Presentation software — WJEC-CBAC Vocationally-Related Qualification Digital Skills & IT Revision

    This topic covers inputting and combining text and other information in presentation slides, using software tools to structure and format slides, and prepa

    Topic Synopsis

    This topic covers inputting and combining text and other information in presentation slides, using software tools to structure and format slides, and preparing slides for presentation.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Presentation software

    WJEC-CBAC
    vocational

    This subtopic introduces learners to the fundamental use of presentation software, focusing on creating and combining textual and visual content within slides. It develops essential digital literacy for structuring, formatting, and editing presentations effectively, and prepares learners to finalise slides for delivery, ensuring professionalism and clarity. These skills are directly transferable to academic, vocational, and workplace contexts where information must be communicated clearly to an audience.

    31
    Learning Outcomes
    51
    Assessment Guidance
    56
    Key Skills
    31
    Key Terms
    63
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    WJEC Level 1 Certificate for IT Users (ITQ)
    WJEC Entry Level Certificate for IT Users (Entry 1)
    WJEC Entry Level Award for IT Users (Entry 1)
    WJEC Level 1 Award for IT Users (ITQ)
    WJEC Entry Level Certificate for IT Users (Entry 2)
    WJEC Entry Level Award for IT Users (Entry 2)
    WJEC Entry Level Award for IT Users (Entry 3)
    WJEC Entry Level Certificate for IT Users (Entry 3)

    Topic Overview

    The WJEC Entry Level Certificate for IT Users (Entry 2) is a vocationally-related qualification designed to introduce you to the fundamental digital skills needed in today's world. This course covers essential IT tasks such as using a computer safely, creating simple documents, sending emails, and navigating the internet. It is perfect for building confidence and competence in basic digital literacy, which is a key requirement for many jobs and further study.

    At Entry 2, you will learn how to perform straightforward tasks with guidance, such as opening and saving files, typing text, and using simple formatting. The qualification is assessed through practical assignments rather than exams, meaning you can demonstrate your skills by completing real-world tasks. This hands-on approach helps you understand how IT is used in everyday life, from schoolwork to personal communication.

    This course fits into the wider subject of Digital Skills & IT by providing a solid foundation for progression to higher levels, such as Entry 3 or Level 1 qualifications. It also supports learning in other subjects, as digital skills are increasingly important across the curriculum. By mastering these basics, you will be better prepared for the digital demands of the modern workplace and society.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Using a computer: Turning on/off, logging in, using a mouse and keyboard, and opening/closing applications.
    • →File management: Creating, naming, saving, and opening files and folders in the correct location.
    • →Basic word processing: Typing text, changing font size and style, and using bold, italic, and underline.
    • →Internet and email: Opening a web browser, visiting a website, sending an email with a subject and message.
    • →Health and safety: Sitting correctly, taking breaks, and keeping cables tidy to avoid accidents.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Demonstrate the ability to input and combine text, images, and other media types into presentation slides.
    • Apply presentation software tools to structure, edit, and format slides effectively.
    • Prepare slides for presentation by checking consistency, clarity, and suitability of content.
    • Utilise slide show features and review tools to rehearse and finalise a presentation.
    • Input text and other information within presentation slides., Use presentation software tools to edit and format slides.
    • Input text and other information within presentation slides., Use presentation software tools to edit and format slides.
    • Input and format text within slides, applying appropriate font styles, sizes, and alignment.
    • Insert and manipulate images, charts, and other graphical elements to enhance slide content.
    • Apply slide layouts and design templates to ensure visual consistency and professional appearance.
    • Edit slide content by rearranging, adding, and deleting slides to improve logical flow.
    • Use presentation software tools to add transitions, animations, and timings for effective delivery.
    • Prepare slides for presentation, including setting up slide show options and printing handouts.
    • Identify and select appropriate slide layouts for different content types
    • Insert and format text, images, and other objects onto slides accurately
    • Apply consistent design themes, color schemes, and fonts to enhance visual appeal
    • Use slide master to make global changes and ensure uniformity across all slides
    • Prepare and deliver a slideshow, incorporating transitions and animations where appropriate
    • Review slides for spelling errors, formatting inconsistencies, and accessibility issues
    • Insert and combine text, images, charts, and other media into presentation slides.
    • Apply appropriate slide layouts and design templates to structure content.
    • Edit and format text and visual elements for clarity, consistency, and professional appearance.
    • Use software tools to add transitions and simple animations where relevant.
    • Prepare slides for delivery by checking for errors and ensuring suitability for the intended audience and purpose.
    • PSE:1 Input and combine text and other information within presentation slides, PSE:2 Use presentation software tools to structure, edit and format slides, PSE:3 Prepare slides for presentation
    • PSE:1 Input and combine text and other information within presentation slides, PSE:2 Use presentation software tools to structure, edit and format slides, PSE:3 Prepare slides for presentation
    • PSE:1 Input and combine text and other information within presentation slides, PSE:2 Use presentation software tools to structure, edit and format slides, PSE:3 Prepare slides for presentation
    • Input text and other information within presentation slides., Use presentation software tools to edit and format slides.
    • Input text and other information within presentation slides., Use presentation software tools to edit and format slides., Prepare slides for presentation.
    • PSE:1 Input and combine text and other information within presentation slides, PSE:2 Use presentation software tools to structure, edit and format slides, PSE:3 Prepare slides for presentation
    • Input text and other information within presentation slides., Use presentation software tools to edit and format slides., Prepare slides for presentation.
    • Input and combine text and other information within presentation slides, Use presentation software tools to structure, edit and format slides, Prepare slides for presentation to meet needs

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for accurately inserting text, images, charts, or other objects into slides with appropriate placement.
    • Award credit for applying consistent formatting such as font styles, sizes, colour schemes, and alignment across slides.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the use of slide layouts, master slides, or design themes to structure content.
    • Award credit for checking and correcting spelling and grammatical errors, and for adding speaker notes or transitions where required.
    • Award credit for saving and exporting the presentation in an appropriate format, ready for display.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to open the presentation application and create a new blank presentation.
    • Award credit for accurately inputting text into designated placeholders or text boxes on a slide.
    • Award credit for inserting additional information, such as a simple image, shape, or clip art, onto a slide.
    • Award credit for applying basic text formatting (e.g., bold, italic, underline, font size change) to selected text.
    • Award credit for editing slide content, such as deleting, moving, or copying text or objects.
    • Award credit for saving the presentation with a meaningful filename in a specified location.
    • Award credit for successfully entering text into designated placeholders on multiple slides.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the insertion of a relevant image or shape onto a slide.
    • Award credit for applying basic formatting such as bold, font size, or text alignment to slide content.
    • Award credit for editing slide content by moving or resizing text boxes or images.
    • Award credit for accurate text entry with minimal spelling and grammatical errors.
    • Evidence of consistent use of slide layouts and design themes across all slides.
    • Inclusion of at least one image or graphical element, appropriately positioned and sized.
    • Demonstration of at least one slide transition or animation applied correctly.
    • Printout of slides or handouts formatted according to task requirements (e.g., slides per page).
    • Correct use of slide numbering, headers, or footers if specified in the task.
    • Preparation of speaker notes for at least one slide to aid presentation delivery.
    • Award credit for correctly inserting and resizing at least two different types of media (e.g., text and image) on a single slide.
    • Credit should be given for applying a consistent background or theme across all slides.
    • Candidates should demonstrate use of slide master to edit multiple slides simultaneously, e.g., adding a footer.
    • Evidence of checking and correcting errors must be shown, such as use of spell check or manual review.
    • Award credit for accurate insertion and positioning of text and images on slides.
    • Credit application of a consistent theme or formatting style (fonts, colours, alignment) across the presentation.
    • Evidence of using spell check and previewing the presentation to identify and correct errors.
    • Slides should be structured logically with appropriate headings and bullet points.
    • The presentation must be saved in a format ready for display.
    • Input text and insert images or other media.
    • Use tools to edit and format slides consistently.
    • Structure slides logically for audience.
    • Prepare slides for presentation (e.g., check spelling, order).
    • Award credit for demonstrating accurate text entry and insertion of at least one other element (e.g., image, shape, table) onto a slide.
    • Require evidence of slide structure manipulation, such as adding, deleting, reordering, or duplicating slides.
    • Look for consistent application of formatting: font changes, alignment adjustments, or background modifications across multiple slides.
    • Check that the candidate can successfully initiate a slideshow and navigate between slides using appropriate tools (e.g., on-screen buttons, keyboard shortcuts).
    • Award credit for accurately inserting text, images, or other content into slides, demonstrating clear information combination.
    • Award credit for applying consistent formatting (e.g., font styles, bullet points, alignment) to improve slide readability and structure.
    • Award credit for checking the presentation in slideshow mode to verify logical flow, absence of errors, and appropriate transitions.
    • Award credit for accurately typing or pasting text into designated slide placeholders.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to modify font size, style, or colour to enhance readability.
    • Award credit for inserting basic elements such as text boxes or simple shapes to add information.
    • Award credit for applying consistent formatting across multiple slides (e.g., using themes or slide layouts appropriately).
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to add text to a slide using a text box or placeholder.
    • Award credit for correctly applying basic formatting such as bold, font size, or alignment.
    • Award credit for successfully inserting an image or shape onto a slide.
    • Award credit for evidence of running a slideshow from the beginning or from the current slide.
    • Inputs text and images into slides correctly.
    • Uses software tools to format text and slides.
    • Structures slides in a logical order.
    • Prepares slides for presentation (e.g., checking spelling, timing).
    • Award credit for accurately inserting text into placeholders and adding at least one other type of information, such as an image or a shape, on a slide.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the use of at least two editing or formatting tools (e.g., font style, text size, alignment, or bullet points) to enhance slide appearance.
    • Award credit for correctly setting up a slideshow, including checking slide order and using basic presentation view or slide show mode to deliver slides.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to open a presentation software application and create a new slide deck with multiple slides.
    • Award credit for accurately entering and editing text in placeholders, ensuring correct spelling and punctuation.
    • Award credit for inserting at least one type of non-text information (e.g., image, shape, or chart) and positioning it appropriately on a slide.
    • Award credit for applying basic slide structure, including consistent use of titles and content areas across slides.
    • Award credit for using formatting tools to change font style, size, or colour to improve readability.
    • Award credit for evidence of slide preparation for presentation, such as previewing the slideshow, checking slide order, or printing slides/handouts as required.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Always plan your presentation structure before starting to create slides to ensure a logical sequence.
    • 💡Provide annotated screenshots or a portfolio of evidence showing steps taken to input, edit, and format slides.
    • 💡Rehearse your presentation with the slides to check timing, transitions, and the relevance of speaker notes.
    • 💡Use the software's built-in review tools, such as spell check and slide sorter, to refine your work before submission.
    • 💡Save your work in multiple formats (e.g., .pptx and .pdf) to demonstrate competency in file management.
    • 💡Practice using the software's undo function to quickly correct mistakes.
    • 💡Before starting, plan a simple outline on paper to guide your slide content.
    • 💡Use clear, legible fonts and ensure sufficient contrast between text and background.
    • 💡Always double-check your work for spelling errors and correct any formatting inconsistencies.
    • 💡Familiarise yourself with the specific presentation software that will be used in the assessment environment.
    • 💡Always save your work regularly and keep a backup copy before final submission.
    • 💡Use the built-in slide layouts to maintain consistency and ease of formatting across the presentation.
    • 💡Check each slide for spelling errors and readability before completing the assessment.
    • 💡Always preview your presentation before submission to confirm all elements display correctly and consistently.
    • 💡Use the slide master to set consistent formatting across all slides, saving time and ensuring a unified look.
    • 💡Keep slide content concise; use bullet points with short phrases rather than lengthy paragraphs.
    • 💡Practice the final presentation with timings to ensure it fits within any given duration limits.
    • 💡Back up your presentation file regularly to prevent data loss and ensure you have a recent version to submit.
    • 💡Always save your work frequently and keep a backup copy on a USB or cloud storage.
    • 💡Plan your presentation structure on paper before starting to use the software, to save time and create a logical flow.
    • 💡Use the ‘Preview’ or ‘Slide Show’ mode to check how your presentation will appear to the audience before final submission.
    • 💡Always read the assignment brief carefully to tailor the presentation to the specified audience and purpose.
    • 💡Use the slide master and pre-set layouts to maintain consistent formatting efficiently.
    • 💡Demonstrate a range of software features but ensure they enhance rather than overwhelm the content.
    • 💡Allow time to review the presentation on a full screen to catch layout or visual issues before submission.
    • 💡Use templates to save time.
    • 💡Preview slideshow to check flow.
    • 💡Keep text brief and use bullet points.
    • 💡In assessed tasks, always follow instructions precisely—if asked to create three slides with specific content, ensure exactly three slides are present.
    • 💡Use slide layouts and design themes provided by the software rather than designing from scratch, as this demonstrates efficient tool use.
    • 💡Before submitting, run the slideshow from start to finish to check that all content is visible and sequencing is correct.
    • 💡When completing PSE:1 tasks, practice inserting both text and images into a single slide to clearly meet the 'combine' requirement.
    • 💡For PSE:2, choose a simple, consistent design theme and use formatting tools like alignment and lists to efficiently structure all slides.
    • 💡In PSE:3, always run the slideshow and check each slide; this simple step often catches overlooked mistakes and secures marks for presentation readiness.
    • 💡Always plan the slide structure before starting to input information.
    • 💡Use the slide master to ensure consistent formatting across all slides.
    • 💡Keep text concise; use bullet points for clarity.
    • 💡Preview the presentation slideshow to check for errors in formatting and content flow.
    • 💡Always use the slide sorter view to check overall flow and consistency before final submission.
    • 💡Ensure every slide has a clear title and that text is readable from a distance during presentation.
    • 💡Practice keyboard shortcuts for common tasks like saving (Ctrl+S) and starting the slideshow (F5) to improve efficiency.
    • 💡Practice using different formatting options.
    • 💡Always preview the slideshow before presenting.
    • 💡Always run through your slides in presentation mode before submitting to check for any errors, broken image links, or odd transitions.
    • 💡Stick to a simple, clean template and use a consistent font style and size throughout to maintain readability and a professional appearance.
    • 💡When adding images, remember to source them from a legal source and mention where you got them if required; keep a backup of all files in a folder.
    • 💡Always read the assessment brief carefully to identify specific audience and purpose requirements before starting the presentation.
    • 💡Use a logical slide sequence—starting with a title slide, followed by content slides, and ending with a summary or thank you slide—to demonstrate structure.
    • 💡Show deliberate formatting choices: explain why you chose a particular font size or colour scheme if a witness statement or log is required.
    • 💡Check that all media (images, charts) are clearly visible and relevant; avoid decorative elements that do not support the content.
    • 💡Practice running the slideshow to ensure transitions and animations (if used) work smoothly and do not distract from the message.
    • 💡Tip 1: Read each task carefully before starting. Underline key words like 'save', 'print', or 'format' to ensure you do exactly what is asked.
    • 💡Tip 2: Practise using the keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+S to save and Ctrl+Z to undo. This saves time and shows you are confident with the software.
    • 💡Tip 3: Check your work before submitting. Make sure files are saved with the correct name and in the right folder. Small mistakes can lose marks.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Overloading slides with excessive text, making content difficult to read or follow.
    • Using inconsistent formatting, such as varying font types or sizes across slides, which appears unprofessional.
    • Forgetting to check for spelling and grammatical errors before final submission.
    • Inserting images without resizing or positioning them properly, leading to distorted or poorly laid out slides.
    • Neglecting to use slide sorter or outline view to check the logical flow of the presentation.
    • Forgetting to save work regularly, leading to loss of progress.
    • Clicking outside a text box and then typing, resulting in no text appearing.
    • Applying formatting to the entire text box instead of highlighting specific text first.
    • Inserting an image but failing to resize or position it, causing layout issues.
    • Using too many different fonts or colours, making the slide difficult to read.
    • Accidentally deleting a slide instead of editing its content.
    • Forgetting to save the presentation file, leading to loss of work.
    • Inconsistent formatting across slides (e.g., mixing different font styles and sizes).
    • Inserting images that are too large or pixelated, making slides look unprofessional.
    • Accidentally deleting or moving content by not locking layers or selecting the correct object.
    • Overcrowding slides with excessive text, making them difficult to read and unprofessional.
    • Using inconsistent font styles, sizes, or colours throughout the presentation.
    • Forgetting to check the logical order and flow of slides, leading to a disjointed narrative.
    • Neglecting to proofread, resulting in noticeable spelling and grammar mistakes.
    • Applying distracting animations or transitions that detract from the content.
    • Saving the presentation file in an incorrect format or failing to submit the required file type.
    • Using too much text on one slide, making it difficult for the audience to read.
    • Applying different fonts and colors on each slide, leading to a disorganised look.
    • Overusing animations and transitions, which can distract from the presentation content.
    • Forgetting to check for spelling and grammatical errors.
    • Overloading slides with excessive text or images, reducing clarity and impact.
    • Applying inconsistent formatting, such as varying font sizes or styles, across slides.
    • Failing to proofread, leading to spelling and grammar mistakes in the final product.
    • Using distracting animations or transitions that detract from the message.
    • Overcrowding slides with too much text.
    • Inconsistent font sizes or colours.
    • Forgetting to save work before closing.
    • Learners often forget to save work regularly, risking loss of progress and incomplete evidence.
    • Inserting images without resizing or positioning them, leading to cluttered, unprofessional slides.
    • Using excessive or inconsistent fonts and colours, which distracts from content and reduces readability.
    • Confusing slide transitions with animation effects, or applying too many distracting transitions.
    • Entering text haphazardly without using placeholder boxes, causing layout issues and poor readability.
    • Overusing different fonts, colours, and animations, resulting in cluttered and unprofessional slides.
    • Neglecting to preview the entire presentation before submission, leaving unnoticed errors or missing elements.
    • Forgetting to use slide layouts appropriately, leading to inconsistent placement of text.
    • Using excessive animations or transitions that distract from content.
    • Not proofreading text, resulting in spelling or grammar errors.
    • Misusing formatting tools, such as applying inconsistent font sizes across slides.
    • Learners often struggle to differentiate between editing text content and editing the text box itself, leading to accidental resizing or moving of containers.
    • A frequent oversight is neglecting to save the presentation in the correct file format, such as .pptx or compatible mode for sharing.
    • Many learners fail to check spelling and grammar, or to preview slides before presenting, resulting in overlooked errors.
    • Overloading slides with too much text.
    • Ignoring slide order and flow.
    • Learners often forget to save their presentation frequently, risking loss of work, especially when inserting images from external sources.
    • Text is often too small or poorly colour-contrasted against the background, making slides difficult to read during presentation.
    • Learners may apply inconsistent formatting across slides, leading to an unprofessional look that could lose marks for presentation preparation.
    • Learners often overcrowd slides with excessive text, reducing legibility and failing to meet the needs of the audience.
    • A common mistake is neglecting to proofread and correct spelling and grammar errors on slides, which undermines professionalism.
    • Many struggle with appropriately resizing or positioning images, leading to distorted visuals or overlapping content.
    • Failing to save the presentation in an appropriate format (e.g., standard editable file vs. PDF for sharing) is a frequent oversight.
    • Some learners confuse the slide sorter view with the normal view and may inadvertently rearrange slides incorrectly.
    • Misconception: 'I don't need to save my work because the computer does it automatically.' Correction: Most programs do not auto-save. You must regularly save your work using 'Save' or 'Save As' to avoid losing it.
    • Misconception: 'All websites are safe to visit.' Correction: Some websites may contain harmful content or viruses. Only visit websites you trust, and never share personal information online without permission.
    • Misconception: 'I can just click any link in an email.' Correction: Some emails contain phishing links that can steal your information. Always check the sender and think before clicking.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic familiarity with using a computer (e.g., turning it on and using a mouse) is helpful but not essential, as the course starts from the very beginning.
    • •Understanding of simple instructions and the ability to follow step-by-step guidance.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Slide content creation
    • Multimedia integration
    • Slide formatting and design
    • Presentation preparation
    • Software navigation and tools
    • Input text and other information within presentation slides., Use presentation software tools to edit and format slides.
    • Input text and other information within presentation slides., Use presentation software tools to edit and format slides.
    • Slide creation and content input
    • Slide design and formatting
    • Presentation preparation and delivery
    • Multimedia integration
    • Professional presentation standards
    • Slide Creation and Layout
    • Text and Media Integration
    • Formatting and Design Consistency
    • Presentation Delivery Techniques
    • Software Proficiency and Efficiency
    • Audience-Centred Design
    • Slide creation and text entry
    • Multimedia integration
    • Layout and design structuring
    • Editing and formatting techniques
    • Presentation finalisation and review
    • PSE:1 Input and combine text and other information within presentation slides, PSE:2 Use presentation software tools to structure, edit and format slides, PSE:3 Prepare slides for presentation
    • PSE:1 Input and combine text and other information within presentation slides, PSE:2 Use presentation software tools to structure, edit and format slides, PSE:3 Prepare slides for presentation
    • PSE:1 Input and combine text and other information within presentation slides, PSE:2 Use presentation software tools to structure, edit and format slides, PSE:3 Prepare slides for presentation
    • Input text and other information within presentation slides., Use presentation software tools to edit and format slides.
    • Input text and other information within presentation slides., Use presentation software tools to edit and format slides., Prepare slides for presentation.
    • PSE:1 Input and combine text and other information within presentation slides, PSE:2 Use presentation software tools to structure, edit and format slides, PSE:3 Prepare slides for presentation
    • Input text and other information within presentation slides., Use presentation software tools to edit and format slides., Prepare slides for presentation.
    • Input and combine text and other information within presentation slides, Use presentation software tools to structure, edit and format slides, Prepare slides for presentation to meet needs

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