This book is for advanced speakers of English and first-language English speakers who wish to take the IELTS Academic test and want to find out more about what the exam entails, and, importantly, how to take the test effectively. Unlike many other IELTS books, it is not a coursebook, and it does not include language practice. Rather, it includes information about the test format, what is being tested and how you can give good answers in the test.

The book is separated into five main chapters:

1. Overview of the IELTS exam
2. Listening test
3. Speaking test
4. Reading test
5. Writing test

Each chapter contains test information and exam tips. You also have an option to practise the question and task types.

As much as possible, this book utilises accessible language. Certain grammatical terms and more-technical language are linked to an indexed glossary.

Audio files for the chapter on Listening can be downloaded from the publisher's website.

Sample IELTS Academic Reading test

Fiona Aish has co-written several titles in exam preparation and EAP, and creates materials and assessment resources for a range of educational providers. She is DELTA-qualified and holds an MA in ELT and Applied Linguistics.

Jo Tomlinson has co-written a number of books on EAP and exam preparation, and currently works full-time as an exams and materials developer. She is DELTA-qualified and holds an MA in Language Testing.

Fiona and Jo are directors of Target English, a consultancy in Spain that provides tailor-made solutions in content creation, course provision, training and testing.