How to quickly improve your IELTS band score with Cambridge IELTS 13?

Cambridge IELTS 13 is a renowned book designed for those who are preparing for the IELTS exam intensively. Let's review the book in detail with Prep Review, including the level of difficulty compared to other Cambridge books and effective study techniques.

I. Introduction to Cambridge IELTS 13

1. General information

IELTS Cambridge IELTS 13 (CAM 13) is published by the reputable publisher Cambridge University Press. This is a recommended practice book that you should refer to. Here is some information about the book:

2. Targeted learner 

Similar to other Cambridge books, Cambridge IELTS 13 is not intended for beginners or those with a weak foundation in English. To study effectively with this book, you should have a good grasp of fundamental knowledge and understand the strategies for each skill. The recommended minimum band score for studying this book is 3.5 IELTS or higher.

Additionally, the book is most suitable for those who are preparing for the IELTS exam intensively within a limited time frame (2-3 months before the official test).

II. The detailed review of Cambridge IELTS 13

1. Content

Cambridge IELTS 13 is divided into 4 parts:

• Part 1: Provides 4 IELTS Academic practice tests covering all 4 skills in IELTS. The Listening section includes accompanying audio files.
• Part 2: Transcripts of the Listening Exercises (Audioscripts).
• Part 3: Answer key and exercises. Sample essays for Task 1 and Task 2 are also provided.
• Part 4: Answer sheet - a template for recording answers for the different skills in the IELTS test.

All the tests in the Cambridge book are designed to resemble real IELTS exams. Please refer to the image below for more details.

2. Drawbacks

In addition to the quality of the practice tests created by reputable authors and IELTS examiners, Cambridge IELTS 13 also has some limitations that you should be aware of to study more effectively:

• The biggest weakness of the book is that it was published a while ago, so it may not cover some of the newer topics that appear in recent IELTS exams. Therefore, it is recommended to practice with more recent Cambridge books such as Cambridge 15, Cambridge 16, and Cambridge 17. However, Cambridge IELTS 13 is still a valuable and worth-referencing book!
• The book mainly provides test exercises and lacks detailed instructions and knowledge to enhance your test-taking skills. Therefore, for beginners, it is advisable to study books that provide more instructional content.

III. Level of difficulty of Cambridge IELTS 13 compared to other Cambridge books

Cambridge IELTS 13 is considered to be more challenging compared to other Cambridge books, especially Test 4 in the Listening section. You can compare its difficulty level with other Cambridge books in the table below.

IV. Effective practice with Cambridge IELTS 13 to quickly improve your band score

Cambridge is a great practice material, but not everyone can use it effectively. Therefore, Prep will provide some helpful advice on how to practice each skill effectively:

1. Listening

Here are some popular methods for practicing Listening:

• Step 1: Read through the transcript and learn new words (10 minutes per section - 40 minutes for one test).
• Step 2: Proceed to do the Listening section in Cambridge IELTS 13, try to listen as if you were taking the real test and avoid pausing.
• Step 3: Check the answer key and list the questions you answered correctly, as well as the ones you got wrong.
• Step 4: Once you have become proficient, you can challenge yourself by practicing listening at a faster speed, such as 1.25 or 1.5, as the listening passages in the actual exam may be slightly faster than those in the Cambridge book.

2. Reading

For the Reading skill, here is a method to practice:

• First, you should do the Reading section within 60 minutes (just like the actual test time) to train your focus and minimize errors. You should carefully read the questions, underline keywords, and combine Skimming and Scanning techniques.
• After completing the test, check the answers and identify where you made mistakes (due to running out of time, misunderstanding vocabulary, misinterpreting the topic, etc.) so that you can find appropriate ways to rectify them.
• Learn new vocabulary from the reading passages. Increasing your vocabulary from the reading materials will help you understand the questions and save a lot of time.
• Practice the Skimming and Scanning techniques thoroughly as they are important skills. Since you won't have enough time to read every word or sentence, these skills will help you locate specific information quickly.

3. Speaking

Some tips for effective Speaking practice:

• Practice speaking with a structured format (Introduction - Body - Conclusion) to filter out good ideas to apply.
• Build confidence in speaking by finding a conversation partner, in addition, Prep provides virtual Speaking rooms that simulate the feeling of taking the real test for you to practice.
• Practice using given patterns and refer to sample Speaking Part 2 answers to develop ideas.

4. Writing

For the Writing skill, which is one of the most challenging tasks, here are some effective preparation methods:

• Allocate appropriate time for each IELTS Writing task (20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2).
• Divide your essay into three parts: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion, to make writing easier.
• Check for spelling errors and understand why you made mistakes to know how to rectify them. Seek assistance from someone proficient in assessing Writing tasks to help you evaluate and pinpoint areas that need improvement.
• Study and rely on sample essays available online, and rewrite them in your own words.
• Read a wide range of English materials to enhance your thinking skills and prepare for tackling difficult topics.

IV. Effective practice with Cambridge IELTS 13 PDF at prepedu.com

1-3 months before the exam is the period when you should take IELTS tests seriously. Where should you practice and how should you practice to quickly improve your band score and achieve a high score in the actual test? The most effective way is to practice with Cambridge IELTS 13 audio and pdf file at prepedu.com. Click on the link below to start practicing diligently from today!

PRACTICE MORE IELTS TESTS WITH PREP!

Prep has provided you with a detailed review of the Cambridge IELTS 13 book along with useful tips for effective practice. You can download the Cambridge IELTS 13 book PDF with high-quality audio as study materials for yourself. Hopefully, this article is helpful to you. Wish you effective practice!