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Our recommended choice of vocabulary software
We have reviewed all the major vocabulary software products. In doing this we found many features that are essential for vocabulary software. Unfortunately, many vocabulary programs lack essential features, severely limiting their usefulness.
In short, any quality vocabulary software program should have the following features:
- The ability to create custom word lists - You need this feature because you don't want to be stuck with the word lists selected by the software authors. Such word lists are likely to be either too hard, too easy, or not suit your needs.
- A built in dictionary and thesaurus - We were amazed that some vocabulary programs we reviewed didn't even have a dictionary! If you can't look up any word and learn it, you are limited to the short wordlists selected by the software authors. A good dictionary is essential to any good vocabulary software program.
- Ability to track your progress - A good vocabulary program should allow you to track your progress so you can see how you are improving. You should not start working on your vocabulary unless you are tracking your progress. Otherwise, how do you know that you're even improving? We liken this to going on a diet and not tracking your weight - it would be madness!
- A wide range of exercises and tests - A good vocabulary building program should have a wide range of exercises and tests. This will help you learn faster and retain words longer. Some of the lower quality programs out there only offer one type of test and flash cards. As a minimum you should expect to get 3 different types of tests and some interactive exercises.
Our recommended choice:
Based on the above points, we highly recommend the Ultimate Vocabulary package. It has all of the featurs mentioned above plus a lot more. We also liked the fact that it's a modern user-friendly proram that's a pleasure to work with. |
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