Best self-study IELTS, TOEFL and TOEIC books to GET a high score

There are different types of Eiken. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is widely known internationally as a numerical value for measuring English proficiency, and is adopted by many overseas companies and educational institutions.

In this article, we will introduce in detail reference books that are useful as IELTS countermeasures for each purpose. In addition to the four skills of listening, reading, speaking, and writing, we have also compiled recommended teaching materials for words and grammar, so let's proceed with learning efficiently according to the purpose.

What kind of test is IELTS? What is the trend?

In Japan, many companies use TOEIC, TOEFL, Eiken, etc. as tests to measure their English proficiency, but the number of companies that introduce IELTS in line with international standards is gradually increasing. Although not very well known in IELTS, it is a perfect test to measure your practical English proficiency.

The main reason why it is easy to measure practical English proficiency is its test method. Unlike the Mark test, IELTS is basically a written test. The questions are four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing, and it is necessary to improve all abilities. Not only can you get a high score, but you can also acquire practical English by taking proper measures.

How to choose a reference book for IELTS measures

There are many reference books for the IELTS test, so it is important to choose a reference book that suits the purpose of the test when taking measures. Even if you say a reference book in a bite, it is produced with a certain degree of targeting, so you can prepare for a highly effective test by choosing a reference book that suits you.

Before introducing the actual reference book, I will introduce how to choose a reference book.

Choose according to the skill you want to level up

In addition to the four skills of listening, reading, speaking, and writing, there are also words and grammar that you want to improve. In particular, words are the basis for IELTS measures, so they are suitable for people who want to thoroughly train from their basic skills.

Also, instead of buying new reference books one after another, it is important to study by using the purchased book over and over again. By using the same reference book and overlapping the inputs and outputs, it will be easier to establish the English proficiency that you can actually use.

Choose according to your level and target score

IELTS is rated on a 9-point band score. Each of the four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing will be given a score of 1 to 9. 1 is the lowest score, 9 is the highest score, and the score is in 0.5 increments. The overall score called overall is derived from the average of the score bands of each skill. According to the country data released by the IELTS official, the average Japanese is 5.8 in overalls.

If you have already taken the exam, choose a reference book that is one rank higher than your current score. If you are taking the test for the first time, use the average Japanese score as a guide to determine your target score and select a reference book.

Be sure to prepare an official question book

IELTS has an official collection of questions, "IELTS Academic Student's Book". The Cambridge University English Examination Organization has created questions that are supposed to be in production, so it is indispensable for trends and countermeasures. This is a must-have book for anyone considering taking the IELTS test.

The official question book contains four questions, so you may try to work at different timings. By grasping your level the first time, checking the progress of learning the second and third times, and just before the test the fourth time, you can visualize the results of your study.

7 reference books that you definitely want to use for IELTS measures

Now, I would like to introduce 7 reference books recommended for those who want to aim for a high score in overalls (overall score) for IELTS measures. This is a lineup that you definitely want to use even if you are taking the IELTS test for the first time. We also introduce the characteristics of each, so let's find one that suits your purpose and proceed with efficient learning.

・ First IELTS all-part comprehensive measures
・ New self-study IELTS complete strategy
・ IELTS complete measures & triple mock exams
・ Perfect strategy IELTS comprehensive measures
・ Directly linked to the score! IELTS Thorough Measures Texts & Questions
・ Cambridge's IELTS Official Guide Academic & General Training
・ Step Up to IELTS Personal Study Book with Answers

This is my first IELTS!

" [Voice DL] First IELTS All-Part Comprehensive Measures ", which thoroughly analyzes and trains more than 100 tests, is the best book for those who are taking the IELTS test for the first time.

You can set the target score to 6.5-7.0 and learn strategy techniques, latest trends, and frequently-used phrases. You will be able to improve your score efficiently by working on the exercises created by the author who has taken the IELTS more than 50 times. It is a practical reference book that thoroughly knows IELTS.

If you want to understand how the test works, this is it!

" New Self-study IELTS Complete Strategy [2nd Edition] " details the flow from the application for the IELTS test to the day of the test.

The questioning tendency and explanations are also described in an easy-to-understand manner, and it is also recommended for the first time taking the exam. It is suitable for those who want to understand the mechanism of the test and learn strategically. The point is probably based on the fact that Japanese people tend to trip over. IELTS is explained based on the parts that Japanese people are not good at, so it is easy to directly connect to a high score. It is a reference book that covers all of the IELTS exams, as it has abundant exercises and contains one mock exam.

If you want to try the mock exam many times, this is it!

" IELTS Complete Measures with CD & Triple Mock Test (CD book) " which contains 608 pages of full-size mock test for 3 times.

A reference book by three experts from the UK, Australia and Japan, suitable for both first-time exams and high scores. It also contains 3 mock exams, so it is recommended for those who want to try practical tests many times. The three triple mock exams also come with easy-to-understand explanations. In order to get a high score, it is important to understand the points in the mock exam. This book, which has been devised for Japanese learners, is the definitive edition of comprehensive measures for all IELTS test takers.

If you want to learn from the know-how of the IELTS preparation course, this is it!

The " Perfect Strategy IELTS Comprehensive Measures ", which makes use of the achievements of the IELTS courses offered at the Tohru Seminar, is perfect for writing and speaking.

This book is a thorough test study by three experienced authors who have taught various English exams, including Eiken test tubes. The definitive version of IELTS comprehensive measures that can accurately analyze and approach the weaknesses of Japanese people! Not only analysis and countermeasures, but also full problem exercises and explanations that hold down the points, it is exactly like experiencing the IELTS countermeasure course. This is a must-read book if you want to learn the know-how of taking the IELTS test.

If you want to get a high score by strategic learning, this is it!

" Directly connected to the score! " IELTS Thorough Measures Text & Questions " is the definitive version of the IELTS measures book for those who aim for a band score of 6.0 or higher.

"Strategy" to get a high score is introduced for 4 skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking. It is a book that summarizes strategic solutions and is directly linked to a high score. It also supports country-specific listening comprehension, and comes with a CD of exercises by native speakers from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. It is a recommended reference book that will surely improve your English by repeating explanations and problems.

If you want to study thoroughly with the official workbook, this is it!

The IELTS test is made by the Cambridge University English Language Testing System. " Cambridge IELTS Official Guide Academic & General Training (Answer with DVD-ROM) " is an official guide created by the Cambridge University Press.

As a comprehensive guide for both academic and general training, you can thoroughly study all four skills. Of particular note is the information and measures that are useful for the exam. Solving formal, production-oriented problems is essential for exam trends and countermeasures. A DVD-ROM containing the speaking situation is also included, so it is perfect for image training of the exam. The content is exactly the same as the foreign text "The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS Student's Book with Answers with DVD-ROM", so it is a reference book for intermediate and above.

If you want to learn easily with the official workbook, this is it!

The official guide produced by Cambridge University Press also has an 80-page simplified version. " Step Up to IELTS Personal Study Book with Answers " covers the examination techniques and essential items in a lesson format of about 60 hours, and is suitable for intermediate and above examinees.

The reference book describes a short and simple mock exam, and it is also attractive that you can study easily. It is also effective to use it just before taking the IELTS test. By studying over and over again, you will be able to acquire the words, grammar, and 4 skills required for the exam in a short period of time.

5 reference books for IELTS listening measures

The IELTS reading uses pronunciations from various countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. In Japan, you often study American English, so it's a good idea to know about the variety of pronunciations. Also, in IELTS, while listening to the English text, the questions will be given in the form of filling in the perforated parts with words. You have plenty of time to write letters, so you can work on it relatively easily, but remembering the words accurately is also an important point for getting a high score.

Here are five reference books for listening comprehension.

If you want to get used to listening to IELTS, this is it!

For those who want to get used to listening to IELTS, I recommend " IELTS Listening Practice Tests: IELTS Exam Preparation Book with 4 Practice Tests, Free mp3s and Tips for a High Score ".

You can aim for a high score by completing 4 exercises and understanding the tips. This book, released in 2021, analyzes the latest trends, so you can work on listening measures with confidence even if you are taking the exam for the first time.

If you want to know how to learn popular courses, this is it!

" Perfect Strategy IELTS Listening New Edition ", created by Tofuru Seminar, which is a popular IELTS preparation course, is a reference book specializing in listening.

Aim for a high score by getting used to the long conversations and monologues that are characteristic of IELTS. The questions for 3 times of this exam and 1 set of mock exams are recorded, and the concrete explanation like listening to the countermeasure course is also attractive. By studying the reference book from corner to corner, you will be able to completely master the six frequently asked question types.

If you want to improve your listening ability, this is it!

" Practical IELTS Skill-Specific Problem Collection Listening " is a reference book that allows you to learn how to become audible and improve your listening ability.

Learning five points to improve your listening skills will ensure that you can understand long conversations. In addition, since the amount of questions is also recorded abundantly, you will be able to strengthen it in a practical format. By working on the two sets of mock exams at the end of the book, you'll have perfect coverage up to the finish.

If you want to aim for 6.0-7.5 with a listening score, this is it!

If you want to aim for a listening score of 6.0-7.5, we recommend Improve Your Skills: Listening & Speaking for IELTS 6.0-7.5 Student's Book with key & MPO Pack.

As an IELTS preparation book, it is highly evaluated in the UK as well, and you can expect to improve your English proficiency. The content is mainly specialized for listening and speaking tests, and you will learn while using the attached CD. All reference books are written in English and are suitable for intermediate and above.

If you want to know the real learning method, this is it!

Collins English for Ielts – Ielts Listening is co-authored by Jo Tomlinson and Fiona Aish, who publish a number of books on IELTS.

All 144 pages are written in English and are a reference book for advanced users. Packed with the know-how so far, this book released in 2020 also analyzes the latest trends, and if you study hard, you will be able to achieve a score of 7.0 or higher.

5 reference books for IELTS reading measures

The leading feature of IELTS is that one passage is long. It consists of about 900 words, so you need to get used to reading long sentences. It is important to acquire a wide range of knowledge as well as quick reading and reading comprehension. The number of IELTS reading questions is fixed at 3 passages, so let's work on it while considering the time allocation in the actual production.
Here are five reference books for reading measures.

If you want to get used to reading problems, this is it!

" Perfect Strategy IELTS Reading New Edition " contains the passages for 5 productions on page 243. There are 11 question types in the reading, each with Japanese commentary. The amount of questions is also substantial, so it is suitable for people who want to get used to various types of problems. It can be said that it is the best reference book for those who are not good at reading and want to improve their speed reading ability. Most of the reference books by skill are intermediate or higher, but this book is easy to understand even for the first time.

If you want to learn the basics of reading, this is it!

" Practical IELTS Skill-Specific Problem Collection Reading " by Yasunori Matsuzono, who teaches IELTS measures as an instructor and develops many original teaching materials, is the best book to learn the basics of reading.

We will develop reading comprehension specialized in IELTS reading by using techniques such as reading aloud and slash reading. It also comes with explanations based on the analysis of the official questions, so it is also recommended for those who want to deepen their understanding of the IELTS exam. By repeating the exercises, you will be able to firmly establish your learning.

If you want to study in order like a school class, this is it!

" IELTS Reading: IELTS 5-6 + (B1 +) " is a reference book published by Collins, which allows you to study reading strategically.

Although the whole story is in English, you can definitely step up because you can study in order like a school class. The points for solving the problem are shown for each unit, so it is recommended that you take the time to read one page at a time.

If you want to aim for 6.0-7.5 with a reading score, this is it!

If you want to aim for a reading score of 6.0-7.5, we recommend Improve Your Skills: Reading for IELTS 6.0-7.5 Student's Book with key & MPO Pack.

It is a sister version of "Improve Your Skills: Listening & Speaking for IELTS 6.0-7.5 Student's Book with key & MPO Pack" introduced in the listening section, so you may want to study together. It is also evaluated in English-speaking countries as a teaching material that can strengthen reading skills. It is written in English, so it is suitable for intermediate users and above.

If you want to work on exercises that are supposed to be in production, this is it!

" Perfect Strategy IELTS Reading New Edition " contains passages for 5 productions.

This is a must-see book for anyone who wants to work on reading exercises that are supposed to be in production. This book organizes 11 question types in an easy-to-understand manner. Knowing the characteristics of the problem is directly linked to improving the score. It is a carefully selected collection where you can learn various problem formats and topics.

5 reference books for IELTS speaking measures

ELTS speaking is a one-on-one interview with the interviewer. The speaking test takes about 14 minutes and consists of self-introduction and three parts. Part 1 is everyday conversation. It can be said that the content is relatively easy to talk about, such as work, hobbies, and news. Part 2 is a conversation on a specific topic. Speak according to what is written on the task card. Part 3 is a discussion. Proceed by answering questions related to the topic. For speaking measures, it is important to get used to the speed of questions from native speakers as well as speaking ability.

Here are five reference books for speaking measures.

If you want to learn the basics of speaking, this is it!

If you want to learn the basics of speaking, we recommend Collins English for Ielts – Ielts Speaking.

It is a reference book written entirely in English, but it is explained in easy-to-understand tips so that even beginners can easily work on it. Many Japanese people are not good at speaking, but this book analyzes the approach to speaking quite concretely. By reading this one book, you will be able to lay the foundation for speaking.

If you want to overcome your weakness in speaking, this is it!

" IELTS Speaking Complete Measures " is a compelling reference book by the author who has obtained the Cambridge University Certified English Professor Qualification CELTA.

This is an authentic speaking countermeasure book for Japanese people who are not good at speaking. It is full of unique learning methods such as mind map, back calculation from evaluation points, practice of saying short sentences, and step-by-step training from long sentences. It is a content that can strengthen your speaking ability from multiple angles. This is a practical book for those who want to study abroad and want to get a high score in IELTS.

If you want to know the speaking that is evaluated, this is it!

" [With audio download] Perfect Strategy IELTS Speaking New Edition " explains in detail the points that are indispensable for improving the score. The following four points are mentioned as essential points in this book.

・ Acquire fluency and coherence

・ Acquire vocabulary

・Acquire grammatical ability and accuracy

・ Acquire correct pronunciation

Each of the three parts of speaking is analyzed to see how it can be evaluated. This is a perfect reference book for those who want to improve their speaking ability in a short period of time. There are plenty of problems and you will be able to thoroughly learn speaking.

If you want to study efficiently with a reference book for Japanese people, this is it!

For those who aim to improve their score efficiently and dramatically in a short period of time, " IELTS Speaking / Writing Complete Strategy " is recommended.

We analyze the weaknesses of Japanese test-takers and improve their speaking skills with rational methods. The score-up strategy consists of 6 steps. By strengthening paraphrase skills as well as frequent fields and abundant practical problems, it is possible to improve the expressive power that Japanese people are not good at. Since the winning strategy points are also specifically introduced, you can acquire easy-to-use words even in the actual production.

If you want to know the shortcut to a high score, this is it!

" [Voice Download] Practical IELTS Skill-Specific Problem Collection Speaking " introduces the author's realistic method of learning English mainly in Japan and getting high scores in IELTS.

Japanese and English pronunciations are very different in structure, so it is never easy to learn how to speak like a native speaker. In this book, we are not aiming for perfect speaking, but for how to get close to a high score. It will be a unique book that explains the instantaneous power required for IELTS and how to survive, and you will be able to enjoy learning. It is a collection of problems full of ideas that are easy to incorporate and imitate because they are Japanese.

5 reference books for IELTS writing measures

Writing is a skill that many people are not good at along with speaking. In addition, writing for the IELTS test is difficult for Japanese people, which is a factor that slows down the score. IELTS writing has two topics. Since skills for objective analysis from graphs, figures, illustrations, etc. are required, it is also important to learn expressions specialized in writing. As a countermeasure, it is effective to first understand the characteristics of IELTS writing and touch a lot of answer plans that can get a high score.

Here are five reference books for writing measures.

If you want to learn words and grammar for writing, this is it!

In " IELTS Writing Complete Measures ", you can thoroughly learn the words and grammar for writing.

IELTS writing requires different vocabulary than speaking and listening. In this book, we have picked up the problems of frequent butterflies and selection by task, so you will be able to comprehensively acquire skills specialized in writing. You can also aim for a higher score by knowing how to write it to the grader.

If you want to learn from the basics, this is it!

" Improve Your IELTS Writing Skills " is a 112-page book packed with everything from basics to applications.

Especially for those who are taking the IELTS test for the first time, the points are carefully explained from the beginning, so it is recommended. Rather than using it as a countermeasure book just before the exam, it is suitable for taking the time to lay the foundation for writing. In addition to the answers that can get high scores, it is also attractive that the points to be noted for deductions are introduced.

This is a popular countermeasure book all over the world!

" Writing for the IELTS (Barron's Test Prep): Lougheed Ph.D., Lin: Foreign Language Books " is a writing countermeasure book that is used not only in the UK but also in Canada, Brazil, and Japan.

The latest version, updated in 2020, will definitely improve your skills while keeping up with writing trends. The points for high scores are also summarized, making it a book for intermediate players.

If you want to know everything about IELTS, this is it!

" IELTS Writing Thorough Strategy " is one of the most popular writing measures written in Japanese.

One of the authors, Nobuyoshi Kotani, is also a JSAF-IELTS certified academic supervisor (certified trainer) and is an active IELTS instructor in Japan at many institutions such as universities. He is also known as Mr. IELTS because he has taken the IELTS test more than 60 times in four countries. This book, in which Mr. Kotani explains how to improve his writing score with background knowledge, is definitely recommended for those who aim for writing 7.0 or higher.

If you want to get a score of 6.5 or higher, this is it!

If you want to get a score of 6.5 or higher, I recommend " IELTS Advantage Writing Skills: A step-by-step guide to a high IELTS writing score ".

The basics of writing have been established to some extent, and it is a guide book for those who want to further improve their score for study abroad and employment. Basically, writing prefers some sort of stubborn wording that is professional, but this book also uses relatively casual content. It is also highly evaluated that you can learn applied writing without putting too much effort on your shoulders while learning academic expressions.

3 best grammar reference books for IELTS English grammar measures

The IELTS exam does not ask questions about grammar knowledge. However, understanding English grammar is indispensable as basic knowledge of the four skills of listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

In this chapter, we will introduce three grammar reference books that are perfect for IELTS English grammar measures.

If you want to learn practically, this is it!

" Cambridge Grammar for IELTS. Students Book with Audio-CD " allows you to learn grammar while being involved in the problems of the four skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking.

The content is in line with the official IELTS questions, and is ideal for practical training. With 25 chapters, it is possible to proceed with learning while understanding each grammar. The written languages are English and German.

This is a long-selling grammar book!

" English Grammar in Use 5th edition Book with answers and interactive ebook " is the 5th edition of the grammar preparation book produced by Cambridge University Press.

It is a long-selling book whose first edition was released in 1985, and it can be said that it is a complete version of grammar measures that are still read all over the world. In the 5th edition, you can access the ebook, making it easier to use your smartphone during your free time. Not only for learning IELTS, but also for etiquette and education in business.

If you want to know common mistakes, this is it!

Common Mistakes at IELTS Advanced Paperback with IELTS Academic Testbank: And How to Avoid Them summarizes common mistakes in academic modules.

IELTS has two modules, the Academic Module and the General Training Module. While the General Training Module is for those who want to work or move to an English-speaking world, the Academic Module is mostly for those who want to go on to university. This book is an official publication and actually analyzes more than 10,000 cases. By knowing the points of deduction, you will be able to learn efficiently.

3 Word Reference Books for Vocabulary Up

Native speakers are said to understand over 10,000 words. On the other hand, English learners can have simple daily conversations if they know about 2,000 words. At IELTS, it's a good idea to learn about 3,000 to 5,000 words between the two.

In this chapter, we will introduce three word reference books that are perfect for improving your vocabulary.

If you want to learn British English spelling and pronunciation, this is it!

" Practical IELTS English Words 3500 (with audio DL) " is a collection of English words that you can learn by spelling and pronunciation in British English.

The number of recorded words is 3500, which is specialized for IELTS. First of all, let's firmly acquire the basic 1000 words and learn 2500 words classified into levels in order. Levels are categorized from 1 to 5, and it is easy to learn according to the target score. Comparisons with synonyms, antonyms, and American English are also included, so you will be able to improve your vocabulary comprehensively.

If you want to remember in context, this is it!

To remember words efficiently, it is recommended to associate them with the surrounding words. " IELTS English Words Learned in Context " contains a total of 4600 carefully selected words that have been thoroughly analyzed in a database of question questions.

It is divided into about 1400 words for beginners and 3200 synonyms that aim for high scores in writing and speaking, and it is possible to study according to the level. It's a reference book for strengthening your vocabulary, but you can also improve your reading at the same time because you can learn it in context.

If you want to learn English idioms as a set, this is it!

" IELTS Essential English Words 4400 " contains English idioms in addition to English words.

In particular, the synonyms that are always asked and the points unique to IELTS are a must-see. Both words and idioms can be memorized as a set with frequent phrases that are supposed to be tested. With a red cell sheet, it is ideal for repeated learning. Let's also utilize the sound source of the free download.

3 recommended problem collections when you want to practice practically

It is also important to practice practically as a finishing touch to your IELTS study and become familiar with the composition of the exam. You may try setting the same time as the actual time.

In this chapter, we will introduce 3 recommended problem books when you want to practice practically.

If you want to handle the problem amount, this is it!

The 144-page collection of exercises, " IELTS 16 Academic Student's Book with Answers with Audio with Resource Bank," is recommended for those who want to solve the problem.

Published in August 2021, the content just like the real thing is evaluated all over the world. Answering techniques for getting a high score are also introduced, so you can aim for further score improvement by working just before the test.

If you want to take measures with the official workbook, this is it!

" [With audio download] IELTS British Council Official Questions " is composed of abundant contents such as official information, strategies, and mock exams.

It is the first problem collection officially recognized by the British Council in Japan, so it is also recommended as a complete measure for the four skills. The practice test also comes with an answer sheet that can be used separately, so you can work on it in the same format as the actual test. There is also a conversion table that allows you to check your level from the results of the practice test. It is finished in one book that will support you to get the target score with all your might.

If you want to learn with a proven reference book, this is it!

" IELTS Practice Exams with MP3 CD " has been a popular series since its release and is used as an IELTS measure all over the world.

The author, Lin Lougheed, publishes many reference books on IELTS, TOEIC, and TOEFL. It has a lot of content, 464 pages, so it's a good idea to work on it with plenty of time before the exam.

Conclusion

IELTS scores are determined by four skills: listening, reading, speaking and writing. Choose a reference book that is easy to take according to your level and purpose.

EnglishPhonetics English Conversation provides teaching materials and lesson content based on four skills. You can also request lesson content from the instructor, so if you use it well, it will be useful for IELTS measures. One-on-one lessons are especially recommended for speaking and writing, where Japanese people tend to feel weak. First, check your level, determine your target score, and then start learning.