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Defining Twilight: Vocabulary Workbook for Unlocking the SAT, ACT, GED, and SSAT
Can you resist the allure of Edward’s myriad charms—his ocher eyes and tousled hair, the cadence of his speech, his chiseled alabaster skin, and his gratuitous charm? Will you hunt surreptitiously and tolerate the ceaseless deluge in Forks to evade the sun and uphold the facade ? Join Edward and Bella as you learn more than 600 vocabulary words to improve your score on the *SAT, ACT ® , GED ® , and SSAT ® exams! Use this workbook side-by-side with your own copy of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight!
- GenresNonfictionEducation
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
2 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 14, 2009
I first discovered this book through dailylit.com. They had a preview of the book. After I saw the preview, I borrowed a copy from my library. I was going to have my 13 year old daughter (who loves Twilight) to just copy her answers on notebook paper. After seeing the whole book, I decided I would go ahead and buy both "Defining Twilight" and Defining New Moon Vocabulary Workbook for Unlocking the SAT, ACT, GED, and SSAT for her. They are only $9.99 each which is a very small price to pay if she enjoys doing it and learns something in the process.
The book is broken up into 40 groups of words. Each group has 8 words to learn. (You actually learn more than 8 words per group because you also learn synonyms and antonyms) The first page of each group gives you the word and the page number from Twilight. You are to look the word up in Twilight and read it in the context of the story. You are then to write what you think the definition is on the line provided in the workbook.
The second page of the group gives the definitions of the 8 words in layman's terms. For some words it even dissects the words, gives you synonyms, etc. Here is an example from group 1: "Inconsequential (p.3) means not important. This is a cool word to break apart. In- means not, as in inconsistent or ineffective, and consequential means having consequences. That's why inconsequential means not having consequences-unimportant." You are to check your answers against these and make corrections. You should read through these a few times and then move on to complete the drills.
The third page of each group is broken up into three sections. There are 4 words in the synonyms section. There are four multiple choice questions where you are to choose a word or phrase whose meaning is the closest to the word given. The second section, containing 2 words, is analogies. Example: "5. Inconsequential is to insignificant as A. saunter is to run B. exile is to welcome C. permanence is to stability D. noble is to indecent E. omnipresent is to hateful". The third section , also containing 2 words, is sentence completion. You will get a sentence with a line indicating a missing word. You are to choose the correct word from the five choices.
The fourth page of each group gives the answers to the multiple choice questions on the previous page. These are not just A, B, C answers, they are very detailed explanations of why this is the answer and why the other choices are wrong.
I think this book is such a brilliant idea to get the Twilight fans to dig a little deeper and learn so much more than they would otherwise.
The book is broken up into 40 groups of words. Each group has 8 words to learn. (You actually learn more than 8 words per group because you also learn synonyms and antonyms) The first page of each group gives you the word and the page number from Twilight. You are to look the word up in Twilight and read it in the context of the story. You are then to write what you think the definition is on the line provided in the workbook.
The second page of the group gives the definitions of the 8 words in layman's terms. For some words it even dissects the words, gives you synonyms, etc. Here is an example from group 1: "Inconsequential (p.3) means not important. This is a cool word to break apart. In- means not, as in inconsistent or ineffective, and consequential means having consequences. That's why inconsequential means not having consequences-unimportant." You are to check your answers against these and make corrections. You should read through these a few times and then move on to complete the drills.
The third page of each group is broken up into three sections. There are 4 words in the synonyms section. There are four multiple choice questions where you are to choose a word or phrase whose meaning is the closest to the word given. The second section, containing 2 words, is analogies. Example: "5. Inconsequential is to insignificant as A. saunter is to run B. exile is to welcome C. permanence is to stability D. noble is to indecent E. omnipresent is to hateful". The third section , also containing 2 words, is sentence completion. You will get a sentence with a line indicating a missing word. You are to choose the correct word from the five choices.
The fourth page of each group gives the answers to the multiple choice questions on the previous page. These are not just A, B, C answers, they are very detailed explanations of why this is the answer and why the other choices are wrong.
I think this book is such a brilliant idea to get the Twilight fans to dig a little deeper and learn so much more than they would otherwise.
September 24, 2009
The success that is Twilight is beyond limits. It was a defining point that separates the industry in before or after Twilight. It certainly made teens and young adults everywhere discover or rediscover an interest (or in my case, passion) for reading. And I believe it gave YA books the wonderful momentum we are now enjoying.
What an incredible and creative idea had Brian Leaf to make another learning experience out of an opportunity like this. I'm really hoping this workbook has an impact close to what the novel did on every teen specially for the Twilight fans.
Its amazing how much I enjoy reading Twilight. Yes, I read it again, you need it to complete the workbook. But it is way more amazing how we can now actually enjoy learning vocabulary. To be honest, I was a little skeptical about accepting this for review because its not a book. Now, I am so thankful and glad that I got this and really exited for the Defining New Moon that will be coming out next.
I am currently taking writing courses in college and my writing and vocabulary has definitely improved since I finished Defining Twilight. I even showed my writing consultant the workbook and she was thrilled and exited when she saw it. I think everyone can learn from it. So I cant thank Brian enough for putting this in my way, I know I would have never grabbed it on my own. So all of you crazy Twilight fans like, go get your copy of Defining Twilight. I bet you will come back and thank me!
Go enter my giveaway for 3 copies of this at my blog!
What an incredible and creative idea had Brian Leaf to make another learning experience out of an opportunity like this. I'm really hoping this workbook has an impact close to what the novel did on every teen specially for the Twilight fans.
Its amazing how much I enjoy reading Twilight. Yes, I read it again, you need it to complete the workbook. But it is way more amazing how we can now actually enjoy learning vocabulary. To be honest, I was a little skeptical about accepting this for review because its not a book. Now, I am so thankful and glad that I got this and really exited for the Defining New Moon that will be coming out next.
I am currently taking writing courses in college and my writing and vocabulary has definitely improved since I finished Defining Twilight. I even showed my writing consultant the workbook and she was thrilled and exited when she saw it. I think everyone can learn from it. So I cant thank Brian enough for putting this in my way, I know I would have never grabbed it on my own. So all of you crazy Twilight fans like, go get your copy of Defining Twilight. I bet you will come back and thank me!
Go enter my giveaway for 3 copies of this at my blog!
January 12, 2010
Set Up for the Book:
Defining Twilight is a vocabulary book for young adults. The author, Brian Leaf, shows the reader important vocabulary words from within Stephanie Meyer’s immensely popular book Twilight. These words have value for a variety of standardized tests in the US - the SAT, ACT, GED, and SSAT.
Taken from the book there are eight vocabulary words placed into each of eight sections. With reference to the context of the novel, the student is asked to give a definition for each word. Page numbers are given with each word so definitions can be easily figured out. Correct definitions of each word are supplied on the next page. Then questions are offered on synonyms, analogies, and sentence completion. All these activities teach important skills and are assessed when the above tests are taken.
My Thoughts:
Defining Twilight is very well organized, with an amazing number of words which I had not noticed when reading the actual novel - Twilight. It was interesting to see the number of significant and important vocabulary words that Leaf pulled from this popular vampire saga.
Highly recommended for a fun way to learn vocabulary; enjoyment and interest enhances learning, which in turn facilitates memory retention.
Defining Twilight is a vocabulary book for young adults. The author, Brian Leaf, shows the reader important vocabulary words from within Stephanie Meyer’s immensely popular book Twilight. These words have value for a variety of standardized tests in the US - the SAT, ACT, GED, and SSAT.
Taken from the book there are eight vocabulary words placed into each of eight sections. With reference to the context of the novel, the student is asked to give a definition for each word. Page numbers are given with each word so definitions can be easily figured out. Correct definitions of each word are supplied on the next page. Then questions are offered on synonyms, analogies, and sentence completion. All these activities teach important skills and are assessed when the above tests are taken.
My Thoughts:
Defining Twilight is very well organized, with an amazing number of words which I had not noticed when reading the actual novel - Twilight. It was interesting to see the number of significant and important vocabulary words that Leaf pulled from this popular vampire saga.
Highly recommended for a fun way to learn vocabulary; enjoyment and interest enhances learning, which in turn facilitates memory retention.
Read
December 24, 2009I am not a Twilight fan (I haven't read the series, nor have I seen the movie). In fact, the Twilight craze drives me bonkers. I feel it is overexposed and, frankly, annoying. But my disapproval of Twilight fandom did not stop me from accepting the opportunity to review Defining Twilight--and it's one decision I am glad I made!
When this workbook came on the scene, many eyes rolled (mine included), but with or without the Twilight name, this book is a useful resource. I am not a student preparing for a standardized test; however, I am a person who enjoys learning new words and seeks opportunities to expand my vocabulary.
The strategies implemented in Defining Twilight are simply great vocabulary improvement strategies. In each section, eight words are chosen and readers use context clues, synonyms, analogies, and sentence completions to comprehend and apply the meanings of unfamiliar terms. Through its use of higher order thinking processes, this resource allows readers to think critically and creatively acquire new vocabulary.
I highly recommend Defining Twilight to students and anyone who wants to build his/her vocabulary. This study aid is enjoyable, practical and takes the anxiety out of vocabulary preparation.
When this workbook came on the scene, many eyes rolled (mine included), but with or without the Twilight name, this book is a useful resource. I am not a student preparing for a standardized test; however, I am a person who enjoys learning new words and seeks opportunities to expand my vocabulary.
The strategies implemented in Defining Twilight are simply great vocabulary improvement strategies. In each section, eight words are chosen and readers use context clues, synonyms, analogies, and sentence completions to comprehend and apply the meanings of unfamiliar terms. Through its use of higher order thinking processes, this resource allows readers to think critically and creatively acquire new vocabulary.
I highly recommend Defining Twilight to students and anyone who wants to build his/her vocabulary. This study aid is enjoyable, practical and takes the anxiety out of vocabulary preparation.
April 22, 2010
My sixteen year old daughter and I both have read and enjoyed the Twilight books. When I saw this vocabulary workbook, I knew that this would be a fun way for her to prepare for the SAT and ACT tests.
This workbook encourages the user to pull out their well-loved (and most likely dog-eared) copy of Twilight as they test their knowledge of vocabulary. There are 40 groups of eight words that are used in the book. First you are asked to look up certain page numbers and look for that word. Using context clues, you try to figure out the meaning of the word.
The next page shows the exact definitions of each word and encourages the reader to re-read those passages with this new understanding. Finally, the student is asked to figure out either the synonym, analogy, or sentence completion for each group of words.
My daughter has really enjoyed working through this book the past couple of days. You know you have a winner when you discover the book on the kitchen table one moment, lying on the couch another, and propped up on her bed a third. It's obviously being used. I would recommend this book to anyone who is either preparing for a test or just enjoys improving their vocabulary--especially if they are Twilight fans!
This workbook encourages the user to pull out their well-loved (and most likely dog-eared) copy of Twilight as they test their knowledge of vocabulary. There are 40 groups of eight words that are used in the book. First you are asked to look up certain page numbers and look for that word. Using context clues, you try to figure out the meaning of the word.
The next page shows the exact definitions of each word and encourages the reader to re-read those passages with this new understanding. Finally, the student is asked to figure out either the synonym, analogy, or sentence completion for each group of words.
My daughter has really enjoyed working through this book the past couple of days. You know you have a winner when you discover the book on the kitchen table one moment, lying on the couch another, and propped up on her bed a third. It's obviously being used. I would recommend this book to anyone who is either preparing for a test or just enjoys improving their vocabulary--especially if they are Twilight fans!
September 27, 2009
For those of you who poo-poos Twilight all I have to say is now what!? Just like with #beatcancer on twitter, Twilight has found its usefulness. You may think that ‘oh there’s nothing you can learn from Twilight’ well I’ll have you know I’ve tested this book out. It does work. Granted one of my friends flew by this book without any help, another one found this book useful and challenging. Shocker isn’t it.
This book is innovation, clever, and fun at times. Pick up your copy of Twilight and correspond the word to the sentence and there is your context clue. It makes the person read and help them learn at the same time. Don’t be too judgmental that it had the words “TWILIGHT” on it.
Here’s a way to look at this. My friend made a comment that she would definitely something like this if it was Harry Potter based. (She didn’t really like Twilight but loves Harry Potter).
Overall: Resourceful. Try this book with a group of friends who enjoyed. You’ll find yourself having fun learning.
This book is innovation, clever, and fun at times. Pick up your copy of Twilight and correspond the word to the sentence and there is your context clue. It makes the person read and help them learn at the same time. Don’t be too judgmental that it had the words “TWILIGHT” on it.
Here’s a way to look at this. My friend made a comment that she would definitely something like this if it was Harry Potter based. (She didn’t really like Twilight but loves Harry Potter).
Overall: Resourceful. Try this book with a group of friends who enjoyed. You’ll find yourself having fun learning.
October 2, 2009
O.K. so we all know Twilight is EVERYWHERE. Who hasn't read it? Some people liked it some people didn't. But i think that since most teens are Twilight fans, it would make studying fun. Defining Twilight is brilliant!
Brian makes it easy to study. I mean, it was fun, i got my little Twilight book out and i was reading the sentences. Right now my life is revolving around ACT's and SAT's because you know it's my senior in high school. AND! i found out the i'm a FREAK"N GENIUS..lol. YAY me *pant on the back* i knew some of the words and well i had fun doing it! I don't care, I'm a Twilight fan(but not overly obsessed)and proud of it!
Now i have to put it to the test, I'll be taking my test in December. But i feel confident and i really do feel like my vocabulary has improved. I mean lets face I HATE studying and test freak me out. This is definitely a better way to learn.I can't wait for Defining New Moon, that will be coming out next!
Brian makes it easy to study. I mean, it was fun, i got my little Twilight book out and i was reading the sentences. Right now my life is revolving around ACT's and SAT's because you know it's my senior in high school. AND! i found out the i'm a FREAK"N GENIUS..lol. YAY me *pant on the back* i knew some of the words and well i had fun doing it! I don't care, I'm a Twilight fan(but not overly obsessed)and proud of it!
Now i have to put it to the test, I'll be taking my test in December. But i feel confident and i really do feel like my vocabulary has improved. I mean lets face I HATE studying and test freak me out. This is definitely a better way to learn.I can't wait for Defining New Moon, that will be coming out next!
October 20, 2009
I know that there has been a bit of surprise when this book came out. But I have to be honest, I was very much intrigued by a prep book based on Twilight.
Looking through this book, I've found that Twilight offered some interesting vocabulary words, ones that readers probably overlooked, pushed aside, or simply ignored. I love the way the book is set up. You try to define the words first on your own - the page numbers for where it is found in the book are provided. The words are then defined and a few pages of practice questions are found.
Remember, this is simply vocabulary prep. This could help students that struggle with vocabulary and help them practice for the SAT, ACT, GED, or SSAT. I wouldn't limit it to being the only reference for vocabulary on these tests, but it's a great start to get students thinking about how much they do need to prep for these tests.
Looking through this book, I've found that Twilight offered some interesting vocabulary words, ones that readers probably overlooked, pushed aside, or simply ignored. I love the way the book is set up. You try to define the words first on your own - the page numbers for where it is found in the book are provided. The words are then defined and a few pages of practice questions are found.
Remember, this is simply vocabulary prep. This could help students that struggle with vocabulary and help them practice for the SAT, ACT, GED, or SSAT. I wouldn't limit it to being the only reference for vocabulary on these tests, but it's a great start to get students thinking about how much they do need to prep for these tests.
September 6, 2009
I know that there are folks that have had enough of anything Twilight, but I have to say this is an interesting concept. What a fun way to learn some new vocabulary, whether you are studying for a test or just want to learn something new. I think one can never have enough tools available to increase one's knowledge.
The book is easy to work through and understand. You can pick up the book and literally start on page one and know what you need to do, it's that simple. There are page references back to the Twilight book if you want reference points, etc.
In short I think whatever gets someone excited to learn is a good thing. If you have a Twilight fan or are one and want to pick up some more vocabulary, this is a great, fun way to do so.
The book is easy to work through and understand. You can pick up the book and literally start on page one and know what you need to do, it's that simple. There are page references back to the Twilight book if you want reference points, etc.
In short I think whatever gets someone excited to learn is a good thing. If you have a Twilight fan or are one and want to pick up some more vocabulary, this is a great, fun way to do so.
October 9, 2009
It's hard to give a review to a book that is actually more of a workbook. But really the author is capitalizing on something that is huge right now. And I believe it would actually help students to study for standard exams. I worked though it and was amazed at how the information is presented. It's not overwhelming. And Twilight isn't the only thing referenced. I saw Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter, and Terminator to name a few. I'm not able to test my new found vocabulary knowledge, but I would recommend this to any parents trying to get their high schoolers to study for an exam!
February 1, 2011
I volunteered to review this study guide, but it took me longer than anticipated to finish the assignment, mainly because.........it was boring. I don't find the whole Twilight experience to be that exciting, and I thought I might change my mind by reading this book. I must be too old to appreciate the young adult angst on which the Twilight stories depend. I did find the book interesting and useful to the extent that it was a good vocabulary builder.
April 16, 2011
I was dubious about this Twilight workbook, but it's actually helpful & I do think it could help increase someone's vocabulary. It is not large, so the amount of words are limited, but after finishing the workbook you will understand the words completely. With the help of Twilight references, that make the understanding easier. This workbook can be used as much for Twilight-lovers as it could be used by Twilight-haters.
June 22, 2010
This book is fun. I loved the Twilight series so it is a nice companion with the book. I'm a little to old for SAT's & etc. but I still love word games and this is fun one for that. I think it helps to have a copy of Twilight with you while reading this but really some could be done without it.
June 28, 2011
One of the best ways to improve your vocabulary is to read & look up words you come across that you do not know. This book makes this super easy. I am sure many young women are improving their standardized test scores with the help of Twilight and this book! :)
Want to read
May 16, 2011I'm not taking the SAT's or ACT's, but this is proof that if you slap "Twilight" on a product I will buy! Ok, I only bought it because it was a nickel! Maybe it will be useful to my daughter one day (or if I'm ever brave enough to return to teaching).
July 18, 2013
This book helped me to learn some new words and see how diverse Stephenie Meyer's vocabulary is! We often don't realize that we are seeing new words because when we read we just get that feeling out of the word without actually knowing the meaning of it.
Read
October 28, 2009Sophia wanted to do this for "school." So, we'll try it. Could be fun!
October 2, 2009
See my review about this book on Amazon. It's really an amazing study guide - or just a great work play book for those of us who love words !
April 10, 2010
Not your typical boring SAT/ACT review. I like how they put the page numbers with the vocabulary so that you can follow along in the book.
Want to read
December 19, 2011I'm studying for my GED test and, since I love Twilight, I think this will be a fun way to do it! So far it is.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews