RocketReader Reviewer's Comments

3.2.1. We have lift–off of your reading speed and comprehension with RocketReader, the winner of our “TopTenREVIEWS Bronze Award.”

For $99.00, a variety of lessons, exercises, speed tests and comprehension tests will dramatically increase your reading speed. You can choose from a hundred included texts, 28,000 words and 60,000 phrases. Additionally, RocketReader will also keep track of your progress.

RocketReader came in third because the user–interface is a bit too colorful along with some distracting patterns. The program is designed for young readers and adults, but the graphics appear to be targeted toward a younger audience, which may put off some adult readers.

RocketReader Screenshots. Click for more
       


Features Set:  

RocketReader includes lessons, exercises, speed tests and comprehension tests for multiple users. For comprehension tests, typing answers is the most useful. Another option readers can use to answer comprehension tests is the “guess it” option, which requires readers to keep track of their own progress. Answers to comprehension tests with “guess it” requires readers’ to click on “yes” or “no” after the program asks if they chose the correct word. A straightforward multiple–choice test would be less awkward.

RocketReader has a hundred documents for users of all ages in categories such as literature, science, history, fun stories and teen stories. For additional texts, users can also import their own documents.

For beginner readers, RocketReader’s basic training level focuses on reading comprehension. For adults, the advanced training is designed to increase reading fluency of simple and complicated texts while maintaining a high level of comprehension.

For exercises and tests, RocketReader will display a whole document, flash one word at a time or groups of words. The program also has a database of 28,000 words and 60,000 phrases. RocketReader keeps track of users’ progress and will suggest when to take a test or move on to another level. In addition, the program will generate a progress report that includes reading speed, comprehension and grade level.

Ease of Use:  

RocketReader is easy to navigate using the menu toolbar and buttons along the bottom of different windows. However, the background color and pattern of the program window is distracting including many of the program’s alternatives. RocketReader has a few choices of solid colors without patterns for the text and background. It is less distracting and easier on the eyes to use a solid background color with a contrasting font color.

Ease of Installation/Setup:  

RocketReader will work with Windows 98, NT, ME, 2000 and XP and you can easily download the program from their website.

Help/Support:  

The RocketReader website has a FAQs section and you can contact them through telephone or email. We emailed RocketReader with questions about their program and they answered within 24 hours.

Summary:  

RocketReader increases user’s reading fluency and comprehension with flash and grouping exercises and comprehension tests. A database of 28,000 words, 60,000 phrases and a hundred documents are included for readers of all ages.

The program will make suggestions for advancement based on a user’s progress as well as generate progress reports. The background color and texture (including many alternatives) of the main program window is distracting and the choice of colors and graphics in the program’s design seems to be targeted to younger users.