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 - Unfortunately, this study guide is a necessary evilI recently took the Praxis II Secondary Social Studies test in late April of 2008, and found this study guide to be of central importance to my ability to go into the test feeling like I had done as much meaningful prep as was possible given the time I had to study. In the month prior to taking the test, I did some online research (including reading these reviews about THIS study guide), and came away not particularly impressed that I would need the guide. I bought several books and created study regimens for myself on world and us history, psychology, economics, geography etc. that are included in the test. However, after nearly 3 weeks of studying, I realized that the spectrum of possible subject topics was just too overwhelming, and that I needed help to refine what I was going to spend my time on. This particular subject test covers so much stuff, why would you leave it to your own assumptions or guesswork which topics, prominent figures, or general ideas you would look to learn rather than get a simple, comprehensive list of what you should study. I found, for instance, in the psychology/sociology section, I simply researched every person or idea they had listed through google and wikipedia - and I scored a perfect 13 our of 13 on that particular section. Had I not had that list, I would have likely studied twice as much for not as much return on my studying investment. Moreover, the study guide included some rather specific ideas that in my B.A. and M.A. of political science would not have thought to include in my study of psychology - I consider that valuable information. Having said that, this is not a comprehensive study guide. You will get general ideas and names that you are left to go gather info on. It is just as easy to google a name and search wikipedia than it is to read it from in a book. I think people are somewhat misguided to expect ETS to literally hand them a complete answer sheet to the test they need to make an effort to learn the information for in order to pass. That is what this study guide is for - to help you prevent studying things that are not going to be on the test - and help you concentrate your efforts on the areas that are included to help you score better. In that regard, I am 100% satisfied that I purchased this study guide. If you're like me, you are going into teaching to do as good as you can. So you can be a stingy know-it-all and save your $20, but I think the time and effort this guide will save you is well worth the money, and difficult to think of doing without. Rating:  - Reasonable starting pointThe Praxis II is an intimidating exam. It is more difficult than the study guides let on; however, this book offers a reasonable overview. I would use it as a place to start, but NOT exclusively. Start with one of the many study guides out there (borrow one from the library for free) then move on to finding a good overview book in each catagory...geography, poli sci. etc. The study guide tests (this and other praxis II study guides) also serve as a way to test which areas need additional review. Good luck!! Rating:  - Please save your money.If you are going to take the Praxis test it is because you have experience in the given subject. As such, do not buy this study guide. Its things to study are extremely broad and do not give any specific information. For example: Chapter 6, "Political Theory" Things to Study- Political theory and major theorists such as Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Marx, and Lenin. I was hoping for some more specific information than a prompt to return to my college textbooks and notes. As part of the test on politics, one could easily imagine the key names to know... thus thanks for the obvious. If this limited information will suffice, shell out the $20. Otherwise, save it to pay for the huge fee Praxis charges for their tests. Rating:  - test is great, study guide is so-soWorks great, however... it's very general knowledge stuff- it basically could have said, when you're studying make sure you know everything. The practice test was nice because it was really long and gave me an idea of what the test would be like, and the test was very close to identical to the practice test. (Different questions, but exact same style) Rating: - Don't Waste Your Time or $$$I totally agree with you, as do many others. It is a very hard test that should be looked at by ETS and reviewed by the board. I wonder what the statistics are on the pass/fail rate on that test and what the average score is on the test. Buying this study guide will not help you, it is just another money making way for ETS. I had to take the test and the best way to study is to buy class room books and read through them. That is the only true way to passing this test, or getting lucky. In association with Amazon.com | |