GoalDescribe how a word processor helps us write a clear report with a good layout.
New words
word processor · a program for writing and arranging documentslayout · how headings, text and pictures are arranged on a pagefootnote · a small note at the bottom of a pagepreview · looking at a page as it will be printed, before printing
Explanation
A word processor is still the best-trusted tool for writing a report. It lets us choose a design and a layout, add headings, pictures, tables and links, pick a font, and put small notes called footnotes at the bottom of a page. It can also check spelling and grammar and suggest shorter, clearer wording. Remember Week 5: write ideas in your own words and name your sources. Before saving or printing, use preview to see the page as it will appear, and fix anything that looks wrong. How do you plan a report? Draw the page as boxes: a title at the top, a heading above each part, a picture box, a table box and a footnote line at the bottom. Choose one clear font and not too many colours. Steps differ in each program, so we study the ideas on paper, and your teacher shows the real buttons.
Box on the page
What goes in it
top
title of the report
above each part
a heading
middle
text, a picture box, a table box
bottom
footnote: where a fact came from
Worked examples
A tidy report. Marwan’s report on bees has a title, three headings and one picture. The font is the same everywhere, so the report looks neat and is easy to read.
mistake underlined→Salma corrects it→Salma still checks the facts
The checks. The word processor underlines ‘recieve’ as a spelling mistake. Salma sees it and writes ‘receive’. It cannot always tell if a fact is true, so she still checks her facts.
preview the page→picture falls off the page→move it→preview again: it fits
Preview before printing. Youssef previews his report and sees that a picture falls half off the page. He moves it and previews again. Now it fits, and he saves paper.
Class activity
Plan a report. Draw one page of a report as boxes: a title, three headings, a picture box, a table box and a footnote line. Choose a topic (for example ‘Our school garden’), write the title and the three headings, and note which fact needs a footnote. Swap with a partner, and each check: is the layout tidy, is there one font, is anything missing?
Practice
1
Name four things a word processor lets you add to a report.
For example: headings, pictures, tables, links, footnotes.
2
What is a footnote?
A small note at the bottom of a page.
3
Why should you use preview before printing?
To see the page as it will print and fix problems first.
4
Can a spelling check make sure every fact is true?
