Using Word Processing Software — WJEC-CBAC Vocationally-Related Qualification Digital Skills & IT Revision

    This subtopic focuses on foundational word processing skills, enabling learners to create, edit, and enhance simple digital documents. Practical applicatio

    Topic Synopsis

    This subtopic focuses on foundational word processing skills, enabling learners to create, edit, and enhance simple digital documents. Practical applications include producing letters, notices, and basic reports, which are essential for everyday communication and vocational tasks. Mastery of these skills supports digital literacy and prepares learners for more advanced IT qualifications.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Using Word Processing Software

    WJEC-CBAC
    vocational

    This subtopic focuses on foundational word processing skills, enabling learners to create, edit, and enhance simple digital documents. Practical applications include producing letters, notices, and basic reports, which are essential for everyday communication and vocational tasks. Mastery of these skills supports digital literacy and prepares learners for more advanced IT qualifications.

    19
    Learning Outcomes
    33
    Assessment Guidance
    35
    Key Skills
    17
    Key Terms
    37
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

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

    Topic Overview

    The WJEC Entry Level Certificate for IT Users (Entry 1) is a foundational qualification designed to introduce students to the basic concepts and practical skills of information technology. This course covers essential digital literacy, including using a computer, managing files, creating simple documents, and staying safe online. It is ideal for students who are new to IT or need to build confidence before progressing to higher levels.

    This qualification is part of the WJEC-CBAC Vocationally-Related Qualifications framework, which focuses on real-world, practical skills. At Entry 1, students learn to identify common IT devices, use a keyboard and mouse, open and close applications, and save work. The course also emphasises online safety, helping students understand how to protect personal information and recognise potential risks.

    Mastering these basics is crucial because IT skills are now essential in almost every job and daily life. This certificate provides a stepping stone to further study, such as Entry 2 or Entry 3, and builds a solid foundation for using technology effectively and responsibly.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Hardware and software: Understand the difference between physical devices (like a monitor, keyboard, mouse) and programs (like a web browser or word processor).
    • →Basic file management: Know how to create, open, save, and close files, and understand the concept of folders for organising work.
    • →Online safety: Recognise the importance of keeping passwords private, not sharing personal information online, and knowing how to report concerns.
    • →Using input devices: Develop skills in using a mouse (click, double-click, drag) and keyboard (typing letters, numbers, and using the Enter and Space keys).
    • →Simple document creation: Be able to type short sentences, change font size or colour, and insert a simple image in a word processor.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Enter, edit and combine text and other information within word processing documents., Use word processing software tools to format and present documents.
    • Enter text into a document using keyboard input methods.
    • Edit text by inserting, deleting, and moving words or sentences.
    • Combine text with other information such as images or symbols.
    • Apply basic text formatting, including bold, italic, and underline.
    • Adjust paragraph alignment and line spacing to improve document readability.
    • Use page setup tools to set margins and orientation.
    • Preview and print a document with appropriate settings.
    • Enter text accurately using a keyboard and other input methods.
    • Edit documents by inserting, deleting, and modifying text.
    • Combine text with other information such as images, tables, or charts.
    • Apply formatting tools to enhance document appearance and readability.
    • Utilise document structure features like headers, footers, and page breaks.
    • Present documents for different output purposes (print, digital).
    • Enter, edit and combince text and other information accurately within word processing documents., Use word processing software tools to structure information, format and present documents.
    • Enter, edit and combine text and other information within word processing documents., Use word processing software tools to format and present documents.
    • Enter, edit and combine text and other information within word processing documents., Use word processing software tools to format and present documents.
    • Enter, edit and combince text and other information accurately within word processing documents., Use word processing software tools to structure information, format and present documents.
    • Enter, edit and combince text and other information accurately within word processing documents., Use word processing software tools to structure information, format and present documents.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for accurately entering text with correct spelling and punctuation, demonstrating basic keyboard proficiency.
    • Award credit for inserting and positioning an image or clipart within the document, showing ability to combine information.
    • Award credit for applying formatting tools such as bold, font size, or text alignment to improve document presentation.
    • Award credit for accurate entry of specified text without significant errors.
    • Look for evidence of at least two different formatting features applied (e.g., bold, centre alignment).
    • Check that the document includes an inserted image or symbol correctly placed.
    • Ensure the document is saved with a logical filename and in the correct folder.
    • Verify that the printed document matches the on-screen layout.
    • Assess the overall neatness and consistency of formatting.
    • Award credit for accurate and consistent text entry with minimal errors.
    • Expect evidence of effective editing including cut, copy, paste, and undo.
    • Look for appropriate integration of non-text elements with correct positioning and alignment.
    • Credit for applying consistent and purposeful formatting (font, size, emphasis).
    • Check for use of structural elements such as headings, page numbers, and margins.
    • Assess the final document's fitness for purpose and audience.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to enter and edit text without typographical errors.
    • Credit should be given when the learner appropriately combines text with graphics or tabular data, maintaining alignment and readability.
    • Evidence of using formatting tools (e.g., font styles, spacing, indentation) to enhance document structure and presentation.
    • Mark for applying consistent formatting across all sections of the document, including headers/footers where applicable.
    • Award credit for accurately entering a short passage of text with minimal errors and demonstrating use of backspace or delete keys for correction.
    • Award credit for combining text with at least one other information type, such as an image, symbol, or simple table, and positioning it appropriately within the document.
    • Award credit for applying basic formatting features like bold, underline, font size changes, and text alignment to enhance the document's readability and presentation.
    • Award credit for accurate text entry with no more than two typographical errors in a short document.
    • Demonstrate ability to insert and position an image or other object appropriately within the text.
    • Apply consistent font styles and sizes to headings and body text, with clear differentiation.
    • Use alignment tools (e.g., left, centre, right) appropriately to enhance document readability.
    • Show evidence of saving and retrieving documents using appropriate file names and locations.
    • Award credit for entering text accurately with correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar using appropriate keyboard skills.
    • Credit given for successfully editing text using basic functions such as cut, copy, paste, delete, and undo.
    • Evidence of combining text with at least one non-text element (e.g., image, table, shape) and positioning it effectively.
    • Demonstrating use of formatting tools to enhance readability, including font type, size, bold, italic, underline, and text alignment.
    • Award credit for structuring the document using features like headings, paragraphs, bullet points, or numbered lists.
    • Learner must show ability to save and retrieve documents using appropriate file names and locations.
    • Award credit for accurately typing and correcting text without leaving unintended errors.
    • Evidence must include combining text with at least one other element (e.g., image, table, or symbol) placed appropriately.
    • Look for consistent use of formatting tools such as font size, bold, alignment, and spacing to enhance readability.
    • The final document should be saved with a meaningful filename and, if required, printed or exported correctly.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Regularly save your document during the task to prevent data loss in case of software crashes.
    • 💡Use the undo button (Ctrl+Z) immediately after a mistake to efficiently reverse unintended actions.
    • 💡Preview the document before printing to ensure formatting appears as intended on paper.
    • 💡Always proofread your document before submitting to correct typos.
    • 💡Use the print preview function to check layout before final printing.
    • 💡Learn keyboard shortcuts for common tasks like Ctrl+S to save time and reduce mistakes.
    • 💡Label your document clearly and follow any given naming conventions exactly.
    • 💡If unsure, ask the assessor for clarification on task requirements rather than guessing.
    • 💡Practice using the software regularly to build confidence with its features.
    • 💡Read the assignment brief carefully to understand document requirements and audience.
    • 💡Plan the document structure and gather all content before starting.
    • 💡Use the spell checker and grammar tools to review work.
    • 💡Preview the document before submission to ensure formatting translates properly.
    • 💡Maintain a consistent style and avoid unnecessary embellishments.
    • 💡Always proofread your document thoroughly before submission; use the spelling and grammar checker but also manually review for context errors.
    • 💡Practice using styles and formatting tools to create a consistent look, as assessors look for uniformity in headings, fonts, and spacing.
    • 💡When combining information, ensure that imported data (e.g., from a spreadsheet) retains its formatting or is adjusted to fit the document design.
    • 💡Save your work frequently and use descriptive file names to avoid confusion; demonstrate file management skills as part of the assessment.
    • 💡Always begin by reading the assignment brief carefully to understand exactly what content, structure, and formatting are required, then plan your document before you start typing.
    • 💡Use the software’s spell check and preview features before finalising your work to catch mistakes and ensure the printed version matches your on-screen layout.
    • 💡Include a clear title, use headings to organise sections, and leave appropriate white space to make your document easy to read and mark.
    • 💡Practice producing documents from scratch within a given time limit to build speed and confidence.
    • 💡Use the software’s print preview feature to check layout and pagination before final submission.
    • 💡Familiarise yourself with common keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl+S, Ctrl+B, Ctrl+Z) to work efficiently.
    • 💡Read the assignment brief carefully to ensure all required elements (e.g., specific text, images, formatting) are included.
    • 💡Always read the assignment brief several times to identify all required elements, such as specific formatting instructions or content to include.
    • 💡Practise using keyboard shortcuts for common actions (e.g., Ctrl+C to copy, Ctrl+V to paste) to work more efficiently during timed assessments.
    • 💡Use the print preview function before finalising to check margins, page breaks, and overall layout.
    • 💡Create a simple checklist based on the marking criteria to ensure you have demonstrated each skill before submission.
    • 💡Keep formatting simple and consistent—aim for a clean, professional look rather than excessive decoration.
    • 💡Always read the assignment brief carefully to understand exactly what formatting and content are required.
    • 💡Practise using common keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, Ctrl+S) to improve efficiency and accuracy during timed tasks.
    • 💡Before final submission, use print preview to check document layout and make any necessary adjustments.
    • 💡Tip 1: Practise using the mouse and keyboard regularly. In the assessment, you may need to click on icons, drag items, or type short phrases. The more comfortable you are, the faster and more accurate you'll be.
    • 💡Tip 2: When saving files, always check the file name and location. Examiners look for correct file names (e.g., 'MyWork') and saving in the right folder. Read the instructions carefully to avoid losing marks.
    • 💡Tip 3: For online safety questions, remember the SMART rules: Safe (keep personal info safe), Meet (never meet online strangers), Accept (don't accept unknown emails/files), Reliable (check if info is true), Tell (tell a trusted adult if something worries you).

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Forgetting to save the document before closing the software, resulting in loss of work.
    • Accidentally pressing Caps Lock and typing in all uppercase, unaware of the indicator light or on-screen status.
    • Confusing the bold and underline buttons, leading to inconsistent emphasis in the text.
    • Forgetting to save changes before closing the document.
    • Accidentally deleting large sections of text and not using undo.
    • Applying formatting inconsistently, such as mixing font sizes erratically.
    • Not previewing the document before printing, leading to cut-off text.
    • Confusing ‘Save’ and ‘Save As’ and losing work.
    • Inserting an image that disrupts text alignment without adjusting text wrapping.
    • Failing to proofread, leading to spelling and grammar errors.
    • Overly complex formatting that detracts from readability.
    • Incorrect placement or sizing of inserted images causing layout distortion.
    • Not saving work regularly resulting in data loss.
    • Inconsistent alignment and spacing throughout the document.
    • Students often neglect to check for spelling and grammar errors, assuming the software's auto-correct will catch all mistakes.
    • Commonly, learners overuse decorative fonts or inconsistent formatting, which detracts from professional presentation.
    • Mistake: Not understanding the difference between 'Save' and 'Save As', leading to overwritten files or lost work.
    • Often, students fail to adjust image size or text wrapping, causing misaligned or overlapping content.
    • Forgetting to save work regularly, leading to loss of progress when the computer freezes or shuts down unexpectedly.
    • Typing without proofreading, resulting in spelling and grammar errors that could be caught by using the built-in spell check tool.
    • Applying inconsistent formatting, such as different font sizes for the same heading level, making the document look unprofessional.
    • Relying solely on the spacebar for alignment instead of using tabs or paragraph alignment options.
    • Forgetting to save documents at regular intervals, risking loss of work.
    • Applying excessive or inconsistent formatting (e.g., multiple fonts, random colours) that detracts from readability.
    • Overlooking built-in spelling and grammar check, resulting in basic errors.
    • Inserting images without consideration for sizing or text wrapping, causing poor layout.
    • Confusing 'Save' with 'Save As', resulting in overwriting files or losing track of different document versions.
    • Overusing different fonts, sizes, and colours, creating inconsistent and unprofessional-looking documents.
    • Neglecting to run spellcheck or proofread, leaving errors in the final output.
    • Inserting images or tables without resizing or aligning them properly, causing poor document layout.
    • Forgetting to use basic structural elements like headings and lists, making the document hard to follow.
    • Forgetting to save work regularly, leading to loss of data.
    • Overusing multiple font styles and sizes, resulting in an unprofessional or messy appearance.
    • Misaligning inserted images or objects so they disrupt text flow or overlap incorrectly.
    • Confusing the 'Save' and 'Save As' functions, potentially overwriting the original file.
    • Misconception: 'The internet and the World Wide Web are the same thing.' Correction: The internet is the global network of computers, while the World Wide Web is a collection of web pages accessed via the internet. At Entry 1, you just need to know that a web browser (like Chrome or Edge) lets you view websites.
    • Misconception: 'If I delete a file, it's gone forever.' Correction: Deleted files often go to the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac), where they can be restored. However, emptying the bin permanently deletes them, so always check before emptying.
    • Misconception: 'A strong password can be my name or birthday.' Correction: Strong passwords use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and are not easy to guess. Never use personal information like your name or date of birth.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •No formal prerequisites are required for Entry 1, but basic familiarity with using a computer (e.g., turning it on, using a mouse) is helpful.
    • •If you have completed any introductory digital skills courses or have used a computer at home or school, this will give you a head start.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Enter, edit and combine text and other information within word processing documents., Use word processing software tools to format and present documents.
    • Text entry and navigation
    • Editing and combining content
    • Basic text formatting
    • Page layout and alignment
    • Using templates and wizards
    • Document saving and printing
    • Text input and manipulation
    • Combining information in documents
    • Document formatting and layout
    • Structuring documents for clarity
    • Producing and presenting final documents
    • Enter, edit and combince text and other information accurately within word processing documents., Use word processing software tools to structure information, format and present documents.
    • Enter, edit and combine text and other information within word processing documents., Use word processing software tools to format and present documents.
    • Enter, edit and combine text and other information within word processing documents., Use word processing software tools to format and present documents.
    • Enter, edit and combince text and other information accurately within word processing documents., Use word processing software tools to structure information, format and present documents.
    • Enter, edit and combince text and other information accurately within word processing documents., Use word processing software tools to structure information, format and present documents.

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