Biology (Cliffs Quick Review)
by I. Edward Alcamo, Kelly Schweitzer
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Book Reviews of Biology (Cliffs Quick Review)
Book Review: Good general over view; lacks details.
Summary: 3 Stars
I must agree with some of the other reviews -- this text is good for someone who wants a refresher or who only needs to know some basic biology. However, I purchased it to study for the PRAXIS II Biology Content Knowledge exam. While it covered some of the topics that actually appeared on the exam, it was no where near in depth to the extent necessary for the exam. I'm not saying you shouldn't buy this, I'm just saying you shouldn't rely solely on this book to get you through (either for the Praxis OR a bio class). I thought the book was especially limited in its description of photosynthesis and the Calvin cycle. Additionally, the practice problems do not come with explanations - just an answer key. I find that I learn more when a guide explains why answers are correct or incorrect.Book Review: Very helpful.
Summary: 4 Stars
I used this book to help me prepare for the PRAXIS II content knowledge test in biology (it's one of those awful standardized tests). It was generally very good at covering all of the topics necessary in a concise and easy-to-understand manner. There were occasions when I was less impressed by the way in which a topic was explained or laid out, but it is definitely a good supplement or review for someone who has other sources for learning or re-learning the material. (My main gripe was with photosynthesis.) But for a 200 page book on the vast topic of biology, it certainly did its job, and helped me pass my test.Book Review: Excellent for Praxis Biology exam study
Summary: 4 Stars
I disagree with the prior comment; this QuickReview was terrific preparation for the Praxis Biology exams. It will not teach you biology -- presumably that was learned elsewhere and why it is called a "review" -- but it is a great refresher, and it is hard to imagine not passing the exams if you understand what is written here. Four stars because it needs to be updated; the human genome was not yet sequenced when this was published nine years ago. Also some updated taxonomic classifications are needed. The only other thing that might be helpful for the exam would be the flash cards but I did not try them.Book Review: Great reference for college bio
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is definitely written in a reader friendly manner. It's nice and brief. It gets right to the point without having to read the same passage over and over again. I also recommend:
The Ultimate Study Guide for Biology: Key Review Questions and Answers with Explanations
(Volume 1: isbn 1933023007)
(Volume 2: isbn 1933023015)
(Volume 3: isbn 1933023023)
These three study guides helped me to get excellent grades. They had the kind of questions that I got on my college biology tests. The Biology Cliff Notes made biology learning a lot faster.
Book Review: Basic overview of Biology is great place to start.
Summary: 4 Stars
After a 23 year hiatus from biology, I found Cliff's biology to be a great refresher text on the subject. Well written, it covers the basics in an excellent general overview. For the Georgia GACE exam though, it lacked specific details which were asked on the test. Cliff's provided the skeleton and I used XAM Biology and Praxis Science to put flesh on it. As a quick review, this book is 5 Stars. As a source to study for GACE exam, it only rates 3. So I rate it as 4 stars overall.