8. Creating Tests

You may edit any loaded test by selecting the Edit… item in the Test menu. It allows the creation of test files with the ability to add alternate words and optional sayings. The editor can handle thousands of words per test and can sort them alphabetically using the sort button. There is a minimum of ten words per test file.

To record your changes or new entries in the test, you must click the Save Word button.

You can sample exactly how the test word would be administrated by clicking the Say Word button or by double-clicking the word in the list if it has been saved.

Importing Text Files and older Master Spell Tests

It is possible to import a standard text file of words if the each word is on its own line. Use the Import… item in the Test menu. If you have created tests in an older version of Master Spell (prior to 3.5), use the Import… item to convert it to a test in this version.

Guidelines for Creating Good Tests

1. Have a dictionary handy to check for correct spellings and to help define words and to check for alternate spellings.

2. Write an example sentence or give a definition with the following format for the Saying field:

      For the spelling word "broccoli" we can create an example sentence:

      brawccoli, as in, brawccoli is good with melted cheese on top

     or we can create a definition:

      brawccoli, meaning a vegetable in the mustard family, closely
      related to the cauliflower

Notice the use of commas in both of the above sentences. We use two commas in the sentence that uses the spelling word in an example sentence and we use one comma for the sentence which defines the spelling word.

3. Make sure the example uses the same tense of the word. Make sure that it uses the same singular or plural form.

      For instance: gentleman, as in, ladies and gentlemen, would be incorrect.

      It should be: gentleman, as in, the gentleman held the door for the lady

4. Make sure the word is properly used in the example for that spelling of the word.

      For instance: bear, as in, I feel bear without any clothes, would
      be incorrect.

      It should be: bear, as in, I hug my teddy bear before I go to bed

5. Check pronunciation of all words used, including the words in the example sentence or definition. Start by testing pronunications using the voice "Fred". If Fred doesn't pronounce a word correctly, try spelling it phonetically. "Victoria" has less trouble than "Fred" at pronouncing words correctly, so once you have made all of the adjustments for Fred, check to see if Victoria pronounces the word correctly too. In most cases, Victoria will do well if Fred did. If she doesn't, you will need to find a phonetic spelling that works for both voices.

6. Try to group words that have something in common such as grade level, phoenetic rules, or subject.

Registrations are granted in exchange for donated tests

If you have created enough test words in any number of tests, you may qualify for a registration. For tests with a combined total of 100 or more unique or mostly unique words, I will grant a Standard Edition registration. For tests with a combined total of 400 or more unique or mostly unique words, I will grant a Classroom Edition site license to the school or organization of your choice. Unique is defined as words which are not included with the current distribution of Master Spell.

I'm interested in grade school tests that are primarily theme-based but I may accept other ideas. All words must have accompanying example sentences or definitions and should be tested for pronunciation with both "Fred" and "Victoria". All tests should be created using the guidelines outlined above.

Send your test submissions in StuffIt archive as an email attachment to jay@macinmind.com. Be sure to provide your full name so you may receive your unique registration code. If you have any questions about qualifying, please write me.