Word processing: for and against

13. Read the text and underline the advantages of word processing in the first paragraph and the disadvantages in the second. Write the number of each.

Advantages-- Disadvantages--

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 lot 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 called ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange), as does e-mail.

 

14. Decide if the sentences are true (T) or false (F).

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

2. You can change your documents easily. 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

 

15. Match the first part of the sentence (1-6) witch the second part (a-f)

1. Typing letters with a word processor

2. Many companies need people

3. I can learn a lot of new words

4. People usually type business letters

5. Check your spelling and grammar

6. If you cut a sentence out by mistake,

a. in the Times New Roman font.

b. by using the thesaurus.

c. before you print out your document.

d. who can use a word processor.

e. try clicking the undo button.

f. is easier and quicker than writing by hand.

 

16.Complete the sentences with words from the box.

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

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 the font.

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