Word Workout

Building a Muscular Vocabularly in 10 Easy Steps

By: Charles Harrington Elster

Narrated by: Charles Harrington Elster

Word Workout is a practical audiobook for building vocabulary - a graduated program featuring thousands of words that begins with those known by most college graduates and ascends to words known only by the most educated, intelligent, and well-read adults. This workout is a comprehensive program, chock-full of information about synonyms, antonyms, and word origins, and replete with advice on proper usage and pronunciation. There are also creative review quizzes at each step of the way to measure your progress and reinforce learning. Unlike other vocabulary books, Word Workout provides a complete learning experience with clear explanations and surefire methods to retain new knowledge. Far more than a cram session for a standardized test, this book is designed as a lifetime vocabulary builder, featuring words used by the top tier of literate Americans, laid out in 10 accessible chapters designed for anyone who is looking for some serious verbal exercise.

From "avowal" to "proselytize", from "demagogue" to "mendicant", Charles Harrington Elster has carefully picked the words you need to know, and given you an easy, fast, and fail-safe way to learn and remember them.

©2014 Charles Harrington Elster (P)2014 Macmillan Audio

Finally found the perfect vocab book

I am very stingy with my credits. This book is so, so worth it! I was kind of worried that the words would be too easy at first, but that is NOT the case. And even so, Mr. Harrington Elster includes valuable information such as etymology, synonyms, applications so you learn way more about words you may already know.

The words get progressively more difficult as the book goes on and I am very pleased that the last 100+ words are obscure to the point I’ve never even heard them before.

Also, this is narrated by the author (who has an excellent voice—I read that he was a voice talent), and he’s pretty clearly a pedant, which is exactly what I want from someone pronouncing difficult vocabulary.

The vast amount of words I don’t know

Very compelling a book I didn’t know I needed
The test made it easy to learn each word

The best 💪

This is the best language building program I have found.

- Well narrated
- Includes the spelling of each word
- Offers nuanced definitions by comparing distinctions in word usage and origin
- Short descriptions of root prefixes and suffixes
- Lists synonyms and antonyms

He's like listening to NPR while learning.

It's a Wonderful Learning tool. The advanced vocabulary in this audiobook gives a brief visual history's of the word usage, while noting his sources. His voice is very calming, and to the point, minus the role playing thank you very much! I've got my moneys worth.😃

EDUCATIONAL, ENTERTAINING, ENGROSSING, ETC.

Would you consider the audio edition of Word Workout to be better than the print version?

Yes.

What other book might you compare Word Workout to and why?

"Verbal Advantage," also by Mr. Elster, is exceptionally excellent, or, if you will, super superb!

Which character – as performed by Charles Harrington Elster – was your favorite?

The English language, as performed by Mr. Elster, becomes a weapon of choice.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. The spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak. Woulda. Coulda. Shoulda. But did not.

Any additional comments?

Five stars all the way around, except re: usage. Mr. Elster's elitist, schoolmarmish refusal to allow the English language to lead its own life, in its own way, on the tongues of its speakers, is snooty, snobby, constrictive, constraining, constipated, and contrary to the realities of experience. Listening to Mr. Elster nay-saying the free speech of a free people is nauseating. Reminds me of Xerxes punishing the ocean by going down to the beach and whipping the waves into submission. Better to let the waves come in and the words come out.

Best vocabulary book A++

A++ best purchase made yet. Highly recommended for everyone of all ages and abilities. Organized and easy to follow and learn from.

So much fun!

Elster does a great job of sharing his passion for language I will look for more work by him.

loved it.

I enjoy listening to this audiobook while I work. The program features definitions, antonyms, synonyms, and etymology. good stuff.

Great vocabulary builder

I have 3 other of Elster’s word books and this one is my favorite. It goes into more depth about usage and other useful information

No Chapter Headings? Mortal Sin?

5 stars less no chapter names = 1 *
each chapter is a word or quiz or tip. i would say the best I have heard. I own 3 of this author's audio books. None with chapter headers. I have decided NO more BUY chapter-less books