Tips for prepare for IELTS exam

Why do I need to take the IELTS exam? Because I would need to get band 6 for 4 aspects(Listening, speaking, reading, writing) to be eligible to hand over the CIC express entry immigration application.
Last year August, I started to prepare for the IELTS examination. I can't really remember the accurate time point. It doesn't matter. Let me share the failed experience with you and it's a lesson to me too.

1. It's best to read 1 book entirely other than part of several books.
   My wife bought several books like 10 for me to prepare for the exam. I would say the number of books you got won't help you. I would recommend reading through 1 book for each aspect because you don't have enough time to read so many books. It's better to read through 1 book entirely than part of several books.
2. Know the whole exam process
   First, there're 2 different types of IELTS, A(stands for Academy) and G(stands for General). Speaking and Listening tests will be the same no matter which type you attend. Reading and writing will be different for different types you attend. For type G, reading passages will be easier and more informative, so there will be a passage like advertisements or catalogue. And for writing, you'll write a letter and an essay. So you'd better learn the format of the letter.
   Second, the speaking test won't be the same day as others.
3. Spending more time on speaking and writing
   For most people, I think speaking and writing will be harder since they're more subjective and more open. And they require more skills since you need to take care of the grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. And you have to organize the sentences orderly. At the same time, you may need to think about what content you want to express. So I would recommend spending more time on these 2 parts.
   For the first time, I failed since I didn't make the points I mentioned above. I just got S5.5 L6.5 R6.5 W5.5. Hope I can pass it in the coming month.