Erasing Techniques – JSS3 Business Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

Erasing is the act of rubbing out or removing writing or marks, and an erasing technique is a way of removing an error while typing.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define erasing;
2. state the method of erasing an error on a typewriter;
3. list the instruments used for erasing;
4. explain how to use an eraser, correction fluid and correction paper;
5. demonstrate how to erase on carbon copies using card paper.

What is erasing?

Erasing is the act of rubbing out or removing writing or marks.

• Error: a mistake made while typing, such as a wrong letter, word or figure.
• Erasing technique: a way of removing an error while typing.
• Carbon copy: a copy made by placing carbon paper between sheets, so one typing gives more than one copy.
• Card paper: a stiff piece of paper placed between copies to protect them while the top copy is erased.

Why should errors be erased?

• Neatness: a clean page looks tidy and well prepared.
• Accuracy: the reader gets the correct words and figures.
• Learning: everyone makes mistakes, so learn from them and erase each one as soon as you see it.

What is the method of erasing on a typewriter?

The method of erasing on a typewriter has three steps: set the typing line, erase gently, and hold the paper steady.

1. Use the alignment scale to set the lines of typing.
2. Erase the error by applying a little pressure and blowing the eraser crumbs away as you clean.
3. Press the paper lightly against the cylinder to stop the paper from slipping while erasing.

What instruments are used for erasing?

There are four instruments or methods for erasing: eraser, correction fluid, correction paper and double typing.

Eraser

An eraser is a rubber tool that rubs the error off the paper.

1. Move the carriage to the left or right to prevent dust from falling into the type basket.
2. Use the eraser gently to avoid making a hole in the paper.
3. Return the paper to the typing line and type the correct word or letters.

Correction fluid

Correction fluid is a thin liquid that covers a mistake. Tipp-Ex is an example.

1. Apply the fluid across the mistake.
2. Allow it to dry.
3. Return the roller to the line.
4. Type in the correct text.

Correction paper

Correction paper is a mechanical paper treated with fluid and powder.

1. Place the coated part of the paper on the affected characters.
2. Type the error again on the correction paper, so the coating covers it.
3. Remove the correction paper from the machine.
4. Type the correct letter or word.

Double typing

• Double typing: another way of correcting an error, which the teacher should demonstrate in class.

How do the erasing instruments compare?

How do you erase on carbon copies using card paper?

To erase on carbon copies, place card paper between the copies so the carbon does not stain the copy below.

1. Insert a card paper between the top copy and the next copy to prevent the carbon from staining the carbon copy when erasing the top copy.
2. Erase the mistake that appeared on the top copy.
3. Move the card paper down and erase the mistake on the next carbon copy.
4. If more than one carbon copy is used, repeat the process until all the copies are erased.
5. Remove the card paper and type the correct text.

What rules help you erase neatly?

• Be gentle: too much pressure can make a hole in the paper.
• Keep dust out: move the carriage aside and blow the crumbs away.
• Hold the paper: press it lightly against the cylinder so it does not slip.
• Wait for fluid: let correction fluid dry before you type over it.
• Keep the line: use the alignment scale so the correction sits on the same line.

Evaluation

1. What is erasing?
2. State the three steps for erasing an error on a typewriter.
3. List three instruments used for erasing.
4. Why should you move the carriage to the left or right before using an eraser?
5. Why is card paper inserted between the top copy and the next copy?

Assignment

Explain how to correct a typing error with correction fluid. Then describe how correction paper is used.