Vocabulary for SAT and PSAT

I found yet another site to use in studying for the SAT and PSAT tests. A unique site called Word-Nerd which I feel would be great for audio and visual learns.

A character named Sheldon will be your tour guide and show you all the unique aspects of the site. You have to take the tour in order to look at the site, after that you need to register to use it. There are two options a year for $69 or thirty day cram plan for $25. At the top of the home page you will see when the next SAT/ACT tests will be given, I thought that was pretty cool.

One unique aspect of this site is instead of giving one word at time you get one word with other words that fall into the same category. These are pulled up on what is called a SmartSet and you will find Sheldon there as a visual aid for words. Students can click on the words below the main word for the exact definition along with hearing the pronunciation of the word.

Students can test their knowledge through a quiz once the student submits their answer they are told if they are right or wrong. If they were wrong the correct word will appear. Quizzes can be taken based on the SmartSet the student is studying or once they feel they have mastered the quizzes they can take a test which includes all the words. Word-Nerd will keep track of all the scores from quizzes and tests to allow you and your student to focus on any weak areas.

The last unique aspect of this site is that includes a list of the most often used suffixes, prefixes and roots. If the student was studying root words they would see the root, the meaning along with examples.

Be sure to take a look at the links page as well, there are some useful links there.

There are other sites for studying vocabulary under the resource button, but because all students learn differently I will incorporate different sites as I find them. Also this site has been added to the resource page, so if you don't bookmark/favorite you will be able to find easily.

SAT/ACT Vocabulary Videos

While I thought I had saved the link for the other vocabulary site I mentioned it was not there. However today from Homeschool FreeStuff there was a link for this site "VocabAhead."

I played around on it for awhile and check some things out. I was really interested in creating my own list, but it seems like you can only use the words they have. I searched for one of Brandon's vocabulary words and could not find it. Maybe it is because it is designed for studying for the SAT/ACT.

What I did like was the videos, I like the fact that the vocabulary word is said so you are not going, "How do I pronounce that?" They are done in a cartoon format and even include more on how the word can be used. The word and definition are included on the card displayed along with the part of speech in the upper right hand corner.

Other features include quizzes, flashcards and to upload your own video. What a fun way to learn vocabulary for someone interested in creating videos. There is a blog, community, forums and word of the day available at the bottom of the page.

More Vocabulary for the SAT

This past week there were two suggestions for vocabulary from two other homeschool moms on a Yahoo group I belong to.

The first one is Prestwick House, which carries other items geared towards English as well. Focusing on the vocabulary, there are various programs to use in order to prepare a student for the SAT.

1.)Vocabulary Power Plus for the new SAT is a serious of four books, one for each year of high school, with a cost of $8.99 each.

2.) Vocabulary from Latin and Greek Roots contains 40 different products to improve vocabulary through roots. The products contained in this series is for 5th - 12th grades. Samples are available for all products, books $8.99, software $19.99 and posters $28.95.

3.)Vocabulary for the College Bound is geared toward 7th - 12th grade with a book for each level at $7.95.

Wow! I spent a lot more time at this site than I thought. However, it gave me an opportunity to not only write this blog, but see what they really had to offer. I am exactly impressed with what I saw, the cost is great and at this point I am considering making a purchase. I like that there is a book, software and a poster to aid in a greater understanding.

I want to say that if you visit the site click on the sample from the product you are interested in. There are samples located on the product page, which I clicked on and had to go through a whole process for purchasing. I will say that those are more indepth, but you will be prompted to enter your credit card information. This is what I did, put zeros for the card number, checked the type of card, put in the expiration date and zeros for the four number digit code on the back. It went through with no problem.

You also may want to look at Test Prep, AP Teaching Units and Resources and Refrences.

Also save 50% off on books, includes recommended titles from colleges. See the link on the resource page, it is the last one I just added it today. I asked the company about the 50% off sale and check this out, it is ongoing plus they said the books include added side notes, glossary and vocabulary. It was cool I just pressed the box for online help and there it was, way cool. I'm stoked now!!! Going to make my list.

Vocabulary Study For ACT/SAT

Recently I learned about three products for studying vocabulary for the ACT/SAT. While you can use the flashcard method which I blogged on previously or you can chose one of these options.


The first is a series of books written by Josh Burk, does that last name look familiar? If so that is because he is the son of Jean Burk author of "College Prep Genius." After Josh and his sister had completed their testing the family was left with a pile of vocabulary flashcards. The family had worked hard researching the most common words used on the ACT/SAT test. Dad had the brilliant idea of incorporating all the words into books so, son Josh did just that.

I received a free copy of one of Josh's books from his mom at the NBHE conference after I signed up for her newsletter. The book "Planet Exile" is a futuristic story about a young man who is sent to a boys military academy which orbits the galaxy after his ultimate prank. The ship eventually crashes on Planet Exile which is filled with gunslingers and outlaws. During the process of finding their way home they strive to stop "planetary wide rebellion, overthrow a dictator and save a young princess."

Each book contains various vocabulary words through out, which are in bold. At the bottom of the page you will find the word and definition. Each book contains 300 words along with a glossary at the back of the book. Currently Josh has written four books, each book sells for $12.95. Visit Josh's site VocabCafe to view a synopsis of two of the four books and view the reviews. You can purchase all of Josh's books at Rock Solid for the same price or get all four for $47.97.

I know I mentioned three products, but because I have this product in my possesion this blog was longer than intended. So, I will discuss the two other products in another blog.