Study Guide: Word Processing

Selecting and Formatting Text

Formatting is the process of changing the appearance of a document. Formatting can be applied to both paragraphs and characters in order to create a document that is easier to read. A paragraph includes the text up to and including a paragraph mark (¶). Characters include letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and symbols.

Paragraph formatting is the process of changing the appearance of a paragraph on the screen and in print. Paragraph formatting includes alignment, indention, and spacing between lines.

Character formatting is the process of changing the way characters appear on the screen and in print. Character formatting is used to emphasize certain words to improve the readability of a document. Character formatting includes changing the font style and font size -- adding an underline, color, italics and using the bold feature.

Once the text has been typed, it must be selected in order to apply formatting or character enhancements. You may format one character or several paragraphs at one time.

Selected text is highlighted. Selecting text is done by holding down the mouse button at the start of a word or paragraph while moving the mouse over the chosen text. This will highlight or select the text. Each word processor will have its set of keystrokes to select units of text; such as, a word, sentence, paragraph, etc. Selection of text is very easy in most situations; however, this can be difficult when selecting more text than one screen can hold. The mouse may be a bit unsteady and difficult to control. In most word processors, performing the following steps can control the selection of text:

• move the mouse pointer to the beginning of the selection area and click the left mouse button once.
• press and hold the shift key.
• move the mouse pointer to the end of the selection area and click the left mouse button.

HANDS ON EXERCISE

1. Retrieve the document you created in the last exercise. The file name is TEKXAM. The document should look like the following example.

THE TEKXAM

The Tek.Xam assessment examination is a unique test measuring technology and problem-solving skills within the technology environment. It is an Internet-based, vendor-neutral test delivered online in a proctored computer lab.

Created by the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges and recognized by a growing list of prominent employers, the Tek.Xam credential provides a way for college students, and those already in the workforce, to demonstrate their mastery of technology applications and problem-solving tools.

Tek.Xam credentialed individuals can synthesize and analyze data, draw conclusions, and present those conclusions using a variety of common computer applications. They can create websites and can effectively use the Internet for information gathering and analysis. In addition, they understand a wide range of computer concepts related to networking, hardware and software as well as the key legal and ethical issues associated with the use of this technology.

2. The first formatting feature you will add to this document is to change the font. Select the entire document, go to the standard toolbar and change the font to Arial.
3. Select the title, THE TEKXAM, and change the font size to 14 points.
4. Bold the title.
5. Change the alignment of the title to center alignment. The document should now look like the following example.

THE TEKXAM

The Tek.Xam assessment examination is a unique test measuring technology and problem-solving skills within the technology environment. It is an Internet-based, vendor-neutral test delivered online in a proctored computer lab.

Created by the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges and recognized by a growing list of prominent employers, the Tek.Xam credential provides a way for college students, and those already in the workforce, to demonstrate their mastery of technology applications and problem-solving tools.

Tek.Xam credentialed individuals can synthesize and analyze data, draw conclusions, and present those conclusions using a variety of common computer applications. They can create websites and can effectively use the Internet for information gathering and analysis. In addition, they understand a wide range of computer concepts related to networking, hardware and software as well as the key legal and ethical issues associated with the use of this technology.

6. Select all three paragraphs. Apply the ‘first line’ indention style or use the tab key to manually indent the first line of each paragraph.
7. Italicize each instance of Tek.Xam in all three paragraphs.
8. Type your name two lines after the last paragraph.
9. Underline and right align your name. Your document should now look like the following example.

   THE TEKXAM

   The Tek.Xam assessment examination is a unique test measuring technology and problem-solving skills within the technology environment. It is an Internet-based, vendor-neutral test delivered online in a proctored computer lab.

   Created by the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges and recognized by a growing list of prominent employers, the Tek.Xam credential provides a way for college students, and those already in the workforce, to demonstrate their mastery of technology applications and problem-solving tools.

   Tek.Xam credentialed individuals can synthesize and analyze data, draw conclusions, and present those conclusions using a variety of common computer applications. They can create websites and can effectively use the Internet for information gathering and analysis. In addition, they understand a wide range of computer concepts related to networking, hardware and software as well as the key legal and ethical issues associated with the use of this technology.

John Jones

10. Save your document with the file name REVISED TEKXAM.
11. Close your document and exit your word processor.