JSS 1 First Term

Learning Objectives

• State what a word processor is and name its uses.
• Identify the parts of the Microsoft Word window.
• Start Word, create a new document and type text.
• Use the basic editing keys to correct a document.

What a Word Processor Is

A word processor is application software used to create, edit, format and print documents made of text. Microsoft Word is the most widely used word processor. Others include LibreOffice Writer, Google Docs and WPS Office.

A word processor replaces the typewriter. It lets you correct a mistake anywhere in a document, change the font at any point, copy a passage and paste it somewhere else, and print the result without retyping.

Editing means changing the text in a document.

Formatting means changing the appearance of text.

Uses of a Word Processor

Word processors are used to write letters, reports, essays and assignments. They are used to produce forms such as school report cards and admission forms. They are used to write business letters, invoices and memos.

They are used to prepare notices, programmes and newsletters. They can also include tables, pictures and charts, and they can correct spelling as you type.

Parts of the Word Window

The title bar at the top shows the name of the open document. The ribbon below it holds tabs such as Home, Insert and Layout. Each tab contains groups of related commands.

The ruler shows margins and indents. The document area is the white space where text is typed. The vertical bar on the right is the scroll bar. The status bar at the bottom shows the word count and the current page.

Creating a Document

To start, open Word from the desktop icon or from the Start menu. A blank document appears. Type your text in the document area. The cursor, shown as a blinking line, marks where the next character will appear.

To correct, select the wrong word and type the right one. Backspace deletes the character before the cursor. Press Enter to start a new line or paragraph. Use the mouse or the arrow keys to move around the document.

Save means copying the document from memory to storage.

Practical Work

1. Start Microsoft Word and identify the title bar, ribbon, ruler, document area, scroll bar and status bar.
2. Type your full name, address, school and date on separate lines.
3. Correct two typing errors using Backspace and by selecting and replacing text.
4. Insert three new paragraphs using the Enter key and move the cursor back using the arrow keys.
5. Save the document and reopen it to confirm the work was kept.

Scenario-Based Questions

1. A school secretary is typing a list of examination results. Explain two ways a word processor is faster and neater than a typewriter.
2. Name four uses of a word processor in a school office.
3. Explain the difference between editing and formatting a document.
4. A pupil has typed a long assignment but the cursor is at the top of the document while the mistake is at the bottom. Explain how to reach the mistake.
5. Name four parts of the Microsoft Word window and state what each one does.
6. Explain why the status bar is useful when writing an essay of a specified length.
7. Give two reasons why a school would prefer typed report cards to handwritten ones.