Review: Official IELTS Practice Materials Vol 1 & 2

The Official IELTS Practice Materials series, published by Cambridge and trusted by IELTS test takers worldwide, provides authentic tasks for all four skills along with answer keys, examiner insights, and audio CDs. This review will help you choose and use the right version effectively.

I. Introduction to Official IELTS Practice Materials

If you're preparing for the IELTS exam and looking for resources recommended by the test creators themselves, the Official IELTS Practice Materials series is one you shouldn't overlook. Developed by Cambridge English in collaboration with the British Council and IDP, this series offers reliable, authentic materials for self-study, classroom use, and exam preparation.

One of the defining features of this series is that there are two separate volumes—Book 1 and Book 2—each with its own focus and level:

• Book 1 is ideal for beginners or candidates getting familiar with the test format. It includes basic examples and walks users through question types across all four skills.
• Book 2 is more advanced and closely mirrors the style and difficulty of real IELTS test tasks, perfect for candidates aiming to simulate test conditions.

Who Is This Book For?

• Candidates preparing for either IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training
• Learners who want authentic test practice created by the test developers
• Self-studiers looking for clear explanations, model answers, and marking criteria
• Teachers or trainers in need of reliable classroom resources

1. What Does the Book Include?

The Official IELTS Practice Materials (Volumes 1 and 2) are structured to mirror the format and difficulty of real IELTS exams. The books are divided into four comprehensive sections:

1. Introduction to the IELTS exam format – including guidance on what students should prepare before, during, and after the test day.
2. Full practice tests – featuring Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections for both Academic and General Training modules.
3. Official scoring criteria – with detailed explanations of how each section is graded.
4. Answer keys, transcripts, and sample answers – to help learners self-assess and understand examiner expectations.

Each volume contains practice tasks across all four skills and comes with audio recordings (via CD or download), answer sheets, and examiner commentary. Volume 2 additionally includes a video of candidate speaking tests and a booklet section for extra reference.

2. Volume 1 vs. Volume 2 – What’s the Difference?

While the overall structure of the two books is similar, there are several important differences in content, difficulty level, and learning resources that learners should consider before choosing.

Volume 1 – Build Your Fundamentals

This first volume is a great starting point for those new to IELTS or just beginning their preparation journey. It prioritizes clear explanations and a gentle introduction to all four skills.

Highlights:

• Covers Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking
• Includes model answers with examiner comments
• Comes with an audio CD for Listening tasks
• Uses straightforward test formats to teach structure and question types
• Helpful for both Academic and General Training modules

Best for:

• First-time test takers
• Learners needing step-by-step guidance
• Classroom or guided study settings

Volume 2 – Practice Like the Real Test

Volume 2 is designed for candidates who already know the basics and want to test themselves under more realistic exam conditions. The tasks are more challenging and aim to develop test strategy and timing.

Highlights:

• Includes full-length, high-difficulty practice tests
• Comes with updated tips and task-specific strategies from examiners
• Features video recordings of real student Speaking tests
• Includes a separate booklet with scoring breakdowns
• Audio CD and downloadable content provided

Best for:

• Learners aiming for IELTS Band 6.5–7.5
• Those who want advanced practice and performance feedback tools
• Test-takers ready to level up after finishing basic preparation

II. The pros & cons of the Official IELTS Practice Materials book

The Official IELTS Practice Materials series is one of the most trusted resources for IELTS preparation. However, like any learning tool, it has its advantages and limitations. Understanding both will help you determine whether this book fits your study needs.

Pros

• Authored and published by the official IELTS partners: Cambridge, British Council, and IDP
• Covers all four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking
• Includes versions for both Academic and General Training formats
• Provides highly accurate and authentic practice questions
• Sample answers are accompanied by examiner comments for better understanding of scoring
• Volume 2 includes video recordings of real Speaking test performances
• Comes with audio CDs (or downloadable audio) for realistic Listening practice
• Concise and focused content, ideal for reviewing the test structure without excessive theory

Cons

• Limited number of practice tests (only one full test per volume)
• Lacks step-by-step strategies for skill-building, especially for beginners
• Does not offer targeted techniques for achieving Band 8 or above
• Not updated annually like the Cambridge IELTS series
• Format may feel outdated for digital-first learners (reliance on printed book and CD)

III. How to use Official IELTS Practice Materials Effectively

To get the most out of these official resources, it’s important to follow a structured, intentional study plan. Below are practical suggestions on how to use the materials in a way that supports consistent skill development and score improvement.

Suggested Study Plan for 14–30 Days

• Set a study duration based on how much time you have before your test date:
  For example, 14 days if you’re doing intensive review, 30 days for more flexible or part-time preparation.
• Study four to five days per week, focusing on one skill per day with review sessions each weekend.
• Allocate more time to your weaker skills, but don’t ignore the others.
• Use timed conditions when working on practice tests to simulate the real exam environment.
• Review answer keys, examiner comments, and the official scoring criteria – don’t just check whether answers are correct, try to understand why.

Skill-by-Skill Integration

• Listening: Use the provided audio CD (or downloadable version) at least twice. First, complete the task under real test conditions. Second, replay the audio with the transcript to check details and vocabulary. Focus on common trap patterns and accent recognition.
• Reading: Review the structure of Academic vs General Training texts. Work on time management for skimming and scanning techniques. Highlight the question types where you consistently struggle (e.g., matching headings, True/False/Not Given).
• Writing: Study the sample task responses provided for Task 1 and Task 2. Write your own responses and then compare them to the official models, noting differences in coherence, grammar, vocabulary, and task completion. Use the band descriptors to self-score and improve.
• Speaking: Practice the speaking test using mock questions in Volume 1 or the video recordings in Volume 2. Record yourself and evaluate based on fluency, pronunciation, and coherence. Use the provided sample answers as idea generators, not scripts to memorize.

Combine with Other Trusted Resources

• Cambridge IELTS books (vol. 8–17): Use them as supplementary full tests after you feel confident with the official materials.
• IELTS test practice platforms (e.g., IELTS.org, PREP, IELTS Liz): These offer interactive tasks, model answers, and sometimes live scoring or instructor feedback.
• Vocabulary and Grammar for IELTS books: Strengthen your ability to use academic language appropriately, especially for Writing Task 2 and Speaking.

By balancing official materials with strategic review and complementary resources, you'll study not only more efficiently, but also more confidently. These books work best as part of a wider plan, not in isolation.

IV. Where to Buy the Official IELTS Practice Materials

To make sure you're using the correct and most up-to-date materials, it's best to buy the Official IELTS Practice Materials from authorized sources. Here are the most reliable options:

• Cambridge University Press – The official publisher. Available in both print and digital formats.
• British Council Online Shop – Regional availability; includes both Volume 1 and Volume 2.
• Amazon – Widely accessible. Make sure to buy from reputable sellers and check for included audio CDs or download access.
• IELTS test centres or official bookstores – In some countries, IELTS partners sell the book locally through exam centres or certified bookshops.

Most editions include:

• An audio CD or downloadable listening files
• Answer sheets, transcripts, and examiner comments
• Digital versions may vary in features—check carefully before buying

Avoid unofficial downloads or pirated PDFs, as they often lack key components and may be out of date. Buying a verified copy ensures you get all the official practice materials as intended by the test creators.

V. Crack the IELTS Exam With Confidence 

IELTS is not so challenging if we know how to apply effective learning methods. The test formats and learning pathways presented in the Official IELTS Practice Materials Volume 1+2 set will help students quickly improve their band scores. If you want guaranteed improvement in IELTS, don’t miss these game-changing courses:

• IELTS online course: Master Every Section of IELTS