Printer’s Correction and Developments in Keyboarding – JSS2 Business Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

Printer’s correction signs (proof correction signs) are standard marks used to show the changes to be made to a manuscript.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. explain what a manuscript is;
2. state the meaning of some printer’s correction signs;
3. write common and standard abbreviations in full;
4. list the basic typing techniques a typist must master;
5. type alphabetic sentences and one-line sentence drills using the given margins and spacing.

What is a manuscript?

A manuscript is a handwritten script or document that is to be typed or printed.

• Corrections: words or letters the writer wants changed.
• Additions: new words or lines the writer wants inserted.
• Alterations: changes to the order, spelling or form of the text.
• Abbreviations: short forms the typist must write out or type correctly.

What are printer’s correction signs?

Printer’s correction signs are standard marks that tell a typist or printer what to change in a text.

• Where they go: the mark is made in the text and usually repeated in the margin.
• Who uses them: typists, editors, proofreaders and printers.
• Why they matter: every reader gives the mark the same meaning, so errors are corrected the same way.

Proof correction signs and their meanings

What are abbreviations used in typing?

An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or group of words.

• Common abbreviations: short forms used in everyday business writing, such as abt and a/c.
• Standard abbreviations: short forms of names of organisations and terms, such as NIPOST and ASUU.

What are the common abbreviations?

What are the standard abbreviations?

How should a manuscript be typed?

A manuscript is typed on quarto-size paper in double-line spacing, after the typist has read it through.

1. Read the whole manuscript first so that you understand it.
2. Note every correction sign, addition and abbreviation.
3. Load quarto-size paper into the machine.
4. Set the line-space regulator to double-line spacing.
5. Set the left and right margins.
6. Type the text, carrying out each correction as you reach it.
7. Read the typed copy and correct any mistakes.

What are the developments in keyboarding?

Keyboarding is the skill of entering text with a keyboard, and it depends on a few basic typing techniques.

• Typewriter keyboard: the keys on a typewriter are arranged in the same order as on a computer keyboard.
• Computer keyboard: the same key arrangement is used to enter text into a computer.
• Typing techniques: a secretary who masters these techniques types quickly and neatly.

What are the basic typing techniques?

There are four basic typing techniques: tab key operation, line-space regulator, carriage return lever and margin release lever.

• Tabular key operation (the tab key): moves the carriage quickly to a set position, used for indents and columns.
• Line-space regulator: sets the spacing between lines, such as single-line or double-line spacing.
• Carriage return lever: returns the carriage to the left margin and turns the paper up to the next line.
• Margin release lever: lets the typist type beyond a set margin when a word will not fit.

What are pica and elite type?

Pica and elite are two sizes of typewriter type, and each needs different margin settings.

• Pica: larger type, with 10 characters to one inch.
• Elite: smaller type, with 12 characters to one inch.

What are alphabetic sentence drills?

An alphabetic sentence drill is a short sentence typed again and again to build finger accuracy and speed.

Exercise: Type each sentence four times using single-line spacing.

• Pica margin: left 11, right 17.
• Elite margin: left 20, right 79.

1. The bag was full of eggs
2. There is a dig in that house
3. You must plan to succeed
4. Exercise is good for you
5. Look before you leap

What is a one-line sentence drill?

A one-line sentence drill is an exercise in which the typist types a sentence on one line before going on to the next.

Exercise 2: Type the following sentences, one on each line, three times using single-line spacing.

• Pica margin: 10 and 70.
• Elite margin: 12 and 80.

1. Ijioma escaped suspension last term for lateness
2. Baby is a gift from Almighty God
3. Success is a product of hard work
4. Panadol is recommended for body pains

Evaluation

1. What is a manuscript?
2. State the meaning of these proof correction signs: Caps/u.c, #, ~.
3. Write these abbreviations in full: abt, asstt, encls, IOU, advt.
4. Write these abbreviations in full: NITEL, OFN, WAI, CAN, ASUU.
5. State the paper size and the line spacing used when typing a manuscript.

Assignment

Type each sentence in Exercise 2 three times using single-line spacing. Then write the following in full: B.A., M.A., M.B.A., Ph.D., a/c, amt.