10+ BEST IELTS Speaking Books for a 7+ Band Score

Standard IELTS Speaking Books inadequately prepare students for IELTS speaking tests. Band 7+ scores require specialized materials targeting four assessment criteria: Fluency & Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range & Accuracy, and Pronunciation.

Resources span from basic materials (band 3.0-4.5) to advanced tools (band 7+). Cambridge's official materials offer authentic practice, while vocabulary builders, confidence guides, and skill development courses address specific learner needs.

Success depends on matching resources to proficiency levels and score targets.

I. Understanding IELTS Band 7.0 Speaking Requirements

Achieving band 7.0 in IELTS speaking demands consistent performance across all four assessment criteria, making specialized IELTS speaking books essential for targeted preparation. Quality ielts speaking topic reading books provide structured guidance for demonstrating natural conversation flow with minimal hesitation, using sophisticated vocabulary appropriately while avoiding repetition, employing complex grammatical structures accurately, and maintaining clear pronunciation with natural stress patterns.

The right IELTS speaking book helps candidates effectively develop ideas with relevant examples, master linking phrases for smooth transitions, and handle abstract topics confidently. Top-tier books demonstrate flexibility in language use, teach natural self-correction techniques, and provide frameworks for maintaining coherent discussion throughout all three test parts while developing awareness of style and register. Selecting appropriate ielts speaking topic reading books based on current proficiency level ensures optimal preparation efficiency and score improvement.

II. Books for Beginners (Band 4.5-5.5)

1. Basic IELTS Speaking

Basic IELTS Speaking Book - the best book for IELTS Speaking that provides a format similar to the actual IELTS exam with all three sections included. The lessons in this IELTS Speaking book will teach you in detail how to speak efficiently and accurately, along with various strategies for answering questions. This IELTS Speaking book includes the following main contents:

• General introduction to the IELTS Speaking exam and the necessary preparation strategies.

• Methods for handling different types of questions in each section of the exam.

• Sample tests and suggested answers.

Advantages: 

• Detailed and systematic lessons: The lessons are structured starting from the introduction, followed by the main lessons and then sharing strategies for answering questions. The topics and accompanying sample speeches are also provided. Finally, there are specific questions for you to practice a complete speech.

• Useful reference materials: Basic IELTS Speaking provides many grammar structures and useful vocabulary for practicing, starting from simple sentences to longer speeches. Moreover, the sample speeches are at band 8 and 9, making them a valuable reference.

Disadvantage:

• Written entirely in English: because this IELTS Speaking book is written entirely in English, it requires readers to have a certain foundation of knowledge to understand the content. 

2. Collins Speaking for IELTS by Craig Barton

Craig Barton's Collins Speaking for IELTS provides systematic preparation through progressive skill-building exercises and comprehensive topic coverage designed to develop speaking confidence and accuracy. This resource offers detailed explanations of the speaking test format, assessment criteria, and specific strategies for each part of the examination. The book includes extensive vocabulary lists organized by topic, pronunciation guides, and grammar points specifically relevant to speaking test success.

Advantages

• Progressive structure: The systematic approach allows learners to build skills methodically, starting with basic conversation techniques and advancing to complex discussion abilities.

• Comprehensive resource materials: Extensive vocabulary lists, pronunciation guides, and grammar explanations provide complete preparation support.

• Practice activities: Numerous exercises simulate real test conditions, helping develop timing, fluency, and spontaneity necessary for speaking success.

Disadvantages

• Written entirely in English: Requires readers to have sufficient English foundation to understand instructional content effectively.

3. Succeed in IELTS Speaking and Vocabulary

Succeed in IELTS Speaking & Vocabulary is one of the IELTS Speaking books, including exercises and audio files for listening and practicing sub-skills aimed at achieving a perfect speaking performance. For example, identifying mistakes, determining the topic of a given recording, and using intonation while speaking.

This IELTS Speaking book is divided as follows:

• Chapter 1: Provides an overview of the Speaking test structure and scoring criteria.

• Chapters 2, 3, and 4: Cover common topics, how to approach different question types, and common mistakes made by candidates.

• Chapter 5: Contains 10 common topics and corresponding practice questions.

Advantages

• Succeed in IELTS Speaking & Vocabulary is useful for both those aiming to conquer the Academic and General IELTS exams.

• This IELTS Speaking book provides continuous tips for the IELTS Speaking test, helping learners improve their skills during practice and exams.

• The accompanying audio files are of high quality and include recordings with various intonations, assisting learners in developing their listening skills by familiarizing themselves with different voices.

Disadvantages

• This IELTS Speaking book is entirely written in English, which may be challenging for beginners preparing for the IELTS exam.

III. Books for Intermediate Learners (Band 5.5-6.5)

4. IELTS Speaking Recent Actual Tests

The book IELTS Speaking Recent Actual Tests not only provides real test questions but also serves as a comprehensive guide that helps learners form their answers, starting from developing ideas to providing useful phrases and expressions that can be used in each part of the Speaking test.

Advantages

• Detailed presentation: This IELTS Speaking book is written under the assumption that readers have no prior exposure to the IELTS Speaking test. Therefore, the author provides step-by-step instructions for every skill needed to answer the questions. By diligently studying this IELTS Speaking book, learners can confidently achieve a band score of 6.0+ on the IELTS Speaking test.

• Over 40 common topics: This IELTS Speaking book covers vocabulary and phrases at a band 6.5 level across 40+ topics from Part 1 to Part 3. Question type categorization: Particularly for Part 1 and Part 3, the book structures the answers based on question categories. This helps learners easily start forming their sentences and guides expanding their ideas while ensuring clear and persuasive content.

Disadvantages

No accompanying audio: For the Speaking skill, the best learning experience is to practice speaking in a simulated environment or at least listen to recorded Speaking samples. However, this IELTS Speaking book does not come with an accompanying CD - this is a significant drawback. Learners should supplement their study with materials that include more sample audios to learn pronunciation and fluency.

5. Lessons For IELTS Speaking

 

The book Lessons for IELTS Speaking helps learners tackle the most challenging aspect of the Speaking test, which is providing a method for answering the question types in the three parts of the test. Additionally, this IELTS Speaking book serves as a compilation of supplementary knowledge on grammar, vocabulary, functional language, and linking ideas. It indirectly guides learners to increase their band score in the four scoring criteria of the Speaking test.

Advantages

• Detailed vocabulary and grammar presentation: "Lessons for IELTS Speaking" focuses on providing carefully selected vocabulary and grammar for each topic, ensuring thorough preparation for learners before the IELTS Speaking test.

• Scientifically designed logical sequence: Each lesson is designed in a highly logical sequence, starting with the introduction of important vocabulary and sentence structures related to a specific topic. It then presents sample questions for learners to practice speaking, incorporating the introduced phrases and vocabulary. This process familiarizes learners with the necessary knowledge before engaging in a complete speech, avoiding confusion and hesitation.

Disadvantages

• Not suitable for last-minute cramming: Throughout this IELTS Speaking book, there is information, process instructions, and practice exercises on vocabulary, grammar, and speaking with provided questions. Therefore, it requires learners to study and practice according to the instructions over a longer period of time.

6. IELTS Speaking Success by Jeremy Taylor

Jeremy Taylor's IELTS Speaking Success focuses specifically on the speaking component, providing in-depth coverage of all three parts with extensive practice materials and strategic guidance. This specialized IELTS speaking topic reading resource offers comprehensive topic coverage, including personal experiences, abstract concepts, and current issues that commonly appear in Part 3 discussions. The book emphasizes confidence-building techniques alongside strategic preparation methods.

Advantages

• Confidence-building focus: Jeremy Taylor's approach specifically addresses speaking anxiety and provides practical techniques for managing test nerves effectively.

• Comprehensive topic coverage: The book includes extensive practice materials covering both common and challenging topics that appear in actual IELTS speaking tests.

• Practical techniques: Specific strategies for buying thinking time, extending responses appropriately, and maintaining coherence throughout longer speaking tasks.

Disadvantages

• Limited advanced content: May not provide sufficient challenge for learners already achieving band 6.5+ scores.

IV. Books for Advanced Learners (Band 7+)

7. IELTS Speaking Masterclass by Ryan Higgins

 

Ryan Higgins' IELTS Speaking Masterclass has earned recognition as one of the most comprehensive and practical guides available for speaking test preparation. This detailed resource breaks down each part of the speaking test with precision, offering specific strategies, sample responses, and common topic areas that frequently appear in actual examinations. This IELTS speaking book includes the following main contents:

• Part 1 Strategies: Detailed approaches for personal questions and conversation starters

• Part 2 Techniques: Comprehensive guidance for long-turn monologue preparation

• Part 3 Discussion Skills: Advanced strategies for abstract discussion and opinion expression

• Band Score Analysis: Specific examples demonstrating different performance levels

Advantages

• Detailed and systematic approach: The lessons focus on natural conversation flow rather than memorized responses that examiners can easily detect.

• Useful preparation strategies: Ryan Higgins provides practical techniques for extending answers naturally, using sophisticated vocabulary in context, and maintaining fluency even when discussing unfamiliar topics.

• The sample responses demonstrate appropriate length, complexity, and language use while maintaining authenticity and natural expression patterns.

Disadvantage

• Written primarily for intermediate to advanced learners, which may be challenging for beginners preparing for the IELTS exam.

8. Barron's IELTS Superpack by Lin Lougheed 

Lin Lougheed's Barron's IELTS Superpack includes comprehensive speaking preparation materials integrated within a complete IELTS preparation course, offering balanced coverage of all test components with particular attention to speaking skills development. The speaking section provides detailed strategy instruction, extensive practice materials, and audio components that help develop listening skills alongside speaking abilities.

Advantages

• Integrated preparation approach: Speaking preparation connects with other IELTS skills, providing holistic understanding of test requirements and language development.

• Comprehensive practice materials: Numerous speaking tests with detailed feedback and scoring guidance help assess progress accurately.

• Audio components: High-quality recordings support both listening and speaking skill development simultaneously.

Disadvantages

• Less specialized focus: Speaking preparation is part of a comprehensive course rather than a dedicated speaking-only resource.

V. Effective Study Strategies for IELTS Speaking Books

Regardless of which materials you choose from the categories above, successful preparation requires a systematic approach that maximizes your chosen book's potential.

• Follow Sequential Learning: Master vocabulary and grammar structures before attempting complete speeches. Study test format and scoring criteria first, then progress through topic-specific practice systematically rather than jumping directly to speaking exercises.

• Practice with Recording and Self-Assessment: Record your responses regularly and compare them with provided samples. Focus on pronunciation, intonation, and fluency patterns while developing the habit of outlining key points for three minutes before speaking.

• Maintain Consistent Long-term Schedule: Dedicate 40 minutes daily over 3-4 months for comprehensive preparation. This extended timeline allows proper skill development and prevents ineffective last-minute cramming approaches.

• Integrate Supplementary Skills: Combine speaking practice with listening, pronunciation, and vocabulary expansion exercises. Partner practice enhances interaction skills, though individual study with consistent self-evaluation remains highly effective.

V. Conclusion

Above, we have compiled the 12+ best IELTS speaking books that you should not overlook! Each resource offers unique advantages and approaches to help you achieve your target band score of 7 or higher. Remember that consistent practice with the right materials, combined with authentic speaking opportunities, will give you the best chance of success. Let's quickly get yourself a copy to start practicing! Best of luck with your exam preparation!