For those who struggle with writing, Read&Write GOLD's
writing and self-editing features can help formulate ideas,
construct sentences, and prepare writing and essays.
Phonetic Spell Checker
The Spell Checker in Read&Write GOLD will help you to check
your document for spelling errors. Even the most unusual
spelling errors are recognised. Spelling suggestions as well
as their definitions are provided and can be read aloud to ensure
you choose the correct replacement word.
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"I love the Read&Write GOLD
phonetic Spell Checker as I have problems with my spelling and
phonetics, so I use the spellchecker to correct my spelling
mistakes and also to choose the correct spelling by listening to a
sample sentence. This helps me with the construction of my
sentences and also supports me with putting sentences into the
correct context."
Victoria McKnight, student at the
University of Ulster
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Word Prediction
Word Prediction learns your writing style and predicts the word
you may want to use next. As you type, a list of suggested words
appears in the Prediction Panel. Definitions of the word are also
available and can be read aloud, helping to build your vocabulary
and develop your writing skills. Use the Word Prediction
feature to help you construct sentences with ease!
Subject-specific prediction word banks such as
Astronomy or Human Skeletal System are available and new ones
of your own can be added easily.
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"I often use the Word
Prediction tool to help me get the words in my head onto the
screen. By using the hot keys, I can select a word from the list,
having options ensures that I am choosing the correct word. It
helps me to write full sentences that I would otherwise struggle
with. I also use this feature to help me write reports and
essays."
Amie Swinton, student at Carnegie
College & Telford College
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Word
Wizard
The Word Wizard provides new or alternative words as well
as information about your word and the definitions
can all be read aloud. For example, if you search for
"bicycle", you can choose "parts of a bicycle" and the results will
include bicycle parts such as "seat", "wheel", "inner tube", etc.
This feature increases vocabulary, understanding, and
efficiency.
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"My favourite feature on the Read&Write
toolbar is the Word Wizard because I am useless at spelling and
understanding the wider context for the meaning of certain
words."
Jon D Heath, Thales Land & Joint Systems UK
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Sounds Like and Confusable Words
The Sounds Like and Confusable Words feature identifies words
that sound the same but are spelt differently, such as "eye" and
"I" or words that are commonly confused, such as "through" and
"thorough". When checking your writing or reading it aloud,
these similar sounding words might not be identified as an error.
Read&Write GOLD will provide a list of options, their
definitions and sample sentences to ensure that you chose the
right word in its context.
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"The Sounds Like/homophone feature is
really very supportive! So many students are unable to visually
tell the difference between like sounding words and it is excellent
to be able to hear a definition and a sample sentence to show the
context. I have also noticed where some students previously had a
strong dislike for homophones, many have become interested in how
many there are!"
Penny Dowling, The King's
School
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Verb
Checker
The Verb Checker feature helps you to determine the correct verb
conjugation for past, present or future tense - while constructing
a sentence. Once you select a specific word and a desired
tense, multiple verb conjugations are provided, such as "I will
create" or "You will be creating" for you to use with
confidence.
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"The Verb Checker is an excellent tool for
students who may be challenged in this area. The display of
the verbs to identify which word should be used is very simple and
easy to understand."
Sylvia Marshall, Kilmarnock College |
Speech
Input
Speech Input converts speech into digital text. You simply
dictate into a microphone connected to your computer to easily
create documents. This is especially useful for those
who have difficulties with typing.
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"I also find the speech recognition of
great help. I use the software predominantly for the reading
features but do find the speech recognition very helpful."
Shaun Gaskell, student at BPP College
of Law
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Speak
While Typing
Speak While Typing allows you to hear each word read aloud
as you type. You can also choose to read aloud the entire
document when finished. By listening to your work being read aloud,
you can correct and self-edit your work before submitting it,
thereby reducing many common errors.
"Dyslexic pupils
are notoriously poor proof readers because they tend to gloss over
their own mistakes. Using Read&Write GOLD, they are trained to
work paragraph by paragraph, highlighting text as they go. Now,
when the Read&Write voice reads their text for them, they tune
in to anything that doesn't sound like what they intended to
say."
Stephanie Thomas,
Dean Close School