Live

Leverage Live is one of the best online learning platforms available out there for IELTS preparation. With well-versed faculty, well-structured study material, high-quality video content, doubt clarification sessions, personalised study plans, and motivating teachers, you will surely get a high score in each section. 

Cambridge 1- 12

If you want to strengthen your IELTS knowledge bank, Cambridge 1-12 should be taken into account. Each year, Cambridge University publishes an IELTS preparation book. This is an online learning application that comprises IELTS books with a PDF version and audio CDs 1-14. 

Free IELTS Practice Tests  

It is another online learning resource solely managed by the British Council.  With this online learning, you will be able to comprehend the test format and witness various types of tasks for preparation. You will be able to test yourself in the scheduled situation. This resource platform by the British Council will help you review your answers apart from comparing them with model answers.

IELTS Word Power

The British Council’s IELTS Word Power is the best source for enhancing vocabulary. It will keep you abreast of vocabulary preparation for the IELTS test. Aspirants can download this free informative source from the Google Play Store. 

Know the entire IELTS Slot Booking Process through our Blog!

IELTS Study Material: Best Preparation Books

Here are some important books that are considered the best IELTS study material by many students:

Name of the Book	Authored By	Buy Here
Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS	Pauline Cullen	Buy here
Barron’s IELTS	Lin Lougheed	Buy here
English for Exams	Els van Geyte	Buy here
IELTS on track	Stephen Slater	Buy here
English Vocabulary for IELTS	Rawdon Wyatt	Buy here
Cambridge English IELTS	Ucles	Buy here
Ideas for IELTS essay topics	Ben Worthington	Buy here
IELTS Trainer	Louise Hashemi	Buy here
Target Band 7: IELTS Academic	Simone Braverman	Buy here
IELTS Success Formula Academic with CD	Simone Braverman	Buy here
Ace the IELTS: IELTS General- How to Maximize Your Score	Simone Braverman	Buy here
Official IELTS Practice Materials	Cambridge ESOL	Buy here
Essential Words for the IELTS	Lin Lougheed	Buy here

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IELTS Preparation Strategies

Having a successful IELTS preparation plan can put you ahead of the competition. Recognise the IELTS test format and adjust your daily schedule accordingly. Learn each section’s questions and assignments by heart. Read through the IELTS guidelines as well. Then begin working through IELTS sample questions to get a feel for what to expect on test day. After some time, figure out where you stand and assess your development. Take practice IELTS tests both with and without time constraints to identify your strengths and shortcomings. You can obtain official IELTS preparation materials to help you experience taking the test with actual IELTS questions.

The top five preparation suggestions for the IELTS exam:
You can raise your IELTS test score on the IELTS Academic test by using these suggestions. Additionally, planning may be enjoyable. You can include things like having conversations with friends and watching television on your preparation list.

1. Enhance Your Reading Ability: Make it a habit to read, pick up new words, and then strive to employ them in the right sentences. Daily English news listening and newspaper reading are recommended. Develop your ability to find information when reading, look for specifics, and take notes. As you must respond within a set amount of time, you must handle the time constraint.
2. Improve your writing skills: Improve your writing speed and punctuality by practising it. You will learn to manage task 2 because it is longer and requires more time if you practice writing. Make a note of the new words and build sentences with them. Make sure all of the task 2 questions’ components have been thoroughly handled by analysing it. Improve your speed so you have time to read over your writing.
3. Improve listening skills: You can watch the English news every day and then write about it. Remember that you only get one chance to hear the tape, so pay attention and improve your listening skills to avoid pausing it. However, if you wish to listen to the tape again, read the script again and take note of any helpful phrasing. You should be aware of the precise request and look over the directions.
4. Strengthen vocabulary: If you want to improve your reading abilities, be careful to learn new words and utilise them appropriately. You must read a great deal about this. Make a note of the new terms and learn how to properly utilise them in sentences. Read editorials and various magazines to become familiar with new words. To integrate new words into your everyday speech, you must use them frequently.
5. Improve your fluency and pronunciation: The brief chat, the structured interview, and the free interview make up the three sections of the listening section. For four to five minutes, candidates will be questioned about a couple of short issues on common subjects. For this drill, speak for a considerable amount of time in English while concentrating on your pronunciation. You can learn about them and speak on numerous issues by reading and listening to various topics. Learn your speaking weaknesses and talents by recording yourself.

Free IELTS Material and Resources

Also Read: Useful Phrases for Group Discussion in the English Language

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These were some top options available for the IELTS study materials. Get in touch with Leverage Edu and get your dream IELTS score with our guidance. Book your free counselling session with us now!