Word Smart Review

WordSmart functions mostly as a kind of vocabulary game and has some engaging features such as an Asteroid game.  Be careful before you buy this product that you really understand who it’s targeted at.

User interface

WordSmart has a graphical interface reflecting its games theme. While it is quite clean, it’s not as professional or as user-friendly as Ultimate Vocabulary or Power Vocabulary Builder. It was quite straightforward to use, but the labelling of buttons is a little annoying because you don’t know immediately what you are clicking on.

Word database and core words

The main shortfall of WordSmart is that it lacks the depth of words needed to really improve your vocabulary. With only 400 words it fell far behind Ultimate Vocabulary and Power Vocabulary Builder.  In terms of the quality of core words, some are useful, but others are questionable.  For example, the program contained words such as “carboy” (a bottle) and “buckroy” (a coarse cloth). These honestly seem more like random selections rather than words that will practically improve your vocabulary.

eLearning educational framework

The educational framework of WordSmart is based on games, and it is structured on word lists that you “master”.  While the games might be interesting to begin with, there are no other real eLearning  features and no dictionary.  The games are not dynamic enough because the questions are not randomized and therefore become predictable.  On the positive side, the games have voice pronunciation and are easy to use - the Asteroid game is probably the most impressive.  If you’re looking for a fun basic vocabulary game to fill in time or for something that will entertain kids, then WordSmart might suit you.

Usage examples and other features

What is good about this software is that the kids will like it and the 400 core words will suit someone who is learning English vocabulary.  

Customization and flexibility

WordSmart does not offer any customization or flexibility. You can’t add your own words to the program. It's clearly obvious that Wordsmart is limited in its features. The only real advantage of this program over the others reviewed is that it has both PC and Macintosh support.

Overall Verdict

This software is more like a quick self-improvement tool and is not targeted for serious users who really want to improve their vocabulary. The limited word database simply won’t be enough for those who want to greatly improve their vocabulary. Unfortunately WordSmart’s price tag of $200 does not spell value for money. 

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