Typewriting Speed and Accuracy
Typewriting Speed and Accuracy tests how many words you can produce in a fixed time and how few errors you leave in the copy. Most papers run for five minutes and calculate gross speed by dividing total strokes by five to get "words", then dividing by the minutes. Net speed then subtracts a fixed penalty for each uncorrected error, so a fast but dirty copy can lose to a slower clean one.
Rules for a clean test
- Type at a sustainable rhythm; bursts followed by corrections destroy both speed and accuracy.
- Keep your eyes on the copy, not the keys, and return the fingers to the home row after each reach.
- Do not backspace repeatedly during a timed test unless the instruction sheet allows correction; follow the stated correction rule exactly.
- Count words by the standard five-stroke convention, not by dictionary words.
- In Hindi typewriting, learn the Remington layout's matra positions and half characters before chasing speed.
Worked example
A five-minute English test yields 1,250 strokes. Gross words = 1,250 ÷ 5 = 250; gross speed = 250 ÷ 5 = 50 wpm. If the candidate leaves 4 errors and the rule deducts 10 words per error, net = 250 − 40 = 210 words, i.e. 42 wpm. If the same candidate slows down and produces 1,150 strokes with 1 error: gross = 230 words (46 wpm), net = 230 − 10 = 220 words (44 wpm). The slower, cleaner copy wins. Reasoning: the penalty is applied to the word count before converting back to wpm.
Traps
Chasing the bell and jamming the margin; pressing the shift key late so capitals become lower-case; ignoring the correction rule; and practising only timed sprints without accuracy drills.