Test Tips

Show what you know

Tips for Taking Hands-On Word Tests

Some Basics

What to do First

Study the Hard Copy

Formatting Order

Using Keystrokes

Before working on any document you’re given during a test make sure the following Word options are in place:

When taking a hands-on Word test, deciding what to do first can be overwhelming.  Should you first apply Styles or set up Outline Numbering?  Is it wiser to tackle Headers and Footers before inserting Page Numbering? It's totally up to you.  The more tests you take the more comfortable you'll be with finding your process.

Before jumping in, take some time to look at the Hard Copy for:

Quick & Easy Tasks such as Find & Replace and Spell Check

These are simple to use functions and can be performed anytime.  Since you're not only being tested on how much you know, run these functions first so you can concentrate on other formatting tasks.

Font

Is the font used on the hard copy the same font used on the Electronic Document on the computer screen?  This is a trick question.  Instead of selecting the whole document then changing the font, there is another ,more preferred method

Numbering Levels

This type of formatting can really trip you up.  It may be helpful to jot down on a piece of scrap paper the different levels.  For example:

Level 1 – I

Level 2 – Section 1.1

Level 3 – a)

Look for pages with different formatting such as:

·         Orientation: Are all pages portrait?

·         Page Numbering: Does numbering start over in the middle of your document?  Are some pages numbered with letters while others use actual numbers?

·         Page Borders: Do all pages have borders?

Formatting your pages first will save you time and frustration.  Trust me.

When taking a hands-on Word test, deciding what to do first can be overwhelming.  Should you first apply Styles or set up Outline Numbering?  Is it wiser to tackle Headers and Footers before inserting Page Numbering? It's totally up to you.  The more tests you take the more comfortable you'll be with finding your process.

Personally, I like start to formatting the container of the document then work my way to page then paragraph formatting.  To me, formatting a document from scratch is like constructing a building.  First the structure is erected.  Then it's divided into floors and rooms that are sectioned off by walls.  Eventually each room is decorated with its own style, depending on its function

That's how Word works.  First construct or format the container of the document, then, according to its formatting needs, divide areas of your document into sections using section breaks.  Afterwards decorate or format all paragraphs.

Try and get into the habit of using keystrokes instead of going the Menu or Toolbars.  You'll be surprised how much time you save.

Here's a list of handy keystrokes

Nothing makes you look sillier then when you're in the middle of taking your test and your computer decides to go belly-up on you.  Not only is all your work lost and you'll need to start all over again, it's also a time waster.  Some places may take this into consideration when accessing your document.

Avoid pressing Enter twice.  In other words, don’t have a blank paragraph mark following a paragraph.  Instead, format the paragraph using Word’s space after feature.  You don’t want any stray paragraph marks.  The only possible exception is pressing enter just before inserting a page or section break.

Put everything in styles.  Even if it’s only one line worth of text, apply a style to it, whether it’s your own or one of Word’s.

I know it sounds strange, but make a game out of taking these types of tests.  Don't stress.  Just do your best.

[ Home ] [ Classes ] [ Benefits ] [ Assess Yourself ] [ Word in Law ] [ Test Tips ] [ Articles ] [ Resources ]