Customer Reviews

The Ultimate Verbal and Vocabulary Builder for the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT and LSAT

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The book takes a different approach on vocabulary building. Unlike the other test prepration of books I have seen, this book does not present you with list of words to memorize.

The best feature of this book is that it makes you work on each new word. I agree with the authors on the fact that this is an effective approach. However, the words listed in this book are not quite the standard of GRE/GMAT. This book would be helpful to those who might be writing the SATs or are just beginning their GMAT/GRE preparation with a very limited vocabulary.

I don't regret buying this book at all, since it isn't very expensive and also i can use the "strategy" of this book with more complex words.

The way this workbook had me actually using vocabulary, rather than just studying lists of words, helped to firmly "plant" these words and their definitions in my mind. By following the instructions to write synonyms, antonyms and sentences using each vocabulary word, without a doubt, has been the strongest tool that I have found to increase my test score.

The words are very basic even for the SAT. Words included are things like "sever" and "enhance". I am studying for the GRE and am finding the Barron's GRE prep book much better for the vocabulary work.

The technique of giving a brief description and sample sentence is good but can be found in other places as well.

The other good point is the words are not in alphabetically order so you don't end up just learning words that start with "A" but never get to "V".

I found this book pretty useless. All it is is a series of 16 multiple choice tests in which you choose the answer that most closely approximates the word given. Sample question: amorphous means a) shapeless b) passionate c) property transfer d) vase-like e) parallel. Each test is preceded by very short definitions of the words plus each one used in a context sentence. It would be okay, I guess, as a superficial refresher, but I didn't find it challenging, and there was no discussion of strategy for the GMAT verbal/vocab section, which is more what I was hoping for.

This book was amazing!

It is very simple and very straight-forward with the sole purpose of helping your improve your vocabulary...and it works. I got through the book in 8 days, completing two chapters a day. It took me approximately two or three hours of work per day to work with this book. It gives you the tools to really understand a word and remember it. Don't try to save time by not looking up the words and not finding antonyms and synonyms for the words. It will not work. You have to get down to the nitty-gritty and then you will see results. Words that would not stick, I wrote down on flashcards and reviewed them along with the 300 word list from Barron's Passkey to the GRE book.

Say the words out loud, repeatedly do the exercises at the end of each chapter and it will pay off on the GRE exam. I promise! By the way, it is a one-time use book....you will scribble on every page and no one else will be able to use it, but that is what it is....a work book. Buy it!

I was immediately disappointed when I opened this book. Each page has 4 or fewer vocabulary words on it. The publisher could have used some of the empty space to put pronunciations of the words. Sure, just the word and definition is all that's needed to learn the word for a test, but I can't incorporate the word into my general vocabulary if I'm unsure how to pronounce it.

Also, some of the words have other uncommon words in the definition. Not putting the definition in simple English makes it difficult to get a grasp on the meaning. On the opposite token, I would expect there to be many words that I recognize in the book. That is unavoidable. Yet some of the words are so commonplace I cannot imagine anyone about to take one of these tests that wouldn't know their general meaning. Some examples are the words "stereotype," "component," "dimension" and "renegade." These are just a few of dozens.

It is a good book for someone who has an average vocabulary and would like to improve upon it. If you are looking to improve upon an already extensive vocabulary, this book would not be of much help. This is the reason for the rating that I gave this book-simply average.

This book was good, however in terms of improving my score on the GRE it really didn't help at all. It is difficult to study something like vocab anyway, so I wouldn't waste too much money on books like this to do so.

This book has the bost banal and useless words that are of common everyday usage and in no way will aid in furthering your vocabulary especially for the tough GMAT.

I am a returning student (about to enter graduate school). We are required to take the GRE. This book was a very helpful refresher for me, and you can't beat the price. Service was quick and helpful too!