Essential Vocabulary

I use this book almost on daily basis for half an hour or so. It lists around 1500 words which are allegedly the ones you will most often encounter on the SAT and GRE tests. It does, however, possess strictly the elements you will find in any good dictionary: the words are listed in alphabetical order(a pronunciation note is given for each word), each word is thoroughly defined, and you are provided with several (excellent) examples on its usage, often one for each of its different meanings (if the word has more than one meaning). Although it very much looks like the content of an average-quality dictionary you probably already own, its main function could not be disputed - the author has carefully selected (out of hundreds of thousands) those 1500 words that are most likely that an educated person will need in its vocabulary, not only to take successfully one of the above-mentioned tests, but also in his career and everyday life. There are also some review exercises after each section, which consist solely of the task of linking synonymous words - again a feature with limited usefulness, since almost all dictionaries already provide you with a list of synonyms. I believe the author could have been more creative in his effort to provide good review practice, especially because reviewing is the only way to memorize the words you've just met and ultimately build up your vocabulary by using them. Furthermore, I also think the author could have thought of a better way to group the words - thematically, by level of difficulty, or in any other systematic way. Instead, he decided on listing them alphabetically, which is of limited usefulness to the student. You may soon get bored, since it feels like reading a dictionary. The good side is that you will easily find a word you are looking for (although this could have been achieved with an index at the end of the book). Even so, you do not have to follow this book as it is written. You may choose, like I have, to simply open it randomly and do some reading; the negative side being, of course, that you may do many repetitions and omissions in this way. But repetitions are good for your vocabulary, right :)? Despite this, I find this book quite enjoying and I highly recommend it. Although I do not intend to take any of the tests this book helps you prepare, it still is an excellent way to expand your vocabulary extensively, incorporating many important words that you will certainly use in one way or another in your life. Let me draw your attention to the fact that many studies have shown that your professianal and even social success is directly linked to the scope and depth of your vocabulary.