Cambridge Grammar for IELTS – Full Review, Study Plan & Free PDF Download

Authors: Diana Hopkins & Pauline Cullen
Level: Band 5.0 – 7.5 (Intermediate to Upper Intermediate)
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Cambridge Grammar for IELTS is a practical grammar book designed specifically for IELTS learners. Written by experienced Cambridge authors Diana Hopkins and Pauline Cullen, this book helps students improve their accuracy and range in grammar — a crucial criterion across all four IELTS skills.

🔍 Key Features of Cambridge Grammar for IELTS

• 📘 25 lessons covering essential grammar points tested in IELTS
• 📄 Grammar explained through real IELTS-style exercises
• 📝 6 practice tests with integrated grammar tasks
• 🧠 Exam tips and common error notes in every unit
• 🎧 Audio recordings for Listening & Speaking practice

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📚 What’s Inside the Book?

🔹 Part 1 – Grammar Topics (Units 1–25)

• 📌 Verb tenses: Present, Past, Future (simple, continuous, perfect)
• 📌 Articles, quantifiers, determiners
• 📌 Modal verbs, conditionals, passives
• 📌 Sentence structure & word order
• 📌 Complex clauses and linking expressions

Each unit includes:
– 🧾 Clear explanations + examples
– ✍️ Controlled practice tasks
– 🎯 IELTS-style Reading, Listening, or Writing questions
– ✅ Answer key with explanations

🔹 Part 2 – Practice Tests

• 6 short IELTS-style practice sections across all skills
• Useful for applying grammar in test context

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👥 Who Should Use This Book?

Cambridge Grammar for IELTS is perfect for:

• 🔎 IELTS learners aiming to fix grammar issues and reach Band 6.5–7.5
• 🎓 Intermediate to upper-intermediate users (CEFR B1–B2+)
• 👩‍🏫 Teachers building grammar-based IELTS lessons
• 🧑‍🎓 Self-learners who struggle with accuracy in Writing/Speaking

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📆 How to Use This Book Effectively

1. 🗓 Study 2–3 grammar lessons per week and revise with flashcards
2. 📝 Apply new grammar to Writing Task 2 or Speaking answers
3. 🎧 Use Listening audio scripts to notice grammar in real use
4. 🔁 Record yourself speaking using new structures and correct errors

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✅ Pros & ⚠️ Cons

✅ Pros	⚠️ Cons
Grammar taught in direct connection with IELTS tasks	No full-length IELTS tests included
Includes Listening & Speaking support via audio	Requires self-discipline to study grammar regularly
Clear layout, suitable for self-study	May be too basic for Band 8.0+ candidates

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📥 Download or Purchase

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🔗 Related Study Resources

• 📝 Grammar for Writing Task 2
• 🎤 Grammar Accuracy in Speaking: Band Descriptors Explained

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🔚 Final Thoughts

If grammar has been holding you back from your IELTS goals, Cambridge Grammar for IELTS is the book to help you fix it. With focused lessons, real exam practice, and clear grammar explanations, it’s one of the best grammar resources tailored specifically for IELTS.

Combine this with Vocabulary for IELTS and Cambridge IELTS practice tests for a complete study package.