Please note that some formatting will be lost in the web version of this document. For a copy of these instructions as a Word®attachment, e-mail todd@mentalnotemusic.com
Using AutoCorrect to Automate Test and Worksheet Construction
In Microsoft Word®
Much of the time poured into preparing worksheets and tests is spent replicating and adapting a few often-used formats. You can save yourself lots of time by saving templates of these familiar formats into AutoCorrect.
First, let’s get you used to AutoCorrect; saving keystrokes on often-used words If you notice that you frequently type a particular word which requires an accent mark, use AutoCorrect to have the accent mark automatically placed for you.
To enter "más" into AutoCorrect, for example: simply choose AutoCorrect from the tools menu. In the "replace" box, type "mas". Press TAB to move to the next box, and type "más". Click on ADD, and exit by choosing REPLACE at the bottom of the box. When you type "mas", it will change to "más" when you hit the space bar. If you wish to use "mas" without the accent mark, use CTRL Z (or UNDO from the edit menu) to undo the accent mark after it appears. (To learn how to make accent marks, click here.)
I often use the word "following" in the instructions on my tests and worksheets. I just type "fol" and the space bar, and AutoCorrect completes the word. Just type "fol" in the REPLACE box, TAB to the next box, and type "following", exit out and you’re done.
For multiple choice test questions, remove
the content from a question, saving only the letters and periods, formatted
with the indentation you prefer. Be sure to leave a space after each period.
Select (highlight) the entire remaining skeleton, including one line
below the "d." (This preserves the indentation of the final line)
|
1. You’ll be able to type the question, then use the arrow key a. to jump down instantly b. from one answer c. to another. d. It’s quick and easy! |
This is the format (it looks much better in Word than on a browser) I use for final exam questions, set up in two columns on the page. |
Choose AutoCorrect from the Tools menu, and type "mc" into the "Replace" box. Click on ADD, and exit by choosing REPLACE at the bottom of the box (or press the ENTER key twice). Use the mouse to place the cursor at the beginning of the question, type the question, then use the down arrow key to jump quickly down to each letter.
Foreign language teachers often make variations
of the familiar verb chart: (Keep in mind that it looks funny on
a browser)
| yo
tú él ella Ud. |
hablo
hablas
habla |
nosotros
vosotros ellos ellas Uds. |
hablamos
habláis
hablan |
You can place a template of the chart to AutoCorrect,
so that you can subsequently produce it in two keystrokes.
| yo | nosotros | ||
| tú | vosotros | ||
| él | ellos | ||
| ella | ellas | ||
| Ud. | Uds. |
Simply select (highlight) the entire chart and open AutoCorrect. Type "v" into the "replace" box. Click on ADD, and exit by choosing REPLACE at the bottom of the box.
Now type "v" followed by the space bar, and you have a formatted chart you can simply fill in with the verb and tense you wish to teach.
If you would like me to e-mail you a document from which you can copy into your AutoCorrect some of the formatting that I use, just e-mail me at todd@mentalnotemusic.com.
Word® and AutoCorrect® are trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation, which is in no way connected with Mental Note Music.