COCA 16515: Our Hackathon MVP for the Gemini 3 Hackathon
We’re excited to announce that Q.Z.L Corp. is joining the Gemini 3 Hackathon with our project COCA 16515!
You can also see our preview on Devpost here: https://devpost.com/software/coca-16515.
What is COCA 16515?
COCA 16515 is a web and mobile-based vocabulary learning platform built around the 16,515 most frequent English words from the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA).
It provides bilingual definitions (English–Chinese), context-rich examples, multiple usages, and pronunciation guides, helping learners study more effectively and track their progress toward mastery.
Demo Video
Watch COCA 16515 in action:
Inspiration
The project was inspired by my own experience preparing for IELTS, required for my Canadian Permanent Resident application. Memorizing random word lists didn’t work, but studying frequency-based, context-rich vocabulary made a huge difference. I wanted to create a tool that could help others learn smarter, track progress, and truly master English words that matter.
What it does
- Offers 16,515 COCA words with bilingual definitions and examples.
- Tracks user XP, streaks, and mastery goals.
- Provides flashcards, quizzes, and a word browser for interactive learning.
- Allows learners to study daily, revisit difficult words, and monitor progress.
Try it live here: Web App
Android app with ads: Google Play
Android app paid, no ads: Google Play Paid
How we built it
- Next.js for a fast, responsive web frontend.
- TailwindCSS for a clean, modern interface.
- TypeScript for maintainable and scalable code.
- COCA 16,515 dataset for detailed definitions, examples, and pronunciations.
- Dynamic learning flow to prioritize user engagement and context-based mastery.
Challenges We Ran Into
- Structuring a large vocabulary dataset for interactive learning.
- Designing a dashboard that motivates learners without overwhelming them.
- Handling bilingual content while keeping the interface clean.
- Maintaining engagement across thousands of words.
Accomplishments
- Successfully integrated all 16,515 COCA words with definitions, examples, usage, and pronunciation.
- Built a bilingual, context-rich learning interface.
- Created a progress tracking system with XP, streaks, and mastery goals.
- Turned personal IELTS preparation experience into a scalable learning tool for others.
What We Learned
- Frequency-based vocabulary like COCA is far more effective than random lists.
- Context and examples improve retention and understanding.
- User motivation and habit design are as important as content itself.
- Large-scale learning apps require balancing data complexity and interface simplicity.
Next Steps for COCA 16515
- Add adaptive learning algorithms to prioritize challenging words.
- Implement spaced repetition and smart quizzes for faster mastery.
- Expand bilingual support beyond Chinese–English.
- Build mobile support improvements for on-the-go learning.
We can’t wait for everyone to try COCA 16515 and experience how context-rich, frequency-based learning can accelerate English mastery!
Try it now: Web App | Android with ads | Android paid, no ads