The dreaded test that determines the fate of many college-bound children.

Success on the verbal sections depends, in large part, on a good working vocabulary. Vocabulary building doesn’t happen overnight, but VERBAL EDGE for the SAT, a little-known gem in the flood of SAT prep materials, can help. This program impressed our teen-testers because they didn’t mind playing it every weekend, and its unique approach to teaching vocabulary made the words stick.

VERBAL EDGE for the SAT Published on November 15th, 2002

VERBAL EDGE for the SAT drills 400 key SAT words by presenting them in two different game formats. In “Mind Links”, players match two words that have the same meaning within a grid of 40 words. When clicked, the word brings up a separate screen in which the definition is spoken as it is read, and it is used in a context that teens can relate to. Players hear other teens use the word in a “whine” to their parents or a friend. Up to 4 players can compete at a time so that this game can appeal to social learners. In “Virtual Vocabulary,” players review a set of 20 words at a time. The word, its definition, and a fun mnemonic appear on a separate screen which is read aloud. After this initial review of the words, players are challenged to match the words with their meanings on a grid. The mnemonic is reinforced when pairs are matched. This software is carefully thought out to appeal to many different types of learners. All the words are pronounced as well as read. To appeal to the social learner, the games can be played by more than one person. The software uses audio, print, grids, animation, humor, and relevant teen dialogue to further appeal to all learning styles. Seeking to go beyond rout memorization, VERBAL EDGE presents clever ways to remember the words. In “Mind Links” after teens hear and read the word and its meaning, they hear other teens “whine” using the word. For the word “eclectic,” teens hear: “But Mom, I need an eclectic wardrobe, I can’t wear the same outfit twice!” In “Virtual Vocabulary,” each word is presented with a mnemonic. For “egregious” players are told that they can see the word “egg” in the word. The software tells you to think “an egg left in the house is a bad thing. Egregious—egg in the house—something that is very bad.” These special techniques help children to build bridges in their minds from the new words to their long term memory. The software comes with a higher score guarantee. Take the pre-test, work through the software, and then take the post-test offered on the software. If your child’s score doesn’t improve, the publisher will give you your money back. The software is available in a home edition for $69.95 or a teacher edition for $79.95.
Summary Age  12 - 99 Platform  Windows Price  $69.95 Category  Test Prep. Grade  ISBN  Company  Castle Hill Learning Company (973) 299-2802 http://www.verbaledgesat.com

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Jinny Gudmundsen is the Editor of Computing With Kids magazine. If you have questions or comments, please write to: .

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