The Barron's GRE preparation book provides outstanding material for the verbal and quantitative sections of the test, but barely adequate material for the analytical section. Consider Barron's for verbal and quantitative preparation, but supplement your analytical section study with a book that is more capable in that area.Coverage of quantitative and verbal sections is exhaustive, with the types of possible questions in each of these areas categorized, and strategies and sample questions presented for each type. Readers will feel confident that they have received thorough preparation in these areas. Noteworthy is the large vocabulary list with accompanying definitions and sentences which illustrate usage.
Where the book fails is in its miserably short preparation for the analytical section. Most of the tactics discussed are obvious, and the book relies upon its sample questions and its explanations of the solutions to prepare the reader. Hardly any preparatory instruction is given before these sample questions begin. Looking at so meone else's solutions is poor study for an examination where the questions are infinitely variable in structure and where individual insight and organization of information are being tested. The sample exercises do cover the range of possible question types well but unfortunately, thequestions are not organized by type as the verbal and quantitative questions are. This makes focussed preparation in a particular type of problem difficult. Being that so many examinees find the analytical section the most difficult, it is important that this book's instruction for it be improved in future editions.
The authors have provided extensive material for self administered simulated GRE tests. Six complete model GRE tests with full explanations to each question are provided.
Many readers will be glad to see the design of the computerized GRE examination explained, and a self-appraisal is included to help the reader decide between the computerized and paper and pencil tests.
If the Amazon staffer evaluating this review will forgive the digression, I would like to briefly offer my own advice concerning this difficult decision. IF working at a computer improves your concentration and response speed, give extra consideration to the electronic option. Focus must be maintained, and the computer's countdown timer helps prevent one from slowing down, while mouse clicking reduces response time. Also, remember that your education options are to be decided in a single day, and the extra cost of the computerized test will be a small price if the result is a higher score. An avowedly unscientific conclusion I have reached is that most examinees tested on computer must be poorly literate, explaining the unexpectedly high verbal score I received. Be warned that sitting for the computerized GRE is not the same as completing one's homework, or writing reports, on computer! This is an exam situation, and you are watched by an overhead camera; you can't rest your eyes or look around the room as you do at home.
Despite the hole in its instruction which may necessitate purchasing another study guide, I recommend Barron's for its mostly effective preparation material.
Examinees, may your neurons be faithful and your hearts stout.
