Project 1
1. Project 1
1.8. Page 9
Project 1: Learning the Alphanumeric and Symbol Keys
The Exclamation Mark (!) Key
- An exclamation mark is used to end a sentence that shows an exclamation or expression of surprise. It’s followed by one space.
- Example: She outran everyone in her class! Second place was 10 seconds behind her.
The exclamation mark is typed by anchoring on the F key, holding down the right Shift key with the semi finger, and making an extended upward and outward reach to the left with the A finger to the second row above home row on the number 1.
The Parenthesis Keys
Parentheses are used to add or set off a piece of text within a body of text. The left parenthesis comes directly in front of the text; the right parenthesis comes directly after the text. The left parenthesis does not have a space after it.
The left parenthesis key is struck while holding down the left Shift key, anchoring on the J key, and making an extended natural reach with the L finger to the 9 key in the top row.
The right parenthesis key is struck while holding down the left Shift key, anchoring on the J key, and making an extended natural reach with the semi finger to the 0 key in the top row.
- The right parenthesis is used to end the text that follows the left parenthesis. It is not preceded by a space, but it is followed with one space if more text follows it. If the right parenthesis ends the statement, it is followed immediately by the ending punctuation mark. If the end punctuation mark comes before the right parenthesis, the parenthesis is followed by one space.
- Example: The first-quarter report (January, February, and March) shows a net profit of $520 000.
Sylvia won the highest academic achievement trophy (which everyone expected would happen).
The Hyphen (-) Key
The hyphen key is struck by making an unnatural upward reach to the top row of keys with the semi finger. The semi finger has to travel directly upward, not following its natural direction.
The hyphen key is used to make a dash by striking the hyphen key twice and putting no spaces before, after, or between the hyphens. In many word-processing programs, the two hyphens will be converted to a dash automatically after the space bar is struck or after an end punctuation mark is typed. A dash has no space before or after it.
The Enter Key
The Enter key allows you to put a hard stop at the end of a line and move the cursor to a new line. It is also used to put extra spaces between sections of text. This key is a large key located at the far right side of the alphanumeric keypad, on the same row as home row. It is reached by anchoring on the J key and extending the semi finger as far to the right as you can reach.
The Tab Key
The Tab key (also known as the tabulator) is struck by using the A finger to make an upward and left-outward reach to the first row above home row. Trace out this distance and direction several times. The word-processing software you are using has preset tab (default tab) stops every five spaces. If you press the Tab key repeatedly, your cursor will jump across the screen five spaces at a time (unless you have changed the tab settings).
A tab is used to separate text into columns or to indent new paragraphs.
Now, watch the video “Setting Tabs in Microsoft Word®.”
Follow through Practice 8 to practise the exclamation mark, left and right parentheses, hyphen, Enter, and Tab keys just covered. Take time to review previously covered keys as well.
The exclamation mark is found on the number 1 key, above the Q key. It is an extended reach with the pinky finger on your left hand. Remember to press the Shift key with your right hand when you press the number 1 key.
111 !!! 11! !!1 She outran everyone in her class! The second place winner came in 10 seconds after her.
Left and right parentheses, , are found on the 9 key and the 0 key—above the O and P keys. When typing a left or right parenthesis, you must shift with your left hand and press the correct parenthesis.
Sylvia won the highest academic achievement trophy (which everyone expected would happen).
The first quarter report (January, February, and March) shows a net profit of $520,000.
The hyphen (-) is also found two rows above home row, to the right of the 0 number key. This key does not need a shift with your left hand. Use the pinky finger on your right hand to type a hyphen.
;;; --- ;;; --- self-made one-third three-quarters part-time
The Enter key uses the semicolon finger on your right hand. It is used to move the cursor to the next line to start a new paragraph or to create a column or list.
Hockey practice
4-H
Ballet
Football
Video Games
Drawing
The Tab key is usually used to indent paragraphs. To tab text, use the pinky on your left hand.
Today, Air Canada flies to major airports in North America. Where will your next travel destination be?
You have all the information you need to be on your way to proficiency in touch typing. Now you need to practise. As in Rikea’s example, you need constant and regular practice to develop your instinct to keyboard without looking at your hands. Take the time to learn every key and its reach, and memorize that reach so that you can type whatever text is given to you blindfolded.
Continue to practise the keys already covered. Remember, you are only mastering the alphanumeric keypad right now— the numeric keypad is to come.
Open Project 1 Exercises and complete Exercises 1 and 2. Print the exercises after you have saved them in your Keyboarding folder.
You will need your copy of the Project 1 Assessment to record your results for the timed writings. Ensure that you have your teacher sign the document as evidence that you have completed all assignments.