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1990-06-20
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VocabMaster 1.0
A Shareware Product
About five years ago, I started tutoring high school students
to prepare for the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). Most students agreed
that the most difficult part of the test was the amount of vocabulary
knowledge that is required by the test. So, I developed a list of
about 500 words from various sources including the actual tests
themselves which have appeared most frequently. I forced my students
to memorize these words and their scores improved significantly.
Now in the 90's, we are living in the age of computers where we
use our computers to do our work faster and more efficiently.
Naturally, I wanted to use computers as learning tools for education.
Many students have already bought computers hoping they will use these
wonderful machines as educational tools. But soon they are
disappointed at the limited number of educational software packages
available, especially at high school level, and try to cope with this
problem by using their computers either as dedicated word-processors
or glorified Nintendo game machines. Thus, the concept of a
vocabulary building software was born.
VocabMaster is a computer program to enhance one's vocabulary
using several different modes of learning. I strongly believe the key
to memorization is repeated exposure and usage. Repeated usage is
only possible through a conscious and painful effort to speak and use
new vocabulary in everday situations and in writing. However, this
software is intended for those who want to memorize about five hundred
words in time to prepare for the SAT, so repeated exposure through
various mechanisms of learning is the main emphasis of this software.
VocabMaster 1.0 features the following:
* Learning mode with flash card features
* Definition test
* Sentence completion test
* Hangman
* Flash!
* Print
* Runtime Vocabulary data file loading
* DOS shell
In addition to the standard definition and sentence completion
tests, VocabMaster features Hangman and Flash! modules. In Vocabulary
Hangman, a game which we are all familiar with since elementary school
years, one guesses the vocabulary word either with the definition
displayed or without. In Flash!, the vocabulary word is flashed at
random location on the screen, and the user has to type the word that
has been flashed. It not only serves as an eye coordination exercise,
but as a spelling drill (usually without the user's realization).
Both modes do not require the knowledge of the vocabulary word, and
they are well suited for initial introduction of the word.
The learning mode supports the standard flash card drill
techniques where the user can hide the definition and the sentence
usage. The print option allows the user to make a hardcopy of the
vocabulary list so that those wishing to study where there is no
electricity can take the printout with them instead of taking the
computer. Finally, the program features a vocabulary data file
loading, so that new vocabulary files will be automatically searched
for. The user has only to copy the new data files that s/he wishes to
study to the working directory where VocabMaster is.
Summary of commands in each module
- Load New File -
All the .VDF (stands for VocabMaster Data File) files in the
current directory are put in the list. Corrupted or modified .VDF
files cannot be used and will not be loaded by VocabMaster. Up, Down,
Pgdn, Pgup keys can be used to browse through the filenames and
pressing ENTER loads the highlighted file.
- Hangman -
Guess the word by typing the letters that you think the word
might contain. If there are no correct guesses after seven tries, the
word is displayed and no point is added. You cannot quit this mode in
the middle of a puzzle, but you can type 'n' when it asks you for
another word to quit.
F8 - Hide / Show Definition
Scoring: Percentage of correct answers is shown.
Current average is a measure of the average number of extra
letters typed to arrive at the answer. It is calculated by:
Previous overall average + 1/ (word number)
Overall average is the previous current average.
ESC - You CANNOT abort Hangman by pressing this key.
- Flash! -
You must press a key first to flash a word. Then a blank line is
displayed so that you can type the word.
ESC - Abort / Quit
F5 - Set Flash Options
F8 - Show the definition of the word.
F10 - Show the flashed word again. Can be shown only five
more times.
One point is added for every correctly spelled word, and 1/4 is
deducted for usage of F8 which is counted as a partially correct
guess.
The optional parameters for Flash! can be set from the Set Options
menu or by pressing F5. They are:
Starting row row of top left point of box
2 digit number
Staring Col column of top left point of box
2 digit number
Ending row row of bottom right point of box
2 digit number
Ending col column of bottom right point of box
2 digit number
Color Display colors (gets rid of hard to
see colors such as bright black)
either Y or N
Max Pause The pause time is varied depending on the
percentage of correct response and this is the
maximum amount of time in milliseconds which
the word will be flashed.
4 digit number
Pause Initial pause value in milliseconds
The time decreases if the user answers correctly
and increases if wrong answers are entered.
3 digit number
Continuous If you answer 'Y'es, you can get a feeling of
how fast the words will flash by.
either Y or N
- Learning Module -
Flashcard features are implemented for this mode. The most effective
way to use this module is the following:
1. Hide the definition and sentence usage at first
2. If you know the word, skip to the next one
3. If the word is not known, then press the down arrow key to
reveal either the definiton or sentence depending on the order
set by pressing F4.
4. Continue until all words are thoroughly studied.
F1 Toggles help menu at the bottom of the screen
Right Arrow Go to next word
or Enter
Left Arrow Go to previous word
Up Arrow Hide definition/sentence in sequence
Down Arrow Reveal definition/sentence in sequence
F2 Search for word
F4 Change the order of appearance of sentence
usage/definition
ESC Quit
- Definition Test -
Type the letter of the correct answer.
ESC - Abort To abort, the user must answer 'Y' to the dialog
box with "Really Quit?" prompt.
Either at the end of the test or abort, the user has the choice
of reviewing missed words by going directly in the learning mode.
Scoring: percentage of correct answers is calculated at the end.
Optional parameters:
Wrong answer pause The amount of time in milliseconds which the
correct answer will be shown for.
4 digit number
Sound On 'Y' makes beeping sound for wrong answers.
'N' keeps silence.
either Y or N
- Sentence Completion Test -
Same as definition test.
The form of the word used in the sentence is replaced with
underscores. The number of underscores do not represent the number of
letters in the word. Random number of underscores are added at the
end, so the user cannot answer correctly by counting the number of
underscores without knowing the answer.
- Print -
This menu choice is used to print a hardcopy of the vocabulary
words. Default option is to print continuously on an 80 column
printer with left margin of 2 characters and right margin of 5
character without alphabetizing the words.
But the user can specify the following optional parameters:
Continuous Print continuously or stop after each page
and wait for user input. (I need to set
this as 'N' because my printer jams up all
the time.)
either Y or N
Alphabetize Alphabetize the words
(I find non-alphabetized list better for
memorization. But it's up to you.)
either Y or N
Printer 'Y' will print on printer. 'N' will write the
listing to a file called "temp.prn" which can
be copied to the printer later. Formfeed
charcters are embedded in this file.
either Y or N
Left Margin Left margin in number of characters
2 digit number
Right Margin Right margin in number of characters
2 digit number
Page length Number of lines on a page (normally 66 for 11"
paper without any margins at the top and
bottom). Default is 56 which gives a nice
margin at the bottom.
2 digit number
Page width Number of characters per line which is normally
80 characters for 8.5" paper and 132 for wide
paper.
3 digit number
- Set Options -
Test Test parameters for sentence/definition test can
be accessed and changed.
Flash Flash parameters can be changed.
Printing Left and Right margins, Page length, and
Page width can be changed.
Save Options All of parameters above and the current
VDF filename are saved in a configuration
file called "VOCAB.CNF" which can be edited
using a text editor.
DISABLED FOR THE DEMO VERSION
About Displays current file name and memory available.
DOS Shell Shell out to DOS. Type 'exit' to return to
VocabMaster.
Print Order Form Print the file called "ORDER.DOC" using this menu
option
End Quit options menu and return to main menu.
- License and Warranty -
Release Version vs Demo Version
There are two versions of VocabMaster 1.0: the Release Version which
is distributed as VM.EXE, and the Demo Version which is distributed as
VOCAB.EXE. The Release Version is the version that you get when you
purchase, pay for, and register VocabMaster. IT IS ILLEGAL FOR YOU
TO COPY, SELL, OR DISTRIBUTE THE RELEASE VERSION.
The Release Version does not have the Shareware screen at startup and
does not have the word "Demo" anywhere. Also, the "Save Options" has
been disabled on the Demo Version, otherwise there are no functional
differences in its current form, but since I am constantly trying to
improve the program, the Release Version may have more features later
that the Demo Version does not have. You may freely copy, distribute,
upload or download to Bulletin Boards via modem the Demo Version if
you follow these restrictions:
1. You must not modify, delete or add to the object code or the number
of existing files.
2. You may not receive any compensation or money for the copy you are
distributing except as follows: a) Clubs and user groups may charge a
nominal fee (less than $10) for expenses and handling while distri-
buting the Demo Version of VocabMaster. (Payment of such fees cannot
be applied towards the registration of VocabMaster). b) Bulletin
Boards may charge nominal access fees as long as the fees are not
exclusively applied to VocabMaster. Only the Demo Version
(VOCAB.EXE) can be allowed on Bulletin Boards. Under no circumstances
should the Release Version (VM.EXE) be allowed on any Bulletin Board.
Both the Release Version and the Demo Version of VocabMaster
are copyrighted and fully protected by all applicable laws.
- Warranty -
THIS PRODUCT IS LICENSED "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY
OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, PERFORMANCE, OR OTHERWISE; ALL
WARRANTIES ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED. BY USING THE VOCABMASTER PRODUCT,
YOU AGREE THAT THE AUTHOR, YONG CHOE, WILL NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU OR ANY
THIRD PARTY FOR ANY USE OF (OR INABILITY TO USE) OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS
PRODUCT, OR FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT
OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF I AM NOTIFIED OF SUCH POSSIBILITY IN ADVANCE.
(SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.)
You may not reverse-engineer, disassemble, modify, decompile or create
derivative works of the product. You acknowledge that the product
includes certain trade secrets and confidential information, all of
which is the copyrighted intellectual property of Yong Choe. VocabMaster
is a copyrighted software product. All rights are reserved.
- Ordering Information -
If you enjoyed using the Demo Version of VocabMaster 1.0, and
you've decided that this program is useful in helping building your
vocabulary, then why not order the release version of VocabMaster 1.0
with the 500 words vocabulary list.
To order VocabMaster 1.0 - Release Version with 500 words:
Send $50.00 (in U.S. dollars) to:
Yong Choe
P.O. Box 3302
Glendale, CA 91221
CompuServe ID: 76257,3416
OR,
Fill out the form "ORDER.DOC" and mail it to the above address.
If you are not satisfied with this software, please notify me of
possible improvements, and additions. Any comments and suggestions
are encouraged. Please send any inquiries to the above address.
Thank you very much.
Future enhancements:
Addition of Antonyms
Smoother randomization of words with more AI like features so
that words that you already know won't be tested as much, but enough
so that you don't forget them.
More user configuration options/Save options
