B7.2.1.1.1 B7 (JHS 1) · Productivity software · Word processing
Insert, select, delete, and move text in Word
You should be able to: edit a document by inserting, selecting, deleting, and moving text, and use Insert vs Overtype.
1. Learn
Microsoft Word (or LibreOffice Writer, which looks similar) is a word processor. Editing means changing the words after they are typed.
- Insert — click where the new words should go, then type. Existing text shifts to the right. This is the usual mode.
- Select — highlight text with the mouse, or Shift + arrow keys, or double-click a word, or triple-click a paragraph. Selected text is the target for copy, delete, or move.
- Delete — Backspace removes the character on the left of the cursor; Delete removes the one on the right. If text is selected, either key removes the whole selection.
- Move — select → Cut (Ctrl+X) → click the new place → Paste (Ctrl+V). Or drag the highlighted text. Copy is Ctrl+C (leaves the original).
- Overtype — new typing replaces existing characters instead of pushing them. In many Word versions you right-click the status bar at the bottom and turn Overtype on or off. Leave it off unless you mean to replace.
Do this practical on a school PC, a teacher’s laptop, or free LibreOffice Writer at home. This website cannot run Microsoft Word for you.
2. See
Look at a screenshot of the Word window: ribbon at the top, white page, cursor (blinking line), status bar at the bottom. Find Home tab. If a projector is available, the teacher should show Insert vs Overtype once.
3. Practice
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Type: Accra is the capital of Ghana. Insert the word city so it reads Accra is the capital city of Ghana. Which mode should you use?
Show answer
Insert mode. Click between “capital” and “of”, type “ city”.
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How do you select a whole paragraph quickly?
Show answer
Triple-click inside the paragraph, or click in the left margin when the pointer becomes an arrow.
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You highlighted a sentence and pressed Backspace. What happened?
Show answer
The whole selected sentence was deleted.
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Name the shortcut to cut and the shortcut to paste.
Show answer
Cut: Ctrl+X. Paste: Ctrl+V. (Copy is Ctrl+C.)
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Why is Overtype dangerous if you do not notice it is on?
Show answer
Each new letter wipes a letter that was already there, so you destroy the old sentence as you type.
4. Project (GES exemplar)
On a computer, open Word or LibreOffice. Type a short paragraph about your school. Then: insert a missing word, delete a repeated word, and move one sentence to the end. Explore Overtype vs Insert via the status bar if Word is available.
Submit: the saved file .docx or a photo of the screen showing your edited paragraph. If you have no PC this week, write the four editing actions in your book with examples.
5. Check (GES proficiency)
- Emerging — types but cannot select text
- Developing — inserts and deletes; cannot move a sentence
- Approaching proficient — insert, select, delete, move with help
- Proficient — all four skills, and can turn Overtype off
- Highly proficient — shows a classmate the status bar and shortcuts
Source: NaCCA Computing CCP B7.2.1.1 / B7.2.1.1.1. SURF-CLOUD Technology Institute.