Customer Reviews

Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL(R) Test: Next Generation (iBT) with Answer Key without CD-ROM

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

I used this book to teach TOEFL preparation for 2.5 years abroad. While it was more expensive than Barron's TOEFL book, it was also more extensive, with more practice tests. At the time (2 years ago) it was the first and only book that I could see which was updated to the iBT test. I suppose there may be better or worse books, but the other review here gave it only 3 stars without commenting on the content of the book. I thought the CD-Rom was very helpful. It works best if you have a qualified teacher who can ultimately grade the speaking and writing part of the test. Nonetheless, in combination with a good grammar book (Grammar Dimensions) and vocabulary book (Vocabulary in Use, Barron's 500 words for the TOEFL or any other book that develops advanced vocab. for the TOEFL), this book should provide enough practice opportunities to prepare most students for the test. I believe this book works best for someone who has an intermediate or intermediate-advanced English proficiency level. If you are just a beginner or even lower-intermediate student, you will need to develop your proficiency first through other texts. The strength of this book is that it clearly explains and provides significant practice with the various segments of the iBT test.
Also, one thing you should be aware of: the book is not functional unless you also purchase the box of 8 audio CDs. Somewhere in fine print, it mentions the 8 audio CDs, but most students think that when they purchase the book and the CD ROM, they have the complete program. This is not true. This usually frustrates most students who order the book and CD ROM, thinking they have the complete set.

Now that I remember this, I would like to give this book 5 stars, but due to poor (dishonest?) marketing issue, I would give it 4 stars. The 8 cds raises the price which may be an issue for a student in a third world country where the price for importing such a text is more costly. Despite these drawbacks, I would still rate this as an fine/excellent text for preparing for the iBT.

I received the item at home sooner than expected. Since I live in Catalonia, I wasn't waiting for it until a month or so but in 15 days it arrived and without having enroled special shipping conditions!