So you've decided you don't want to enrol in a course (either in person or online) and you aren't quite ready to spend money on tutors that charge expensive hourly rates...
It's time to prepare for IELTS on your own! You can do it! You can absolutely do it all by yourself.
There are a few things you need to remember before going through this list of resources:
You have to be in it to win it! I know the test itself is expensive and material to prepare for the test is expensive, but you need to remember what you're doing this for. Every IELTS attempt is ~AUD$400. It's cheaper to invest in proper preparation material and overall improvement of your language command than to sit for the test again...and Again... and AGAIN!!
FREE isn't always GOOD enough. There are heaps of YouTube channels, blogs and websites that offer free information and material. Some even give you access to mock tests and offer free marking services.
I have so much love and respect for anyone out there - anywhere in the world, who is sharing their knowledge for free. These people sincerely want to help and they spend a lot of time making videos and typing out blogs, sourcing mock test material. 10 out 10 for effort! It's just that sometimes, you need material that is as close to the original source as possible. You know for sure that when you purchase material from IDP, the British Council or Cambridge that you're getting absolutely legitimate material - straight from the OWNERS of IELTS!
3. The free content could either make you over-confident or strip away your confidence. Some tests are too hard, some are too easy. Always remember, the Goldilocks Rule; it needs to be "just right" - and the only way to get it "just right" is to spend your money on the right material
So, what books, guides and online sources would I recommend? As a private tutor with my own small business, I don't have the financial means to spend heaps of my income on teaching and testing material, so I have curated a list of the "best" materials, sources and sites for you to go forth on this IELTS journey on your own, without the help of a tutor, course provider or language school.
Best test practice material: The Cambridge Authentic Practice Tests (up to Book 18 currently). These books contain either General Training or Academic tests. In general, each book contains 4 complete tests. Pre-order Book 19 General Training and Academic test books here so you can get them as soon as they're released in July 2024. As a rule, I tend to use only the 5 most recent books in my teaching, just to make sure my teaching content is relevant.
Best IELTS book to study/work through on your own: The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS Student's Book. Buy an official copy here. So what is it about this book I like so much? It's got everything you need. Practice tests, detailed explainations that are clear, goals and keys for students to self-prepare. Just this book alone would be enough for someone who already sitting at Band 5 to work up to Band 7.
Best book to get your vocabulary up: IELTS Vocabulary up to Band 6. This is an oldie but a goodie. It used to be called Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS. Great for those of you who are struggling to make the jump from Band 5 to Band 6. Again, it's one of those books you can just work through yourself. Purchase it here.
Best book for those of you who are aiming for Band 7.5 and up: Mindset for IELTS Level 3 Student's Book. I'll be really honest; most test takers need a bit of guidance to work through this book - best used with a tutor or teacher or as part of a course. Buy it here.
Best "working on a budget" online course/material: The courses from tMacquarie University. Now online courses aren't my style but if you're after some up to date material and guidance for a relatively low price, this is one of the best. Check it out here.
There are heaps of other sites and resources that you can access but the 4 books mentioned above and the material from Macquarie Uni are my favourite!
Alright folks, that's all from me today. Go forth, find yourself these books and say goodbye to time-wasting courses, expensive tutors and YouTube videos that confuse the sh*t out of you!
Love,
Reena
*** No affiliate links or sponsored content was feature in this post. All information is based purely on PIAPT's preferences***
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