Abstract
This article conducts an evaluation on three English CD-ROM dictionaries. By designing two tasks, namely encoding task and decoding task, analysis is performed to evaluate the 3 E-dictionaries from the point of view of dictionary users. Evaluation focuses on the aspects of dictionary definition, illustrations, grammatical notes, and operation as well. The purpose is to provide constructive suggestions for the development of CD-ROM electronic English dictionaries in China.

Keywords   CD-ROM   English-Chinese learner’s dictionary   evaluation

本文从词典的释义，例证，语法提示，易操作程度等方面测评了三不知名英语学习词典光盘版，其目的是对我国光盘英语学习词典出版提供优异的建议。

关键词  光盘版   英汉学习词典   测评

1 Literature review: the development of E-dictionaries
With the popularity of computer use, the use of electronic dictionaries is increasing which is regarded as a great challenge to traditional printed dictionaries. Hartmann & James (2000）defines electronic dictionaries as “a type of reference work which utilizes computers and associated technology to present information on-screen.” Chinese lexicographer Zhang Yihua (2004) classified E-dictionaries further in to three types: handheld type, CD-ROM type and on-line type. The handheld type refers, at that time, to a small handheld computer with integrated reference materials, but it also includes now a PDA or a smart phone with a dictionary program. E-dictionaries are also programs that can be downloaded from the Internet or purchased on a CD-ROM or DVD and installed on a desktop computer or on a lap top. More and more dictionaries publishes such as Oxford, Longman, Cambridge, Collins-COBUILD and Macmillan like to attach a CD-ROM dictionaries along with the printed version or offer a free download to desk top or lap top computers. This CD-ROM type is the focus of this thesis. Other electronic dictionaries can be searched and consulted online on the Internet. However, the practice of offering CD-ROM material is seldom seen in Chinese publishers of English-Chinese learner’s dictionaries. Therefore, this thesis would conduct an evaluation on three CD-ROM dictionaries for the purpose of offering constructive advices for dictionary publishers in China.