20 Questions You Should Have To Ask About IELTS Study Materials In China Before Purchasing It

· 5 min read
20 Questions You Should Have To Ask About IELTS Study Materials In China Before Purchasing It

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) stays the most popular English efficiency test for Chinese trainees and experts aiming to study or work abroad. In China, the market for IELTS preparation is uniquely vast, providing a mix of global standards and extremely specialized regional resources. This abundance of option, nevertheless, can typically result in "option paralysis" for candidates.

Selecting the ideal materials is the foundation of achieving a high band score. This guide supplies a thorough analysis of the necessary IELTS research study products offered in China, ranging from official publications to localized digital platforms.


1. The Gold Standard: Official British Council and Cambridge Materials

For any candidate in China, the structure of their study plan need to be the official products. These are the only resources that perfectly imitate the real test format, trouble level, and concern types.

The Cambridge IELTS Practice Tests (Series 1-- 18)

Commonly described in China as the "Zhen Ti" (Real Test Questions), these books are the most important resource. Each volume consists of 4 authentic previous documents. In the Chinese market, these are normally published by the Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press (FLTRP) in collaboration with Cambridge University Press.

  • Usage Tip: Most trainers recommend starting with Volume 11 and working up to the most current release (Volume 18 as of late 2023) to ensure familiarity with modern-day testing trends.

The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS

This is a comprehensive handbook that covers all 4 modules: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.  IELTS Certificate Without Exam China  is particularly beneficial for Chinese trainees who are self-studying, as it provides in-depth explanations of the reasoning behind each answer.


2. Localized Chinese Study Materials: The "Big Three" Publishers

China's domestic education industry has actually established specialized methodologies customized to the specific difficulties Chinese learners deal with, such as the "silent English" phenomenon and grammar-heavy conventional schooling.

New Oriental (Xin Dong Fang)

As the giant of English training in China, New Oriental has a special collaboration with Cambridge. Their "IELTS Complete Tutorial" series is a staple in the majority of Chinese book shops.

  • Strengths: Structured lesson plans and vocabulary lists categorized by "high-frequency" appearing in previous examinations.

Guixue Education (The "Liu Hong" Method)

Founded by Liu Hong, typically called the "Father of IELTS in China," Guixue focuses on techniques instead of rote memorization. Their most popular resource is the "IELTS King" series.

  • Listening: The "IELTS King Listening Corpus" is a legendary book in China used for dictation practice to master the specific vocabulary required for the listening area.

Global Education (Huan Qiu Ya Si)

They offer customized textbooks focusing on "Target Scores" (e.g., "Target 7+ Series"). These are highly reliable for trainees who currently have a baseline and require to improve their strategy for higher band ratings.


3. Digital Platforms and Mobile Apps

The shift towards the Computer-Delivered IELTS (CDI) in China has actually made digital products more appropriate than ever. Chinese designers have actually developed sophisticated apps that integrate AI scoring and enormous databases.

App NameSecret FeaturesBest For
IELTS Bro (Ya Si Ge)Speaking "Prediction" lists, community feedback, and mock user interfaces.Speaking and Recent "Jing Ti" (Actual Topics)
Xiaozhan IELTSFull-length mock tests (CDI design), vocabulary flashcards.Simulation of the Computer-based test environment
KMF (Kao Man Fen)Categorized practice sets, progress tracking.Targeted practice for Reading and Listening
BilibiliThousands of complimentary top quality video lectures from leading tutors.Understanding intricate grammar and writing structures

4. The Role of Social Media: Xiao Hong Shu and WeChat

Over the last few years, the way Chinese prospects take in IELTS product has shifted towards social networks.

  • Xiao Hong Shu (Little Red Book): This platform has actually become a "vibe-check" for study materials. Users share aesthetically pleasing notes, "cheat sheets" for writing templates, and immediate updates on what concerns were asked in the Speaking examinations across various cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and so on).
  • WeChat Official Accounts: Accounts like "IELTS Intelligence" (Ya Si Qing Bao Ju) provide daily practice, vocabulary quizzes, and notifications regarding test date availability in China.

5. Specialized Materials for Specific Modules

The Chinese student's profile often shows a disparity in between high Reading/Listening scores and lower Speaking/Writing ratings. As a result, customized materials for these "output" abilities are extremely sought after.

For Speaking: The "Prediction" Culture

China is famous for its IELTS Speaking "topic swimming pools." Because IELTS Speaking concerns alter seasonally (January, May, and September), materials like the IELTS Bro Topic Pool are necessary.  IELTS Certificate Validity In China  provide the specific prompts candidates are likely to experience during their four-month window.

For Writing: Guixue and Simon

While "Simon's IELTS" (a British tutor) is internationally well-known and extensively utilized in China for its simpleness, local materials like "The Big Strategy of IELTS Writing" by Guixue stress logical structures that help Chinese trainees move away from "Chinglish" expressions.


Resource TitleStyleTarget Audience
IELTS 21-Day VocabularyHigh-intensity, time-basedStudents with 1 month delegated study
Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTSContext-based, mainTrainees desiring deep understanding
The Red Treasure Book (Hong Bao Shu)Comprehensive, alphabeticalLong-term preparation (6+ months)

For a student in China going for a Band 7.0, a three-step resource usage strategy is typically suggested:

Phase 1: Foundation (Weeks 1-4):

  • Use Guixue Listening Corpus for everyday dictation.
  • Study New Oriental's Grammar for IELTS to fix syntax errors.
  • Enjoy introductory lectures on Bilibili.

Stage 2: Skill Building (Weeks 5-8):

  • Practice Reading and Listening using Cambridge Volumes 11-15.
  • Start utilizing IELTS Bro to practice existing Speaking subjects.
  • Use Xiaozhan IELTS for timed reading drills.

Phase 3: Sprint/Simulation (Weeks 9-12):

  • Complete Cambridge Volumes 16-18 under rigorous exam conditions.
  • Review "Prediction" lists for Speaking and Writing Task 2.
  • Carry out mock tests on the Xiaozhan CDI Simulator to get utilized to the screen and keyboard.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION: Frequently Asked Questions about IELTS Materials in China

Q: Where is the very best location to purchase authentic IELTS books in China?A: Most candidates utilize JD.com (Jingdong) or Taobao. Look for the "Flagship Stores" of New Oriental or Cambridge University Press to guarantee you are not buying pirated copies with printing mistakes.

Q: Should I utilize materials from 10 years back?A: Generally, no. The IELTS exam has progressed, particularly in the Reading and Writing areas. It is best to concentrate on materials released within the last 5 years (Cambridge Volumes 12 and above).

Q: Are the "Writing Templates" found on Xiao Hong Shu safe to utilize?A: While they can offer a great structure, examiners are trained to spot memorized design templates. Use them for motivation on rational flow, but make sure the vocabulary and "voice" are your own.

Q: Is the digital version of products better than the paper version?A: If you are taking the Computer-Delivered IELTS, digital materials are remarkable due to the fact that they help you develop "eye endurance" for keeping reading a screen and enhance your typing speed for the writing area.

Q: Why is "IELTS Bro" so popular in China?A: Because of its accuracy in tracking the Speaking "Part 2" concern bank. In the Chinese screening market, being gotten ready for the particular topic card is considered an essential part of the method.


The landscape of IELTS study products in China is an advanced mix of international standards and localized innovation. While the official Cambridge books remain the final word on test precision, the apps and specialized books produced within China use the tactical edge needed to browse the specific obstacles Chinese learners deal with. By integrating these resources-- utilizing main papers for accuracy and local apps for technique-- prospects can build a robust preparation plan tailored for success.