The Critical Thinking Co

Vocabulary Virtuoso: PSAT-SAT Book 2 (Grades 8-12+)

Recommended Ages

8th–12th grades+

Vocabulary Virtuoso: PSAT–SAT Book 2 continues the work of Book 1 with an even more challenging set of college-bound words and nuanced usage practice. Designed for grades 8–12+, it uses readings, sentence completions, and cumulative reviews to push students toward the level of precision needed on higher-stakes exams and in advanced coursework. Parents appreciate that it can serve both as test prep and as a companion to literature and writing. It’s most effective when used consistently over time rather than rushed. For families who value strong verbal skills and want a structured, affordable tool beyond simple flashcards, Book 2 is a smart follow-up.

Ideal for grades 10–12 (or advanced younger students) who are aiming for competitive college admissions, enjoy logic puzzles and wordplay, and are willing to do small but consistent amounts of written work to expand their vocabulary. It suits secular families wanting a pencil-and-paper alternative to subscription apps.

Pros

Book 2 steps up the rigor for teens who have already worked through Book 1 or another solid vocab base, offering more challenging words and exercises that mimic the complexity of SAT/ACT-level reading. Parents appreciate that it remains secular and straightforward to schedule, providing a clear way to keep vocabulary growing all the way through high school. 

Cons

Like Book 1, it’s intensely workbook-based and can feel monotonous if assigned in big chunks; it doesn’t replace full-length exam practice or reading dense literature. For teens who aren’t college-test bound, the level of difficulty can feel unnecessary or demotivating.

As with other Critical Thinking Co. workbooks, many ESA and charter families purchase Book 2 through approved curriculum vendors, but reimbursement is program‑dependent.

$21.99

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Vocabulary Virtuoso: PSAT-SAT Book 2 (Grades 8-12+)
$21.99 USD

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Vocabulary Virtuoso: PSAT-SAT Book 2 (Grades 8-12+) Mission

Vocabulary Virtuoso: PSAT-SAT Book 2 continues the work of Book 1 by offering a second year of advanced vocabulary study for teens who want to stretch their word knowledge even further. The lessons introduce new sets of PSAT and SAT-level words through definitions, context-rich sentences, short stories, and review activities that require students to think carefully about nuance and usage. Its mission is to solidify a broad, flexible vocabulary that will serve students well on exams, in challenging reading, and in their own speaking and writing.

Vocabulary Virtuoso: PSAT-SAT Book 2 (Grades 8-12+) Story

Book 2 of the Vocabulary Virtuoso PSAT-SAT series was created in response to teachers and families who had worked through Book 1 and wanted more practice at a similar level. Author Nancy Forderer structured this volume with 20 additional word lists and regular cumulative reviews, ensuring that students revisit earlier terms even as they learn new ones. Like Book 1, it has been adopted by homeschools and schools as a once- or twice-weekly supplement, a summer bridge program, or a focused test-prep course in the year leading up to major exams. Together, the two books form a flexible toolkit for multi-year vocabulary growth in the high-school years.

About Modular Learning

FAQ: Additional Details about Vocabulary Virtuoso: PSAT-SAT Book 2 (Grades 8-12+)

Teens typically move through each list over several days, completing exercises and periodic review tests, gradually building a larger bank of sophisticated vocabulary for exams and academic writing.

Book 2 in the PSAT/SAT Vocabulary Virtuoso series continues the exam‑focused approach, offering a new set of advanced word lists with lessons built around definitions, context reading, and varied practice activities.

Book 2 is usually student‑led; parents mainly check work and may assign occasional writing prompts or timed practice using Book 2 words.

Like Book 1, it is intended for strong readers in grades 8–12 who already have a solid vocabulary foundation and are ready for more challenging terms.

Book 2 builds on Book 1 with more advanced terms, supporting college‑bound teens who enjoy precision in language. Dyslexic learners might focus on oral usage and recognition instead of spelling perfection, and families can prioritize a subset of high‑value words to avoid overload.

These books can suit verbally advanced 2e kids who like patterns and explicit practice with academic vocabulary. Keep expectations flexible—doing fewer exercises with more discussion often works better than grinding through every page.

Purchases made directly from The Critical Thinking Co. are generally covered by the same 60‑day money‑back guarantee that applies to the rest of their catalog.

Not a fit for students who are still catching up on basic reading skills, for kids whose post–high school plans don’t involve standardized tests, or for teens already overwhelmed by multiple intense AP or dual-enrollment courses.

Alternatives include digital tools like Membean or Vocabulary.com, more literature-centered prep with robust annotation (using challenging novels, essays, and journalism), and broader SAT prep programs such as Khan Academy or private tutoring through Wyzant or Modulo. 

Content remains largely stable, but the publisher keeps the series in print and may refresh formatting to stay consistent with other Critical Thinking Co. titles.

Have your teen treat each lesson as “word strength training”: work through a modest set of items, then immediately pick two or three new words to deliberately use that week in emails, notes, or conversation—this real-world use is what makes the intensive vocabulary practice pay off.

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Meet Nancy

In Vocabulary Virtuoso: PSAT-SAT Book 2, retired teacher Nancy Forderer again brings her decades of experience with teens to bear, selecting words that are challenging but genuinely useful in literature, textbooks, and academic writing. She fine-tunes the mix of exercises to dig deeper into synonyms, idioms, and context so that students do not just memorize definitions but also learn to choose the right word for a situation. Nancy's background in crafting engaging language arts lessons shines through in the book's varied activities, which many students find more enjoyable than traditional flash-card drill.