Best Practice Resources for IELTS Writing (Books, Apps, Websites)

Preparing for the IELTS Writing test can feel overwhelming, especially with the wide variety of study materials available. With so many books, apps, and websites to choose from, learners often waste time bouncing between resources instead of focusing on structured improvement. To help, this article highlights the best practice resources for IELTS Writing in three categories—books, apps, and websites—so you can study efficiently and strategically.

Why You Need the Right Resources

The IELTS Writing exam is not only about grammar and vocabulary. It measures your ability to develop ideas, organize them logically, and present them clearly within strict time limits. Many students practice without understanding the scoring criteria, which results in wasted effort. The right resources guide you toward targeted practice that matches what examiners are actually looking for.

By using high-quality books, apps, and websites, you can learn:

• How essays are structured for both Task 1 and Task 2.

• What examiners expect at different band levels.

• Common grammar and vocabulary mistakes to avoid.

• Techniques for brainstorming and planning quickly.

• Time management strategies to complete both tasks in 60 minutes.

Best Books for IELTS Writing

Books remain one of the most reliable tools because they offer detailed explanations and structured exercises. Here are the most highly recommended titles:

1. The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS

Published by Cambridge University Press, this book is considered the gold standard because it is written by the creators of the test. It includes real practice questions, model answers, and examiner insights. The Writing section covers both Academic and General Training tasks, making it versatile for different candidates.

Why it’s good: Authentic practice tests, clear explanations of scoring, and detailed sample essays.

2. IELTS Writing Task 2 by Simon (ieltssimon.com)

Simon (a former IELTS examiner) provides one of the most practical approaches to Task 2 essays. His book focuses on simplicity and clarity, showing students that complex vocabulary and overly long sentences are not required for Band 9.

Why it’s good: Easy-to-follow strategies, model essays with clear explanations, and emphasis on natural English.

3. Barron’s IELTS Superpack

Barron’s is a comprehensive resource covering all four skills. The Writing section includes step-by-step guidance for Task 1 charts, graphs, and processes, as well as essay-building exercises for Task 2.

Why it’s good: Includes CDs, practice tests, and online resources—useful for self-study learners.

4. Target Band 7 by Simone Braverman

Written by a former examiner, this book is popular among students aiming for Band 7 or higher. The Writing chapters give insider tips about common mistakes and examiner expectations.

Why it’s good: Written in simple English, practical advice, especially for those who struggle to move beyond Band 6.5.

5. Collins English for IELTS – Writing

Part of the Collins IELTS Skills series, this book focuses entirely on writing. Each unit includes vocabulary development, grammar review, and practical exercises.

Why it’s good: Ideal for structured self-study, especially for students who need to strengthen grammar and vocabulary alongside writing.

Best Apps for IELTS Writing

Mobile apps allow you to practice on the go and receive instant feedback. While no app can replace a teacher’s guidance, many provide valuable practice for vocabulary, grammar, and essay writing.

1. IELTS Prep App by British Council

This free app is one of the most reliable because it comes directly from an official test provider. It includes sample writing questions, practice tests, and interactive grammar and vocabulary exercises.

Why it’s good: Trusted source, free, includes quizzes and tips.

2. Magoosh IELTS Prep

Magoosh offers video lessons, practice questions, and vocabulary flashcards. The writing section explains how to structure essays and includes sample answers with examiner-style feedback.

Why it’s good: User-friendly interface, access to expert explanations, and progress tracking.

3. Write & Improve by Cambridge English

This online tool is also available as an app. Learners type an essay in response to a given question, and the system provides instant feedback with suggestions for improvement.

Why it’s good: Free, AI-powered, and directly connected to Cambridge (the test makers). Excellent for daily writing practice.

4. IELTS Writing Samples – Band 9

This app contains hundreds of model essays categorized by topic. It’s useful for learning how high-band essays are structured and for building topic-specific vocabulary.

Why it’s good: Large collection of sample answers, good for vocabulary expansion and idea development.

5. Grammarly (for General Writing Practice)

While not an IELTS-specific app, Grammarly helps catch grammar mistakes and improve sentence clarity. It’s especially useful for self-study learners who lack access to a teacher.

Why it’s good: Provides real-time corrections, helps reduce common grammar mistakes in essays.

Best Websites for IELTS Writing

Websites are valuable because they often provide free resources, real test samples, and interactive practice. Some are run by former examiners and teachers with years of experience.

1. IELTS.org (Official Test Website)

The official IELTS website provides free sample questions, writing band descriptors, and official test day information.

Why it’s good: Most reliable source for exam format and scoring.

2. IELTS Liz (ieltsliz.com)

One of the most popular free websites for IELTS preparation. Liz, an experienced IELTS teacher, shares sample answers, vocabulary lists, and strategy guides.

Why it’s good: Clear explanations, free video lessons, and easy-to-understand strategies.

3. IELTS Mentor (ielts-mentor.com)

This site provides hundreds of sample essays, reports, and letters categorized by band score. It’s especially useful for students who need exposure to a wide range of practice questions.

Why it’s good: Large database of essays, clear topic organization, free access.

4. IELTS Simon (ieltssimon.com)

Simon’s blog is famous for its simple, practical advice. He posts daily lessons, sample essays, and strategies that emphasize clarity over complexity.

Why it’s good: Consistent updates, straightforward teaching style, practical examples.

5. E2 IELTS (e2language.com)

E2 Language provides free YouTube videos and a paid platform for IELTS prep. Their Writing lessons break down tasks into manageable steps and include practice tests.

Why it’s good: Interactive learning, live classes available, expert instructors.

How to Use These Resources Effectively

Even with the best books, apps, and websites, success depends on how you use them. Here are strategies to maximize learning:

1. Start with Band Descriptors
   Download the official IELTS Writing band descriptors (public version) to understand how examiners grade your work. Focus on Task Achievement, Coherence, Vocabulary, and Grammar.

2. Balance Input and Output
   Don’t just read model essays—write your own responses and compare them. Use apps like Write & Improve to get quick feedback.

3. Practice Under Exam Conditions
   Set a timer (20 minutes for Task 1, 40 minutes for Task 2). Practicing under time pressure helps improve fluency and planning speed.

4. Focus on Weaknesses
   If grammar is your weakness, use Collins Writing or Grammarly. If idea development is a challenge, study Simon’s essays for inspiration.

5. Review and Rewrite
   After completing a task, review your errors and rewrite the essay. Rewriting helps reinforce improvements more than writing a new essay each time.

6. Use Mixed Resources
   Combine books (structured learning), apps (daily practice), and websites (fresh content) to create a balanced study plan.

Conclusion

The IELTS Writing exam requires more than just good English—it demands strategy, structure, and awareness of examiner expectations. The best way to prepare is to use a combination of trusted books, interactive apps, and reliable websites.

• For books: The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS and Target Band 7 are must-haves.

• For apps: Write & Improve and the British Council IELTS Prep app stand out.

• For websites: IELTS Liz, IELTS Simon, and IELTS.org provide expert guidance and authentic practice.

By using these resources effectively, practicing consistently, and reviewing your progress, you can confidently aim for your target band score. Remember, quality practice is far more important than quantity. The right resources, combined with smart strategies, can make the difference between Band 6.5 and Band 8 or higher.

FAQ:Best Practice Resources for IELTS Writing (Books, Apps, Websites)

What are the best books to start with for IELTS Writing preparation?

The most reliable starting point is The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS because it is produced by the test makers and explains expectations for both Academic and General Training. If you aim for a clear step up from Band 6 to 7+, add Target Band 7 (Simone Braverman) for practical checklists and Collins English for IELTS – Writing for skill-by-skill drills. For broader practice across all skills with integrated writing tasks, Barron’s resources are helpful. If you want concise Task 2 strategy, Simon’s materials (formerly an examiner) emphasize clarity over complexity.

How should I combine books, apps, and websites effectively?

Use books for structured learning, apps for daily repetition and feedback, and websites for variety and updates. A simple weekly loop:

• Mon–Tue: Study one unit from a book (structure, grammar, vocabulary) and write one Task 2 essay.
• Wed: Submit that essay to an instant-feedback tool (e.g., Write & Improve) and revise.
• Thu: Complete one Task 1 practice under timed conditions.
• Fri: Read two model answers from reputable sites, extract phrases, and build a mini word bank.
• Weekend: Full 60-minute mock (Task 1 + Task 2) and error log review.

Which apps are most useful for IELTS Writing and why?

Write & Improve (by Cambridge English) provides quick, iterative feedback on coherence and language control—ideal for daily practice. The British Council IELTS Prep app offers official-style prompts and tips. Magoosh IELTS adds bite-size video lessons. General-purpose tools like Grammarly can help catch basic grammar slips, but rely on them as a safety net, not a crutch. Use apps to increase practice frequency and to pinpoint recurring errors for targeted revision.

What websites provide trustworthy sample answers and guidance?

For authoritative information, start with IELTS.org to download band descriptors and confirm the format. For free pedagogy and samples, IELTS Liz and IELTS Simon offer straightforward strategies and model answers. Large repositories like IELTS Mentor are useful for topic exposure, while providers like E2 supply structured video lessons and live classes. Always cross-check claims against the official descriptors and avoid sites that promise “guaranteed Band 9 templates” without rationale.

How do I use the public band descriptors to guide my study?

Print the public band descriptors for Writing Task 1 and Task 2 and annotate them. Create a rubric-aligned checklist:

• Task Achievement/Response: Did I address all parts of the prompt and include a clear position?
• Coherence & Cohesion: Are ideas logically ordered with clear paragraphing and referencing?
• Lexical Resource: Is vocabulary precise, topic-appropriate, and varied without awkwardness?
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Do I mix simple/complex structures with minimal errors?

Evaluate each draft with this checklist, then pick one weakness to fix in a targeted rewrite.

How can I ensure I am practicing under realistic exam conditions?

Replicate the 60-minute split: approximately 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2. Disable grammar aids during timed mocks. Handwrite occasionally to simulate the paper test; if you take the computer-delivered test, type within a bare-bones editor to avoid auto-corrections. After each mock, analyze timing: minutes spent planning, drafting, and proofreading. Adjust planning time (usually 3–6 minutes) until your drafts are both complete and coherent.

What is the smartest way to use model answers without copying them?

Model answers are for pattern recognition, not memorization. Read one high-quality model and ask:

• How is the thesis stated and revisited?
• What is the paragraph skeleton (main idea, explanation, example, mini-conclusion)?
• Which collocations naturally fit the topic?

Extract 5–8 reusable structures (e.g., “A common misconception is that…”, “This trend can be attributed to…”) and add them to your phrase bank. Then write on a different but related prompt to test transfer, not copying.

How do I avoid outdated or low-quality resources?

Prioritize materials from Cambridge or well-known IELTS educators with transparent, descriptor-aligned explanations. Be cautious with any site promising shortcuts like “memorize this Band 9 template.” Check publication dates and skim reviewer comments for depth and accuracy. When in doubt, verify advice against the band descriptors and official samples. Consistency with official criteria is more important than flashy phrasing.

What is an effective plan to move from Band 6.0–6.5 to Band 7.0+?

Focus on control and clarity rather than rare vocabulary. A four-week upgrade plan:

1. Week 1: Diagnose with two timed essays. Build an error log (grammar, logic, topic coverage). Study paragraphing and cohesion devices.
2. Week 2: Target your top two grammar issues (e.g., articles, subject–verb agreement). Do 10–15 sentence-correction drills daily. Practice concise thesis statements and topic sentences.
3. Week 3: Deepen idea development: explanations, logical cause–effect, precise examples. Practice outlining in 3 minutes.
4. Week 4: Two full mocks. Prioritize proofreading routines (punctuation, agreement, referencing). Compare to descriptors and revise.

How should Academic and General Training Writing prep differ?

Task 2 is broadly similar (essay style and criteria), but Task 1 differs. For Academic, practice describing visuals (charts, processes, maps) with accurate comparisons and trend language. For General Training, practice letter types (formal, semi-formal, informal), tone control, and clear purpose statements. Keep separate phrase banks for each: data language for Academic (e.g., “rose sharply to…”) and functional letter language for GT (e.g., “I am writing to request…”).

Can AI tools help with IELTS Writing, and how do I use them responsibly?

Yes—use AI as a practice assistant, not a shortcut. Appropriate uses include brainstorming angles, generating counterarguments, or requesting feedback aligned to the public band descriptors. Avoid copying AI-generated essays; that undermines skill-building and may not match test conditions. When AI suggests vocabulary or structures, rewrite them in your own words and test under time limits without assistance.

What is the role of Grammarly or similar grammar checkers?

Grammar checkers help you notice consistent errors, which is valuable for building your error log. However, they sometimes prefer stylistic choices that are not necessary for IELTS and can introduce unnatural phrasing. Post-edit their suggestions: accept genuine error fixes (agreement, tense consistency), but keep sentences direct and clear. Always conduct a final pass without tools to simulate exam constraints.

How do I build and maintain a topic-specific vocabulary bank?

Create a two-column bank for common IELTS themes (education, environment, health, technology, urbanization). In column one, list collocations (e.g., “bridge the attainment gap,” “reduce carbon emissions,” “data privacy concerns”). In column two, add frames for arguments (e.g., “This policy is unlikely to succeed unless…,” “A potential unintended consequence is…”). Review for 10 minutes daily and use spaced repetition. Your goal is precision and flexibility, not obscure words.

How can I get quality feedback if I am self-studying?

Combine automated checks with structured self-review. Use Write & Improve for quick diagnostics, then run your essay through a descriptor-based checklist. Read it aloud to catch run-ons and awkward phrasing. Once a week, compare a revised draft to a high-quality model to see if your idea development and cohesion match the standard. If budget allows, submit one essay per week to a reputable tutor or course with clear, criterion-referenced comments.

What is an efficient proofreading routine for exam day?

Reserve the final 3–5 minutes. Follow a fixed pass:

1. Structure: Introduction with a clear position, logical paragraphs, and a brief conclusion.
2. Referencing & Cohesion: Pronouns refer unambiguously; linkers are not overused.
3. Grammar & Punctuation: Subject–verb agreement, article use, commas in complex sentences.
4. Lexis: Replace any vague word with a precise alternative from your bank.

How many essays should I write per week to see progress?

Quality beats quantity. Two to three complete essays per week, each followed by feedback and a targeted rewrite, typically outperforms writing six unchecked drafts. Add one Task 1 practice per week. Track improvements in a spreadsheet (banded self-ratings per criterion) to ensure you are addressing the right problems rather than merely increasing volume.

How do I prevent “template-sounding” writing while staying organized?

Use structure templates (thesis, topic sentence, development, example, mini-conclusion) but vary the language. Keep a small rotation of openers for topic sentences and multiple ways to signal causality or contrast. Replace generic fillers (“in modern society”) with specific context (“in large metropolitan areas with high commuter density”). Examiners reward clarity and relevance; your writing should sound deliberate, not memorized.

What should I do in the final two weeks before the test?

Shift from learning to performance:

• Run three full writing mocks (Task 1 + Task 2) under strict timing.
• Refresh high-yield grammar (articles, agreement, fragments/run-ons, punctuation).
• Review your phrase bank and prune any awkward items.
• Practice fast outlines (3 minutes) on unfamiliar topics to reduce prompt shock.
• Sleep well and keep one lightweight review day before the exam.

What is the single most important mindset for improving IELTS Writing?

Adopt a rewrite mindset. Improvement happens when you convert feedback into a stronger second draft: clearer thesis, tighter logic, cleaner sentences, and more precise vocabulary. Every essay should produce one concrete lesson you can describe in one sentence, such as “My examples were generic—next time, anchor them to measurable outcomes.” When your lessons get more specific, your band score usually follows.

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