Use Case: Using the Vocabulary Game
How to use the flashcard-based vocabulary game to practice words from your lessons and build long-term retention.
Scenario
You want to practice vocabulary from your lessons using the Cards game to improve retention and build your word knowledge over time.
Prerequisites
- Enrolled in at least one course (vocabulary is imported from your lessons)
Step 1: Launch the Cards Game
Click "Vocabulary" in the sidebar to see your vocabulary dashboard with word counts and status breakdowns, then click "Practice with Cards" to launch the game. You can also start from the "Vocabulary Practice" widget on your Dashboard, or navigate directly to /cards.
Step 2: Choose Your Practice Mode
- Standard Mode (Recommended): A balanced mix of new words and words due for review. Best for daily practice.
- New Words Only: Words you haven't practiced yet. Good after completing a new lesson.
- Review Mode: Only words due for review. A quick maintenance session for existing knowledge.
- Difficult Words: Words you've frequently marked as "Don't Know."
If you're unsure which mode to choose, start with Standard Mode. The spaced repetition algorithm automatically balances new learning and review for optimal retention.
Step 3: Practice with Flashcards
The Card Interface
Each card displays:
- Front: The word in your target language, its part of speech, and an audio button (if available)
- Back: The translation in your native language, an example sentence, and any related words
Basic Gameplay Loop
See the Word
A card appears showing a word in your target language. Try to recall the meaning before flipping.
Think Before You Flip
Actively try to remember the translation. This mental effort -- even if you get it wrong -- strengthens memory formation. Spend 3-5 seconds thinking.
Flip the Card
Click anywhere on the card or press the Spacebar to reveal the translation and details.
Rate Your Knowledge
Choose one of three buttons:
- Know (green) -- you recalled the meaning correctly
- Don't Know (red) -- you couldn't remember or got it wrong
- Skip (yellow) -- you already know this word well and don't need to practice it
Continue
The next card appears automatically. Repeat the process.
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
Space | Flip the card |
2 or Right Arrow | Mark as "Know" |
1 or Left Arrow | Mark as "Don't Know" |
3 | Skip |
A | Play audio pronunciation |
Esc | Exit the game |
Step 4: Use Audio Pronunciation
- Before flipping: Click the speaker icon or press
Ato hear the word pronounced - After flipping: Listen again and repeat the word aloud to practice pronunciation
- Replay: Click the speaker icon as many times as you need
Repeating the word out loud after hearing it engages your auditory memory and strengthens recall.
Step 5: Review Your Session Results
When you finish a session (by completing all due cards or pressing Esc), you'll see a summary:
- Cards reviewed -- total number of cards you went through
- Accuracy -- percentage of cards you marked as "Know"
- New words learned -- words you saw for the first time this session
- Words moved to review -- words that graduated from the learning phase
- Time spent -- total duration of your practice session
What the Numbers Mean
- High accuracy (80%+): You're retaining well. Consider adding more new words
- Low accuracy (below 50%): Normal for new vocabulary. Use "Difficult Words" mode for extra practice
- Streak count: Consecutive correct answers within the session
Step 6: Manage Your Vocabulary Lists
Viewing All Words
- Go to "Vocabulary" in the sidebar
- Browse words organized by course, status, or date added
- Use the search bar to find specific words
- Filter by status: Learning, Learned, or Skipped
Adding Custom Words
- Click "Add Word" in your vocabulary dashboard
- Enter the word in the target language and the translation
- Optionally add: part of speech, example sentence, personal notes
- Click "Save" -- the word enters your learning queue
Editing and Removing Words
- Edit: Click on any word to update its translation, notes, or example sentence
- Reset: Move a learned word back to the learning phase for fresh practice
- Skip: Mark a word you already know so it doesn't appear in practice
- Unskip: Restore a skipped word back to active practice
- Delete: Permanently remove a word from your vocabulary
Troubleshooting
No Words Available
If the game says "No cards to practice":
- Check that you're enrolled in a course with vocabulary
- Complete a lesson first -- words are imported from lessons automatically
- Add custom words manually if you want to practice without lesson vocabulary
- Switch practice mode (you may have reviewed all words in one mode)
Audio Not Playing
- Check your device volume
- Allow browser audio permissions for the Speakly.PRO domain
- Try a different browser (Chrome typically has the best audio support)
- Not all words have audio -- check if the speaker icon is present
Progress Not Saving
- Verify your internet connection is stable
- Don't close the browser tab while the session is ending
- Refresh the vocabulary page to see updated statistics
- Contact support if cards appear as "new" after you've already practiced them
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many new words should I learn per day? A: Start with 10-15 new words per session. The standard mode automatically balances new words and reviews.
Q: Can I practice vocabulary from a specific course or lesson? A: Yes. In your vocabulary dashboard, filter words by course before launching the Cards game.
Q: What's the difference between "Learned" and "Mastered"? A: "Learned" means you've correctly recalled the word multiple times. "Mastered" means the word has passed through all spaced repetition stages and is on a long-term review cycle (every 14-30 days).
Q: Can I use the vocabulary game offline? A: On the mobile app, offline practice is supported if you've previously synced your word lists. On the web, an internet connection is required.
Related Documentation
- Lessons & Homework - How vocabulary is extracted from lessons
- Progress Tracking - Track your vocabulary learning progress