Character, clipboard, fonts, format, locations, menu bar, toolbar, settings

1. When you copy text, it stays on the ____ until you want to paste it.

2 Change the paragraph _____ if you want bigger spaces between the lines.

3 Each word on the ______ contains a list of commands and tools.

4 Most of the icons on the _______ are also in words in the menu bar.

5 You can save a file in many different ______ in your computer.

6 MS Word has about a hundred different ______ for you to choose from.

7 A word processor lets you ______ a paragraph as well as the font.

8 If the ______ you want is not on the keyboard, look in the Symbol command.

Exercise 6. Writing. Type a paragraph of any English text that is new to you using a word-processing program. Do the following:

· format the verbs in bold

· put nouns in italics

· underline any adjectives

· use the thesaurus to check any words you do not know

· change the font and the font size for each sentence

· use the spell check to check your work.

Exercise 7. Answer the questions.

1 Do you like writing by hand? Why?/Why not?

2 Have you ever used a typewriter or word processor? Which word processor?

3 What are the differences between handwriting, typing and word processing?

Exercise 8. Read the text. Underline advantages and disadvantages of word processing.

People use word processors for writing all kinds of documents, such as letters, school papers and reports. Word processors have many advantages over handwriting and manual typewriters. Word processing is faster and easier than writing by hand and you can store documents on your computer, which you cannot usually do on a typewriter. This makes it easier to review and rewrite your documents. You have more formatting choices with a word processor and the spelling, grammar and language tools are useful, too. You can also print copies of your documents, which look neater than handwritten ones. Many language students use word processors to improve their writing skills and because they help them feel proud of their work.

Word processors do have disadvantages, however. First, it is not easy to read long documents on a computer screen. Second, sometimes the printer does not print an exact copy of what you see on the screen. Not all word processors can read each other's files, which is another disadvantage. Finally, word processors do not always work well with e-mail. If you paste a word-processed letter into an e-mail it may lose a tot of its formatting. Many people use a text editor for the Internet, which is similar to a word processor but has fewer formatting features and cannot use graphics. Text editors, such as Notepad, use a simple coding system edited ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange), as does e-mail.

Exercise 9. True or Not?

1 You can store letters on a manual typewriter. T/F

2 You can change your documents easily on a word processor. T/F

3 Printed documents look better than handwriting. T/F

4 Improving your writing is more difficult with a word processor. T/F

5 Word processors work well with e-mail. T/F

Exercise 10. Find the words from the text to the given definitions.

1 by hand, not electronic ______

2 the way a program organizes data ______

3 a program used for simple text files ______

4 the code that e-mail uses ______

5 things that a program has, or can do ______

6 a program used for text and graphics ________

Exercise 11. Which of these documents would you write by hand and which on a word processor? Say why.

a formal letter • an informal letter

an invitation to a party • a birthday card

a shopping list • an application form

a note to your teacher/friend/father

a school report • a 'for sale' notice

Exercise 12. Write a short paragraph about some of the advantages of writing with pen and paper. Use the following ideas to help you. Add any other ideas you may have.

pen and paper – cheap

you can write anywhere (don't need electricity)

don't need to learn to type

handwritten letters – friendlier & more personal

Exercise 13. Put the verb in brackets in the right Past Tense Form.

1. I saw a light in your window as I (pass) by.

2. While my son (wait) for my call, somebody knocked at my door.

3. I (wake up) early and (get) out of bed.

4. That morning she (dress), (phone) somebody and (go) out.

5. Ann was afraid she (forget) her key at home.

6. I wasn’t hungry because I (just/have) breakfast.

7. When we (come) to the station, the train (leave) already.

8. Suddenly he (remember) that he (not/ring) her up.

9. The whole evening yesterday he (read) a book.

10. When I (go) to school before yesterday, I (meet) Mike and Pete.