Computer-based techniques can lead a student to a clearer understanding of problem areas in a subject. The Letts Keyfacts Revision Software provides suites of programs specifically designed to develop insight into these areas of difficulty. Each package contains up to 10 interactive programs based on major topics found in all the current 16+ (O-Level GCE, CSE and GCSE) syllabuses.

As an integral part of a revision scheme the programs will assist understanding and reinforce learning. A variety of approaches is used to maximise the student's interest and to introduce an element of enjoyment of home study. Graphics are presented in an imaginative, interactive way as a positive teaching aid. An illustrated booklet provides information on how to get the most out of the programs.

ENGLISH LITERATURE - THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Four very extensive programs provide varied routes into the play. Two cassette tapes enable the large database to be stored. The programs are:

• Consequences - principal themes and plots are identified and the user links these with the interaction of characters and events
• The Plot - a study of the interweaving of the major and minor plots
• Quotations - used particularly to link characters and themes. Can be used with any edition of the play
• Write About - the user completes clozed paragraphs about themes and characters

Shakespeare was a playwright and an actor. We appreciate the excitement of his writing best if we see a dramatic presentations in the theatre or, perhaps, on film or television. You should try to see the play, if at all possible, as well as reading the text. If you are to benefit fully from these programs, you ought to have done both. Letts Keyfacts Revision Software can be used with all editions of the relevant play.

Tape 1 - Side A - Events
This program asks you to link sixty events from the play to the plots and themes by keying in plot and theme numbers as each event is presented on the screen.

Tape 1 - Side A - Plotsoft
This presents sixty events from the play, coloured to distinguish between the main and sub-plots. Sorting the order of events into the play's chronological order will clarify the structure of the play and prepare you for context questions, multiple choice or short-answer questions.

Tape 1 - Side B - Write
You are challenged to take an active part in the writing of a series of short paragraphs on major aspects of the play.

Tape 2 - Sides A & B - Quotations
This program allows you to choose links between characters and themes, identifies important quotations and helps you to learn them. Comments provoke wider consideration.

This program presents sixty events which you are asked to link with plots and themes. The events may be selected randomly or sequentially by keying in '1' or '2' followed by RETURN. Keying in '3' will allow you to proceed to the next program.

Having selected a random or sequential presentation, the next screen displays the four plots, eight themes and the event under consideration. You will first be asked to select a plot number; if you choice is correct, the sound alert will indicate this and the appropriate plot will change colour. Follow the same routine for the selection of themes. You will be asked to consider other plots and themes linked with the events and these will also change colour.

In the play, there are two main plots, Bond and Caskets - shown in red and two sub-plots, Jessica/Lorenzo and the Rings - shown in yellow.

The first screen gives general instructions. The next screen presents twelve events from ACt One, in random order, labelled A-L. You are asked to key in a letter for each event to construct the play's chronological order.

As you select each event - using UPPER CASE letters with the CAPS LK key on - it will disappear from the screen leaving only those events which you have not yet chosen. If you change your mind, and wish to go back, you may do so by pressing the oblique (/), which will reinstate an event each time it is pressed.

When you have completed your choice, you will be asked to press a key and your score, together with the correct order of letters, will be displayed. Pressing another key displays the events themselves in the correct order.

The program deals with each Act in the same way.

This first screen presents the extensive menu from which you may choose a paragraph by keying in ts number followed by RETURN.

The next screen displays the paragraph title you have chosen and you are asked to select a PREDICT RATE from 1-5. Predict rate 1 is the hardest and the paragraph is presented in dashes only; predict rate 5 presents every fifth word.

The next screen displays the paragraph title with the paragraph itself according to your selected predict rate.

In each predict rate, all capital lettes are displayed together with the punctuation to assist in the "write about".

You may key in whole words; if your word is in the paragraph, it will appear on the screen after you press RETURN. You may "cheat" by keying in individual letters. X will display the whole paragraph immediately.

This is a lengthy program and the loading of data takes approximately eight minutes from tape. During this time, "LOADING DATA" will appear on the screen.

The menus are:

You may select any character from Menu 1 to link with any themes from Menu 2.

After your choice, the screen will display the links you have made, an Act, Scene and approximate line reference. The quotation itself will appear with alternate words missing, represented by dashes. By keying in words followed by the RETURN key, you may begin to build the quotation on screen. If your choice is correct, your choice will appear in its correct place in the quotation. You may "cheat" by using individual letters, but this makes it too easy! For rapid revision, keying in X followed by RETURN will display the full quotation immediately.

Comments will also be given with some references to provoke further thought.