Write a Personal Statement Using Microsoft Word Tips

Started by ganeshbala, Apr 23, 2009, 11:48 AM

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ganeshbala

Write a Personal Statement Using Microsoft Word Tips

Depending on your operating system and version of Word, there may be slight differences in the functionality. But overall, here are a few of the many functions of MS Word:

    * Word Count: Users of MS Word for Vista can see the word count automatically at the bottom left of the page. It updates with each word you type. Users of older versions of Word should utilize the Tools menu and click on Word Count. When counting the words on a page, MS Word automatically counts the entire page. If you want to simply count words in a paragraph or a sentence, then highlight that section and choose Word Count from the Tools menu.

    * Spelling and Grammar Check: By default, MS Word tracks the mistakes in your document automatically and underlines them either in red or green. Red is for misspelled words and green is for grammar mistakes. To turn these functions on or off, go to Review in the tool bar and click on Spelling and Grammar. Then select Options. You can now choose to have words automatically corrected or have them underlined for correction later.

    * Table of Contents: One of the most intimidating features of MS Word is the Table of Contents option. This allows users to create and update a Table of Contents, utilizing the Headings feature.

To make a Table of Contents, you must first write your essay. While writing the essay, however, be sure to designate headings, utilizing the Headings feature. That is, highlight the text you want to use as a heading and then click on Styles. You will have the option of Heading 1, Heading 2 and so forth. Choose Heading 1 for your main topics and Heading 2 for your subtopics.

Once your essay or personal statement is complete, go to your cover page. Click on References. Then, click on Table of Contents. You will then be prompted with several different styles. Choose one and it will automatically populate your document with the correct headings and page numbers.

Now, should you decide to create additional pages or headings, you can update your Table of Contents automatically. Simply right-click anywhere within the Table of Contents. You will be prompted by a pop-up window to Update All or Update Page Numbers Only.

    * Inserting Hyperlinks: Hyperlinks can be somewhat frustrating. Older versions of MS Word have a function that automatically inserts hyperlinks when you type a Web address beginning with www and ending in .com. To delete the link, simply right-click on the link and choose Remove Hyperlink. Newer versions of Word do not have this function. To insert a link, you need to highlight the text which will act as the link, and then select Insert and choose Hyperlink. You then type in the link, and it will be imbedded in the text.