"Essential Words for the TOEFL" written by Steven J. Matthiesen is a comprehensive guide specifically designed to help students succeed in the TOEFL exam by enhancing their vocabulary skills. With a collection of 500 frequently encountered words in the TOEFL test, complete with definitions and example sentences, this book is a valuable resource for aspiring test-takers.

The book is structured in a way that covers various topics, including science, technology, education, and more. Each word is presented in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for readers to grasp and remember. Moreover, the example sentences provided offer practical context, aiding learners in understanding the appropriate usage of the words.

One of the notable strengths of this book is its user-friendly approach. It not only presents the vocabulary words but also provides effective strategies and techniques for learning and retaining them. Helpful tips on flashcard usage, creating word associations, and practicing with TOEFL sample questions are also provided, making the learning process interactive and engaging.

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A distinguishing feature of this book is its emphasis on building word connections. The author highlights the significance of understanding the relationships between words, such as synonyms, antonyms, and word forms. By doing so, students can expand their vocabulary and develop the ability to comprehend complex texts and questions in the TOEFL exam.

"Essential Words for the TOEFL" is highly recommended for individuals preparing for the TOEFL exam. Its well-organized structure, clear explanations, and practical exercises make it an effective tool for enhancing vocabulary skills. Whether used for self-study or as part of a classroom curriculum, this book is an invaluable resource for TOEFL test-takers looking to achieve higher scores and improve their overall language proficiency.

What are readers saying?

The book "Essential Words for the TOEFL" by Steven J. Matthiesen has received positive reviews from readers who found it to be a valuable resource for TOEFL exam preparation. Many reviewers praised the book for its comprehensive and well-organized content, appreciating its user-friendly layout, clear explanations, and useful examples. The book covers a wide range of vocabulary topics relevant to the TOEFL exam, including academic terms, idiomatic expressions, and words with multiple meanings. Readers found the practice exercises and quizzes particularly helpful in reinforcing their understanding and retention of the vocabulary.

Reviewers also highlighted the book's useful tips and strategies for remembering and using vocabulary effectively. They appreciated the emphasis on context and guidance provided by the author on deducing unfamiliar word meanings from surrounding text. The practicality of the book was also noted, as the vocabulary presented is not only beneficial for the TOEFL exam but also for academic and professional settings.

Overall, readers expressed that the book significantly contributed to their vocabulary development and increased their confidence in English language abilities. They found the specific focus on TOEFL-relevant vocabulary to be valuable, avoiding overwhelming them with unnecessary information. Some reviewers even reported seeing improvement in their TOEFL scores after studying with the book, attributing it to the comprehensive coverage of vocabulary topics in the TOEFL exam.

While the book was praised for its comprehensiveness, a few reviewers mentioned that it could have provided more detailed explanations for complex words. However, this minor criticism did not overshadow the overall positive feedback from readers, who found "Essential Words for the TOEFL" to be a valuable resource that helped them expand their vocabulary and succeed on the TOEFL exam.