Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Learn English Software.

Ratings

Features Set

We ranked the English as a second language software according to the number of practical features it offers like images, games, record, playback and compare and a glossary.

Fundamentals

We evaluated how well the ESL software teaches the fundamentals of the English language. Fundamentals include reading, writing, comprehension, vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and cultural aspects.

Ease of Use

We graded the software according to user–friendliness. An easy–to–use program is key to successfully learning English, especially considering many of the instructions and help and support are in English.

Effectiveness

This criterion considers the overall effectiveness of the software. The user should successfully learn English by using the program.

Ease of Installation/Setup

As with other programs, ESL software should be simple to install and setup on your PC and not cause run errors.

Technical Help/Support

We considered the help and support the manufacturer offers its customers. Help and support may be provided through email, phone, FAQs pages and knowledge bases.

Features

Beginner

The software is adequate to teach a beginner English. We define a beginner student as someone just starting to learn English that may or may not be able to identify the language and know a few terms. Beginners are not able to converse in English.

Intermediate

The program will successfully teach an intermediate student. An intermediate student has been exposed to English through school courses or from living in an English speaking country. These students should be able to communicate in basic English.

Advanced

The software is adequate for advanced students. Advanced students have studied English, know the grammar and phonetics and can communicate with confidence in every–day situations.

Personal Progress Tracking

The program has a tracking feature so you can gauge your personal progress and set goals for future learning.

Personalized learning Paths

People learn best through a variety of methods. This feature allows you to customize the way you learn; you can set your own pace and teaching style.

Multiple Accounts

The approximate number of hours of instructional material that is included with the program.

Teaching Tools

Books

The software package offers books to help you learn.

Videos

The software has integrated video or comes with DVDs that help you learn English.

Images

The software has pictures so you can get a visual association to English words.

Audio Tapes

The software comes with audio tapes or CDs that teach English.

Record, Playback and Compare

This feature allows you to record your speech then compare your pronunciation with that of a native speaker. Or, you can compare your current speech to your own past recordings to check for improvement.

Word Tools

Word Processing Converter

A tool that translates words or phrases from another language into English.

Word and Root Search

This search tool allows you to look up conjugated verbs.

Glossary

An alphabetical list of words and their meanings or interpretations in various contexts. In the translation industry, a glossary refers to a bilingual or multilingual terminology list; this is often confused with a translation dictionary.

Dictionary

An alphabetical list of words and their definitions, spellings and pronunciations.

Learning Games

CrossWord Puzzles

A puzzle in which words correspond to numbered clues. Answers are written into squares of the puzzle. Crossword puzzles are fun diversions that provide mental exercise in any language.

Other Games

The software provides other games that will help you learn English like hangman or wordsearches.

Flash Cards

This learning style shows you screens with words, numbers or pictures in quick succession so that you can practice recognition.

Online Testing

You can take online tests and compare your abilities with those of other students.

Fundamentals

Speech Recognition

Speech recognition technology recognizes what you say and assesses your pronunciation. It also pinpoints and highlights mispronounced words within individual sentences.

Listening Comprehension

This feature gauges how well you can understand conversations, phrases and songs in English.

Reading

The English reading section of the software helps you to develop your reading skills with graphics, newspapers, cartoons and word processing documents.

Writing

You can type in English, and then the software corrects and grades your writing skills.

Vocabulary

Vocabulary builders allow you to increase your vocabulary through games, exercises, flash card practice and other learning devices.

Grammar

The software provides an in–depth study on sentence structure, verb conjugation and other English grammar basics.

Conversation Practice

This tool allows you to communicate with a native English speaker (real or computer simulated) through the Internet or other methods.

Cultural Aspects

The ESL software provides information on the culture of English speaking countries.

Technical Help/Support

Telephone Support

The manufacturer provides a phone number so you can contact customer support with questions.

Email Support

You can email customer support with questions or comments.

Live Chat

The manufacturer provides a chat feature so you can instantly contact customer support over the web.

Online Help

The manufacturer provides online help, such as a help database, so you can find the answers to your questions.

Tutorials

There are tutorials that will teach you how to effectively use the program.

User Manual/User Guide

A user guide will teach you about the various aspects of the program.

FAQs

You can find the answers to common questions in the frequently asked questions (FAQs) section on the manufacturer’s website.

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