Collins English for IELTS Series – Full Review of All 6 Skill Books + Free PDF

Level: Intermediate learners (Band 5.0 – 7.5)

Focus: Individual IELTS skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking, Vocabulary, Grammar

The Collins English for IELTS series is a highly regarded collection of skill-specific IELTS preparation books. Each title in this 6-book set focuses on a specific IELTS component, making it one of the most comprehensive and easy-to-follow series for self-learners aiming for Band 6.0–7.5.

In this review, we’ll walk through each book in the series, provide detailed overviews, and explain how you can use them effectively in your study plan.

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🎧 1. Listening for IELTS – Collins English for IELTS

Best for: Band 5.0 – 7.0 | Self-study listening strategies

This book is designed to improve your IELTS Listening ability through topical units, realistic exercises, and integrated vocabulary. It contains clear audio tracks that match IELTS exam standards.

• 📍 12 units based on common IELTS themes
• 📋 Pre-listening tasks + exam-style questions
• 🧠 Answer keys + full audio scripts included

Tip: Use headphones while listening to simulate real test conditions.

📖 2. Reading for IELTS – Collins English for IELTS

Best for: Band 5.0 – 7.0 | Enhancing skimming & scanning

This book helps learners develop skills like scanning, reading for detail, inference, and matching headings – all critical for success in IELTS Reading.

• 🧩 Practice with question types: matching info, gap-fill, MCQ
• 📄 Focus on improving reading speed & comprehension
• 🧠 Includes answer keys and vocabulary lists per unit

Drawback: Does not simulate full-length IELTS Reading tests.

✍️ 3. Writing for IELTS – Collins English for IELTS

Best for: Band 5.5 – 7.5 | Task 1 & Task 2 structures

One of the most useful writing books in the market, Collins Writing for IELTS provides useful models, structure templates, and language building exercises for both Academic tasks.

• 📝 Covers both Task 1 (charts, graphs, processes) and Task 2 (opinion essays)
• 🧱 Provides model paragraphs and useful linking phrases
• 🧠 Grammar and vocabulary banks included

Pro tip: Use the sample essays for band comparison training.

🗣 4. Speaking for IELTS – Collins English for IELTS

Best for: Band 5.0 – 7.0 | Fluency & pronunciation

This book prepares learners for all 3 parts of the IELTS Speaking test. It focuses on confidence-building and giving detailed responses in common IELTS topics.

• 🧾 Includes pronunciation tips and fluency boosters
• 🔁 Model answers for Part 1, 2, and 3
• 📋 Practice speaking with recording suggestions

Perfect for: Students struggling with idea development and hesitation in Speaking.

📚 5. Vocabulary for IELTS – Collins English for IELTS

Best for: Band 5.5 – 7.5 | Thematic vocabulary development

This book builds a wide IELTS-friendly vocabulary range through unit-based learning. Each unit focuses on a topic commonly found in IELTS Reading and Speaking.

• 📌 20 units with high-frequency IELTS topics
• 🧠 Vocabulary review + mini-tests per section
• ✅ Collocations and word form practice

Highly recommended: Use this book in parallel with any of the 4 skill books.

🔤 6. Grammar for IELTS – Collins English for IELTS

Best for: Band 5.0 – 7.5 | Fixing common grammar errors

This book supports grammar structures required for IELTS success. Lessons are topic-driven and tied directly to IELTS tasks in Writing and Speaking.

• 📊 Covers tenses, articles, comparisons, conditionals, passive voice, etc.
• 📖 Practice exercises include both controlled and free writing
• 📌 Clear explanations with real IELTS context

Smart tip: Use it for error correction after writing practice tests.