Verbal Advantage: Ten Easy Steps to a Powerful Vocabulary [Large Print]

by Charles Harrington Elster

Book Overview

First time in book form A successful program for teaching 3,500 vocabulary words that successful people need to know, based on America's #1 bestselling audio vocabulary series. "People judge you by... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Large Print: Yes
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375709320
• ISBN13: 9780375709326
• Release Date: September 2002
• Publisher: Random House Reference
• Length: 496 Pages
• Weight: 1.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

One of the BEST Vocabulary Building Books

This is a fun book for learning new words. The words are divided in 10 levels, each level containing 50 "key" words. Each level is progressively more challenging (you may read this as - it contains the words you might have been less likely to encounter, though this depends on what do your normally read). Beside each word, you'll find the pronounciation in brackets. With words which may have two of more pronounciation, they are all mentioned here. The "key word" is follows with the definition, as well as the origin. For example, if the word has a Latin root, then the Latin word is mentioned, together with the meaning of the Latin word. Then the usage of the words is mentioned, together with different contexts in which such word may be used. You'll find the contexts where the word was originally used, as well as how its usage spread to other contexts, sometimes altering the meaning the word originally had. You'll also find sections warning your of "abusage" of the words. You'll find antonyms and synonyms of the "key" words, together with their definitions, usage, appropriate contexts, and distinguishing differences. Each level is followed by a reviews, sample text where you can check out your comprehension, additional notes and a quiz. At the beginning of the book is a "pretest" with 100 words, designed to help you to evaluate your current vocabulary level. At the end of the book is "posttest" with 100 words, designed to help you evaluate how much has your vocabulary expanded after working with this book.

Prepare for a fun ride through the English dictionary

This book is an interesting stroll through English vocabulary. It starts you out with words that most adults know, and slowly leads you to the vocabulary of the intellectual elite. Along the way are stops for pronunciation tips, common English pitfalls, advice for increasing your vocabulary, and numerous other tips to help you sound like an educated speaker. This book is a very fun and exciting approach to an otherwise boring subject.I often heard many of the words in this book used on TV or radio, and didn't really know what they meant. Now I know what they mean, not what I think they might mean because of the way they are being used. This book is simply amazing.

In short...an excellent and highly entertaining "vocab" book

I never thought that I would be writing a review of a book, let alone a book dedicated to building one's vocabulary...but here it is.In short, I'm writing this review while I am purchasing my 2nd copy of the book...as my girlfriend is constantly "stealing" this book from me to read.This book has several excellent points.1. The author divides his vocabulary building "program" into 10 different levels, and lets the user progress from easier words to much more esoteric words at the very last levels (anyone know the meanings for what "tergiversation", "crepuscular", "hieratic", "fugacious", "or "glabrous"?).2. Each word is clearly defined, and the author provides a plethora of synonyms (and relevant antonyms) and explains the nuances among the different synonyms.3. The author provides highly amusing side notes on various words, especially related to the "beastly" mispronunciations and wrong use of certain words.4. Each level has around 50 words, and they are broken down into sections of 10 words each. This makes it convenient for those who do not have alot of time, as you can read a section at a time.All in all, I'm halfway through the book, and I can't wait to get through it...not just because I learned some new words in this book, but because this book has provoked me into buying a new Merriam-Webster dictionary and reading all types of materials that I once eschewed because they were not within the domain of what I already knew!

It's actually fun

After browsing through many vocabulary-building books, I decided to get this one simply because it seemed to have lots of information besides just plain old definitions and examples of usage. And, like the previous reviews have said, it's actually very interesting and enjoyable to read. I tend to have a short attention span when reading non-fiction sometimes, so I find it strange to be getting lost in this material. I can feel my brain working! It reveals many misconceptions, mispronunciations, and improper applications of lots of words -- some of them "difficult," and others simply things I thought I knew but didn't. The review tests and the arrangement of words into levels of difficulty allow for a very natural sense of development throughout the book.

A pleasure to read

You wouldn't think that a book designed to improve one's vocabulary would be a pleasure to read, but this one is. I bought the book because I have often considered ordering the (very expensive) audio program I always seem to see in airline magazines, but have never had the extra cash to spend on it. With it's levels, lists, and review tests, you'd think this book would be as boring as a high school vocab textbook, but it's not at all! Not only does he teach you new words (with precise, accurate definitions), but he throws in interesting tidbits on word history, correct but seldom used pronunciations, and some great anecdotes. I look forward to reading this book every time I open it.