Preparing for the IELTS can be overwhelming at times. It doesn’t have to be, though, as long as you have the proper patience and preparation plan. Using Kaplan’s IELTS Prep Plus 2019-2020 as your test preparatory book can be your saving grace during this challenging time!
This book will help you understand the material better, score higher, and stay on top of your game! You are now a step closer to achieving your dream IELTS score with this book!
Everything You Need To Know About Kaplan’s IELTS Prep Plus 2019-2020
There are hundreds of IELTS preparation books available in the market today. With that many options, you would probably want to have the best possible resource material and prep book to accompany you on your IELTS preparation journey. Kaplan’s IELTS Prep Plus, 2019-2020, might be just that!
If you are hesitating, don’t worry! It’s normal to be cautious about this. The prep book you will use might as well be the deciding factor on how you will do on the test after all.
It will probably help check the book content, price, and latest edition to ensure that you chose the right book!
Authors
The book was written by Kaplan Test Prep, a trusted premier provider of educational services for schools, businesses, and individuals worldwide. Kaplan has been an industry leader for test prep since 1938. They always provide a full menu of educational offerings—from an array of print books to a long line of digital products.
Currently, Kaplan offers test preparation and material for over 90 standardized tests, including test prep for the English language, such as the IELTS.
Book Contents
Kaplan’s IELTS Prep Plus 2019-2020 is a 495-paged book filled to the brim with valuable study material and challenging full-length practice tests to help prepare for the test day. This book aims to aid students in expanding their knowledge and building their skills and confidence in the English language.
Like other Kaplan books, this one also delivers helpful information with simplicity and clarity while emphasizing proven test-taking strategies and methods. It helps test-takers stay on top of their game ahead of the clock.
This book includes a whopping eight full-length mock IELTS practice tests that cater to both academic and general training. Aside from full-length practice tests, there are also several practice questions to help you master the language.
Alongside the practice tests, there is also a comprehensive review of content for each test section, along with Kaplan’s signature skill-building methods and test-taking strategies.
Latest Edition Available
The latest available edition of Kaplan’s IELTS Prep Plus 2019-2020 is the 4th version released in October 2018. This edition comes with an audio CD and can be accessed online.
Book Contents
Here is a brief overview of what is included in the book (This is not the table of content but merely a summary of what you can expect to find inside the book):
- 8 Full Length Practice Tests
- 6 Academic IELTS Practice Tests
- 2 General Training IELTS Practice Tests
- Practice Questions
- Kaplan’s Skill-Building Strategies and Methods
Other Items Included With The Book:
- CD that contains audio tracks to help prepare for some sections of the IELTS Test (Listening and Speaking practice)
- Interactive online center with mock interviews, score reports, and audio tracks
Price
Kaplan’s IELTS Prep Plus costs about USD 49.95 at Amazon. You can find cheaper prices for used and secondhand versions of the book. Prices and shipping rates will vary depending on your location.
Book Review : Kaplan’s IELTS Prep Plus 2019-2020
Now that you know the book’s content, it would also greatly benefit you to know its advantages and flaws. It can help you make a final decision if you are still hesitating and also allow you to manage your expectations!
General Overview
To provide you with a more general overview of the book, here are the pros, cons, and ratings:
Pros
This book is suitable for General Training exams and those aiming for the IELTS Academic. It covers both test types through several full-length practice tests. The book can serve as an excellent resource for practice exams, especially since it goes through an in-depth analysis and explanation of all answers.
What’s more — the book content is updated and revised, giving you the most up-to-date test information and materials. It was also written by a team of experts, Kaplan, who has been providing aid to students for over 80 years.
Cons
The book’s biggest flaw is the grammatical mistakes. These inaccuracies and errors are misleading and could confuse readers.
Also, the audio content and tracks included with the book do not always match the written component. It makes learning and answering harder for most readers.
Ratings
Reviews and ratings can serve as helpful and valuable insights about a book. They are, after all, the first-hand experiences of people who had read the book. To give you further information about Kaplan’s IELTS prep plus, here are some reviews from various platforms online.
Goodreads
Kaplan’s IELTS Prep Book has a 3.86-star rating over at Goodreads. There are no reviews for the book, so there is not much to go on. Most readers did leave behind 5-star and 4-star ratings, so it is safe to assume that the book was satisfactory.
Amazon
On Amazon, the book has a stunning 4.5 out of 5-star rating and over 240 global reviews. Most readers were impressed with the comprehensive content and challenging exercises.
They claimed that Kaplan’s IELTS Prep Book was more than helpful for their preparation for the exam. Several readers were impressed, with few saying that the book exceeded their initial expectations.
However, some readers expressed dissatisfaction. They said that the book has several grammatical mistakes. There were also others stating that the audio questions from the CD do not always match what is written in the book.
Ubuy
The book also has a 4.5-star rating at Ubuy. Most readers claimed that the book is a great source and prep material for the IELTS.
Thanks to its general tests, helpful tips, and detailed explanations, it served as a comprehensive guide for mastering the English language. Several people said they were able to score high thanks to the book.
According to a few readers, though, the book has several flaws. Some people pointed out the book’s grammatical errors and inconsistencies.
The listening section was also not the best. There were also complaints about how the audio questions do not always line up with the corresponding written component in the book.
How To Use The Book Effectively?
Using Kaplan’s IELTS Prep Plus 2019-2020 effectively and correctly will save you on the big test date. Here are some suggestions and tips you can follow:
- Take the full-length practice tests under the same conditions as the actual IELTS. That mostly includes the time limitations of each section. By doing this kind of practice, you can help your mind and body get used to the pressure and conditions of the IELTS. It also aids in improving your focus, concentration, and test-taking stamina.
- Check your answers and grade yourself. Doing this allows you to keep track of your progress and improvement. While at it, assess your strengths and weaknesses as well. Being aware of these two factors can give you the chance to work on them more thoroughly.
- Do not try to absorb everything in a short amount of time. You can make a study plan and schedule to make it easier to manage your time and learnings. It is also a sure way that you would not get overwhelmed.
- Find a quiet spot in your home to study. A space without distractions is ideal for learning and absorbing information.
- Try applying the strategies and tips from the book. It would help you figure out which ones work for you and which ones don’t.
- Do not hesitate to go back on lessons you do not understand. You can even make a list of topics you have a hard time grasping. This way, you know what you need to go over before the test.
- Make sure that you have a pen and paper near you at all times while studying.
Final Thoughts
Kaplan’s IELTS Prep Plus 2019-2020 stands true to Kaplan’s long history and tradition of delivering excellence and quality. Written by Kaplan’s experienced team, this book was created to engage students and incorporate fun in learning and studying.
The book has well-refined course material that has been tested and proven over the years. You can test and sharpen your knowledge with the 8 full-length practice tests included in the book. Also, all practice questions come with detailed explanations for every answer.
Kaplan’s IELTS Prep Plus is a great practice book to have if you are self-studying for the IELTS. With its challenging practice tests, tested strategies, and reasonable difficulty levels, you will undoubtedly be ready to face the IELTS by the end of your prep period!
Though, keep in mind the cons of the book! While the pros outweigh the flaws, it would still benefit you to consider them.
Additional Reading — IELTS Exam Preparation Books
- Best IELTS Exam Preparation Books
- Book Review of “The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS”
- Book Review of “Mometrix IELTS Book for General Training and Academic”
- Book Review of “IELTS Superpack (Barron’s Test Prep)”
- Book Review of “Makkar IELTS Guides and Books”
- Book Review of “Objective IELTS Intermediate Student’s Book”
- Book Review of “Focus on IELTS Foundation Coursebook”
- Book Review of “Ace the IELTS”
- Book Review of “The Ultimate Guide to IELTS Speaking”
