PrePALS Writing

Using Microsoft Word or Google Docs makes editing writing much easier and more efficient. Both programs have tools like spell check, grammar suggestions, and formatting options that help polish your work. You can track changes, leave comments, and collaborate with others in real time, which is especially helpful for group projects or teacher feedback. Additionally, cloud storage ensures your work is saved automatically and accessible from any device. Overall, these programs streamline the process of revising and improving your writing.

Attributions:

"How to Edit Documents in Microsoft Word 2019 - MS Word Tutorial" Youtube, uploaded by Simon Sez IT, 19 Nov. 2009, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLk0WgbprAo

Permissions: YouTube Terms of Service

Attributions:

"Google Docs: Editing Modes" Youtube, uploaded by William Kurtz, 15 Sept. 2014, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4t_45Po14I

Permissions: YouTube Terms of Service

Application and Practice for Using Microsoft Word 

Use the video provided in the module with this application.

Section 1: Navigating Your Document

1. Using the Scroll Bar
    
   • Open a Word document of at least 3 pages.
      
   • Use the scroll bar on the right to move through your document.
      
2. Keyboard Shortcuts
    
   • Jump to the bottom: Press Ctrl + End.
      
   • Jump to the top: Press Ctrl + Home.
      
   • Move word by word: Hold Ctrl + Left/Right arrow keys.
      
   • Move paragraph by paragraph: Hold Ctrl + Up/Down arrow keys.
      
   • Select all text: Press Ctrl + A.
      

Section 2: Find and Replace

1. Finding a Word
    
   • Go to Home > Editing > Find.
      
   • Type in a word to locate all occurrences in the document.
      
2. Activity:
    
   • Find the word “company” in your document. How many times does it appear? _______
      
3. Replacing a Word
    
   • Go to Home > Editing > Replace.
      
   • Replace all instances of a word with a new word.
      
4. Activity:
    
   • Replace the word “Smith” with your name.
      
   • How many replacements were made? _______
      
5. Advanced Find Options
    
   • Use Match Case, Match Whole Words, or Wildcards for specific searches.
      
6. Activity:
    
   • Find a word starting with the letter “A” using a wildcard. Which word did you find?
      

Section 3: Go To

• Go to Home > Editing > Find > Go To.
   
• Navigate by Page, Section, Line, Bookmark, or Comment.
   

Activity:

• Jump to page 2 of your document using the Go To feature.
   
• Jump back to the first page using Ctrl + Home.
   

Section 4: Editing Basics

1. Deleting Text
    
   • Delete removes text to the right of the cursor.
      
   • Backspace removes text to the left of the cursor.
      
2. Activity:
    
   • Type a sentence and practice deleting with both Delete and Backspace.
      
3. Undo and Redo
    
   • Undo: Ctrl + Z
      
   • Redo: Ctrl + Y
      
   • Use the Quick Access Toolbar buttons as well.
      
4. Activity:
    
   • Make a change to your document, undo it, then redo it.
      
5. Saving Your Work
    
   • Use the Save button on the Quick Access Toolbar.
     
      

Application and Practice for Using Google Docs

Use the video provided in the module with this application.

Learn how to use Google Docs’ Suggesting Mode, which functions similarly to Microsoft Word’s Track Changes, to make edits, propose revisions, and provide feedback.

Section 1: Accessing Suggesting Mode

1. Open any Google Doc (your own or shared with you).
    
2. Click the Editing button in the top-right corner.
    
3. From the dropdown, select Suggesting.
    
   • The button will turn green.
      

Activity:

• Take a screenshot or write down what happens when you switch to Suggesting Mode: ___________________________
   

Section 2: Making Suggestions

1. Highlight a word or phrase in your document that could be improved.
    
2. Make a change (add, delete, or replace text).
    
3. Observe:
    
   • The original text appears with a strikethrough.
      
   • Your new text appears in green.
      
   • A comment box shows your suggested change.
      

Practice Tasks:

• Replace “four score and seven” with “87 years ago.”
   
• Replace “continent” with “landmass.”
   
• Delete a redundant word or phrase.
   

Section 3: Accepting or Rejecting Suggestions

1. Hover over the comment box for each suggestion.
    
2. Click the check mark to accept or the X to reject.
    

Activity:

• Accept one suggestion. Which change did you accept? ___________________________
   
• Reject one suggestion. Which change did you reject? ___________________________
   

Section 4: Reflection Questions

1. How is Suggesting Mode in Google Docs similar to Track Changes in Microsoft Word? ___________________________
    
2. Why is it helpful to use Suggesting Mode when collaborating with others? ___________________________
    

Which editing function (add, delete, replace) did you find easiest to use? ___________________________

We invite you to visit the Writing Center or the online Writing Center Zoom Room (hours)  to practice using Microsoft Word or Google Docs with some guidance from a Writing Center staff member.