Student Study Guide for Biology

I have bought a lot of student study guides in my life, and many of them have been nearly worthless. This one is not. The main textbook goes into so much detail that it is sometimes easy to lose sight of the main points of the chapters. This study guide does a wonderful job of bringing the key concepts into focus. The chapter summaries are clear and concise, covering all the main points of the chapters without going into too much detail (you can read the main text if you want detail). Latin word roots are explained (to help with memorization) in each chapter, and the in-chapter questions and post-chapter quizzes are fantastic, with answers and explanations to the questions provided at the back of the book.

This study guide helped to clarify information in my text that was unclear. By using this study guide it helped me to raise my grades in both of my college biology classes. Subjects liked ecology, the five kingdoms and energy pathways were explained with the reader in mind. I also found the following awesome for test preparation:

The Ultimate Study Guide for Biology: Key Review Questions and Answers with Explanations (Topics: Organization of Living Things & Chemistry of Life, Structure and Function of the Cell and Energy Pathways, Reproduction and Heredity, Genetics) Volume 1 by Patrick Leonardi

The Ultimate Study Guide for Biology: Key Review Questions and Answers with Explanations (Topics: Evolution, Kingdom Bacteria, Kingdom Protista, Kingdom Fungi, Viruses, Plant Form and Function) Volume 2 by Patrick Leonardi

The Ultimate Study Guide for Biology: Key Review Questions and Answers with Explanations (Topics: Kingdom Animalia, Organization of the Animal Body, Animal Form and Function, Animal Reproduction, Development and Behavior) Volume 3 by Patrick Leonardi

The first study guide is great for getting a clearer explanation for harder subjects like the Krebs cycle and genetics. However, the the last three study guide helped me to figure out what kind of questions would appear on my college exams. I was recommended these books from my cousin who took bio at another college. I'm glad I took his advice, they helped me a lot.

If you read the text, review the study guide, and look at material online (has quizzes and tests as well as animations), you will make an A. Guaranteed!

this book has been a big help in studying for exams! The regular text book is good, but so big it seems overwhelming at times.

My instructor actually used the book for study questions for our class---he highly recommends it as well.

First, let me say that, early on in the semester, I became disenchanted with the class I was using Campbell's book for (general biology). It was pretty evident that one of the main intentions of the class was to weed out students, and so I didn't find it very appealing; however, if you are unsure about which facet of biology you're interested in (or if you're interested at all), then the class might hold some value for you.

Taking that into consideration, I wanted to get what I need to know for the tests, and not waste anymore time. Taylor's study guide was perfect for this; it gives only what you need to know, and presents in a fashion such that the reader cannot be passive; i.e. its perfect for test preparation. I went from spending upwards of 10 hours a week reading and outlining Campbell's book to maybe 10-15 preparing the weekend before the test (about two days in the library), with equal results.

I must admit that I actually learned the material better when I was reading and outlining, but after asking myself to what end, I decided it wasn't worth it. This certainly isn't the only use of the study guide, but it worked for me, and I think it illustrates the power of this guide.