IELTS books

[loogkreung]

Is there anybody who could recommend some good IELTS text books. The bookshops have a myriad of choice, largely out of date and probably irrelevant. Thanks

[Madgee]

Are you enquiring about all four modules or a specific one?

Test taker or teacher?

The IELTS examination board is constantly modifying its test content, especially speaking, so no book will ever be relevant to the current topics in use. However, most books are suitable for student practise which will help them with the format and timing aspect of the test; crucial for test takers to understand this.

There are some brilliant Chinese and Indian 'blog' websites that share the current test questions if you can decipher some of the English and be bothered to take the time to note the subtle differences between questions. It's a very involved test, hence why most students under achieve in their first attempt.

Probably get more help if this was in the teaching forum?

Edited September 25, 2013 by Madgee

[brewsterbudgen]

Check Your Vocabulary for IELTS is a great resource (Rawdon Wyatt) for vocab. There are hundreds of IELTS books, so really you just need to browse. I've been happy with IELTS Foundation, especially the Self Study book, in the past. Be wary of the many IELTS blogs as they often contain misleading, or just plain wrong, information.

The IELTS format hasn't changed in the last 3-4 years or so. The official IELTS website can keep you up to date with any planned changes.

IELTS is very popular in Thailand. IDP/British Council hold tests virtually every week and they are usually full. The market for IELTS preparation classes is also good. Most students are "happy" to pay 2,000 baht an hour for private classes!

Edited September 25, 2013 by brewsterbudgen

[Madgee]

No 'official' sites will reveal the current topics, that's obvious. They are a good source of information relating to the format and give an insight as to what an examinee should prepare for and expect in the test.

As regards 'blogs'.

IMO, they are a major source of information, especially for speaking topics, providing you check the information offered with other 'blogs' to get an idea about what topics are in current use. I'm not saying they are truly accurate but if several 'blogs' report a similar worded topic then there is a very good chance it is in the test.

This is an example of a Part 2 retired speaking topic that has been re-introduced, as reported on several worldwide sites.

It probably has revised Part 3 questions which are related (but not about) the topic.

A Work of Art (Sep. 7, 2013)

Describe a statue or other work of art that you have seen.

You should say:

where you saw it

when you saw it

what it looked like

and explain your impressions of this work of art.

Yes, it takes some research and preparation but I think it is worth it to give your students an edge when it comes to the test.