How to Prepare for the GED

Rating:
Summary: Barron's "How to Prepare for the GED" (Fail's quality Test)
Review: Having just completed the GED testing in Santa Clara County, CA, I wanted to take a moment to share some observations I made while using "Barron's, How to Prepare for the GED" (11th Edition). While I did find the guide helpful, I also found a highly disturbing number of errors. Most of the errors I'm referring to go far beyond common typographical or publication errors. Considering the purpose of the publication, I expected quality but found a total lack of it.

Of particular concern, is the math section. The cover of the guide advertises "Extensively revised and updated," and "All new math review." However, is where I found the greatest number of flagrant errors.

I don't know if primary responsibility for these errors rests with the author(s), editor(s), or publisher, but I'm certain most everyone will agree that the quality of educational materials of this nature is everyone's concern.

I have sent a sample of the errors I encountered to the publisher for review. I have also forwarded a copy to the Board of Education in California. Based on the number of (obvious) errors I encountered, I think it safe to assume the actual number of errors, in this particular publication, goes far beyond the 50 "+" question and answer errors I documented.

Rating:
Summary: Barron's GED
Review: I bought this book because I have had so many positive experiences with other Barron's series. I will be taking a general math/English exam as a part of an application process to work at my children's school. I wanted to review various subject areas that I thought mught be covered on the exam, and so I picked up Barron's GED and CBEST books. I am still making my way through the GED book, and haven't yet started on the CBEST.

I am almost through with the math portion of the GED book, and I am so angry. By the time I realized how many errors were in almost every micro-section of the math review, I had already thrown away my receipt. This book is unbelievable. Granted, the portions that are written accurately are thoughtful and mostly easy to follow, but the amount of errors (3 errors on one of the math pages) are incomprehensible. How did this happen? Error after error after error.....I think you get the picture. I am now on page 522, where the "ANSWERS" portion of a chapter review test lists the answer to problem #6 as choice "7." Well, hello, but the choices only number from 1-5. Choice Number 7 doesn't exist!

Barron's wasted my time and my money on this one. The discussion portions are extremely helpful, but need to be backed up with consistantly accurate math problems and answers. If Barron's can go back and fix these errors (and maybe offer the poor saps who bought this version an unconditional money-back return policy, with or without receipt in hand), this would actually be a great book.

Rating:
Summary: Barron's "How to Prepare for the GED" (Fail's quality Test)
Review: In drill #1 question #29 you are asked to find the amount of the 7 equal monthly payments, it came to $90. but when I picked that answer it told me that I was wrong. It said not enough information was givien because it never told you how many payments. The book as a whole is great, I just wanted some one to know that the problem was there.

Rating:
Summary: Another Great Production by Barrons
Review: While taking courses to earn my Ph.D. in history, I am an adult literacy instructor at a local community college. I teach the basic level course for students who wish to earn their GED. Besides the plethora of texts that my institution provides me, I recommended this book highly to all my students.

After reviewing a copy, it was obvious that Barron's GED book is commensurate in quality with the books in the rest of their test prep series. I have already reviewed the Barron's GRE, PPST, SAT, and PRAXIS test books, of which are all superb books for preparing a student for their respective test. Therefore, I expected nothing less than the best from the GED test prep book. Needless to say, it delivered.

This book is the best book in its topic. The diagnosis test at the beginning of the book provides an accurate detail of where each respective student needs the most academic attention, and the examples throughout the book do a great job at developing the students' weaker areas. The practice tests are very helpful, and the CD-ROM is a great resource for students that have the means of a computer.

However, the CD-ROM is the weakest part of this book. It is useful when it works, and it a great supplement to the book itself, but by no means is it a replacement for the book. Furthermore, this book is not a replacement for a good GED class, nor is it something that I recommend students attempt without consulting a teacher, or taking a class.

My students use this book as a homework source, and supplement to my class. It is a great tool for teachers of GED and Adult Literacy classes to consult for possible course lessons and is an excellent source of information for students in a GED program. A great book to say the least!

Rating:
Summary: Another Great Production by Barrons
Review: While taking graduate courses, I am an adult literacy instructor at a local community college. I teach the basic level course for students who wish to earn their GED. Besides the plethora of texts that my institution provides me, I recommended this book highly to all my students.

After reviewing a copy, it was obvious that Barron's GED book is commensurate in quality with the books in the rest of their test prep series. I have already reviewed the Barron's GRE, PPST, SAT, and PRAXIS test books, of which are all superb books for preparing a student for their respective test. Therefore, I expected nothing less than the best from the GED test prep book. Needless to say, it delivered.

This book is the best book in its topic. The diagnosis test at the beginning of the book provides an accurate detail of where each respective student needs the most academic attention, and the examples throughout the book do a great job at developing the students' weaker areas. The practice tests are very helpful, and the CD-ROM is a great resource for students that have the means of a computer.

However, the CD-ROM is the weakest part of this book. It is useful when it works, and it a great supplement to the book itself, but by no means is it a replacement for the book. Furthermore, this book is not a replacement for a good GED class, nor is it something that I recommend students attempt without consulting a teacher, or taking a class.

My students use this book as a homework source, and supplement to my class. It is a great tool for teachers of GED and Adult Literacy classes to consult for possible course lessons and is an excellent source of information for students in a GED program. A great book to say the least!