- Materials for foundation of preparation
In this part, I think there are 3 parts that need to be consolidated: Pronunciation, Vocabulary and Grammar.
Pronunciation. In reality, this part is more difficult to study without instructors. However, I think it is okay with people who have perseverance and can be quickly receptive from books.
- Learn to pronounce each vowel and consonant in the "English Pronunciation in Use" with a British accent, and the book "American Accent Training,""Pronunciation Workshop" with American accent.
- After understanding how to pronounce each sound , you move on learning Intonation with the above materials. In addition, you can use short speech on the BBC and VOA to imitate speaking.
Vocabulary. This part may make many learners feel disappointed because they usually quickly forget vocabularies. The reason is that you try to cram too much words without applying them, so after a later time, you will forget soon. Below there are some books to help you get vocabulary for IELTS:
- English Vocabulary in Use (Elementary – Intermediate – Advanced)
- Vocabulary for IELTS
- Check your vocabulary for IELTS
Grammar. In fact, the IELTS Grammar is not as horrible as the university examination or HSG, but it is necessary to understand basic knowledge.
- English Grammar in Use
- Grammar for IELTS (harder)
2.Materials for practicing IELTS skills
a) Listening
To my view, the best book to practice listening is "Listening Strategies for IELTS” (band 5 – 6.5). It is divided into each form; it has 20 posts to practice. Although the posts are quite old, it is ok to use for practicing reflexion with listening forms.
Also, you can practice listening comfortably without clear purposes and intentions by listening to speeches of Tedx. Listening to radio on BBC world service and CNN students news is also a good method in spite of the fast speaking speed.
b) Reading
Similar to listening part, this part has the book “Reading Strategies for IELTS” (band 5 – 6.5). Moreover, if you have trouble with reading a post of over one thousand English words and you also want to improve your reading speed, you should spend 30 minutes per day reading English newspapers on National Geographic, BBC news, …
c) Writing
In my opinion, this is the part you will have many difficulties in finding materials to self-study. It is often easier for you to learn with instructors. There are some useful books to help you in this part.
- Academic Vocabulary in Use
- Visual IELTS (Gabi Duigu) for practicing Task 1
- Academic writing for IELTS
d) Speaking
In order to practice this skill, you can find out topics and questions on the Internet to practice in group with your friends. However, it is advised that you should have a instructor to point out mistakes. Two books-IELTS Speaking by Mark Allen and Mat Clark are useful for you.
e) Books to practice 4 skills
- With target 6.5 you can begin from "Step Up to IELTS, Objective IELTS, Cambridge Action Plan for IELTS"
- With target from 7.0 you can use "IELTS Masterclass". I think reading part in this book is quite hard.
- Materials for practicing IELT
- a) Target 6.5-
- IELTS Test builder (1, 2)
- Cambridge IELTS practice test ( from 5 to 8): the books from 1 to 4 are old so they are not suitable, but you also can study them more if you have much time.
- Actual Reading Test
- Actual Listening Test (recently published)
- IELTS for Academic purpose: 6 practice tests
b) Target from 7.0
- The above books
- IELTS Plus (1, 2, 3)
- IELTS Practice Test (Peter May)
With the books "Cambridge IELTS practice test 9 and 10" which are recently published, I think you should practice in the last week before taking the exam to know your real level. Make sure that you check carefully your tasks when practicing.
To my view, you should pay attention at the tasks that you often do wrongly. Try to take note the wrong questions to not make mistakes in the exam.
The above materials and advice are concluded based on my practicing process and guides from my teachers.
Wish you have IELTS score as expected.
From Mai Lilo (7.5 IELTS – L: 8.5, R: 8.5, W: 7.0, S: 6.0)
Translated by Thuong Ngoc
Source: http://hocielts.vn/thong-ke-tai-lieu-on-ielts-tu-a-z/#
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