Buzz
In the age of globalization, most individuals are focused on mastering a second language – English. Currently, the most widely pursued international English proficiency assessments are IELTS, TOEIC, and TOEFL. Apart from selecting the appropriate certification, many are concerned about which courses are both reputable and effective. One of the most coveted courses today is IELTS Cambridge. Explore information and effective learning methods with IELTS Cambridge on Mytour Blog.
Overview of the IELTS Cambridge Book Series
The IELTS Cambridge book series appears to be incredibly familiar to most individuals pursuing the IELTS certification. Published by Cambridge University, this book comprises various levels catering to beginners and those gearing up for the IELTS exam. The complete set includes 18 volumes, with the initial edition released in 1996 and subsequent editions issued annually to keep abreast of the latest IELTS exam trends.
This book set can be utilized for both IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic exams due to its content closely mirroring the structure of real exam papers. You can also use a dictionary to grasp the extended meanings of words.
The IELTS Cambridge book set comprises two exam formats (Source: Internet)Content of IELTS Cambridge
Similar to other IELTS preparation books, this book divides the exam into 4 sections corresponding to Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening with varying levels of difficulty depending on the trend each year.
Within the IELTS Cambridge book, you can assess your performance based on the answers provided after each test. Additionally, each book includes an Audio CD for the Listening section and sample Speaking and Writing tasks for your reference.
IELTS scores are assessed based on the exam difficulty level (Source: Internet)Overall Assessment of IELTS Cambridge Books
The IELTS Cambridge book set is esteemed for its close alignment with real exam papers, yet it still harbors certain pros and cons, specifically:
Advantages
- Being part of the annual IELTS exam reference system, most test content follows the IELTS standard structure, with updated formats quite similar to real exam papers.
- The content of this book set provides reference reading materials for the Speaking and Writing sections, allowing readers to study and refer to them here.
- The difficulty level of each test is clearly divided, updated with current trends, and closely aligned with real exam content.
Disadvantages
- In the IELTS Cambridge practice book set, there is only exam content provided without additional supplementary knowledge to hone skills.
- Books 1-6 were published from 2004-2007, so some content inside may not keep up with current exam trends.
- The Writing and Speaking sections have not been updated with the latest content.
Effective Study Methods with IELTS Cambridge Books
Although the IELTS Cambridge series provides a comprehensive study plan, you need to equip yourself with effective study methods to make learning more efficient:
- Develop a specific study plan allocating dedicated time for each section of the test.
- Focus entirely on test-taking, prioritizing well-lit, quiet study locations.
- After each practice test, jot down key points and essentials. Use a separate notebook to compile common mistakes, compare changes in different test papers.
Listening Skills
To achieve a high score in this section, you must practice extensively, listen to English every day to improve vocabulary, and become accustomed to the main voice. Some effective methods candidates can apply to improve listening skills include:
- Listen and spell: This method is widely shared by many experts on IELTS study techniques. Spelling helps you understand the correct pronunciation of words that you sometimes confuse.
- Review Transcripts in Tapescripts section: The Transcript section mainly provides additional new vocabulary, diversifying your vocabulary.
Listening practice methods to enhance Listening scores in IELTS Cambridge (Source: Internet)Speaking Skills
Similar to improving Listening skills, enhancing Speaking proficiency requires dedicated practice. Allocate 15-20 minutes daily to discuss any preferred topic. You can practice speaking by conversing with native speakers or rehearsing in front of a mirror.
Judges assess candidates based on 4 criteria: vocabulary, pronunciation, fluency, and grammar. Utilize communication learning apps like Cambly, favored by many IELTS experts, for practice sessions with native speakers anytime, anywhere.
Just like with Listening, leverage the Transcript section to enrich your conversational vocabulary and learn the standard pronunciation used by native speakers.
Enhance Speaking skills by practicing in front of a mirror (Source: Internet)Writing Skills
In the IELTS Cambridge, there's a particularly unique section called “Model and sample answers for writing tasks”. Here, you'll get to see assessors' evaluations on topics and sample essays, helping you grasp the approach to essay content.
The Writing section comprises 2 small tasks, so allocating 60 minutes effectively for each task is a significant challenge for candidates. Naturally, to meet the time requirements, daily writing practice is essential.
The difficulty lies in the inability to assess the Writing section's score like the other 3 sections. Therefore, it's advisable to visit a center to have teachers evaluate your essays or seek assistance from “IELTS experts”.
The Writing structure in IELTS Cambridge consists of 2 parts (Source: Internet)Reading Skills
The Reading section mainly assesses the candidates' vocabulary, so to excel in this section, you need to enrich your vocabulary daily, covering diverse topics.
Here are some effective methods for achieving high efficiency in the Reading test that you can refer to:
- Allocate time for the exam properly, spending 50 minutes on this section: 10 minutes for Passage 1, 15 minutes for Passage 2, 20 minutes for Passage 3, and the last 5 minutes to review the entire test.
- Practice more on the weaker section.
- In the IELTS Cambridge series, there is an accompanying book called Boost your Vocabulary which provides vocabulary and synonyms commonly encountered in the IELTS exam.
- During practice, at the end of each exercise, you need to note down common phrases, mistakes made, and scores to monitor progress.
Regularly practice IELTS Cambridge tests to enhance vocabulary (Source: Internet)This series of books can be considered the companion of most students pursuing IELTS. With regularly updated structures closely following real exam papers, IELTS Cambridge is indeed a book of great interest to many. To achieve high results in the exam, daily practice is essential. Hopefully, the IELTS Cambridge series introduced by Mytour can help you prepare for the IELTS exam very well.
