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Vocabulary software programs are the most powerful and versatile, and one of the most popular, tools for enhancing your vocabulary. A wide variety of vocabulary software is available today, at different prices and with different sets of features, advantages, and disadvantages. A little study and care must be taken before purchasing or using vocabulary software. As Epstein, R & Ormiston M (2007, p. 154) point out, some initially attractive vocabulary software programs do not provide an extended context for vocabulary.

The following is a very brief review of some of the popular software applications for developing vocabulary, on the market today.

eReflect Software, which co-owns the Research One website, has specially developed its own vocabulary-building software called Ultimate Vocabulary. You can read a review of Ultimate Vocabulary here, at Write Better English by Serenson Pty Ltd. Among other compliments, the review says that the makers of Ultimate Vocabulary really “know their stuff” and that Ultimate Vocabulary “lives up to its name” as the ultimate vocabulary software:

"We were surprised by how many words we did not know until using Ultimate Vocabulary. These words are not esoteric; rather, they are useful words that convey meanings that other words might not capture quite as well."

The review also mentions, among other things, how Ultimate Vocabulary's makers know the importance of seeing words in context. For example, Ultimate Vocabulary comes with a database of many example sentences for each word you are learning. As well as other special features, all the words come with audio pronunciation by a real person, rather than just a computer-generated voice.

In the interests of full disclosure, eReflect Software, Serenson Pty Ltd, and Research One each receive a portion of some of Ultimate Vocabulary's sales. But, at just $67, Ultimate Vocabulary is, in our admittedly biased opinion, the best value for money vocabulary building software on the market.

WordSmart Adult Learning Excellence is efficient and user friendly vocabulary software. It contains more than10000 pronounced words, 2800 defined words, and more than 400 core words, and includes quizzes, word matches, games, flash cards, and a lot of other features. The software is accurate in grammar and word associations. However, at $215, the software is relatively expensive.

Vocaboly is learning software for vocabulary that can be used by people with varying degrees of language skills. It contains five books with more than 12000 words, audio pronunciation for words, quizzes, word tickers, games, questions, and other features. The program uses correct grammar and meaning, but lacks preset flash cards and uses only simple graphics.

Vocabulary Super Stretch is vocabulary software that can be used by high school and college students, and adults. It covers more than 200 core words and a large number of their derivatives, and has word matches, puzzles, exercises, questions, and more. As far as we could see, the software is accurate in grammar and spelling.

Vocabulary Fitness is software for learning vocabulary that relies on exercises and questions to give the student a firm grasp of words. The vocabulary software covers more than 150 root words and a lot of derived words, and has quizzes and games. The definitions and other information about words are kept simple, and instead focus is given on exercises. The program is generally accurate in grammar and meaning, but contains occasional inconsistencies.

WordPal is vocabulary software that is most suited for students, though adults could also use it. The vocabulary software contains more than 3500 words with precise definitions, usage, and pronunciation, and includes flash cards, games, and quizzes. The application is accurate in grammar and meaning. However, the words are not so advanced, since the software is meant primarily for students.

Wordflash is a cheap application that provides definitions for, and information about, more than 4000 words. The vocabulary software contains an extensive list of words and usage information. However, there are a few grammar mistakes that could mislead learners, and the developers do not provide any further assistance such as telephone support or email support.

In general, vocabulary software is an extremely useful and versatile resource for increasing your proficiency in the use of words. Since practice is key to increasing reading comprehension and vocabulary, software packages may be used to make this practice faster and more fun (Roblyer, M D (2004, p. 65)).

REFERENCES

Epstein, R & Ormiston M 2007, Tools and tips for using ELT materials, University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, MI.

Roblyer, M D 2004, Educational Technology in Action, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.