Comprehensive guide covering essential IELTS preparation strategies and techniques to help you achieve your target band score.
Originally published December 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
During your IELTS preparation, many of you will use free resources online, but there are also many books that are worth the investment. Even your IELTS teachers and examiners have some of these books and have studied them, in order to know everything they can about the IELTS Test.
The one book that is worth getting (if you choose only one) is The Official Guide to IELTS Student's book with Answers. This book has everything covered, with many helpful hints and tips, and it also includes practice tests and answers. If you want to get extra help with your vocabulary and grammar, then Cambridge English offer specific books each with a focus in these areas. There are so many books out there to choose from and in our experience, the books from Cambridge English are excellent.
Here is a book list to help you with your IELTS preparation >>
**All books were sourced on Amazon.co.uk**
The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS Student's Book with Answers with DVD-ROM (Cambridge English)
By Pauline Cullen, Amanda French, Vanessa Jakeman
The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS is THE definitive guide to IELTS. It contains all you need to succeed in the exam. Skill-building exercises cover all of the question types in the exam for both the General Training and Academic Modules. Our research into real IELTS candidates' exam answers - and the mistakes they make helps you avoid the same ones!
Eight official practice tests and a focus on test-taking strategy help you maximise your score. Videos of the Speaking test, and all the listening material, including the tests, can be found on the DVD-ROM or downloaded via an accompanying App from iTunes or Google Play. IELTS is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment.
Cambridge IELTS 12 Academic Student's Book with Answers: Authentic Examination Papers (IELTS Practice Tests)
By Authentic Examination Papers
Cambridge IELTS 12 contains four authentic IELTS examination papers from Cambridge English Language Assessment, providing excellent exam practice. The Student's Book with answers allows students to familiarise themselves with IELTS and to practise examination techniques using authentic tests. It contains four complete tests for Academic candidates.
An introduction to these modules is included in the book, together with an explanation of the scoring system used by Cambridge English Language Assessment. There is a comprehensive section of answers and tapescripts at the back of the book. Audio CDs containing the material for the Listening Tests, and a Student's Book with answers with downloadable Audio are sold separately. These tests are also available as IELTS Academic Tests 5-8 on Testbank.org.uk
Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS Advanced Band 6.5+ with Answers and Audio CD (Cambridge English)
By Pauline Cullen
The book covers all the vocabulary needed by students aiming for band 6.5 and above in the IELTS tests and provides students with practice of exam tasks from each paper. Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS Advanced focuses on moving students to 6.5 and beyond by working on vocabulary-building strategies necessary for success at advanced levels.
It includes useful tips on how to approach IELTS exam tasks and covers especially tricky areas such as paraphrase and collocation. It is informed by the Cambridge English Corpus to ensure that the vocabulary is presented in genuine contexts and includes real learner errors. The Audio CD contains the listening and pronunciation exercises from each unit. The material is suitable for self-study or homework tasks, and may also be used in class with the teacher.
Cambridge Grammar for IELTS Student's Book with Answers and Audio CD (Cambridge Grammar for First Certificate, Ielts, Pet)
By Diane Hopkins
Cambridge Grammar for IELTS provides complete coverage of the grammar needed for the IELTS test, and develops listening skills at the same time. It includes a wide range of IELTS tasks from the Academic and General Training Reading, Writing and Listening modules, and contains helpful grammar explanations and a grammar glossary. A Student's Book 'without answers' is also available.
Collins Writing for IELTS has been specially created for learners of English who plan to take the Academic IELTS exam to demonstrate that they have the required ability to communicate effectively in English at university.
It is ideal for learners with band score 5 – 5.5 who are aiming for band score 6 or higher on the IELTS test (CEF level B1 and above). Collins Writing for IELTS concentrates on the Academic paper.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published October 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will be able to view an essay example from a past student, with the corrections and feedback highlighted in red.
Most of the students studying for the IELTS Test have said they find the IELTS Writing Tasks difficult. I have corrected hundreds of task 1 and 2 essays on various topics, giving estimated band scores and detailed feedback. There are also suggestions on how to improve for a higher band score. Take a look at this student essay example and see how it compares to your own writing.
Writing Task 1 Question
Here is the task 1 essay with corrections, suggestions, feedback and an estimated band score >>
Do you want to get your essays corrected by a highly experienced IELTS teacher? Then take a look at our writing correction service.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
What Band 9 Means for Task 1 Academic
A Band 9 response in IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic demonstrates a high level of competence across all four assessment criteria: Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
Task Achievement at Band 9
The response fully satisfies all requirements, presents a clear overview, and accurately selects and reports key features with well-chosen supporting detail.
Coherence and Cohesion at Band 9
Information and ideas are logically organised with clear progression throughout. Paragraphing is managed skillfully, and cohesive devices are used appropriately.
How to Achieve Band 9
Analyse the visual data carefully: Spend 2-3 minutes identifying the main trends, key features, and notable comparisons before writing.
Write a clear overview: Summarise the most significant patterns in 2-3 sentences without including specific data.
Select and group information: Present data in logical paragraphs organised by trend, category, or time period.
Use accurate data: Reference specific numbers, percentages, and dates from the visual to support your descriptions.
Vary your language: Use a range of vocabulary for describing trends (increased, rose sharply, remained stable, declined gradually).
Originally published on IELTS Achieve. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published October 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will be able to view an essay example from a past student, with the corrections and feedback highlighted in red.
Most of the students studying for the IELTS Test have said they find the IELTS Writing Tasks difficult. I have corrected hundreds of task 1 and 2 essays on various topics, giving estimated band scores and detailed feedback. There are also suggestions on how to improve for a higher band score. Take a look at this student essay example and see how it compares to your own writing.
Writing Task 2 Question
“The growing number of overweight people is putting a strain on the healthcare system in an effort to deal with the health issues involved. Some people think that the best way to deal with this problem is to introduce more physical education lessons in the school curriculum. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
Do you want to get your essays corrected by a highly experienced IELTS teacher? Then take a look at our writing correction service.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
What Band 9 Means for Task 2
Band 9 in IELTS Writing Task 2 reflects strong competence across the four assessment criteria. Understanding these criteria helps you identify exactly what to improve.
Task Response at Band 9
The response addresses all parts of the task with a fully developed position supported by well-chosen, relevant ideas. Each main idea is extended and supported with specific evidence.
Coherence and Cohesion at Band 9
Ideas flow logically with skilful paragraphing and a wide range of cohesive devices used naturally.
How to Maintain Band 9
Plan before writing: Spend 5 minutes outlining your position, main ideas, and supporting points.
Polish your examples: Ensure every supporting point includes a specific, relevant example.
Proofread: Reserve 2-3 minutes at the end to check for grammar errors, spelling mistakes, and unclear sentences.
Practise under timed conditions: Write complete essays in 40 minutes to build speed and confidence.
Originally published on IELTS Achieve. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
A detailed guide to this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay type, with structure templates, useful vocabulary, and techniques to achieve Band 7+.
Originally published October 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will be able to view an essay example from a past student, with the corrections and feedback highlighted in red.
Most of the students studying for the IELTS Test have said they find the IELTS Writing Tasks difficult. I have corrected hundreds of task 1 and 2 essays on various topics, giving estimated band scores and detailed feedback. There are also suggestions on how to improve for a higher band score. Take a look at this student essay example and see how it compares to your own writing.
Writing Task 2 Question
“With the development of social media, more and more youngsters are being allowed unsupervised access to the internet in order to view content, which can lead to potentially dangerous situations. What solutions can you suggest to deal with this problem?”
Here is the task 2 essay with corrections, suggestions, feedback and an estimated band score >>
Do you want to get your essays corrected by a highly experienced IELTS teacher? Then take a look at our writing correction service.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
What Band 8 Means for Task 2
Band 8 in IELTS Writing Task 2 reflects strong competence across the four assessment criteria. Understanding these criteria helps you identify exactly what to improve.
Task Response at Band 8
The response addresses all parts of the task with a fully developed position supported by well-chosen, relevant ideas. Each main idea is extended and supported with specific evidence.
Coherence and Cohesion at Band 8
Ideas flow logically with skilful paragraphing and a wide range of cohesive devices used naturally.
How to Maintain Band 8
Plan before writing: Spend 5 minutes outlining your position, main ideas, and supporting points.
Polish your examples: Ensure every supporting point includes a specific, relevant example.
Proofread: Reserve 2-3 minutes at the end to check for grammar errors, spelling mistakes, and unclear sentences.
Practise under timed conditions: Write complete essays in 40 minutes to build speed and confidence.
Originally published on IELTS Achieve. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published October 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will be able to view an essay example from a past student, with the corrections and feedback highlighted in red.
Most of the students studying for the IELTS Test have said they find the IELTS Writing Tasks difficult. I have corrected hundreds of task 1 and 2 essays on various topics, giving estimated band scores and detailed feedback. There are also suggestions on how to improve for a higher band score. Take a look at this student essay example and see how it compares to your own writing.
Writing Task 1 Question
Here is the task 1 essay with corrections, suggestions, feedback and an estimated band score >>
Do you want to get your essays corrected by a highly experienced IELTS teacher? Then take a look at our writing correction service.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
What Band 7 Means for Task 1 Academic
A Band 7 response in IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic demonstrates a high level of competence across all four assessment criteria: Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
Task Achievement at Band 7
The response covers all requirements, presents a clear overview, and highlights key features appropriately, though some detail may be missing or over-extended.
Coherence and Cohesion at Band 7
Information is logically organised with clear progression. A range of cohesive devices is used flexibly, though there may be occasional over- or under-use.
How to Achieve Band 7
Analyse the visual data carefully: Spend 2-3 minutes identifying the main trends, key features, and notable comparisons before writing.
Write a clear overview: Summarise the most significant patterns in 2-3 sentences without including specific data.
Select and group information: Present data in logical paragraphs organised by trend, category, or time period.
Use accurate data: Reference specific numbers, percentages, and dates from the visual to support your descriptions.
Vary your language: Use a range of vocabulary for describing trends (increased, rose sharply, remained stable, declined gradually).
Official Band Descriptor Criteria at Band 7
The table below summarises what IELTS examiners look for at Band 7 across all four marking criteria for Writing Task 1 Academic, according to the band descriptors published jointly by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English (2024).
Criterion
Band 7 Descriptor Summary
Task Achievement
Covers the requirements of the task clearly; presents a clear overview of main trends, differences, or stages; clearly presents and highlights key features but could be more fully extended.
Coherence & Cohesion
Logically organises information with clear progression throughout; uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately though with some under- or over-use.
Lexical Resource
Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision; uses less common vocabulary with some awareness of style and collocation; may produce occasional errors.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
Uses a variety of complex structures; produces frequent error-free sentences; has good control of grammar and punctuation but may make a few errors.
How to Move Beyond Band 7
Ensure every key feature is fully extended with precise data. Where you mention a trend, support it with specific figures from the chart or table.
Reduce any remaining cohesive device overuse. At Band 8, cohesion should feel seamless rather than signposted with phrases like “Furthermore” or “In addition” in every sentence.
Develop your ability to paraphrase the question prompt effectively. Vary your language from the very first sentence to demonstrate lexical range.
Key Takeaways
At Band 7, the response clearly covers the task, presents an effective overview, and uses a range of vocabulary and grammar with good control (IELTS band descriptors, British Council, IDP, and Cambridge, 2024).
To reach Band 8, focus on eliminating minor cohesion issues and ensuring that every key feature is fully supported with precise figures.
Consistent timed practice under exam conditions is the most effective way to maintain Band 7 performance and push toward Band 8.
Originally published on IELTS Achieve. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
