Description:
With version 8.0, Learn to Speak English ranks as one of the first software titles to customize language learning specifically to a user's needs and skills--functionality we hope to see more of in future foreign-language packages. As with most ESL (English as a second language) programs, a key software design problem is creating a product of equal usefulness to people with first languages as diverse as Spanish, Vietnamese, or Russian, among others. Because of this tradeoff, you should have approximately one year of instruction in English or six months of living in an English-speaking country before starting with this software. New to this version are four key features: - Preassessment testing: Test your written and spoken English skills to see where you need to begin.
- Study plan: Set up a schedule and goals to match the schedule you create.
- Subject-specific topics: Choose lesson topics that match your goals and needs.
- Progress tracking: Keep track of how you're doing.
In addition, the Learning Company has set up a Web site for online supplementation of the product, including language study groups and a personal-tutor feature. At first perusal, the Web site shows promise, but until the site is better developed, the CD-ROM and accompanying workbook will remain the focus of your learning. A caveat: based on the included animations, you might think Americans are all middle-class white people; we hope version 9.0 corrects this serious lack of multiculturalism. Overall, however, Learn to Speak English is one of the stronger products on the market. It makes excellent use of voice-recognition technology to create interactive exercises, and it covers vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and written skills in a balanced way. --Erik Macki
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