Vocabulary Builder Software: A Review of Three Programs
A Guide to Selecting the Right Vocabulary Builder Software
When evaluating Wordsmart, Ultimate Vocabulary and the Power Vocabulary Builder programs, we looked at two key criterions: the breadth and depth of each program.
The breadth refers to the number of words in the program and depth refers to the depth of lessons to help you learn these words.
Wordsmart:
Wordsmart is a true multi-media tool with animated graphics that require a CD-ROM for use (PC and Mac compatible). Each CD-ROM represents a level of difficulty and has lessons for 200 core words. Most Wordsmart packages include two CD-ROM's for a total of 400 core words. You can use their vocabulary challenge to determine the level of vocabulary that best meets your needs (grade school through executive). You then order two CD-ROMs that match your level.
In terms of breadth, Wordsmart was the most limited of the three programs we reviewed. The package we reviewed only included 400 core words (200 on each CD-ROM). Also, you are limited in your ability to make custom word lists of the 400 core words as only 200 words reside on each CD. But, where Wordsmart falls short in breadth, they make up with depth.
Each core word lesson includes an in depth analysis of the word, its history, definition and tips for standardized exams (when applicable). An audio voice reads each lesson to you. The lesson and tips are great, but the usage examples are light on depth and conext. There are also some fun interactive exercises, including an asteroid game that makes Wordsmart ideal for grade school students.
Summary Review of Wordsmart
Pros: Wordsmart has great animated graphics, and in depth lessons for each word. The asteroid game and fun exercises make it an ideal vocabulary builder for grade school students.
Cons: The average price of a Wordsmart package is $200 making it the most expensive program we reviewed. This package includes only 400 core words-the smallest number of core words for the programs we reviewed
We recommend Wordsmart for parents who want to give their child an edge in grade school
Ultimate Vocabulary:
Ultimate Vocabulary is a Windows PC software program. It requires a .NET plug in for use and is available by download.
Of the vocabulary builder software programs we reviewed, Ultimate Vocabulary had the greatest breadth of words. Ultimate Vocabulary essentially functions as a dictionary with over 120,000 words defined in the program. There are also synonyms and some basic usage examples. If you are looking for a vocabulary builder that serves as a dictionary, Ultimate Vocabulary is a perfect program for you.
Although Ultimate Vocabulary had the greatest breadth of word selection, it fell short in depth of lessons. The definitions are typical dictionary definitions with synonym and antonyms lists. There are no usage tips or lessons and the usage examples are overly simple and provide little context.
Summary Review of Ultimate Vocabulary
Pros: the breadth of words covered is impressive for a vocabulary program. With over 120,000 words defined it doubles as a vocabulary builder software and a dictionary. There are also various exercises for testing your vocabulary knowledge and a testing mechanism that tests you through out the day.
Cons: the lessons are limited to definitions, synonyms and simple usage examples. Most dictionaries provide these lessons for free online.
We recommend Ultimate Vocabulary for anyone who is looking for a dictionary resource and a tool to help track words they are learning.
Power Vocabulary Builder:
The Power Vocabulary Builder is a Windows PC software program that is available by download.
In terms of breadth and depth, we found that the Power Vocabulary Builder offered the best of both.
In terms of breadth, the Power Vocabulary Builder is impressive with over 2,200 core words that were carefully selected for their use in Business, news media, high school, college and entrance exams. If you find yourself in need of looking up a word, it will most likely be in the Power Vocabulary Builder. If not, you can add the word and build a custom lesson with their word lesson wizard.
The depth of word lessons is equally impressive. Each word has etymology (word history), usage tips on how to properly use each word, memory tricks to help you easily remember new words and in depth usage examples that give you confidence knowing exactly when where and how to use each word. There are complete the sentence tests that test your ability to properly use each word and a traffic light tracking system that helps you keep track of your progress. Red = Trouble Word, Yellow = Progressing, and Green = Mastered.
There are some additional features that make the Power Vocabulary Builder uniquely beneficial. If you are studying for a standardized test (SAT, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, TOEIC), you will find comprehensive test lists that list words in the exact order of the likelihood that they will appear on your next exam.
Also, for business professional and adults, you can sort all of the words in order of their use in business communication and the news media. This means you can study these 2,200 words in order of the likelihood that you will encounter them at work or in the media.
Pros: the Power Vocabulary Builder has a nice balance of breadth of words and depth of word lessons. The usage tips, memory tricks and real life usage examples make it our pick for successful vocabulary building. The ability to sort words for standardized tests and business communication/media ensures you learn the words you need to know to succeed
Cons: There is not a Mac version yet. Although the breadth of word selection is better than most programs it is not as comprehensive as Ultimate Vocabulary
Summary Review of the Power Vocabulary Builder If you are looking for a vocabulary builder tool that will help you to both learn word definitions and give you the confidence to use new words, then the Power Vocabulary Builder is the program for you. Whether you are studying for a standardized test, desire to improve your grades in school or achieve greater success in your career and social circles, this tool has what you need. And with a 90 day money back guarantee, we strongly recommend everyone give this program a test drive.
CONCLUSION
We hope this review helps you to find the best vocabulary builder software for your needs. All three programs have a money back guarantee (Wordsmart has some limitations with shipping costs). Be sure to test these programs for yourself.
