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The test is indeed complete, and has lots of explanations about what kind of answers do they look for and how do they rate the responses (in the speaking and writing parts), along with various sample answers, which are the main value of the book. The Longman has a LOT of questions, divided by skills, full-tests, etc, and all questions are different. In this "Official Guide", there are ONLY the questions of the full-lenght test, and nothing else. I bought this item mainly because it said there was a full length test in the cd, and that the software was exactly the same as in the test. The Longman just gave one sample answer for each writing question, and no sample audio to the speaking section.But if I had to choose only one book to study for the TOEFL, I would choose the Longman because of the higher number of questions.I cannot comment on the contents of the book itself because I barely opened it (went directly to the CD), but I can say that the questions on the book ARE THE SAME THAT THE ONES ON THE FULL TEST ON THE CD. Also, the software is very similar to the test one, but it is NOT EXACTLY the same. Well, after studying by the book and taking the test, my thoughts are that the ONE AND ONLY full lenght test is not enough to justify the value of the book. Maybe the 3rd edition of this book corrected this.I was lucky that a friend of mine who was also taking the test bought the Longman book.
I suggest to make it the first book you read and then step up to a more detailed one. It has the advantage of being the official guide, so everything written inside can be trusted to be correct. That said, the book is worth its money. This is a fairly good book. It gives you the basis needed in order to step up to other books.
I like it very much. This book is very helpful with practicing and improving skills.
u have to own The Official Guide if u want to take the IBT test
There should be a law against selling this product.(The CD does not work on neither Windows vista nor Mac) The arrogance of selling a product that so many people can't use has me dumbfounded. I guess I have to take the test wihout the aid which I have spent so much money on.
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