All of the major tests out there (SAT, ACT, MCAT, GMAT, LSAT, GRE) have something in common:  they all have some kind of verbal reasoning section.  Yes, there is the section titled “Verbal Reasoning,” but there is also untitled “verbal reasoning.”  Every section and question on the exams test your understanding of vocabulary, pivotal words, and grammar, in addition to knowledge.  If you don’t understand the question, or the context in which it’s asked, you’ll get the answer wrong.  But don’t freak out!  Whatever untitled verbal reasoning test you’re studying for, Nova Press has a book to help you be prepared!

Nova Press wants to make sure you know what to expect on test day.  The books are arranged to help you know the format of the test, key aspects you will be tested, as well as the more minute details (like examples of how the questions are worded).  Spend time working through the verbal reasoning section of every book and be prepared for whatever the test-writers decide to throw out you.  We have steps outlined to help you know how to identify types of questions in the reading comprehension sections, as well as full-length practice reading samples.  We cover the basics of grammar and punctuation, and we reinforce your understanding of pivotal words and how they effect the meaning of a sentence.  The books devoted to tests which include a vocabulary section (i.e. SAT, ACT, and the GRE) break down the possible words into “most likely” and “other possibilities” so that you can decide how much time to devote to which list.

Working through these “Verbal Reasoning” sections can help you on more than that section of a test.  By studying the vocabulary, you are more likely to get questions right because you’re more likely to know all of the words in the question and all of the words in the possible answers.  By reviewing grammar and punctuation in addition vocabulary, you can improve your writing and work to develop your writing style.  The more exposure you have to different types of writing, the more prepared you’ll be for whatever is thrown at you on test day.

Rely on Nova Press to help you prepare.  Any of our test prep courses will help you feel ready on test day if you are willing to put in the work.  It’s not just about the “Verbal Reasoning” sections …  The whole test can be an untitled verbal reasoning test.  Improve your skills with Nova Press.

Originally posted 2012-04-12 01:50:34.

The LSAT reading comprehension questions can be tricky.  The test-writers pick obscure passages so that they can test your comprehension instead of your knowledge, but, if you study with Nova Press, you’ll be prepared for whatever they may throw at you!

Nova Press’s Master the LSAT breaks down the reading comprehension section into six main ideas: Introduction, Reading Methods, The Six Questions, Pivotal Words, The Three Step Method, and Extra Reading.  Each section brings you one step closer to mastering the LSAT.  The “Introduction” helps you to understand the structure of the LSAT, gives suggestions on what you can expect as far as content on the exam, and some simple hints for avoiding being overwhelmed on test day.  “Reading Methods” debunks the benefits of “speed reading” on the LSAT, as well as other common misconceptions on “best approaches” to the test.

“The Six Questions” is the section that really delves into the content.  It helps you to understand the overarching categories of LSAT reading comprehension questions.  After giving a sample reading excerpt, Nova Press walks you through the questions and how to identify the key aspects of each.  By using a real passage, you can see actual application of the process, instead of learning in abstract.  Then you get a chance to work through a passage on your own.  Hints are available if you need them, along with the answers so you can check yourself.  Lastly, you get chance to test yourself.  A full reading passage with questions is given, giving you a chance to apply everything you learned in the chapter.  Answers and solutions are provided, but they are in the section following, so you can check when you’re ready.

“Pivotal Words” helps you to figure out exactly what is going on in the passages.  Often authors will put in a few key words that could completely change the meaning of the text if misunderstood.  This section outlines exactly what to look for and then gives you practice in identifying them in the reading.  Another full reading passage with questions is also included.

In the “Three-Step Method,” all of the other material you learned is condensed into a technique for you to use on the test.  Combining the material covered previously in the Reading Comprehension chapter, this method streamlines and focuses your reading in order to improve your comprehension.  Once again, you are given a “Mentor Exercise” that walks through the steps with you with a full reading passage.  Then, you are given a full passage with questions to work through on your own.  The last section, “Extra Reading,” does just what its title implies:  gives you extra reading and questions to practice with.

Improve your reading comprehension for the LSAT reading comprehension questions with Nova Press’s Master the LSAT.  You’ll learn what to look for on the test and techniques for how to improve your current reading comprehension levels.  With Nova Press’s help, you can master the LSAT.

Originally posted 2012-04-10 00:39:47.

The MCAT takes a lot of preparation and causes a lot of stress for potential medical students.  Get access to MCAT practice passages through Nova Press’s MCAT Prep Course.  With separate volumes for Physics, Biology, and Chemistry, Nova Press makes sure you have the information you need along with an understanding of how the test works.

Each book provides an in-depth review of the sub-topics within the larger fields of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.  The emphasis is on making sure you understand the information, not just memorize it.  Passages on the MCAT require more than simple memorization.  You must read them, understand them, and be able to apply what you understand from it in order to answer the questions correctly.  Nova Press walks you through the information, giving necessary details, and then provides a large number of practice passages.  Questions similar to those found on the MCAT follow each passage.  The answers are given in a separate section at the end of the book, but Nova Press does more than just give you the answer.  Rather, we walk you through each choice and why it is correct or incorrect, teaching you to know what information (or lack thereof) to pay attention to in the passage.

While the major of the Biology book is geared towards its title subject, it also includes comprehensive coverage of what to expect for the Verbal section of the MCAT.  This includes reading comprehension and critical reasoning: important skills that will help you with the rest of the test, not just the verbal section.

The three books together comprise the most comprehensive MCAT preparation possible.  If you’re looking for MCAT practice passage, look no further than Nova Press.

Originally posted 2012-04-06 21:35:57.

Taking the GRE is a big decision.  How you do on this test helps to determine which graduate school you will be able to attend.  How do you prepare for it?  How do you know what will be on it or how it will be graded?  There must be prep materials out there to help you, but where do you find them?  Don’t stress!  Register with Nova Press!

You could study with a book, but Nova Press has a GRE Preparation Website that is convenient and personalized.  You can access it anywhere you can access the Internet!  Other courses cost upwards of $699, but Nova Press’s GRE Online Course is only $49.95.  By registering with this course, you get access to GRE professionals who can give you feedback on your work as well as answer questions via live chat.  In addition, you get access to over 600 pages worth of material.

The course is set up in such a way that you can work your way through math, verbal, and/or writing content before taking practice tests OR go directly to the tests.  The course monitors your progress and directs you to the areas where you need more work.  If you have any question, just ask!  Most questions are answered in real time (during regular business hours), but all questions are answered with 24 hours.

The Nova Press GRE Online Course covers all of the content that the book does.  Separate sections for math, verbal, and writing help you to focus on the areas you need the most work.  Each section comprises a complete review of necessary materials, whether it be basic or more advanced math concept, grammar and punctuation review, or how to find your own writing style.  There are practice questions at the end of each topic, followed by answers and explanations on how to get the right ones.  The verbal section includes the 400 words and definitions that are most commonly used on the GRE.  Just to be on the safe side, Nova Press has included a section on Etymology, so if you do come across a word you don’t know, you can break it down to figure out its origins so you can increase your chances for a right answer on an educated guess.  The writing section includes rubrics, so you know exactly that the test-graders are looking for.

So if you’re looking for a GRE preparation website, look no further.  Nova Press’s GRE Online Course is the way to go.  It even comes with a guarantee:  If you still feel insufficiently prepared for the test after completing the course, you may repeat the course for free – with full access to our instructors!  Get prepared with Nova Press.

Originally posted 2012-04-05 02:10:35.

There are a lot of companies that claim to have the “Best GRE Books,” but the Nova Press GRE Prep Course and GRE Math Prep Course books truly are some of the best GRE books out there.  Whether you want to review everything on the test or just the math section, the Nova Press books cater to your needs.

The GRE Prep Course book thoroughly covers the three main sections of the GRE: math, verbal, and writing.  Each section gives an extensive review of important concepts and guidance on how to improve your work in those areas.  The math section addresses substitution, defined functions, number theory, quantitative comparisons, geometry, inequalities, and fractions & decimals, just to name a few areas.  The Math Notes section provides a brief overview of concepts while the individual subsections give clear examples with explanations, in case you need more detail.  Practice questions end each section, giving you an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned, and answers with explanations are provided in a separate area so you can check yourself.

The verbal section will help you improve your reading comprehension  by outlining steps to get to the real meaning of each reading excerpt.  As the GRE will ask for text completions, Nova Press again gives clear examples and explanations on how to arrive at the correct answer.  Perhaps the most valuable section are the vocabulary lists of commonly used terms on the GRE.  There is a main list, with the 400 most frequently used words, and then the 4,000 list with other possibilities.  That way, you are able to focus your attention where you feel it is most necessary.  Finally, just to make sure you have all of your bases covered, Nova Press has a section on Etymology, so that if you come across a word you don’t know, you can figure out its origins and make an educated guess as to its meaning.

Nova Press also has you covered with the writing section.  Aside from subsections on grammar and punctuation, the GRE Prep Course includes tips on how to develop your own writing style and on how to properly decipher the writing prompts, so you  know exactly what the test-graders are looking for.  Still need convincing?  The writing section includes rubrics for each of the essay types so you have a way to evaluate your writing consistent with the way the test-graders will.

Yes, there are a lot of books out there, but Nova Press’s GRE Prep Course and Nova Press’s GRE Math Prep Course are the best GRE books.

Originally posted 2012-04-03 00:33:02.