CliffNotes is an abbreviated version or study guide for a novel. Frankenstein is free to trial, but the other 59 choices ranging from Jane Eyre to The Hunger Games will require individual purchases. The app opens with a confusing wheel to choose a study plan, but a little bit of trial-and-error will enable the student to find the following information: a well-spoken 4 minute audio summary of the book, a brief written summary of the novel, book overview, sample essays, chapter summaries and analyses, a brief summary of each character, a character map that visually shows their relationships, and an untimed multiple-choice 25 question quiz. While students should know to never substitute this app for the actual reading of the novel, the app can be a good support for students who might struggle with understanding the novel on their own. They can listen to the audio as a preview to put the story in context. After they finish reading a chapter in the book, they can read the chapter summary to solidify their understanding of the main events and ideas. If they forget a character or get confused, they can refer to the character summaries or character map. The quiz can offer an opportunity to test oneself on the details after completing the book. Overall, although CliffNotes is not a substitute for reading a novel, this app could provide a good reading companion for students who might struggle with comprehension or retention to reinforce what they read in the original.

• Provides sufficient and varied types of practice problems to maximize understanding and generalization of the targeted skill/concept
• Manufacturer claims alignment with Common Core/Known Standards
• Presents educational concepts accurately
• Explains answers so students can learn from mistakes
• Better for teaching the skill to new or struggling learners
• Better for practicing or refreshing the skill
• Skills are practiced through authentic, meaningful problems (not just rote practice)

• Appropriate for a broad age range to use and enjoy
• Subject matter and problems are relevant, interesting and authentic to students
• Visually appealing to children in the target age range
• Provides virtual rewards or incentives after meeting specified goals or objectives
• Provides a "break activity" between academic problem sets
• Offers ongoing, progressive challenge
• Overall - Enjoyable. Given the option, students would choose this option

• Has a free or trial version
• Provides teaching guidance for adults to support the child and set appropriate goals
• Provides an age-appropriate tutorial/first time users can work independently
• Student should be able to use independently after first use
• Has a multi-player option to foster in-person collaboration or cooperation
• Multiple users can save a profile
• Student graduates to the next level or topic only after meeting a benchmark
• Can play without sound and not distract others
• Students can save work between sessions
• Can effectively understand and monitor student's progress (email report or in product)
• Provides options to play in languages other than English/Good for ELL
• Presents information in multiple formats (voice over, pictures and text, etc.)
• Overall - Easy to use

• Reading Basics
• Includes long written questions or text that students must be able to read on their own
• Visual Discrimination
• Promotes purchases or upgrades to students
• Words used during activity can be too small or difficult to read
• Requires recall of text information without audio or visual reinforcement
• Students might need support with navigation

Learn faster, study better, and score higher with CliffsNotes® for the iPhone®, iPod touch®, and iPad®. Fast, effective, and comprehensive literature study guides for your mobile device give you anywhere, anytime access to character, theme, and plot summaries and analysis; interactive quiz features; and audio CramCasts.

And now...it's all free!

In a rush? Select the "Take A Look" option from the spinner on the home screen. Want to go a little deeper? Try the "Read It All" option.

Features include:

· Multiple-choice quiz to assess your mastery of the material

· Bookmarking to note important passages for further review

· Interactive character map links character associations and profiles for quick reference

· Audio plot summaries

Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
All rights reserved

CliffsNotes, the CliffsNotes logo, Cliffs, CliffsAP, CliffsComplete, CliffsQuickReview, CliffsStudySolver, CliffsTestPrep, CliffsNote-a-Day, cliffsnotes.com and all related trademarks, logos, and trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and/or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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ABOUT CLIFFSNOTES®

Often imitated but never equaled, CliffsNotes are the original and still most widely recognized study guides in use today. Research shows that among today's students, parents, and adults in general, CliffsNotes have more than double the recognition of the leading competitive study aid brand. CliffsNotes have been described by The New York Times as “an American icon.” The only study guides written by teachers and educational professionals, CliffsNotes have a full range of test prep and study aids—just what today's students need to grasp the essentials fast and score their highest. For more information, visit Cliffsnotes.com.

ABOUT gWhiz

Founded in 2008, gWhiz has quickly made a name for itself in the mobile learning arena. Our team of seasoned pros have hit the ground running, and we are well positioned for continued growth. With considerable experience in the educational technology marketplace and with start-ups in general, our team of project managers, technical architects, developers, graphic designers, and marketers are focused on creating mobile solutions that make sense. Determined to help shape the future of online learning, we are committed to developing quality educational software to promote a lifetime of learning for professionals and students of all ages. For more information, visit gwhizmobile.com.