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Start free
Before you spend anything, use what's free:
- Try our free IELTS practice tests to see each part of the test.
- Take the free full mock test under timed conditions to find your starting band.
- Follow a free 6-week plan: band 5, band 6, band 7 or band 8.
If that's all you use, that's fine. The books below are for when you want more real past papers, or help with the grammar and vocabulary behind a higher band.
1. Cambridge IELTS 21 Academic (for Academic test takers)
Who it suits: anyone taking IELTS Academic, at any level.
What's inside: the Cambridge IELTS books are past IELTS papers published by Cambridge. Each one has four complete Academic tests, answer keys, and the Listening audio. Recent books in the series also include sample Writing answers and videos of the Speaking test. Cambridge IELTS 21 (published in 2026) is the newest.
How to use it with our free practice: do our free practice and study plan first. Save the Cambridge tests for the last two or three weeks, and take them one at a time, timed, like the real test.
Get Cambridge IELTS 21 Academic (paid link) (choose the "with answers" version).
2. Cambridge IELTS 21 General Training (for GT test takers)
Who it suits: anyone taking IELTS General Training, often for work, migration or study below degree level.
What's inside: past General Training papers from Cambridge, with answers and audio. The Reading and Writing sections are General Training, including the Task 1 letter.
How to use it: pair it with our General Training letter guide, and use the tests as timed mocks near the end of your preparation.
Get Cambridge IELTS 21 General Training (paid link).
3. The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
Who it suits: learners who want one book that teaches the skills and strategies, not only tests. It covers both Academic and General Training.
What's inside: the new 2025 edition has strategies and practice for every part of the test, eight practice tests (the first one with step-by-step guidance), audio for the Listening, and videos of the Speaking test.
How to use it: work through one skill each week, in the same order as your study plan. Use its practice tests in the middle weeks, and keep the Cambridge IELTS 21 tests for the end.
Get The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS (paid link).
4. English Grammar in Use (for writing accuracy)
Who it suits: learners aiming for band 6 or 7 whose Writing score is held back by grammar mistakes: verb tenses, articles, prepositions, conditionals.
What's inside: Raymond Murphy's self-study grammar book for intermediate learners (B1–B2). Each unit explains one grammar point on the left page and gives practice exercises on the right, with answers at the back. The current one is the 5th edition.
How to use it: look at the mistakes in your practice essays, then do the units for those mistakes only. You don't need to work through the whole book. For band 8 and above, Advanced Grammar in Use is the next step up.
Get English Grammar in Use (paid link) (the "with answers" edition is best for self-study).
5. English Vocabulary in Use
Who it suits: learners who keep repeating the same words in Writing and Speaking.
What's inside: Cambridge's self-study vocabulary books, with words grouped by topic and exercises with answers. There are four levels; most IELTS learners start with Pre-intermediate & Intermediate or Upper-intermediate.
How to use it: choose units on common IELTS topics (work, education, the environment, health) and use the new words in your next practice essay or speaking answer.
Get English Vocabulary in Use (paid link) at your level.
What we'd skip
- Books with "guaranteed" band scores. Nobody can promise a score.
- Old editions of guides from unknown publishers. Check the book matches the current test before you buy.
The short version
- Free practice and a free study plan first.
- The newest Cambridge IELTS book for your test, for real past papers.
- A grammar or vocabulary book only if your practice shows you need it.
Frequently asked questions
Which IELTS book should I buy first?
The newest Cambridge IELTS book for your test (Academic or General Training). It has four real past papers with answers and audio, so it shows you exactly what the test is like.
Do I need to buy books to prepare for IELTS?
No. Free practice tests and a study plan are enough for many people. Books are useful when you want more real past papers or a structured guide.
Are older Cambridge IELTS books still useful?
Yes, for practice, since the test format has stayed the same for years. Use the newest book for your final mock tests because its topics and question styles are the most recent.
Academic or General Training: which book do I need?
The one that matches the test you've booked. Listening and Speaking are the same in both, but Reading and Writing are different.
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