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I Used to Know That
I Used to Know That: Geography
Have you forgotten all you ever learned about climate change? What do you really know about GM foods? Can you remember everything you learned at school about earthquakes?This useful guide reminds you of everything you once learned – or should have learned – about the earth, its resources and atmosphere, and human activity and its effects.Discover the physical world of rivers, glaciers and coasts; the human world of population changes and migration; agriculture, including farming, GM foods and the green revolution; and industry, from tourism to ports and old industry.I Used To Know Geography is an accessible yet fun way to revisit all the stuff you have forgotten from your school days but really should remember.
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 27, 2010
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150 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 6, 2017
I read a general "I Used To Know That" book recently, and as Geography was one of my favourite High School Subjects I thought I would pick this one up also.
It's a books of facts, some that you will remember being taught at some stage, some maybe not, broken into the categories of The Physical World and The Human World. So, for example, there are facts about rivers and weather, but also about population and tourism.
A fun little fact refresher if you are so inclined :)
It's a books of facts, some that you will remember being taught at some stage, some maybe not, broken into the categories of The Physical World and The Human World. So, for example, there are facts about rivers and weather, but also about population and tourism.
A fun little fact refresher if you are so inclined :)
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May 4, 2014Williams, W. (2011). I used to know that: Geography. White Plains, NY: Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.
Review: School Library Journal - http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.libsrv.wku...
Reference Type: Geographical Reference
DDC: 900
Content Scope: The author of this book presents discussions about the disparity between the very rich and very poor in America and in some other cultures. It includes many statistics as well.
Accuracy, Authority, Bias: The author is the head of the geography department at a school in London. The book presents geographical facts about each continent.
Arrangement and Presentation: This book is organized in to chapters by continent.
Relation to similar works: Very few geography reference books are available in the library. Students in sixth grade must complete a geography project each year which would make this a valuable resource.
Timeliness and Permanence: Most of the facts about the geography of the continents would not change with time, so this book would be a quality reference for quite some time.
Accessibility and Diversity: The author of the book included all seven continents in the book making it applicable to persons from all areas of the world.
Cost: $14.95
Review: School Library Journal - http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.libsrv.wku...
Reference Type: Geographical Reference
DDC: 900
Content Scope: The author of this book presents discussions about the disparity between the very rich and very poor in America and in some other cultures. It includes many statistics as well.
Accuracy, Authority, Bias: The author is the head of the geography department at a school in London. The book presents geographical facts about each continent.
Arrangement and Presentation: This book is organized in to chapters by continent.
Relation to similar works: Very few geography reference books are available in the library. Students in sixth grade must complete a geography project each year which would make this a valuable resource.
Timeliness and Permanence: Most of the facts about the geography of the continents would not change with time, so this book would be a quality reference for quite some time.
Accessibility and Diversity: The author of the book included all seven continents in the book making it applicable to persons from all areas of the world.
Cost: $14.95
October 20, 2011
In our ever changing world, it is important to have a general idea of geography. In this new book, Williams & Taggart lay out the basics of geography in an easy to read fashion. The book is broken into sections, making finding information about a specific area of the world a snap. Information dealing with continents, countries, capitals, and landforms abounds within these pages. There are also "Geo Gems" with fun information throughout the book(like "What is the difference between a rain forest and a jungle?" pg.69), and the "human" side of geography is presented with sections like: "The Dust Bowl: A Combination of Human Error and Bad Weather" - pg. 62 - 63. This is a book that will have readers of all ages learning/refreshing facts without stress or pressure.
I continue to enjoy this fun, informative book. It is helpful in my job as well as in my personal life, and I will have a copy in both places. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to brush up on their knowledge or who wants a great reference book for home or office. It will also make a great gift for people of all ages. I received my review copy from FSB Media and Anna Suknov, and thank them very much for the opportunity.
I continue to enjoy this fun, informative book. It is helpful in my job as well as in my personal life, and I will have a copy in both places. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to brush up on their knowledge or who wants a great reference book for home or office. It will also make a great gift for people of all ages. I received my review copy from FSB Media and Anna Suknov, and thank them very much for the opportunity.
May 12, 2012
Even though I hold a major in History, I haven’t taken a geography class since the 6th grade. Clearly, I had a lot to learn...or remember. This book single-handedly brought me up to date and gave me some great factoids to throw around.
Though this book is thin, it packs in some great information. The authors note that geography actually includes aspects of history, sociology, anthropology, archaeology, geology, etc. In an effort to prove this, they describe important historical events such as the dust bowl and some current events such as the recent tsunami. Of course there are some dry parts, but the “geo gems” really spice up the material and certainly made me turn to Google a couple of times to find out more. There was plenty that I remembered from those old geography lessons but I am sure that every reader will discover something new. I am not sure what reading level this book is geared to, but I am certain that readers of all ages will enjoy this book.
www.iamliteraryaddicted.blogspot.com
Though this book is thin, it packs in some great information. The authors note that geography actually includes aspects of history, sociology, anthropology, archaeology, geology, etc. In an effort to prove this, they describe important historical events such as the dust bowl and some current events such as the recent tsunami. Of course there are some dry parts, but the “geo gems” really spice up the material and certainly made me turn to Google a couple of times to find out more. There was plenty that I remembered from those old geography lessons but I am sure that every reader will discover something new. I am not sure what reading level this book is geared to, but I am certain that readers of all ages will enjoy this book.
www.iamliteraryaddicted.blogspot.com
January 8, 2018
I've seen these books around for a few years and have been interested in picking them up. I love being reminded of what I've forgotten, or maybe never learned. I Used to Know That did not disappoint - it reminded me of all my favorite things from social studies without the group work.
In a way, I think education is wasted on kids. I mean, I guess they don't know anything so we've got to teach them something, but I appreciate so much more the nuances of international relations and can appreciate the effects of climate change or tectonic shifts with the experience of living a few years. A short, snappy little book, this is great to pick up when you've got a couple minutes to read and are in the mood for something entertaining but not heavy. I'll be on the lookout for the rest of the series!
In a way, I think education is wasted on kids. I mean, I guess they don't know anything so we've got to teach them something, but I appreciate so much more the nuances of international relations and can appreciate the effects of climate change or tectonic shifts with the experience of living a few years. A short, snappy little book, this is great to pick up when you've got a couple minutes to read and are in the mood for something entertaining but not heavy. I'll be on the lookout for the rest of the series!
January 20, 2015
The information contained in this book is vast, but familiar to some extent. The paths made to make connections between different countries and relating them to culture and climate are well done. It was easy to follow along and not feel overwhelmed. The random facts that are contained throughout the book were interesting, not mundane.
The main thing that detracted from my enjoyment of this book were the maps. The maps were cut off at the edges of the page and the binding obscured the center of them. The detail wasn't there, bodies of water not labeled, sometimes countries not labeled, and parts of the world (especially islands) not included at all on any map throughout the book. Being a geography book, this was the most frustrating part of reading the book. I highly recommend having your own set of maps to look at while reading or use google maps on your phone/tablet as a companion.
The main thing that detracted from my enjoyment of this book were the maps. The maps were cut off at the edges of the page and the binding obscured the center of them. The detail wasn't there, bodies of water not labeled, sometimes countries not labeled, and parts of the world (especially islands) not included at all on any map throughout the book. Being a geography book, this was the most frustrating part of reading the book. I highly recommend having your own set of maps to look at while reading or use google maps on your phone/tablet as a companion.
October 27, 2011
This is a good reference guide with general knowledge on geography. I reviewed the e-arc and there were a lot of grammar mistakes that I hope will be fixed in the final version. I also own "My Grammar and I...or Should That Be Me?" from this series and I found it to be an even easier read because it was able to provide more examples. I felt like I retained more from that one than this one (that I didn't already know of course), but this one is a good reference to keep on hand. I STRONGLY discourage buying this as an e-book. I read this on my e-reader and the fact that I can't flip through the pages as easily is really nerve-wracking. E-readers are best for linear text (ie: fiction and non-fiction stories) and it's incredibly limiting when it comes to anything else.
January 1, 2017
The type of book I usually love but the information is a bit disjointed and the sentences don't always flow. I also find I cannot forgive some of the errors it purports to be truth. For example, the Australian equivalent of a hurricane is given as a willi-willi. Wrong! That would be a cyclone. A willi-willi is a much smaller revolving wind and is usually not tropical. A closer equivalent would be to describe it as a "mini-tornado". It often picks up dust so that you see the whirling movement but is sometimes not seen but felt.
September 19, 2011
This is a very informative and quick read. It is a good reference book to keep on the bookshelf.
February 15, 2015
One to turn to if, like me, your memory of all things geographical is a giant cotton candy void
February 15, 2016
Lots of fun facts. Heavy on global warming preaching.
October 16, 2017
I am being generous, giving the book a rating of 3.
Most of the book was enjoyable, a fun romp through the geography of the world.
However. there were several grammatical errors. The worst was a sentence that said (and I am paraphrasing here, I did not write it down for future reference to use in a review) "They made shaped the boundary by doing xyz." That is the essence---bad verb usage. My example is to show what they did with the verbs in the sentence.
But there were bigger errors, too. The authors stated that the capital of India is Mumbai. It is not. It is New Delhi.
They also stated that the Mariana Islands were (still) part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Or, the way the phrasing was working, it was implying that is the case. The Trust Territory ended in 1986.
Most of the book was enjoyable, a fun romp through the geography of the world.
However. there were several grammatical errors. The worst was a sentence that said (and I am paraphrasing here, I did not write it down for future reference to use in a review) "They made shaped the boundary by doing xyz." That is the essence---bad verb usage. My example is to show what they did with the verbs in the sentence.
But there were bigger errors, too. The authors stated that the capital of India is Mumbai. It is not. It is New Delhi.
They also stated that the Mariana Islands were (still) part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Or, the way the phrasing was working, it was implying that is the case. The Trust Territory ended in 1986.
December 24, 2017
Good summary of the basic areas of Geography.
January 25, 2018
Way more information than I ever learned at school never mind used to know! Very informative and a little book to dip into again on occasion.
August 4, 2019
The skepticism about climate change is a problem.
August 30, 2020
What a lovely, informative little book :)
Written in an amusing way too
I learned loads from this book which is always nice to do :)
Written in an amusing way too
I learned loads from this book which is always nice to do :)
November 22, 2021
I love this topic. I hated the format. Accepting suggestions for a book with a good overview of geography should you have one!
January 7, 2022
It's pretty straightforward. Just some information I forgot from school. It was fun looking up pictures of the different geographical features of the Earth while reading this.
April 13, 2024
Good reminder of all things geography (most of it I already knew since I am a geography teacher after all) 😂
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews