Vocabulary Builder Review

Don't purchase a vocabulary builder unless it meets these 5 criteria:

If you are on this site then you are probably looking for a vocabulary builder. If you are already looking for a vocabulary builder, then I really don't need to convince you of the importance of a powerful vocabulary. Even so, you will probably be interested to know that a strong vocabulary is linked to success in your career, college and life.

One of the most important studies on the correlation between vocabulary and success was conducted by the O'Connor research institute. O'Connor found a direct correlation between vocabulary level and rank on the corporate ladder.

"[regarding vocabulary scores] Presidents and vice presidents average 236 out of a possible 272 points; managers, 168 points; superintendents, 140; foremen, 114; floor bosses, 86."

We strongly recommend that if you are serious about success in your career or education, you purchase a good vocabulary builder. Here are the most important points to consider when deciding which vocabulary builder to purchase:

1) A vocabulary builder should allow custom word lists

One of the most important features of a vocabulary builder is the ability to create your own word lists. This way, when you come across a word you don't know, you can add it to a list and have your vocabulary builder teach you the word.

Unfortunately, this is where the overpriced CD courses really fall down. You end up being stuck with whatever word the author considers important. The pre-chosen lists in these CD courses either comprise obscure words or words for a specific discipline. This lack of flexibility is a real problem with CD courses.

Sadly, even some of the most expensive software doesn't allow for custom word lists. I reviewed one product that costs $199 and was very disappointed to find that I had to pay for extra word lists.

2) A vocabulary builder should use multiple learning strategies

Studies show that often a single learning strategy isn't enough to learn new things. Different people learn in different ways and most people learn better when they mix learning strategies.

Again this is where CD courses fall down. This is because they rely on you passively listening to the audio. While this can work well for some people, many others simply won't absorb the material this way. If you are the type to "tune out" during a lecture, then you shouldn't bother with an audio course.

Computer software is better at utilising multiple learning strategies. For example, many software packages allow testing, audio, interactive exercises and passive reminding of words.

3) A vocabulary builder should have a modern, user-friendly interface

In testing various vocabulary software programs, we have found that many resemble the old days of DOS and windows 3.1.

If you are a super-geek, then you may be able to work your way around a clunky interface. But if your only goal is to improve your vocabulary, you don't want to be wasting time learning the program.

So if you are going to buy a vocabulary builder, you should definitely buy a modern up-to-date program with a user-friendly interface.

4) A vocabulary builder should include a comprehensive dictionary and thesaurus

If you are serious about building your vocabulary, you will want a comprehensive dictionary and thesaurus built into your vocabulary builder. This should be integrated with the vocabulary builder so you can quickly find information on your custom word lists.

5) A vocabulary builder should include audio pronunciations

You certainly don't want to be caught out looking silly by mispronouncing a word. For this reason, it is important that a vocabulary builder includes audio pronunciations for as many words as possible.

Our recommended choice:

After reviewing all the vocabulary builders on the market, we have found that Ultimate Vocabulary is a great solution that meets all the criteria above. Click here to get more information on Ultimate Vocabulary

Allows custom word lists - you can create an unlimited number of custom word lists and all the features of the program are available to teach you your lists Uses multiple learning strategies - provides an array of tests, exercises, examples, audio, and word messenger, which reminds you of words as you work Modern, user friendly windows program - using this program is a pleasure, so you can focus on your vocabulary instead of fighting the computer! Comprehensive dictionary and thesaurus - 140,647 word dictionary and thesaurus Audio Pronunciations - More than 20,000 audio pronunciations

If some of the spelling on this site worries you, this will set your mind at rest ... Just click the flag below! 

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