ASIN: 0375763368 Keywords: Education, GRE, Reference, Test Prep Central
Reviews:
Excellent for long term test preparation
This is a very helpful guide for picking up more vocabulary words in preparation for the GRE. This is not a book conducive to last minute cramming however....if you are scheduled to test in a few months, or you just want to brush up on your word power, then Word Smart is a good way to pick up a few words every week.
Waste of Time
When I got this book to study for the GRE, I thought it would be great. I memorized the list using flashcards and reviewing them daily. I was pumped.
Then i took the test and my experieince corroborates the two reviews immediately below: NONE of these words were on the test! When I took the GRE a few years ago (that time for my Masters degree), I used a Kaplan vocabulary book and, as I recall, its word list was more represented on the GRE. In addition, it's layout was a bit better.
This book is quite simply a list of words and definitions (without pronunciation keys) interspersed with a few quizzes to test you. By contrast, Kaplan's book, while similar, had things like pronunciation keys (it is easier to memorize words you can pronounce), more creative quizzes, and a nicer layout (words went from easier to harder, rather than straight alphabetical.)
All in all, I've been disappointed with Princeton Review more times than once, and I would reccomend vocab and verbal books by Kaplan over PR any day. This is no exception.
Did not see any on the exam
I have to agree that words used in word smart series are not often seen on GRE tests themselves. I made tons of note cards and i did not see even one from my extended note card collection.
Not Helpful.
I have to disagree with the first reviewer on this book. I have never been disappointed enough by a book to write a negative review - until now. I took the GRE a few months ago. I found the best study to be actual, past GRE exams. I honestly do not recall seeing a single word from this book or the other WordSmart book (which had a GRE Hit Parade) on the actual exam. I made notecards and put alot of time into learning these words and feel that it was not a valuable use of my time.
Invaluable
To all students who are studying for the GRE Exam- this book is highly recommended. It definitely helped me on the GRE. Of all the practice and actual tests I took, there were only 2 or three "wierd words" I counted that were NOT in this book. Buy it- it's a great investment!
