10+ IELTS Reading practice books to help conquer all band scores

For beginners, it is advisable to choose books that offer guidance, author analyses on how to tackle the questions, vocabulary and grammar notes, and exercises at a basic to intermediate level.

1.1. Get Ready For IELTS Reading A2+

Get Ready For IELTS is a comprehensive series covering all four skills: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking, suitable for various band levels. The book Get Ready For IELTS Reading A2+ is designed for those at a 3.0 level aiming to enhance their reading skills.

This IELTS Reading preparation book is suitable for a basic level starting from 3.0.

The content of this IELTS Reading book is divided into 12 units with popular topics such as Friendship, Body and Mind, Communication, etc. Each topic includes five sections:

• Aim: Outlines the objectives, skills, and vocabulary to be achieved after each lesson.

• Language Development: Provides grammar points and vocabulary related to the topic.

• Skill Development: Reinforces skills and strategies for different types of exercises from easy to difficult.

• Exam Practice: Includes exercises with questions similar to those on the test to help students get familiar with the exam.

• Checklist: Summarizes the knowledge learned in the topic.

Additionally, after every 3 units, there is a review unit summarizing all the knowledge from the previous 3 topics. With its logical lesson structure, Get Ready For IELTS Reading A2+ helps students grasp the material more effectively and retain it longer.

The book also features a fantastic advantage for self-learners: a vocabulary system and detailed answers to each exercise at the end. However, since the book is entirely in English, it may take some time for beginners to get accustomed to and understand it.

1.2. Reading Strategies For The IELTS Test

The title Reading Strategies For The IELTS Test reflects the book's content. It provides readers with IELTS Reading tests collected from past exams or sample tests that closely resemble the actual test.

The exercises are well-organized and categorized by question type such as Multiple Choice, True or False, Matching Headings, Completions, etc., which are common in IELTS Reading tests.

This self-study IELTS Reading book makes it easier for you to approach real test questions.

Furthermore, before diving into the exercises, each question type is introduced with instructions and notes from the author. A unique feature of this book is the translation of terms from English to Vietnamese, which is very helpful for those who lack sufficient vocabulary to understand and complete the exercises.

Reading Strategies For The IELTS Test is an excellent choice for those starting to learn about IELTS. After working through the book, you could reach a Pre-Intermediate level, which is around band score 3.0 - 4.0, and become familiar with common IELTS Reading question types and their corresponding solutions.

>>>Xem thêm: Hướng dẫn cách đăng ký thi IELTS trên máy tính tại IDP

1.3. Cambridge Vocabulary/Grammar for IELTS

Cambridge Vocabulary and Grammar for IELTS are written by renowned IELTS instructors from Cambridge University. Therefore, you can fully trust the quality and accuracy of the content and knowledge.

These IELTS Reading preparation books are suitable for those starting with a 3.0 level. They provide common grammar structures and topic-specific vocabulary for IELTS.

• Cambridge Grammar for IELTS

  : Includes 25 lessons with 4 sections: Context Listening, Grammar, Grammar Exercise, and Test Practice.

• Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS

  : Covers 20 common vocabulary topics, 5 tests to check your knowledge with full answers. Each lesson includes common mistakes and test-taking tips.

The feedback on Cambridge Grammar/Vocabulary for IELTS is very positive, and they are among the recommended books for IELTS study. Almost all essential grammar and vocabulary needed for IELTS are covered, along with tips to avoid common mistakes during the exam.

1.4. Basic IELTS Reading

The Basic IELTS series includes 4 books corresponding to the four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The IELTS Reading book by Zhang Juan is divided into 3 parts:

• Part 1: IELTS Reading Question Types and IELTS Reading Tips: Provides an overview of question types and some tips.

• Part 2: IELTS Reading Practice: Contains 14 reading exercises for practice.

• Part 3: IELTS Sample Reading Tests: Provides 2 practice tests similar to the actual exam for self-evaluation.

Additionally, the end of the book includes answer keys and a vocabulary list to facilitate self-study at home.

Basic IELTS Reading is ideal for those "just starting" with IELTS, aiming for a score of 3.5 - 4.0 in the near future. This book is a great choice for improving reading skills through practical exercises. After studying this book, you should see a noticeable improvement in your reading ability and vocabulary.

>>>See also: Thi IELTS trên giấy tại IDP

Next are books designed for those looking to enhance their reading skills and achieve a band score of 6.0 or higher. These books are more suitable for those at a 5.0+ level who wish to reach a higher score. Specifically:

2.1. IELTS Advantage - Reading Skills

Cuốn sách giúp cải thiện các kỹ năng làm bài Reading hiệu quả

This book focuses on improving Reading skills and provides advanced knowledge suitable for those with a 5.0+ level aiming for 6.5+. IELTS Advantage - Reading Skills consists of 10 units on various topics.

• These topics are social in nature and require deeper understanding, such as Full of Energy, Network, Work and Money, etc.

• This IELTS Reading preparation book will help you practice skills like Skimming, Scanning, Speed Reading, and Keyword through guided exercises.

• The authors incorporate methods for tackling different question types within each unit to make learning easier. By completing this book, you'll become more proficient in applying reading skills to various question types.

• Additionally, you will gain a vocabulary list corresponding to the 10 topics covered, located at the end of each unit.

This is why many learners recommend this book for improving their test-taking skills.

2.2. Improve Your Reading Skills

Improve Your IELTS Reading Skills is designed for those with a fairly good level from 4.5 and above. It is not only popular among IELTS candidates but also used in some IELTS training centers.

The book is divided into 10 units with common topics frequently found in real exams.

• Each unit includes two sections: Reading Skills (strategies and techniques) and Exam Practice (knowledge application through exercises).

• The exercises cover all possible question types on the test, but the author focuses on more challenging ones like Matching Headings, True - False - Not Given, and Sentence Completion.

• Detailed strategies for each type of question are provided on the left side of the pages for easier reference.

• The vocabulary is organized by topic, helping you memorize and accumulate knowledge through each unit.

Improve Your IELTS Reading Skills is essential for those who want to self-study and practice skills such as Scanning, Skimming, Predicting, etc.

The content of this IELTS Reading book is meticulously organized and designed to offer more knowledge on vocabulary, test strategies, and the application of reading skills.

2.3. Reading For IELTS Collins

Reading for IELTS Collins has long been a trusted resource for IELTS study and is frequently chosen by learners. It is intended for those aiming for a Reading band score of 6.5 and can be considered an advanced version of the Get Ready for IELTS Reading book mentioned earlier.

The book includes 12 units with topics ranging from easy to challenging, such as Family, Health, Education, Technology, Holidays, etc. Each unit is divided into three parts:

• Vocabulary: Learning vocabulary by topic to enhance understanding and retention.

• Example Exercises: Provides guidance on how to tackle each type of exercise related to the topic.

• Self-Practice Exercises: Allows you to review vocabulary and apply the methods learned. Answers are provided at the end for self-checking.

From units 1 to 11, the author focuses on providing knowledge and test-taking tips. Unit 12 features a full test with 3 tasks similar to the actual IELTS Reading exam for self-assessment. The logical and systematic arrangement of the lessons helps learners gain a deeper understanding and retention. Spending 2-3 hours daily on each unit will significantly improve your reading level.

2.4. Complete IELTS band 5.0 - 6.5 hoặc band 6.5 -7.5

Complete IELTS is published with the approval of Cambridge University, ensuring its credibility. These books are suitable for those at band 5.0 aiming to reach 6.5+ and those at 6.5 aiming for 7.5+.

The content is divided into 8 units, each covering different topics and is structured into 4 parts corresponding to all four IELTS skills. The books not only provide vocabulary by topic and grammar points but also help you practice test-taking skills.

The topics are arranged from easy to difficult. Each topic includes test-taking instructions and tips to avoid common mistakes. This can be considered a comprehensive IELTS guide that you should study before taking the test.

The final and equally important stage before taking the IELTS is the intensive practice period. Below, IDP will introduce you to some IELTS Reading practice books:

3.1. IELTS Reading Recent Actual Test

IELTS Reading Recent Actual Test is the most accurate compilation of IELTS exam questions available today

As a candidate preparing for the official IELTS exam, you cannot ignore the two exam organizers in Vietnam, IDP and the British Council. The IELTS Reading Recent Actual Test book is a compilation of 6 real IELTS exam sets from IDP and the British Council. Therefore, those of you who are in the Reading practice stage and want to excel in the upcoming exam should not hesitate to own this IELTS Reading practice book.

The IELTS Reading Recent Actual Test series consists of 5 books, each containing 6 tests selected from past exam questions. You can complete them in the last 1-2 months to boost your confidence and get familiar with the real exam.

3.2. 15 Days’ Practice For IELTS Reading

This IELTS Reading practice book is designed with a detailed and concise schedule for last-minute preparation before the exam

The title of the book 15 Days’ Practice For IELTS Reading reflects its goal of conquering the IELTS Reading test in just 15 days. The book provides a detailed 15-day schedule to review the knowledge you have learned. The specific 15-day study schedule is as follows:

• Day 1: Introduction, familiarization with the structure of the IELTS Reading test, and some practical tips from the author for effective test-taking.

• Day 2-7: Practice with reading passages and question types from general to specific such as: Overview, True-False-Not Given, Short Answer, Multiple Choice,...

• Day 8: Marking the halfway point of the 15 days, you will take a practice test to review and assess the knowledge you have learned.

• Day 9-14: In the following days, you will practice more challenging question types such as: Viewpoint questions, Summary Questions, Graphic Questions along with tips to help you overcome them in the best way.

• Day 15: On the last day, you will take a Reading test compiled from sources close to the real exam. This will help you evaluate what you have learned and get familiar with the upcoming exam.

This IELTS Reading practice book is suitable for those who are about to take the IELTS exam and have a score of 5.0 or higher. Following the author's 15-day schedule can help you significantly increase your band score to 6.0+. You can purchase the complete set of 4 books to effectively practice all 4 IELTS skills.

3.3. IELTS Reading Tests By Sam McCarter & Judith Ash

The IELTS Reading Tests book compiles exam questions structured like the real test

The IELTS Reading Tests book is written by two authors, Sam McCarter & Judith Ash, both of whom are academic English lecturers and freelance IELTS book writers. This book is for candidates preparing for the IELTS Reading test and have a score of 5.0 or higher.

The content of this IELTS Reading practice book includes 10 Reading tests for practice and answers at the end of the book for self-checking. Each test has three passages similar to the real reading test, corresponding to different topics. The question types and topics in each test closely follow the standard IELTS exam structure. This will help you get familiar with and practice the test-taking skills before the IELTS exam.

Besides the advantages mentioned above, this IELTS Reading practice book also has a drawback of being hard to find on e-commerce platforms or in bookstores. Therefore, for convenience, you can download the PDF version and print it out as a book.

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Hopefully, with the information provided by IDP, you will choose the IELTS Reading practice book that suits your current level and goals. Wish you effective practice and IDP hopes to see you at the nearest IELTS exam.