RBSE SS English Typewriting key terms

The raw typing speed obtained by dividing the total number of words typed by the time taken, without deducting anything for mistakes. It shows output volume but overstates usable speed when errors are frequent.

A speed figure calculated after subtracting a penalty for each error from the gross total, giving the practically usable rate. Most typing examinations award marks on this adjusted value rather than on raw output.

A unit of five keystrokes, including spaces, used to convert a passage into a word count for speed calculation. Examiners count characters rather than dictionary words, so short words and long words are treated alike.

The total number of key depressions made while typing a passage, counting letters, digits, punctuation, spaces and the return or enter key. It is the basis for converting output into standard words.

The rate a typist can hold over a long passage without slowing down in the later lines. Examiners often test ten minutes or more, so steady pacing matters more than a fast start.

Deliberately choosing a rhythm slightly below your maximum so that accuracy and speed remain stable to the final line. Good pacing prevents the late-passage collapse that ruins otherwise strong attempts.

The proportion of correct keystrokes to total keystrokes, usually expressed out of one hundred. A high speed with low accuracy rarely earns a pass, so this figure is watched as closely as speed.

Any departure from the copy, such as a wrong letter, missing letter, extra letter, wrong punctuation mark, wrong capitalisation or faulty spacing. Each is counted and marked by the examiner against the fair copy.

A mistake counted as one whole unit in the penalty total, typically a wrong character, an omitted word or an inserted word. Rules for what counts as full or half vary, so candidates should learn the prescribed marking scheme.

A mistake treated as half of a full error under the marking scheme, often applied to spacing faults or a single wrong punctuation mark. Knowing which faults are halved helps a candidate judge where to slow down.

The deduction applied to gross output for each error, commonly a fixed number of words per mistake. The penalty converts raw speed into net speed and can wipe out the benefit of typing fast and carelessly.

Reading the typed sheet against the original copy to find discrepancies before submission. It is done line by line with a pointer or ruler so the eye does not jump and skip a fault.

The clean, final version of a typed document that is submitted for assessment, free of visible corrections. Examiners mark errors by comparing this sheet with the printed passage supplied.

Typing without looking at the keyboard, with each finger assigned to a fixed set of keys and the eyes kept on the copy. It is the foundation of both speed and consistency in typewriting examinations.

The middle letter row where the fingers rest between strokes, typically containing the keys for a, s, d, f on the left hand and j, k, l, semicolon on the right. The index fingers locate raised guide marks on f and j.

The two raised keys, usually f and j, that let a typist find hand position by touch alone after a pause or a mistake. Returning to them restores alignment without glancing down.

The movement of a single finger from its home position to a key on an upper or lower row and back. Short, curved reaches keep the hand anchored and prevent the whole arm from drifting.

The action that moves the typing position to the start of the next line on a typewriter, operated by the return lever or the carriage return key. It must be used at the end of each line and after each paragraph.

A movable setting on the carriage that rings a warning bell a few characters before the right margin and then stops further typing. Setting it correctly prevents overrun and keeps the right edge even.

A key or lever that temporarily frees the carriage so typing can continue past the set margin, used for a word that will not fit. It is also used to indent or to reach a position outside the normal text block.

The small bell that sounds a few strokes before the right margin is reached, signalling that the line is nearly full. A typist uses it to decide whether the next word will fit and to divide the word if not.

The control that sets the vertical distance between typed lines, commonly single, one-and-a-half or double. Paragraphing and readability depend on using the prescribed spacing consistently throughout.

The blank space at the start of a paragraph, usually five spaces, produced with the tabulator or space bar. Every paragraph in the copy must receive the same indent for the layout to be accepted.

A key that moves the carriage directly to a preset stop, used for indents and for aligning columns of figures. It is faster and more even than counting spaces by hand.

The hinged bar with small rollers that holds the paper flat against the platen while typing. It must be closed gently after inserting the sheet so the paper feeds straight and does not slip.

The cylindrical roller behind the typing line that carries the paper and absorbs the blow of the typebars. Its condition affects print quality, and a hard or worn platen produces uneven impressions.

The inked fabric or film spooled inside the machine that transfers characters to paper when a typebar strikes. A dry or twisted ribbon causes faint or patchy letters that may be mistaken for typing faults.

The mechanism that changes the direction the ribbon winds so the whole length is used. If it fails, the ribbon jams and typing must stop until the spool is corrected.

The key that raises the type basket or the carriage so capital letters and the upper symbols on a key are typed. It is held down with the little finger opposite the hand making the stroke.

A locking device that holds the machine in upper case until released, useful for a run of capitals. It must always be released afterwards, or the following text will be wrongly capitalised.

A key that produces no impression on its own but positions the carriage for an accent or a special mark to be struck over or beside a letter. It requires two strokes to complete one character.

Any symbol outside the ordinary letters and digits, such as ampersand, asterisk, parenthesis, slash or rupee sign. These are usually on the upper case of a key and need the shift.

The mode in which the machine types numerals and upper symbols rather than letters, selected by the shift mechanism. Typists must return to letter mode immediately after a figure to avoid stray digits.

The top letter row containing the digits one to zero, reached by an upward finger stretch from the home row. Numerals are typed without looking, keeping the rhythm of the surrounding text.

Breaking a word at the end of a line when it will not fit, placing a hyphen and continuing on the next line. Division should follow syllable boundaries and be avoided where the copy forbids it.

A duplicate produced by inserting carbon paper or a carbon-backed sheet behind the top sheet. Alignment of the sheets and even keystroke pressure are essential so the copy stays legible.

Managing the examination clock so that reading, typing, proofreading and machine checks all fit within the allotted period. It includes noting the start and finish times and stopping instantly at the signal.

The short period before typing begins when the candidate scans the passage for difficult words, figures and punctuation. It reduces hesitation mid-line and improves the first-minute rhythm.

The correct routine for setting up, adjusting and packing away the typewriter in the hall, including inserting paper, setting margins and covering the machine. Careless handling wastes exam time and can damage the equipment.