: This paper was written in December, 1986 for a CIS 50 - Sec. 61 class at Foothill College, Los Altos Hills, California. It reflects the industry situation of that time, and should be used either as a guide to current industry standards or to the present state of the art. [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] The history of word processing is the story of the gradual automation of the physical aspects of writing and editing, and the refinement of the technology to make it available to individual and corporate users. was the initial step in this automation. But the first major advance from manual writing as far as the individual was concerned was the typewriter. Henry Mill, an English engineer of the early eighteenth century, is credited with its invention. The fact that almost nothing is known about his early version today is evidence of its lack of success. The main drawback of this model was that it printed on the underside of the roller, so that the typist could not view his work until he had finished. Typewriting was put within the reach of individuals by the development of portable models, first marketed in the early 1900s. It "greatly increased typing speeds and quickly gained wide acceptance in the business community." With the automatic typewriter, it was possible to produce multiple typed copies of form letters identical in appearance to the hand-typed original, without the intermediary of carbons, photocopiers or typesetting. . storage medium for typed information. With this, for the first time, typed material could be edited without having to retype the whole text or chop up a coded copy. On the tape, information could be stored, replayed (that is, retyped automatically from the stored information), corrected, reprinted as many times as needed, and then erased and reused for other projects. This development marked the beginning of word processing as it is known today. . It was a translation of the German word , coined in the late 1950s by Ulrich Steinhilper, an IBM engineer. He used it as a more precise term for what was done by the act of typing. IBM redefined it "to describe electronic ways of handling a standard set of office activities � composing, revising, printing, and filing written documents." Vydec, in 1973, seems to have been the first manufacturer to produce a word processing system using floppy disks for storage. Previous storage media could only hold one or two pages of text, but the early disks were capable of holding 80 to 100 pages. This increased storage capacity permitted the creation and easy editing of multipage documents without the necessity of changing storage receptacles. Disk programs made it practical to develop packages for use with personal computers, first made available in completely assembled form in 1977. Thus the separation of the software from the hardware also opened up the field to individuals. Word processing is now "one of the most common general applications for personal computers." Another advance, introduced by Xerox in its Star Information System, allowed working on more than one document at a time on the same screen. The combined field is known as information processing. all with different capabilities and claims about their efficiency. These are listed in . It was not possible to describe all their features without turning the appendix into a book; however, such descriptions may be found in the sources from which the list was compiled (see the ). To partially remedy this lack, a list of features standard in most current word processing programs has been provided in . *The totals given here probably vastly underestimate the number actually available. [ ] : Currently Available [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] : Note: dedicated systems are starred (*). Datapoint Datapoint *Dual Display Dictaphone Corporation Information Syst. Ser. 1000 & 2000 Savin Corporation *Infowriter Honeywell J100, J200, J300, J500 ATV Jacquard, Inc. *Magna III A B Dick Multivision Applied Digital Data Systems Northword North Star Computers Omniwriter, Textpac Level Royal Business Machines OP 1/15 Ontel SDS 420 Scientific Data Systems *Wang Text Processing Systems Wang Laboratories, Inc. Worksaver NCR 210A/B Data Terminals & Commnctns. 2000-15-S XMark 8200 Wordpal & EZ Type Compal, Inc. Algo 2100 Algorithmics *Alphaplus LES Data LTEE/LTD CAT III Cado Systems DECMATE Digital Equipment Corporation *Displaywriter IBM Corporation Easyone Delta Data Systems Corp. *Editpak 1000 Technology International Corp. ET 351 Olivetti EW100 Toshiba *EZ-1 Lanier *J425 ATV Jacquard, Inc. Lexitron VT 2303 Raytheon *Lexoritor Lexor Corporation *Micom 2001E Philips Information Systems *No Problem Lanier OC8820 with Superword Monroe Systems for Business *Omega 685 Compucorp *Omniwriter, Wordpac Level Royal Business Machines *Ofiswriter 400 Burroughs Corporation Parrot Shasta General Systems Series 8000 Megadata Corporation System 3000, 3000S NBI Word Processing 1/65 Rothenberg Information Syst. 4/20 & 4/30 Vector Graphic *500 Series Information Processor Exxon Office Systems *1200, 1400 & 1800 Word Processors Exxon Office Systems *8100 CPT Corporation 8364 W/Color-coded Word Processing Intelligent Systems Corp. Dataword II Basic 4 Decword/DP Digital Equipment Corporation F 32:16 W/FOR:Word Software Fortune Systems Corporation HP Word on HP3000 Hewlett-Packard *Magna SL A B Dick *Oasys 8/64 NBI Prolink Prolink Series 21 Mohawk Data Sciences System 7 Wordplex Wordmate Microdata Corporation 700, 800, 900 Series Durango Systems *5520 Information System IBM Corporation 8000 Series "Star" (network) Xerox 8840/5 Nixdorf Computer Corporation Aquarius II-stand-alone Syntrex Inc. The Intelligent Typewriter (line) Exxon Office Systems MCS 8400 (photo) Compugraphic Stand-alone (elect typwrtr extnsn) Olympia Type-990 (software for minis) Texas Instruments Varityper (photo) Am Varityper Quadritex (photo) Itek Graphic Systems : Apple Pie Editor and Formatter Hayden Book Company Apple Writer III Apple Computer, Inc. Comprehensive Electronic Office Data General Corporation DisplayWrite 2 IBM Corporation Easywriter Professional & II Information Unlimited Software Executive Secretary Sofsys FinalWord Mark of the Unicorn Lazywriter ABC Sales Leading Edge Leading Edge Products, Inc. Microsoft Word Microsoft Corporation MultiMate MultMate International NBI NBI Omniword Northern Telecom Palantir Tier I & Tier 2 Designer Software Para Text Para Research Peachtext (formerly Magic Wand) Peachtree Software Perfect Writer Perfect Software Samna Word II & III Samna Corporation SCRIPSIT 2.0 Radio Shack Select Word-Processing Select Information Systems Spellbinder Lexisoft Text Wizard Datasoft VisiWord Plus VisiCorp Volkswriter Lifetime Software, Inc. Word-11 Data Processing Design, Inc. WordPerfect Satellite Software Intl. WordStar MicroPro International WordVision Bruce & James Program Pubs. XyWrite XyQuest : A List of Features Standard in . [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] automatic arrangement of text in lines of specified length without the necessity of touching the return key. option of inserting a hyphen to break a word that ends a line: the hyphen does not print if later editing moves the word to the middle of a line. automatic alignment of text to both the left and right margins. realignment of text to new margin and tab settings. positioning text or numbers to specified margin and tab settings. positioning columns of numbers with the decimal points vertically aligned. the setting of temporary margins within a document differing from the primary margins used. text on a line. the entry of new text within previously typed material without erasing the existing material. the substitution of new text for old by typing over the old text. erasure of text from the screen, or of whole documents from the disk. moving directly to specified words or parts of words within a document and replacing them with different words or word portions. the duplication or moving of blocks of text within a document. the separate storage and retrieval of blocks of text from which standard documents can be built. automatic division of a document into pages of specified numbers of lines. automatic sequential numbering of pages. option of creating standard blocks of text that will automatically appear at the top or bottom of each page in a document. automatic sequential numbering of footnotes and positioning of the footnotes at the bottom of their appropriate pages during pagination. . Programs that create these based on the text of a document. automatic combining of a form letter with a mailing list to generate multiple copies of the letter with the different addresses and other variable information filled in. . Program that compares words in the text against an on-line dictionary, flagging items not found in the dictionary and offering alternative spellings and a means of correcting the errors. [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] for full information on sources cited. , page xxiii. [ ] , page 4. [ ] , page 4. [ ] , pages 4-5, and , page xxi. [ ] , page 5. [ ] , page 5. [ ] , page xxi. [ ] , page 5. [ ] , page 6, and , page xxi. [ ] , page 6. [ ] , page 6, and , page xxi. [ ] , pages 8-9, and , page xxi. [ ] , page 6. [ ] , page 11, , pages 6-7, and , page xxi. [ ] , pages 6-7, and , page xxi. [ ] , page 66, and , page 7. [ ] , page 7. [ ] , page 66. [ ] , page 9, and , page xxii. [ ] , page 12, and , page xxi. [ ] , pages 12-13, and , page xxii. [ ] , page 12. [ ] , page xxii. [ ] , page 9, and , page xxii. [ ] , page 66, and , page 458. [ ] , page 427. [ ] , page 438. [ ] , page 438. [ ] , page xxiii. [ ] , page xxiv. [ ] , pages 120 and 466. [ ] , page 167, and , page 137. [ ] , pages 274-402. [ ] , pages 167-170, , pages 184-193, and , pages 403-433. [ ] , pages 194-198. [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Blissmer, Robert H. . New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1985. Treatment of word processing is limited, since this book covers the whole computer field, but it gives a few items of information I did not find elsewhere. Contains an interesting chronology of "The Evolution of Computer Systems," illustrated with photographs. Flores, Ivan. . New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1983. Deals mainly with the technology of word processing, explaining how the systems work and how to use them. A subsection of the introduction, "The Evolution of Word Processing," covers the history of the field from the same technical viewpoint. Its description of the development of the technology and what each system did is lucid and well illustrated with diagrams. Flores is weak on the dates the systems appeared and the names of their developers. Marshak, Ronni T. . New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1985. A good overview of currently available word processing programs that can be used with the IBM personal computer, with ratings of each and comparisons of their features and prices. McWilliams, Peter A. . Los Angeles: Prelude Press, 1983. Includes a section entitled "A Brief and No Doubt Inaccurate History of Word Processing." If McWilliams had only added "useless" to the title of the section he would have summed it up exactly. There is actual history in the book, but rather than put it in the history section McWilliams has thoughtfully spread it throughout the text so you can't find it. Munday, Marianne Forrester. . Lincolnwood, Illinois: National Textbook Company, 1985. Includes a short chapter entitled "History and Development of Word Processing," the best discussion of the subject I found. Gives little on the evolution of specific software systems. Price, Jonathan, and . New York: Viking Penguin Inc., 1984. Includes a brief history of word processing in the introduction, comparable to the one in the Munday book, although shorter and generally less exact in the information given. Weak on developments since 1973. Gives little on the evolution of specific software systems. Includes an appendix similar in nature to the Marshak book, not as well organized, but covering the whole range of word processing systems rather than just those usable with the IBM PC. ] . .

Success Skills

Advanced word-processing skills.

Even people who have been using word processors for years often don’t know about some of the advanced tips below.

Hanging Indents

MLA and APA bibliography pages use a special type of indent, called a “hanging indent.”  Where a normal paragraph indents the first line but not any others, a hanging indent paragraph DOESN’T indent the first line, but DOES indent all the others.  Luckily, it’s very easy to have your word processor do the hard work of this type of formatting for you, as this video demonstrates.

Bibliography Pages

Speaking of bibliographies (or Works Cited pages, or References pages), did you know that many word processors have ways to help you create those quickly?

Alphabetizing Bibliographies (and other Lists)

One more bibliography tip…if you create your citation list as you use sources, you’ll need to put these in alphabetical order at the end.  An easy way to do that is to use the Sort feature in your word processor.  This video demonstrates that in Word 2016.

Inserting Pictures

Many college projects will require you to include visuals in your essays.  The following video addresses how to add an image and then how to get the text around it to behave properly afterwards.

Change Default Settings

If the first thing you do each time you open a new document, is change your font size or style, as well as readjust your margins, then you probably will save time by changing the default settings so it starts just the way you like it. (This video is for Word 2013)

Free Alternatives to Word

Word is the most common word processor, but it’s expensive, especially if it didn’t come with the computer you bought.  Here are some free options to explore as an alternative.

  • Office Online .  You’ll need to register with an account, but can then access your saved files from any internet-connected device.
  • OpenOffice .  This is software you download on your computer, so you don’t have to be online to use it.
  • LibreOffice . Similar to OpenOffice, you download this software directly to your computer.
  • Google Drive . Connected to a Gmail / Google personal account, this flexible tool lets you access your saved files from any internet-connected device.  You can also download files to work on offline, and they will automatically sync when you go online again.
  • Introductory Text: Advanced Word-Processing Skills. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
  • Creating a Hanging Indent in Microsoft Word 2016. Authored by : Tina Shanahan. Located at : https://youtu.be/yCStrefoSCU . License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
  • Change Default Formatting: Microsoft Word 2013. Authored by : Greg Stager. Located at : https://youtu.be/M61X8x8_Fp8 . License : CC BY: Attribution
  • How to Create a Bibliography in Word 2016. Authored by : HowTech. Located at : https://youtu.be/EaTg2jOdbLE . License : All Rights Reserved . License Terms : Standard YouTube License
  • Word 2016: Pictures and Text Wrapping. Authored by : GCFLearnFree.org. Located at : https://youtu.be/jh9IQuu8J_s . License : All Rights Reserved . License Terms : Standard YouTube License
  • Word 2016 for Beginners Part 24: How to Sort a List in Microsoft Word 2016. Authored by : Simon Sez IT. Located at : https://youtu.be/MQZahOwhMa0 . License : All Rights Reserved . License Terms : Standard YouTube License

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Understanding process words

Process words are terms like 'analyse', 'compare', or 'contrast'.

These words tell you what is required of you when answering essay questions and how you should use the information you have found for your essay.

Process words are not helpful when searching for information online - you will need to use keywords for this.

Common process words

Account for Explain, clarify, give the reasons for. This is quite different from "give an account of..." which is more like "describe in detail".

Analyse Break an issue down into its component parts, discuss them and show how they interrelate.

Argue Make a case, based on appropriate evidence and logically structured for and/or against some point of view.

Assess Consider the value or importance of something, paying attention to positive, negative and disputable aspects, and citing the judgements of any known authorities as well as your own.

Comment on This term asks for a combination of the criteria found in "analyse" and "assess". Although it sounds as if it would be similar to "describe "or "summarise" it is asking you to be critical and evaluative in your approach.

Compare Identify and discuss the characteristics or qualities two or more things have in common you will probably need to point out their differences as well. Quite often an essay will ask you to "compare" and "contrast".

Contrast Point out and discuss the differences between two things. You will probably need to identify their similarities as well. Quite often an essay will ask you to "compare" and "contrast".

Criticise Spell out your judgement as to the value or truth of something, indicating the criteria on which you base your judgement and citing specific instances and arguments as to how the criteria apply in this case.

Define Make a statement as to the meaning or interpretation of something, giving sufficient detail as to allow it to be distinguished from other similar things.

Describe Spell out the default aspects of an idea or topic, or the sequence in which a series of things happened.

Discuss Probably the most common word to appear in essay titles and usually requiring analysis and evaluation of evidence as well as weighing up arguments and drawing conclusions.

Evaluate Similar to "assess" in that you need to consider the value and importance of something and weigh up its different aspects, citing evidence and argument in support of your case.

Explain Tell how things work or how they came to be the way they are, including perhaps some need to "describe" and to "analyse".

T o what extent Explore the case for a stated proposition or explanation, much in the manner of "assess" and "criticise", probably arguing for a less than total acceptance of the proposition.

Identify Pick out what you regard as the key features of something, perhaps making clear the criteria you use in doing so.

Illustrate Similar to "explain" but probably requesting you give specific examples or statistics to support your case.

Interpret Clarify something or explain it, perhaps indicating how the thing relates to something else, or explaining a particular way of looking at it.

Justify Express valid reasons for accepting a particular interpretation or conclusion, probably including the need to argue a case.

Outline Indicate the main features of a topic or sequence of events, possibly setting them within a clear structure or framework to show how they interrelate.   Review Survey a topic with the emphasis on "assess" rather than "describe".

Summarise Give the main points briefly, omitting details and illustrations.

Trace Describe in narrative form the progress, development or sequence of events from some particular point.

These guidance notes were produced by the Student Study Support Unit at Canterbury Christchurch College.

Related pages

Understanding essay questions.

Learn how to find the information you need when writing an essay.

Finding information

Find out more about how you can use books, journals, websites, newspapers and other resources as part of your work.

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  • word processing - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

word processing , operation in which a text-editing software program called a word processor is used to create a document on a computer. A word-processing system can produce a wide variety of documents, including letters, memoranda, and manuals, rapidly and at relatively low cost.

The precursor of the modern word-processing system was developed in 1936. This device consisted of a kind of automatic typewriter, called an autotypist, that could store and reproduce simple documents. The autotypist used punched paper tape for its storage medium. In 1964 researchers at International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) produced the Selectric Typewriter, a relatively high-speed, automatic typewriter that had a magnetic tape data-storage unit and retrieval device. The development of electronic digital minicomputers and microcomputers during the late 1960s and ’70s gave rise to faster word-processing systems with greater capabilities.

A typical word-processing system consists of a printer that is linked to a computer . In many such systems the input terminal consists of an alphanumerical keyboard and a visual display. The display enables the keyboard operator to input and also check, edit, or revise the information to be entered. The text of the document, including all corrections, additions, and deletions made by the keyboard operator, is recorded by the computer. When the final draft is ready, the operator prints as many copies of the document as required. The information also can be stored by the computer for later retrieval.

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How to Write a Process Essay

Last Updated: December 6, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 167,934 times.

A process essay, otherwise known as a how-to essay, tells a reader how to perform a particular task. The best process essays follow a clear step-by-step organization. Start by providing your reader with a time estimate and general summary of the task. Then, move on to a more detailed explanation of each and every necessary step. When you are finished with your essay, read it over carefully to ensure that you haven’t left anything out.

Getting Ready to Write

Step 1 Assess your audience’s skill level.

  • For example, a process essay intended for professional chefs could probably skip a description of how to chop carrots and just say, “Finely chop the carrots,” instead.

Step 2 Make a list of the materials needed.

  • You could also include a comprehensive “Things You’ll Need” section at the beginning of the paper. Or list the materials needed after the introduction.
  • If an item on the list is a bit unusual, such as a particular type of hand tool, then make sure to clearly introduce it within the text. For example, “The pin hammer has a finer tip than a standard hammer, making it suitable for more detailed work.” You can also include a picture of the item, particularly if the essay will be published online.

Step 3 Create an outline of the task.

  • If you are writing an essay about how to cook lasagna, your initial outline might just state, “Mix in basil.” Before you start writing, you could expand your outline to say, “Briefly mention taste differences between dried and fresh basil.”
  • Note that the more specific your article or essay topic, the more specific your details needs to be.

Crafting an Introduction

Step 1 Grab your reader’s attention within the first 1-2 sentences.

  • For instance, you might write, “The process of preparing lasagna has a rich heritage all of its own.”

Step 2 Provide a general time estimate.

  • If your process essay focuses on a cooking task, this is where you might advise your readers to consult the ingredients or materials list and put every item on the counter.
  • For example, you might write, “This recipe requires 30 minutes of active preparation time, along with 45 minutes of baking time.”

Step 3 Present the thesis statement as a problem.

  • For example, your thesis might be, “This essay will explore how to create a complicated lasagna dish in a short period of time by preparing the noodles and sauce in advance.”

Writing Your Body Paragraphs

Step 1 Consult your outline.

  • Be especially careful with items that contain multiple steps. Make the transitions clear and acknowledge prior steps regarding a particular item, if applicable.

Step 2 Structure the body of the essay in paragraphs.

  • For instance, when making pasta, consider writing a paragraph on how to boil pasta and another paragraph on how to make the sauce. This separates the ideas for easy clarification.

Step 3 Add transitions in between steps.

  • For instance, you could write, “Next, place the pot on the stove,” to move from one paragraph to the next.

Step 4 Avoid using first person pronouns.

  • For example, you could write, “This essay shows…” instead of “I’ll show.”

Step 5 Mention any cautionary notes.

  • For example, you might caution a reader to, “Cook the meat until it is no longer red in the center.” This advice will help them to avoid a foodborne illness.

Wrapping It Up

Step 1 Mention the end product and what to do with it.

  • In the case of the recipe, you could write something like, “You now have a bowl of boiled pasta and finished Bolognese sauce. Serve up plates of pasta and sauce to your family, topping them with parmesan, if desired. You can serve garlic bread or a side salad with this dish, too.”

Step 2 Restate the importance of the task.

  • A simple example for our newly-made dinner might be, "And there you have it! A delicious yet quick meal fit for the entire family that you can make over and over again without complaint. Next time, experiment with different herbs and spices to find your own spin on this classic dish."

Step 3 Check your essay for ease of reading.

  • Look to see if there are places where you can eliminate steps or condense your instructions. A reader is more likely to finish directions that they can easily skim through.
  • Ask someone to read through the essay to see if they can understand the process. If possible, pick someone from your intended audience demographic.

Step 4 Proofread your essay.

  • Don’t rely on spell-check alone, as it cannot account for context and doesn’t catch every error.

Expert Q&A

Jake Adams

  • If there are alternative ways to do a particular step in the process, make sure to mention these as you go along. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

essay word processing

  • Give your readers pacing instructions as well. If they need to go slowly while performing a certain task, tell them early on. The same rule applies if a task requires speed for success. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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Write an Essay

  • ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
  • ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/essay-outline/
  • ↑ https://www.georgebrown.ca/sites/default/files/uploadedfiles/tlc/_documents/hooks_and_attention_grabbers.pdf
  • ↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/atd-clinton-englishcomp/chapter/2-the-process-essay/
  • ↑ http://www.butte.edu/departments/cas/tipsheets/style_purpose_strategy/procress_paper.html
  • ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/readability-scores/

About This Article

Jake Adams

To write a process essay, begin by writing an introduction that grabs the reader’s attention so they’ll want to keep reading. Then, end the first paragraph with a thesis statement presenting a problem for which you are offering a solution. Next, explain the process, making each step its own paragraph, and using transitions like "next" or "then" to move from one task to another. As the final step, let the reader know what to expect from the finished product and what to do with it. Finally, close your essay by reiterating why the process is helpful to the reader. For tips from our Education reviewer on how to proofread for common errors in a process essay, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Writing Better University Essays/Process words

On this page you find a list of process words that are often used. This list is in part based on Jordan (1999). The process words are given in alphabetical order. Probably the most common process words are: discuss , describe , explain , compare , evaluate , and criticize .

Account for asks for an explanation. Even though it looks similar to give an account of, this process word is rather different. You should give a description with details. The description should clarify the concept, and don’t forget to give reasons.

Analyze calls for an outline of the components. Take the issue, and break it down (divide) into the parts that make up the issue. Your task is not only to describe the different parts of the issue, but also to show (examine) how they relate to each other.

Argue is about making a case. You’re often asked to argue for or against something. In order to make a good case, your answer will need to include convincing evidence. Your argument will be more convincing if it’s logically structured. Even though the question often asks for a one-sided case, don’t forget the arguments against: even if it’s to dismiss them. If you don’t agree with the proposition, this is fine: what counts is the case you present.

Assess asks you to make a judgement of the value or importance of something. Your answer should focus on both sides of the coin, weighing up the positive and negative aspects. It’s often necessary to spend much time on the areas that are disputed. In order to provide a credible answer, back up your answer with references and good examples. Even though you may have a good example from your own experience, it’s usually better to choose a more authoritative source.

Calculate asks you to estimate the extent of something. You should take great care to define the key dimensions and determine how they are measured. Weigh up different reasons carefully. In the social sciences, the estimate itself is often secondary to how you evaluate the key dimensions.

Characterize is mostly another word for describe. You’re looking for the key dimensions (characteristics) of a concept. Often it’s necessary to compare to other concepts to make clear the limit.

Classify is very similar to analyze. The key difference is possibly that this process word explicitly asks you to come up with some sort of classification: a way to divide. You probably want to spend a bit more time on the boundaries, on how the identified dimensions are different.

Comment is similar to the content words analyze and assess. It’s indeed often considered a combination of the two. Be careful not merely to summarize the issue, but include some form of evaluation. This process word asks you to explain the importance of something. Your ability to describe an issue is usually only appreciated in conjunction with a critical argument.

Compare always involves two or more issues. Focus on what characterizes the issues, and your answer will include both the similarities and differences. This content word often occurs in conjunction with contrast. Technically, compare is about similarities, but for a balanced answer you’ll need to include the differences, too. Your conclusion may include a statement of which of the issues or options discussed you consider preferable.

Consider asks you to think carefully about something. This process word is sometimes followed by an example or case study, but also a theoretical perspective. Take great care to include these aspects, because you’ll be (partly) marked on how well you apply whatever the question is to this particular example or theory.

Contrast is like a twin to compare. Two or more issues or options are involved, and your answer should focus on the differences. Technically, contrast does not ask you to include similarities, but a balanced answer will include these, too. Your conclusion may include a statement of which of the issues or options discussed you consider preferable.

Criticize asks for a careful judgement of a statement or point of view. You’re often asked to make statements about the value or truth of a statement. Make sure you point out faults. It’s important to state by which criteria of evaluation your answer is guided. Your illustrations should not be of general nature, but specific. If the illustrative examples are not general in nature, too, then say so. Your answer will judge the merit of the views included in the statement. Often you can—and should—link to underlying theories and approaches. These should be included in the evaluation, too. Your answer also needs to discuss the nature and quality of evidence you cited for and against the different views. Always back up your argument with evidence and reasoning.

Deduce asks you to reach a conclusion based on something. Make clear how you reach this conclusion.

Define may look innocent, but the devil is often in the detail. Similar to analyze, you’re after the components of an issue of concept. You don’t want just any definition, but one that discusses the different meanings of a concept, the different ways it can be interpreted. Often, you can link the answer to how different schools of thought use a term. In this case your task is to tease out the different understandings and state the different meanings. Your answer necessarily includes an appreciation of the different components, but you should also pay attention to the differences to other concepts: how is it distinct from something else. Precision is important in your answer, and your answer should always go beyond common-sense interpretations. Sometimes you’re asked to write for a specific audience, such as a student encyclopaedia, and you should bear this in mind.

Demonstrate asks you to show something as clearly as you can. You’ll need to use an example (illustration) to this extent. Make sure the illustration is relevant and state clearly how it is relevant.

Describe is one of the most straight-forward tasks. You’re asked to outline the main aspects of an issue or point of view. Say what something is like. Sometimes the order of events is important. Your answer should always include illustrative examples to bring the argument alive. The structure of the answer is important: don’t jump around, picking up bits and pieces on the way. Instead, plan a logical and coherent way in order to cover all the main aspects. This process word often occurs together with others, such as in describe and criticize.

Determine asks you to find out something, maybe to calculate or estimate something. You should always describe how you arrive at the answer, including an appreciation of how not to proceed. Be open about the shortcomings or potential dangers of your approach.

Differentiate between something and something else is a combination of describe and define. You’re asked to focus on the differences. Often it’ll be necessary to discuss the similarities, too.

Discuss. It’s very common to be given a quote or provocative statement, followed by just this word: discuss. Your answer should include an outline of the problems and then evaluate the different arguments or points of view. Weigh up the points for and against. It’s important to illustrate your argument, and refer to established work. Very often your own opinion is asked, usually in form of an evaluation of the different points of view. Look out for key debates that are involved. The statements that come with this process word are often deliberately provocative.

Distinguish between is just another process word for differentiate between.

Elaborate asks for a discussion in great detail. Always give reasons and include illustrations. Think carefully about which aspects of a theory or concept are worth exploring in great detail. In this sense, this question often asks you to—implicitly—determine the key components of something. Avoid repetitions of the same point.

Elucidate is very similar to explain. You’re asked to make clear something. This often involves a clear line of argument, and usually a number of illustrations to bring the argument alive.

Enumerate in principle asks you to put a number to something. In practice you’re normally asked to name and list different aspects, giving an explanation. You should always try to estimate the extent of something, having outlined how you reach this estimate.

Estimate is a close relative to calculate, but you’re also asked to judge and predict. State clearly how you reached your conclusion or estimate.

Evaluate is similar to discuss, but it asks you to focus more on the value or importance of a certain argument or point of view. You should weigh up the different aspects, illustrate the argument, and refer to established works. You’ll usually be able to make a statement of the worth of something. Also see the box on persuasiveness on page 22.

Examine is a process word that asks you to have a close look at something. Consider the different components and parts. Often you can examine an issue using different theoretical perspectives. Always make explicit which perspectives you use.

Explain asks you to focus on how things work. Rather than focusing on things as they are, this process word asks you to focus on how things got there. So you’ll always need to give reasons. The answer will include some describing and analyzing. It’s important to make explicit the workings and mechanisms.

Express is just another word to say describe.

To what extent is similar to assess or criticize. You’re asked to explore a statement or view. Look out for theoretical and practical limits to the statement, but also include evidence in favour. The typical conclusion highlights the limits of the proposition, but will neither be total acceptance nor total dismissal. Watch out for changes over time and across space: Is the proposition also applicable in other cultures? Was the proposition also applicable in the past?

Identify is a process word that allows you a great deal of liberty. You’re expected to choose the examples, features, or arguments for a proposition that you regard the most important ones. It’s usually a good idea to point out and list the features first. The choice of these key aspects, however, is often secondary to your answer. Instead, you should focus your attention to the criteria of evaluation: why a feature is central. You should defend and justify your choice of picks.

Illustrate is similar to explain, but the person writing the question appears to be very keen on illustrative examples. Make sure you have a relevant example, and include enough details to make clear the relevance. Sometimes, you may illustrate the argument with statistics. What is important is that the examples support the argument, and you therefore demonstrate how exactly the examples are relevant. Sometimes a question will ask you explicitly about a figure or diagram to explain or clarify. Take care to follow such instructions carefully. Where nothing is stated, assume that you should include concrete examples.

Indicate asks you to show and explain. Usually you’re expected to use a good illustration. Make sure you demonstrate how the example is relevant to the question.

Infer is a process word that asks you to conclude based on facts or a clear line of reasoning. It’s important that you state clearly how you reached the conclusion, not just what your conclusion is.

Interpret asks for a clarification and explanation. Rather than just describing, you should also give your judgement. An interpretation often highlights how an issue or point of view relates to others, or outlines the different meanings and interpretations there are to it. Usually you’re expected to give your own judgement as part of an evaluation of the different aspects.

Justify on the surface asks for a defence of a particular statement, theory, or point of view. You should cite evidence and give examples that support the case. However, for a balanced answer, it’ll be necessary to look at the arguments against. The justification thus is a form of evaluation. Your conclusion may be that the statement can’t be justified (in the light of certain evidence), or outline limits.

List probably looks as innocent as describe, and is in fact closely related. You’re asked to classify or catalogue something. Make sure you include how you decided to classify, what criteria you used to put the list in sequence. This process word may mean that you have to list the key components of a concept.

Mention asks you to describe something briefly. This process word usually is used together with others, but do make sure you don’t skip this part of the question.

Name is another word for identify.

Outline asks you to indicate what the main characteristics or features of a topic or point of view are. Sometimes you’ll need to indicate the key events in a sequence. It’s very important to follow a clear and logically coherent structure. Your answer may focus on how the different features relate to each other, rather than just describing them.

Prove is a rare process word in the social sciences. You should try to demonstrate that something is true and certain. On the one hand you should provide convincing examples and evidence that something is the case. On the other hand, you should also demonstrate that the opposite is not the case either. Your conclusion may well be that it’s impossible to prove something, but make sure your answer is relevant to the question, not just a philosophical treatment of whether we can prove things.

Quantify is another word for enumerate.

Relate is similar to giving an account of. You’re usually particularly asked to relate one thing to another, demonstrating how they link.

Review is very similar to assess. The key difference is that you’re asked to write about a topic or area rather than a specific case or statement. The answer will thus include a selection of everything about a topic. Usually it’s a bad idea trying to include all the different angles and all the different authors. Instead, you should try to organize your answer, such as into schools of thought, or key proponents. Leaving out less relevant contributions is often the key to a successful answer. Take care not merely to describe who said what, but also to assess the merit of their argument.

Show asks you to indicate something. Make sure you use appropriate evidence and examples to back up your claims. Make clear what something means.

Speculate is similar to prove, but different in that you’re not asked to come up with a definite answer. The very word used indicates that there will be many different explanations, and you’ll have to evaluate the different possibilities. You’re thus asked to form an opinion. Very often this process word is given where you don’t have complete knowledge of the circumstances. You should suggest the most likely case.

State asks you to express something carefully. Make sure you cover the different components and be clear. Often you’re asked to illustrate something, or demonstrate how two different things link.

Suggest is somewhat similar to speculate. You should mention the different possibilities, and choose the most likely one. Make sure you include in the essay the criteria how you evaluate the different possibilities: how you can say that one is the most likely possibility.

Summarize is about the identification of the key points and aspects of an issue or topic. Details can often be omitted, as can be illustrations. However, depending on the tasks, illustrations may be necessary: try to identify the key examples. This process word often occurs together with others, such as analyze. It’s often easier to first summarize and then move to the second task, but make sure the different parts of the answer link.

Trace asks you to provide a narrative that outlines the progress or sequence of an issue or certain events. Often, a chronological order is the easiest form of structure. Sometimes you’ll be asked to write from a particular point of view. Usually, however, you can include the different points of views. The same sequence of events may be interpreted or experienced in different ways by the different participants.

Verify asks you to make sure that something is the case. You’re looking for evidence and examples for and against the case. Evaluate the evidence and provide a judgment whether the statement is true or accurate.

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How to Write a Process Essay

essay word processing

The process essay, also known as the "how-to" essay, is commonly written for people or companies that need tutorials or a set of instructional steps. Whether it's building a robot or cooking a chocolate cake, process essays use a similar format for any variations. They follow a step-by-step style, with the initial step influencing the second, which influences the third, and so on. Each step carries its own importance, and a poor explanation of one step can ruin the entire process. It's important to stay concise and efficient. However, before you begin writing your essay, you should do some small preparations. Let's discover them with our research writing service .

What Is a Process Paper?

A process essay is a type of essay that explains a process step by step and gives guidance for a certain process, working mechanism, procedure, etc. Process essays range from very simple ones, such as instructions for how to ride a bicycle, to more complex ones, such as a chemistry lab report of an oxidative reaction experiment. The goal of a process paper is to give its readers guidance and directions. 

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A process paper is characterized, first of all, by explaining a process using a description. Some words that are frequently used in process essays are “further”, “then”, “next”, “first”, “last”, “finally”, and “initially”. It is really important to remember that every process essay includes features, such as:

  • clear and straightforward narration - the last thing you want to do is to confuse your reader with complex language and an unorganized thought thread;
  • chronological order - avoid skipping steps and shifting them around, as it will result in misunderstanding and frustration for the readers;
  • transition words - make sure to separate the next step from the previous ones by using transition words;
  • descriptions of the steps - make sure your steps are clear and easy to follow.

There are several types of process essays. The first one is directional - it explains the “how to” for something. It can take on a wide range of subjects, such as how to apply for a credit card, how to get your driver’s license, how to plan a wedding, etc. The outcome of the directional essay should be a result. In the cases of the examples above: a credit card, a driver’s license, or a carefully planned wedding. The other type of process paper is informational - it explains how something works. Here are some examples: how a weather forecast is determined, how a space rocket works, how intermittent fasting changes your body, etc. An informational essay explains something to a reader and does not necessarily end up with a result, like directional does. 

Another type of essay that is similar to a process essay is a process analysis essay. The biggest difference is that a process analysis essay not only explains the steps, but also analyses them in depth. It has all of the characteristics of a process essay, although goes into more detail about the causes and consequences of every step.

If you need any additional information for process analysis essays, check out our article: HOW TO WRITE A PROCESS ANALYSIS ESSAY

Writing a process essay is not extremely difficult. By following simple rules and a set of steps, a successful, well-structured essay can be guaranteed.

Prepare The Small Stuff

Here we gathered some small general tips and advice that you should follow throughout your writing process to make sure that all of the expectations of a process paper are met.

  • Determine the Audience's Skill Level. It's important to base the level of complexity of the essay on who the readers will be. For example, if you need to teach a friend how to do a simple fix or create a certain tool, then it would be most reasonable to stick to more basic terminology. However, if you are writing an essay for your astrophysics professor about the creation of a black hole in the universe, use more sophisticated and informative terminology.
  • Make a List of Materials. Obviously, the creation of anything comes with some prerequisites. Whether it's items or ideas, the importance of knowing the necessities beforehand and having them ready to go is essential. Make sure to place each item in accordance with its importance. The more impactful a part is, the higher up on the list it should be. 
  • Write out Each Task. In a step-by-step tutorial, each individual task carries some sort of weight. Since an entire process can not be complete if a step is skipped, it's crucial to write out every single step. However, don't go overboard in your explanations. It's not necessary to bring the tutorial to a microscopic level, but each step should be understandable and competent.

If you still have difficulty writing, you can get essay help online from our service.

Process Essay Topics

Choosing a topic for a process paper can be quite challenging. A good place to start is with your passions. If you pick something you are excited about, you can make it interesting for your readers and fun for yourself to write about. If your professor limits you to write a process essay on something you have very little knowledge of, choose a topic that is intriguing and triggers your interest. Then, conduct enough thorough research to make sure you understand everything perfectly before you go ahead and try to explain it to someone else. 

How to Pick a Process Analysis Essay Topic

Another very important thing to consider while writing a process essay is your audience. It is highly unlikely that college students are interested in instructions for “How to Get Into Your Dream School” or “How to Pass Your SATs”. Make sure your topic relates to the subject you are studying and you are following your professor’s prompt guidelines.

Here are some ideas that might be of interest for you:

  • How to lose weight on a keto diet
  • How your immune system fights COVID-19
  • How to start selling on Amazon
  • How to improve your credit score
  • How to decrease your social media usage
  • How to apply for unemployment insurance
  • How to improve your college performance 
  • How to open your first bank account

It's important to note that these essay topics are just some common examples used by several college students for their course papers. Feel free to use any one of them if you want, or think of one on your own. Just make sure it's a PROCESS!

Process Essay Outline

Most essay outlines follow the standard scheme: Intro > Body Paragraphs > Conclusion . follow the standard scheme: Intro > Body Paragraphs > Conclusion. A good process essay outline should look like this:

WRITING A PROCESS ANALYSIS ESSAY

  • Introduction — brief your reader on your topic, explain why you have chosen it and how you are planning to approach the explanation of the process. 
  • Body — the biggest part of your essay that should be divided into paragraphs for easier understanding and structure. Make sure each paragraph is flowing smoothly into the next one with connective words.

Paragraph 1. First step of the process. Explain what the step is, what the best way to perform it is, and how to avoid common mistakes when doing it.

Paragraph 2. The next step of the process (the same as in Paragraph 1). Thoroughly explain what this step is about.

  • Conclusion . Here you need to explain why your instructions are valuable. It is your opportunity to persuade your reader(s) that the steps you presented and the process they learned will be useful for them in the future. 

Every process is different: some can take a couple of minutes, while others can take months or years to complete. The length of the essay is generally based on the difficulty and number of steps it takes. However, the structure doesn't maneuver.

Introduction

The first thing that you want to do as a writer for your process paper is to help your readers be interested in your individual process. Be descriptive about it, paint a picture for your readers. A joke or a personal reference can be a great attention grabber and can pull your reader right in. For somebody to be keen on approaching your process, they have to express interest in it. Though, it generally goes without saying that many writers ignore this fact. Let's break it down into subsections:

  • Give a little bit of historical background. People often want to know the origins of whatever it is that they're working on. Introducing this part of the process helps to intrigue your readers, as well as give them a sense of purpose for the task.
  • Create an approximate timeframe. Unfortunately, your readers don't have all day to spend on this one event. In addition to learning about its purpose, people want to know how long the task will take. This way, they can decide how to break up the work. If it's a quick fix, then they can knock it out in one session. However, if it's a large-scale operation, then your readers will obviously have to create their own time schedule.
For example, let’s say that the topic of your essay is “How to Save Money”. You can start the introduction of your process essay by explaining that as a college student, you often find yourself in need of extra money and you are stuck with bad money habits. This will create a good connection with your readers, because almost everyone has been in a situation of needing to be savvy with their finances. Another thing you can mention is the importance of saving money and the multiple opportunities it presents, such as being able to invest it, being able to pay off a credit card debt, or being able to save up to avoid taking out a student loan.

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Body Paragraphs

This is the point in the process essay where you start introducing the step-by-step process your readers will need to take. A lot of the time, it helps to break down each process into subsections. For example, if a step has many parts to it, it would be clever to create a paragraph on its own just for that step. Remember, it's important to keep things smooth and efficient. Break down the body paragraphs in unity with the steps. Let's go into more detail about each step:

Each step should be carefully explained.  Every step will vary in length. Think about it: every instruction manual has several steps. Some are more difficult to comprehend or perform than others. For this reason, create your steps and explanations accordingly. You should be able to get a sense of their length and difficulty based on the explanation.

Don't forget to explain the purpose.  People don't want orders barked at them aimlessly. Besides just accomplishing a task, people want to learn as they perform.

  • Why did they do this?
  • What was the purpose of this method?
  • Why did we do it this way and not this other way?

To make everything flow smoothly use transitions.  Make the steps flow one after another to create a well-structured essay. As you introduce the next step, consider using transition words like “next”, “now”, “then”, “so that”, etc.

Before writing the steps out in full sentences, it is a great idea to create an outline for your body paragraphs. Here is an outline for the body paragraphs of a process essay on “How to Save Money”:

Paragraph 1:

  • keep track of your expenses
  • organize your collected data
  • decide what you can skimp on in your spendings

Paragraph 2:

  • create a realistic budget
  • check weekly to ensure you are sticking to it
  • save 15% of every monthly income
  • set a tangible goal for saving, such as a car

These process essay examples use only two body paragraphs, but feel free to include more to ensure a better understanding and cohesive flow for your paper. Although, do not include excessive unnecessary details that clutter your essay and make understanding it even more difficult. While writing your essay, include small brief explanations for each statement. For example, “Even though eating out and grabbing a coffee on your way to class sounds tempting, setting a budget and saving 15% of each of your monthly earnings aside can help you have enough to put down a downpayment on a new car.” Here the reader will understand that there is a direct relationship between each step and the result it is going to give. 

Showing the readers that they are learning and not just repeating is one of the most effective ways to lock down their attention and keep them coming back!

After going through every step meticulously and explaining the whole process, a process essay needs a confident conclusion. This paragraph should be short, sweet, and to the point. It's main goal is to accomplish the following tasks:

  • Discuss the main result. After the readers have completed the process, they should be left with a final result. It's important that you explain to your readers what the end result will look like, and what can be done with it.
  • Restate the process’s general purpose. After completing the task, you obviously would like to know its overall purpose. When your readers feel that they have accomplished a challenge, learned something from it, and have a path to take the result towards, they will be satisfied!
  • State your Overall Conclusion. To put a pretty tie around your process essay means that you need to neatly wrap things up! Restate some of the highlightable points as well as the process’s key overall purpose. Make sure that your readers feel accomplished after going through your process, and  ensure that you strengthen the necessity of its purpose with a nice concluding sentence!

The conclusion of an essay on “How to Save Money” would explain that the completion of all of the steps will result in saving money that can be used for a specific goal or for rainy day fund purposes. You can mention the importance of every step and briefly repeat some of the key points. 

Post-Writing Tips

Here are some final tips to wrap up your writing process. Use them as a checklist for a successful and coherent essay. 

  • Make sure the work is simple enough to follow. Worst-case-scenario: its author creates a feeling of absolute confusion in the reader’s mind. To avoid this problem, always remember that your readers can be beginners. Do not try to impress them with complicated words or sentences, use simple language to provide clear directions on how to do something. Give as many details as possible, but do it plainly. "Why is he making me do this?" "What was the purpose of this?" "I don't understand this step at all!" If the reader is asking themself these questions, then it's time to do some editing!
  • Experiment and try it for yourself or ask a friend. There's no better way to experience success than to actively attempt your process through your own instructions. If everything truly makes sense, then you should have no problem solving the task using your own words. Even better, ask a peer to try it through your words to get an outside point of view.
  • Choose the right topic for you and research it well
  • Maintain a logical order of steps, make it easy to follow
  • Avoid using imperative sentences - you do not want to sound like an Apple TV manual
  • Explain terms that are most likely outside of most people’s range of common knowledge 

If you have a ready-made essay but need to make significant changes to it, you can use our rewrite my essay service .

Process Essay Examples

Now that you know all about process essays and how to write them, we have prepared some great essay topic ideas in case you are stuck and cannot choose one:

Building a business from scratch is an intricate process that entails a number of steps. Each of these steps should have specific objectives and measurable outcomes.The following analysis gives the basic steps followed when building any business from scratch.
Saving can be defined as a differed consumption or keeping aside a portion of your income for unexpected future uncertainties or plans. Read for reason and actual steps for saving more money

Read also a thesis statement example from our author. In this article, you can learn something useful for yourself.

Still Need Help?

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is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

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Unit 9. Basic word processing skills

Topic A: Basic word processing

Click play on the following audio player to listen along as you read this section.

Word processing – the use of a program (software application) running on a computer that allows users to create, edit, format, and store documents.

Create a Document

essay word processing

  • Start Microsoft Word .
  • Click the File tab.
  • Click the New tab.
  • Click Blank document . (A new blank document appears.)
  • Type your text. The text you type will be inserted into the document.

Edit a Document

Editing a document – making revisions to a document, focusing on correcting errors, improving the accuracy of language, rearranging, making words and sentences clearer and more effective, etc.

Editing in word processing may include the following tasks:

  • Adding text (terms, phrases, paragraphs, etc.)
  • Deleting a part of a text
  • Copying text
  • Moving text
  • Pasting text
  • Checking for grammar and spelling
  • Formatting text

Select Text

Before editing text, you’ll need to select it. This is also sometimes called “highlighting text.”

essay word processing

  • Go to the location where stores your file or folder (hard drive, USB, etc.).
  • Open the document you wish to edit.

essay word processing

  • To select a word: double-click the word.

essay word processing

  • To select a paragraph: triple-click the paragraph.
  • To select any amount of text: click and drag the I-beam over the text to highlight it.

Delete (or remove) text

  • Select the text you wish to delete.
  • Press the Delete key (on the keyboard).
  • Move the I-beam pointer to the text you want to delete. Click to set the insertion point there (a blinking vertical line).

essay word processing

  • To delete text to the right of the insertion point, press the Delete key on the keyboard. (On a Mac keyboard, press the fn key plus the Delete key.)

Copy and Paste

Copy vs. cut.

  • Copy – duplicates the selected item (text, symbol, table, image, etc.).
  • Cut – removes the selected item from its original position.

Copy and paste vs. cut and paste

  • Copy and paste – duplicates the selected item. The selected item can be found in both original and the new, pasted location(s).
  • Cut and paste – duplicates the selected item then deletes the original. The selected data can be found only at the new, pasted location (the item has moved from one location to another).

Steps to copy / cut and paste

  • Select the item you wish to Copy or Cut .
  • Copy: Cntr + c (On a Mac, it is Cmd + c )
  • Cut: Cntr + x (On a Mac, it is Cmd + x )

essay word processing

  • Position the insertion point where you wish to insert the item.

essay word processing

  • Select the item you wish to copy or cut.

essay word processing

Review a Document

Check spelling and grammar.

essay word processing

  • Select the correct spelling from the suggestion list to correct the spelling error. For each error, Word will offer one or more suggestions.
  • Click the Review tab.

essay word processing

  • Click one of the options from the suggestion list to change the spelling error. The program will move to the next misspelled word.

Find Synonyms

  • Right-click a word for which you wish to find a synonym for.
  • Click the Synonyms command from the pop-out menu.
  • Find a desired word in the list and click it to replace the original word.
  • If none of the synonyms are desired, click the Thesaurus command to open the full thesaurus. (The Thesaurus pane will appear.)
  • Find a desired word in the Thesaurus pane list and right-click it and then click Insert .

essay word processing

  • Select a word for which you wish to use the thesaurus.

essay word processing

  • Find a desired word in the “Thesaurus” pane and right-click it and then click Insert .
  • Close the Thesaurus pane.

the use of a program (software application) running on a computer to create, edit, format, and store documents.

making revisions to a document, focusing on correcting errors, improving the accuracy of language, rearranging, making words and sentences clearer, more effective, etc.

make a duplicate of the selected items (text, symbol, table, image, etc.) and place it in another location.

removes the selected item from its original position.

Key Concepts of Computer Studies Copyright © 2020 by Meizhong Wang is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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essay word processing

Write great papers

Write great papers with microsoft word.

You may already use Microsoft Word to write papers, but you can also use for many other tasks, such as collecting research, co-writing with other students, recording notes on-the-fly, and even building a better bibliography!

Explore new ways to use Microsoft Word below.

Getting started

Let’s get started by opening Microsoft Word and choosing a template to create a new document. You can either:

Select Blank document to create a document from scratch.

Select a structured template.

Select Take a tour for Word tips.

Word new doc templates

Next, let’s look at creating and formatting copy. You can do so by clicking onto the page and beginning to type your content. The status bar at the bottom of the document shows your current page number and how many words you've typed, in case you’re trying to stay maintain a specific word count.

Word ribbon format text options

To format text and change how it looks, select the text and select an option on the Home tab: Bold, Italic, Bullets, Numbering , etc.

To add pictures, shapes, or other media, simply navigate to the Insert tab, then select any of the options to add media to your document.

Word automatically saves your content as you work, so you don’t have to stress about losing your progress if you forget to press  Save .

Here are some of the advanced tools you can try out while using Microsoft Word.

Type with your voice

Have you ever wanted to speak, not write, your ideas? Believe it or not, there’s a button for that! All you have to do is navigate to the Home tab, select the Dictate button, and start talking to “type” with your voice. You’ll know Dictate is listening when the red recording icon appears.

Tips for using Dictate

Speak clearly and conversationally.

Add punctuation by pausing or saying the name of the punctuation mark.

If you make a mistake, all you have to do is go back and re-type your text.

Dictate button in Word

Finding and citing sources

Get a head start on collecting sources and ideas for a big paper by searching key words in  Researcher in the References tab of your document.

Researcher button in Word

Researcher uses Bing to search the web and deliver high-quality research sources to the side of your page. Search for people, places, or ideas and then sort by journal articles and websites. Add a source to your page by selecting the plus sign.

As you write, Researcher saves a record of your searches. Just select My Research to see the complete list.

Keep track of all your sources by using Word's built-in bibliography maker. Simply navigate to the References tab.

First, choose the style you want your citations to be in. In this example, we’ve selected APA style.

Select Insert Citation and Add New Source .

In the next window, choose what kind of work you’re citing—an article, book, etc.—and fill in the required details. Then select  OK to cite your source.

Keep writing. At the ends of sentences that need sources, select Insert Citation to keep adding new sources, or pick one you already entered from the list.

Point to Insert Citation, and choose Add New Source

As you write, Word will keep track of all the citations you’ve entered. When you’re finished, select Bibliography and choose a format style. Your bibliography will appear at the end of your paper, just like that.

Make things look nice

Make your report or project look extra professional in the Design tab! Browse different themes, colors, fonts, and borders to create work you're proud of!

Illustrate a concept with a chart or a model by navigating to the  Insert tab and choosing  SmartArt . In this example, we chose Cycle and filled in text from the writing process to make a simple graphic. Choose other graphic types to represent hierarchies, flow charts, and more.

Example of a chart you can make

To insert a 3D model, select  Insert > 3D Models to choose from a library of illustrated dioramas from different course subjects and 3D shapes.

Invite someone to write with you

If you’re working on a group project, you can work on a document at the same time without emailing the file back and forth. Select Share at the top of your page and create a link you can send to other students.

Now, everybody can open the same file and work together.

Keep learning

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Introduction to word processing

Cite this chapter.

essay word processing

  • Sue Kinn 3 &
  • Tanya Siann 4  

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A word processor is a programme for editing, rearranging and storing text. There are many functions that a word processor can perform, some of which are very sophisticated. It is unlikely that any one person will ever need to use all the functions available. Generally, users settle down to a subset of frequently used commands and occasionally employ some of the others. The point to remember here is that the computer is a tool. It can help to produce professional looking documents, or to automate repetitive tasks. If you can do that by using just some ten commands, why worry about all the others which are not useful to you? As you become more expert you will find other commands that may be helpful to you; like learning any application package, it is an evolutionary process.

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Kinn, S., Siann, T. (1998). Introduction to word processing. In: Computers and Clinical Audit. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-6639-1_8

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7 Best Free Word Processors For Easy Editing [2024 Edition]

essay word processing

The best free word processor offers a simple platform for producing standard word documents without signing up for a paid account. While Microsoft Word has become the sort of de-facto among word processors, its high price has dissuaded many potential customers. You can try it out for free for a month on trial, but the full version costs $159.99 for one device.

Why pay for something if you can get it for free? Several open-source word processors have followed in MS Word’s footsteps by adopting DOC/DOCX compatibility and offering similar features. These word processors can be used online; some even have downloadable offline versions.

More importantly, they are free to use for any purpose, including writing and editing lengthy documents. Let’s examine which free word processors are worth considering.

1. Google Docs

essay word processing

Google Docs is an excellent alternative to MS Word and a widely used word processor by individuals and businesses. All kinds of written content can be uploaded, edited, and shared with others using Google Docs. Google Docs comes loaded with functions that can be expanded with third-party plugins as well.

Documents can be saved online and stored automatically on your Google account, but they can also be downloaded or forwarded as a web page or attachments in Microsoft Word, ODT, PDF, text files, or RTF file formats. Depending on your needs, you can allow people to work on the document with you simultaneously or let them view it for assessment only.

If you’re using Google Docs, you can activate offline access and continue working on your documents if you lose internet connection. You only need a (free) Google account to get started. Additionally, it gives you a selection of pre-made layouts to utilize. It supports both the Microsoft Word and Adobe PDF file formats for not only storage, but also editing. 

2. Microsoft Word Online

essay word processing

Word processing and Microsoft Word have become synonymous over time. With a free Microsoft account, you can access Word Online , a stripped down web app version of the full Word experience. The website interface is similar to the Microsoft Word program on desktop. It also shares much of the same features as the desktop version, including real-time collaboration.

On the other hand, Word Online lacks some advanced features compared to the desktop program, like split views and custom styles. There is only one supported file type for saving documents: DOCX, which is Microsoft Office’s standard file format.

Other file formats from Microsoft Office, such as DOC and DOCM can still be opened and edited, but you cannot save or download those files. Even though it should be more than enough for everyday, general-purpose use, Word Online does not come close to Google Docs’ extensive functionality.

3. Zoho Writer

essay word processing

ZOHO Writer is a fantastic web-based word processor that provides various pre-made layouts for several document types. It has a lot of useful tools, including a grammar checker, a clipboard manager, the ability to work offline, document merging, digital signatures, and more.

There are zero ads, zero downloads, and no fees to use this tool’s features. It is simple to open and save Microsoft Word documents without changes. The resulting Word files can be saved in various formats, including Docx, PDFs, and others.

Its unique selling point is the built-in writing assistant, known as Zia . It works a lot like Grammarly, where it provides suggestions for certain terms and phrases to be replaced with more appropriate ones. Zia uses a machine-learning model to better itself over time as well.

Incorporating feedback from teammates and revising content as a group is a breeze with Zoho Writer. It also allows you to customize the access of documents with team members. With the Zoho Writer integration feature, you can create great content and publish it instantly to your WordPress or Blogger site. The Writer Extension can also be downloaded for Google Chrome.

4. WPS Office

WPS office

You can get all the office software you need, including many extras, free with WPS Office . It has three main elements: the WPS Writer , WPS Presentation , and the WPS Spreadsheet . WPS Office is a free office suite that can be downloaded on various operating systems, including Windows 11/10/8/7, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.

It can modify Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and PDF documents. It’s compatible with a wide range of platforms and works as a powerful replacement for Microsoft Office. All Microsoft Office file types (DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, etc.), as well as HTML, RTF, XML, PDF, PPT, and so on, can be opened and saved in the program.

It provides 100,000+ ready-to-use and free templates organized by type, so you can use them to make professional-looking resumes, project schedules, reports, and more. It’s the most modern-looking option on this list, with a mobile-first design approach. That’s why WPS Office also allows cross-platform synchronization and easy collaboration.

5. LibreOffice Writer

essay word processing

LibreOffice is a free and open-source word processing software. A dedicated user community tests and utilizes the program regularly and Libre really pushed the ethos of collaboration with this program. The Writer is a feature-rich word processor similar to Microsoft Word, and has all the little tid-bits a writer might require.

Each version of Writer has pre-made wizards and document templates for frequently used documents kinds as letters and invoices, and it’s simple to make your own. It also prides itself in having an unobtrusive and easy-to-use UI that does not compromise on any extras. It is compatible with all common file types and can export files as PDFs.

While it looks like every other processor, LibreOffice is one of the few offline-first word processors around today; you do not need an internet connection to utilize its full potential. But when you want to, LibreOffice also integrates with the other office applications in their respective suite. For instance, you can use LibreOffice Base to produce bibliography.

5. Etherpad

Etherpad

Etherpad is a free, highly-flexible word processor that allows users to work together in real time. Etherpad’s adaptability is undoubtedly one of its greatest strengths. To increase your productivity tenfold, you have full access to more than 290 plugins and 105 languages with the full version.

Plugins allow you to alter your platform’s appearance and performance to suit your needs. The look of your Etherpad can be altered by changing the theme and color scheme. You can write, edit, and save several documents with no difficulty. The ability to import and export PDFs is only one example of the many useful plugins available.

Unlike other complicated options, Etherpad focused on being the best at basics. It has a simple, clean user interface that puts the focus back on creating the best piece of text, instead of dwelling on the unnecessary additions. But if you do need anything else, the plugins are always there for you!

WordPad

In contrast to the other word processors on this list, WordPad does not come with a suite of programs, but it does have the significant benefit of not requiring installation. Since Windows 95, it has been included in every subsequent Windows release by default. 

It’s not quite feature-rich as Microsoft Word, but it gets the job done when it comes to writing simple documents and reading word files. WordPad supports multiple export formats, including .txt and RTF.

Texts with special formatting, such as italics, boldface, custom fonts, bullets, etc., can be produced in WordPad. It is DOCX-compatible, which means it can be used as a replacement for Microsoft Word documents. It’s especially effective when you need to check out a document quickly without opening a browser or dedicated program on your PC.

7. Apple Pages

Apple Pages

Apple Pages is the way to go if you are a Mac, iPad, or iPhone user and need a free word processor. Everything you need for word processing is available in Apple Pages. Opening, editing, and exporting documents in Pages is a piece of cake. Accessing the many typefaces, text styles, and editing features are simple.

It includes helpful editing tools, including a spell checker, a word counter, and a comments section for collaborative projects. Pages also have a fantastic auto-save feature that works in real-time. When you’re connected to the internet, it will routinely save your work to your internal storage or iCloud.

Furthermore, it also has a feature that detects and removes duplicate files. There are several tools and features that resemble Microsoft Word. When comparing Pages with Word, the greater degree of control you have over integrated images is a clear advantage of Pages.

It’s possible to export a manuscript in a publication-ready format as an EPUB file. Not to mention, being a part of the Apple ecosystem, everything is seamlessly synced across all your devices. The text you leave half-done on your iPhone is ready to turn into a fully-fledged document on your Mac right away.

Final Verdict

After going through that list, we can confidently say that Google Docs and Office Word Online can be your best professional word-processing options that are absolutely free. You can choose between WPS Office, Zoho Writer, or Office Word Online if you need a cloud-based office suite with document collaboration features.

LibreOffice also serves as a great alternative to Microsoft Office because of its wide range of features and abundance of publishing options. WPS Office’s data management features, which include PDF editing and conversion, are among the best. Google Docs, in contrast, is the greatest word processor for efficient teamwork due to its support for voice typing, file sharing, and smart assistance features.

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Kamil Anwar

  • System Analyst | Microsoft Certified Professional |

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Definition of essay

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of essay  (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

  • composition

attempt , try , endeavor , essay , strive mean to make an effort to accomplish an end.

attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort.

try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something.

endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty.

essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting.

strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort.

Examples of essay in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'essay.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle French essai , ultimately from Late Latin exagium act of weighing, from Latin ex- + agere to drive — more at agent

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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“Essay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essay. Accessed 11 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of essay.

Kids Definition of essay  (Entry 2 of 2)

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Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot – your copilot for work

Mar 16, 2023 | Jared Spataro - CVP, AI at Work

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Screenshot Microsoft 365 Copilot

Humans are hard-wired to dream, to create, to innovate. Each of us seeks to do work that gives us purpose — to write a great novel, to make a discovery, to build strong communities, to care for the sick. The urge to connect to the core of our work lives in all of us. But today, we spend too much time consumed by the drudgery of work on tasks that zap our time, creativity and energy. To reconnect to the soul of our work, we don’t just need a better way of doing the same things. We need a whole new way to work.

Today, we are bringing the power of next-generation AI to work. Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot — your copilot for work . It combines the power of large language models (LLMs) with your data in the Microsoft Graph and the Microsoft 365 apps to turn your words into the most powerful productivity tool on the planet.

“Today marks the next major step in the evolution of how we interact with computing, which will fundamentally change the way we work and unlock a new wave of productivity growth,” said Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO, Microsoft. “With our new copilot for work, we’re giving people more agency and making technology more accessible through the most universal interface — natural language.”

Copilot is integrated into Microsoft 365 in two ways. It works alongside you, embedded in the Microsoft 365 apps you use every day — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and more — to unleash creativity, unlock productivity and uplevel skills. Today we’re also announcing an entirely new experience: Business Chat . Business Chat works across the LLM, the Microsoft 365 apps, and your data — your calendar, emails, chats, documents, meetings and contacts — to do things you’ve never been able to do before. You can give it natural language prompts like “Tell my team how we updated the product strategy,” and it will generate a status update based on the morning’s meetings, emails and chat threads.

With Copilot, you’re always in control. You decide what to keep, modify or discard. Now, you can be more creative in Word, more analytical in Excel, more expressive in PowerPoint, more productive in Outlook and more collaborative in Teams.

Microsoft 365 Copilot transforms work in three ways:

Unleash creativity. With Copilot in Word, you can jump-start the creative process so you never start with a blank slate again. Copilot gives you a first draft to edit and iterate on — saving hours in writing, sourcing, and editing time. Sometimes Copilot will be right, other times usefully wrong — but it will always put you further ahead. You’re always in control as the author, driving your unique ideas forward, prompting Copilot to shorten, rewrite or give feedback. Copilot in PowerPoint helps you create beautiful presentations with a simple prompt, adding relevant content from a document you made last week or last year. And with Copilot in Excel, you can analyze trends and create professional-looking data visualizations in seconds.

Unlock productivity. We all want to focus on the 20% of our work that really matters, but 80% of our time is consumed with busywork that bogs us down. Copilot lightens the load. From summarizing long email threads to quickly drafting suggested replies, Copilot in Outlook helps you clear your inbox in minutes, not hours. And every meeting is a productive meeting with Copilot in Teams. It can summarize key discussion points — including who said what and where people are aligned and where they disagree — and suggest action items, all in real time during a meeting. And with Copilot in Power Platform, anyone can automate repetitive tasks, create chatbots and go from idea to working app in minutes.

GitHub data shows that Copilot promises to unlock productivity for everyone. Among developers who use GitHub Copilot, 88% say they are more productive, 74% say that they can focus on more satisfying work, and 77% say it helps them spend less time searching for information or examples.

But Copilot doesn’t just supercharge individual productivity. It creates a new knowledge model for every organization — harnessing the massive reservoir of data and insights that lies largely inaccessible and untapped today. Business Chat works across all your business data and apps to surface the information and insights you need from a sea of data — so knowledge flows freely across the organization, saving you valuable time searching for answers. You will be able to access Business Chat from Microsoft 365.com, from Bing when you’re signed in with your work account, or from Teams.

Uplevel skills. Copilot makes you better at what you’re good at and lets you quickly master what you’ve yet to learn. The average person uses only a handful of commands — such as “animate a slide” or “insert a table” — from the thousands available across Microsoft 365. Now, all that rich functionality is unlocked using just natural language. And this is only the beginning.

Copilot will fundamentally change how people work with AI and how AI works with people. As with any new pattern of work, there’s a learning curve — but those who embrace this new way of working will quickly gain an edge.

Screenshot Microsoft 365 Copilot

The Copilot System: Enterprise-ready AI

Microsoft is uniquely positioned to deliver enterprise-ready AI with the Copilot System . Copilot is more than OpenAI’s ChatGPT embedded into Microsoft 365. It’s a sophisticated processing and orchestration engine working behind the scenes to combine the power of LLMs, including GPT-4, with the Microsoft 365 apps and your business data in the Microsoft Graph — now accessible to everyone through natural language.

Grounded in your business data. AI-powered LLMs are trained on a large but limited corpus of data. The key to unlocking productivity in business lies in connecting LLMs to your business data — in a secure, compliant, privacy-preserving way. Microsoft 365 Copilot has real-time access to both your content and context in the Microsoft Graph. This means it generates answers anchored in your business content — your documents, emails, calendar, chats, meetings, contacts and other business data — and combines them with your working context — the meeting you’re in now, the email exchanges you’ve had on a topic, the chat conversations you had last week — to deliver accurate, relevant, contextual responses.

Built on Microsoft’s comprehensive approach to security, compliance and privacy. Copilot is integrated into Microsoft 365 and automatically inherits all your company’s valuable security, compliance, and privacy policies and processes. Two-factor authentication, compliance boundaries, privacy protections, and more make Copilot the AI solution you can trust.

Architected to protect tenant, group and individual data. We know data leakage is a concern for customers. Copilot LLMs are not trained on your tenant data or your prompts. Within your tenant, our time-tested permissioning model ensures that data won’t leak across user groups. And on an individual level, Copilot presents only data you can access using the same technology that we’ve been using for years to secure customer data.

Integrated into the apps millions use every day. Microsoft 365 Copilot is integrated in the productivity apps millions of people use and rely on every day for work and life — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and more. An intuitive and consistent user experience ensures it looks, feels and behaves the same way in Teams as it does in Outlook, with a shared design language for prompts, refinements and commands.

Designed to learn new skills.  Microsoft 365 Copilot’s foundational skills are a game changer for productivity: It can already create, summarize, analyze, collaborate and automate using your specific business content and context. But it doesn’t stop there. Copilot knows how to command apps (e.g., “animate this slide”) and work across apps, translating a Word document into a PowerPoint presentation. And Copilot is designed to learn new skills. For example, with Viva Sales, Copilot can learn how to connect to CRM systems of record to pull customer data — like interaction and order histories — into communications. As Copilot learns about new domains and processes, it will be able to perform even more sophisticated tasks and queries.

Committed to building responsibly

At Microsoft, we are guided by our AI principles and Responsible AI Standard and decades of research on AI, grounding and privacy-preserving machine learning. A multidisciplinary team of researchers, engineers and policy experts reviews our AI systems for potential harms and mitigations — refining training data, filtering to limit harmful content, query- and result-blocking sensitive topics, and applying Microsoft technologies like InterpretML and Fairlearn to help detect and correct data bias. We make it clear how the system makes decisions by noting limitations, linking to sources, and prompting users to review, fact-check and adjust content based on subject-matter expertise.

Moving boldly as we learn  

In the months ahead, we’re bringing Copilot to all our productivity apps—Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Viva, Power Platform, and more. We’ll share more on pricing and licensing soon. Earlier this month we announced Dynamics 365 Copilot as the world’s first AI Copilot in both CRM and ERP to bring the next-generation AI to every line of business.

Everyone deserves to find purpose and meaning in their work — and Microsoft 365 Copilot can help. To serve the unmet needs of our customers, we must move quickly and responsibly, learning as we go. We’re testing Copilot with a small group of customers to get feedback and improve our models as we scale, and we will expand to more soon.

Learn more on the Microsoft 365 blog and visit WorkLab to get expert insights on how AI will create a brighter future of work for everyone.

And for all the blogs, videos and assets related to today’s announcements, please visit our microsite .

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  1. Essay

    These processes can be performed in any reasonable word processor, however, to streamline the processes, Dr. Peterson and his team created Essay, which has specialized tools to help writers execute these steps. ... Every element of an essay can be correct, each word, sentence, and paragraph—even the paragraph order—and the essay can still ...

  2. Word-Processing Skills

    Word-Processing Essentials. Most writing you do for college will need to be typed, and often submitted electronically. ... Many writing assignments you have in college will ask for a particular word count range (such as a 500-750 word essay assignment). It's useful to know how to easily locate the word count in a document you've created.

  3. A Brief History of Word Processing

    A Brief History of Word Processing. (Through 1986) by Brian Kunde. Note: This paper was written in December, 1986 for a CIS 50 - Sec. 61 class at Foothill College, Los Altos Hills, California. It reflects the industry situation of that time, and should not be used either as a guide to current industry standards or to the present state of the art.

  4. 8.1 Word Processing

    8.1 Word Processing. Knowing how to create quality documents for assignments really helps! Word processing programs are invaluable tools for doing your assignments and writing essays. If you are someone who still likes to handwrite assignments, consider this: one of the most useful aspects of doing assignments on a computer is the ability to ...

  5. Advanced Word-Processing Skills

    Free Alternatives to Word. Word is the most common word processor, but it's expensive, especially if it didn't come with the computer you bought. Here are some free options to explore as an alternative. Office Online. You'll need to register with an account, but can then access your saved files from any internet-connected device.

  6. Understanding process words

    Understanding process words. Process words are terms like 'analyse', 'compare', or 'contrast'. These words tell you what is required of you when answering essay questions and how you should use the information you have found for your essay. Process words are not helpful when searching for information online - you will need to use keywords for this.

  7. What is a Word Processor?

    A word processor is a device or software program capable of creating, storing, and printing text documents. It allows users to write and modify text, display it on a screen, save it electronically, and print it out. Word processing software is one of the most common technology tools in the world, allowing users to create resumes and cover ...

  8. Word processing

    Selectric Typewriter. word processing, operation in which a text-editing software program called a word processor is used to create a document on a computer. A word-processing system can produce a wide variety of documents, including letters, memoranda, and manuals, rapidly and at relatively low cost. The precursor of the modern word-processing ...

  9. How to Write a Process Essay: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

    2. Make a list of the materials needed. Go through the process from start to finish and write down every single item that someone would need to complete the task. Include everything from the common to the unusual. Then, keep the list by you as you write and check off each item as you mention it.

  10. Writing Better University Essays/Process words

    This list is in part based on Jordan (1999). The process words are given in alphabetical order. Probably the most common process words are: discuss, describe, explain, compare, evaluate, and criticize . Account for asks for an explanation. Even though it looks similar to give an account of, this process word is rather different.

  11. Word Processing in Support of Writing: Effects and Implications a

    an essay, story, or letter, using computers allows the students to focus on what they are trying to convey, and they can easily make revisions and print copies if mistakes ... for word processing and in developing assignments that will help students improve writing skills. Further, the findings might serve as a guide to school administrators

  12. Get Started with Word Processing Applications: Word

    Module 1 • 1 hour to complete. Word processing applications are an essential productivity tool for business and education. Understanding how to use word-processing apps can make you a more efficient and valuable worker. In this module, you will learn the essentials of effectively using word processing apps to work with document files.

  13. A Study of Word Processing Experience and its Effects on Student Essay

    This study investigates how word processing experience influences student performance on a direct writing assessment. We investigated factors influencing a student's decision about using word processors for writing; whether students with less experience writing with word processors receive lower scores on word processed essays; and differences in length, neatness, mechanical correctness, and ...

  14. Definition, Topics, Process Essay Examples| EssayPro Blog

    The process essay, also known as the "how-to" essay, is commonly written for people or companies that need tutorials or a set of instructional steps. Whether it's building a robot or cooking a chocolate cake, process essays use a similar format for any variations. They follow a step-by-step style, with the initial step influencing the second ...

  15. PDF A Comparison of Word-Processed and Handwritten Essays From a

    on word processors (WP). The writing assessment was identical for both modes of presentation, handwritten and. word-processed, with two 30-minute periods for writing. The first period was used to. produce a rough draft of a paper and the second period, on the following day, was used to. revise and rewrite the draft.

  16. Writing with word processors: a research overview

    A critical overview of three main categories of published material which explore the effects of word processing on writing: the testimonials of writers, the anecdotal accounts of educationists and research reports is presented. Summary As word processors become more widely used in schools, it is important that educators understand the nature of their impact on students' writing and classroom ...

  17. The influence of student experience with word ...

    On the other hand, the word processor essays pro- duced by students with a low level of experience writing with computers were scored almost an entire point lower than those produced with pen and paper by these same students. The textual analyses provided only weak evidence to support Hypothe- ses 6 and 8. Groups with high and medium levels of ...

  18. Topic A: Basic word processing

    Word processing - the use of a program (software application) running on a computer that allows users to create, edit, format, and store documents.. Create a Document. Steps to create a new word processing document (Word, Office 365): Start Microsoft Word.; Click the File tab.; Click the New tab.; Click Blank document. (A new blank document appears.)

  19. Write great papers with Microsoft Word

    Write great papers with Microsoft Word. You may already use Microsoft Word to write papers, but you can also use for many other tasks, such as collecting research, co-writing with other students, recording notes on-the-fly, and even building a better bibliography! Explore new ways to use Microsoft Word below.

  20. PDF Introduction to word processing

    word processing A word processor is a programme for editing, rearranging and storing text. There are many functions that a word processor can perform, some of which are very sophisticated. It is unlikely that any one person will ever need to use all the functions available. Generally, users settle down to a subset of

  21. Word processor

    A word processor (WP) is a device or computer program that provides for input, editing, formatting, and output of text, often with some additional features.. Early word processors were stand-alone devices dedicated to the function, but current word processors are word processor programs running on general purpose computers.. The functions of a word processor program fall somewhere between ...

  22. The influence of student experience with word ...

    On the other hand, the word processor essays produced by students with a low level of experience writing with computers were scored, on a six-point scale, almost an entire point lower than those produced with pen and paper by these same students. Groups with high and medium levels of experience with word processors wrote slightly more words ...

  23. The impact of word processing on the preparation and

    statistical tests showed that students who used word processing as a method for essay submission scored significantly higher essay marks that students whose essays were typed or hand-written. Further tests, however, revealed than it was the level of revision carried out rather than the submission method that

  24. 7 Best Free Word Processors For Easy Editing [2024 Edition]

    1. Google Docs. Google Docs also offers a free spreadsheet and presentation editor | Geek Lando. Google Docs is an excellent alternative to MS Word and a widely used word processor by individuals and businesses. All kinds of written content can be uploaded, edited, and shared with others using Google Docs.

  25. Essay Definition & Meaning

    The meaning of ESSAY is an analytic or interpretative literary composition usually dealing with its subject from a limited or personal point of view. How to use essay in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Essay.

  26. Introducing Microsoft 365 Copilot

    Copilot is integrated into Microsoft 365 in two ways. It works alongside you, embedded in the Microsoft 365 apps you use every day — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and more — to unleash creativity, unlock productivity and uplevel skills. Today we're also announcing an entirely new experience: Business Chat.

  27. What is a Word Processor?

    A word processor is a device or software program capable of creating, storing, and printing text documents. It allows users to write and modify text, display it on a screen, save it electronically, and print it out. Word processing software is one of the most common technology tools in the world, allowing users to create resumes and cover ...