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ICDL Word Processing study materials
ICDL Word Processing study resources

ICDL Word Processing practice questions

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Question 1Using the application

Which file format is the default native format for a document created in Microsoft Word 2016 and later?

  1. .txt
  2. .rtf
  3. .docx Correct answer.
  4. .pdf

Explanation

Word's default native format since Word 2007 is the Office Open XML document format, identified by the .docx extension. The older .doc binary format was replaced by this XML-based package format.

Question 2Using the application

Which keyboard shortcut opens the Save As dialog so a copy of the current document can be stored under a new name?

  1. Ctrl+P
  2. Alt+F4
  3. Ctrl+N
  4. F12 Correct answer.

Explanation

F12 is the standard shortcut that opens the Save As dialog directly in Word. It allows the user to choose a new file name, location, and format without overwriting the original.

Question 3Using the application

A user wants to change the default font and margins applied to every new blank document. Where are these settings changed?

  1. In the Insert tab under Quick Parts
  2. In the Review tab under Track Changes
  3. In the Word Options dialog and the Page Setup dialog, then set as default Correct answer.
  4. In the View tab under Reading Mode

Explanation

Default fonts are set in the Font dialog via Set As Default, and default margins are set in Page Setup via Set As Default. Both apply to the underlying template used for new documents.

Question 4Using the application

Which view displays a document exactly as it will appear when printed, including margins and page breaks?

  1. Outline
  2. Web Layout
  3. Draft
  4. Print Layout Correct answer.

Explanation

Print Layout shows the page as it will be printed, including margins, headers, footers, and page boundaries. Draft and Web Layout omit page framing, and Outline shows heading structure only.

Question 5Using the application

A user needs to find every occurrence of the word 'invoice' and replace it with 'receipt' throughout a long document. Which feature performs this?

  1. Word Count
  2. Find and Replace Correct answer.
  3. AutoCorrect
  4. Spelling and Grammar

Explanation

Find and Replace locates specified text and substitutes it, optionally across the whole document with Replace All. It is the standard tool for bulk text substitution.

Question 6Using the application

Which action creates a duplicate of the current document while keeping the original unchanged?

  1. Save As with a different file name Correct answer.
  2. Close the document and reopen it
  3. Save with Ctrl+S
  4. Print to a PDF printer

Explanation

Save As writes the current content to a new file, leaving the original file intact on disk. A plain Save overwrites the existing file instead of creating a copy.

Question 7Using the application

What is the purpose of the Recent list on the Backstage File screen?

  1. It stores the clipboard contents between sessions
  2. It shows the revision history of tracked changes
  3. It provides quick access to documents opened or saved recently Correct answer.
  4. It lists all fonts installed on the computer

Explanation

The Recent list records documents the user has recently opened or saved so they can be reopened quickly. It can also be pinned so entries remain permanently available.

Question 8Using the application

Which tab contains the commands for changing page orientation, size, and margins?

  1. Layout Correct answer.
  2. Review
  3. References
  4. Insert

Explanation

The Layout tab (called Page Layout in some versions) groups page setup commands including Margins, Orientation, Size, and Columns. These settings control the physical page geometry.

Question 9Using the application

A user wants the first page of a report to have no page number while all following pages are numbered. Which setting is required?

  1. Mirror Margins in Page Setup
  2. Different First Page in the header and footer options Correct answer.
  3. Widow/Orphan control in Paragraph settings
  4. Link to Previous in the header and footer options

Explanation

Enabling Different First Page creates a separate first-page header and footer area, allowing page numbering to be omitted there. The numbering field is then placed only in the primary header or footer.

Question 10Using the application

Which feature allows a user to store a company logo with its exact position and formatting for reuse in many documents?

  1. AutoFormat
  2. Format Painter
  3. Quick Parts Correct answer.
  4. Paste Special

Explanation

Quick Parts stores reusable content, including formatted objects, in a gallery that can be inserted into any document. It preserves the appearance of the saved item.

Question 11Using the application

What does the Compatibility Mode indicator in the title bar signify?

  1. The document is stored on a read-only network drive
  2. The document contains unresolved tracked changes
  3. The document is using an older file format and some newer features may be unavailable Correct answer.
  4. The document is protected against editing

Explanation

Compatibility Mode appears when a document is saved in a legacy format such as .doc, so features introduced in newer versions are disabled. Converting the file to the current format removes the restriction.

Question 12Using the application

A user wants to view two parts of a long document at the same time. Which command accomplishes this within a single window?

  1. Zoom to Page Width
  2. Arrange All
  3. New Window
  4. Split Correct answer.

Explanation

The Split command divides the document window into two panes that can scroll independently through the same document. It is useful for comparing distant parts of one file.

Question 13Using the application

Which option ensures a document can be opened by users of older software that does not support the current format?

  1. Marking the file as Final
  2. Enabling the Read-Only Recommended option
  3. Saving the file in the Word 97-2003 Document format Correct answer.
  4. Applying a password to modify the file

Explanation

Saving in the Word 97-2003 (.doc) format produces a file readable by older versions of Word. The trade-off is that newer features may be lost or unavailable.

Question 14Using the application

What is the effect of the 'Mark as Final' command on a document?

  1. It encrypts the file with a password
  2. It permanently deletes all comments and tracked changes
  3. It converts the document to PDF automatically
  4. It makes the document read-only and discourages further edits Correct answer.

Explanation

Mark as Final sets the file to read-only status and displays a notice that editing is complete. The restriction can be removed by any user, so it is a courtesy flag rather than a security control.

Question 15Using the application

A user wants to prevent other people from changing a document but still allow them to read it. Which setting should be applied?

  1. A password to modify Correct answer.
  2. Encrypt with a digital signature
  3. Restrict editing with tracked changes only
  4. A password to open

Explanation

A password to modify allows the file to be opened and read without a password but requires the password to make changes. A password to open, by contrast, blocks reading entirely without the password.

Question 16Using the application

Which command displays statistical information such as the number of words, characters, and paragraphs in a document?

  1. Thesaurus
  2. Translate
  3. Word Count Correct answer.
  4. Smart Lookup

Explanation

Word Count reports the number of pages, words, characters, paragraphs, and lines. It can also count a selected portion of text rather than the whole document.

Question 17Using the application

A user needs to change the measurement units shown on the ruler from inches to centimetres. Where is this configured?

  1. Layout tab, Size command
  2. Word Options, Advanced, Display section Correct answer.
  3. Insert tab, Symbol command
  4. View tab, Ruler checkbox

Explanation

Measurement units are set in the Advanced page of Word Options under the Display section. The change affects rulers and dialog boxes throughout the application.

Question 18Using the application

Which action restores an accidentally overwritten document to an earlier saved version stored by AutoRecover or version history?

  1. Using the Format Painter
  2. Reopening the document from the Recent list
  3. Running Spelling and Grammar
  4. Browsing the version history in the Backstage Info screen Correct answer.

Explanation

The Info screen provides access to version history, including AutoRecover and cloud-saved versions. Selecting an earlier version restores its content.

Question 19Using the application

What is the main purpose of the Navigation Pane when working with a long structured document?

  1. To manage the list of installed templates
  2. To jump between headings and search results quickly Correct answer.
  3. To display the document's word count statistics
  4. To change the document's language settings

Explanation

The Navigation Pane lists headings and allows rapid movement through a document, and it also shows search results. It depends on heading styles being applied for the heading view to be useful.

Question 20Using the application

A user wants a specific paragraph to always begin at the top of a new page without inserting multiple manual page breaks. Which paragraph setting achieves this?

  1. Page break before Correct answer.
  2. Widow/Orphan control
  3. Keep with next
  4. Keep lines together

Explanation

The Page break before paragraph property forces the paragraph to start on a new page automatically, even if earlier content changes. This is more robust than manual page breaks.

Question 21Using the application

A document must be shared so that recipients can read it identically on any device but cannot easily edit it. Which export choice is most appropriate?

  1. Save as .txt
  2. Save as .docx
  3. Save as .rtf
  4. Export as PDF Correct answer.

Explanation

PDF preserves layout and fonts across devices and is not readily editable without conversion tools. The other formats remain editable word-processing files.

Question 22Using the application

A user applies a password to open a document and then forgets it. What is the practical consequence?

  1. The password can be reset from the Review tab
  2. The document opens in Compatibility Mode
  3. The document reverts to its last AutoRecover version automatically
  4. The document content cannot be recovered without the password or a backup copy Correct answer.

Explanation

Encryption with a password to open means the content is inaccessible without that password; there is no built-in reset. Recovery depends on an unencrypted backup or the original password.

Question 23Using the application

Which statement best describes the relationship between a document template and a document created from it?

  1. The document remains a live link that updates whenever the template changes
  2. The document inherits styles and page setup from the template but stores its own content Correct answer.
  3. The template is deleted once a document is created from it
  4. The document cannot change any style inherited from the template

Explanation

A template supplies initial styles, page setup, and boilerplate content, and the new document then develops independently. Later edits to the template do not retroactively change existing documents.

Question 24Using the application

A user wants the same header text on pages 1 to 5 and a different header on pages 6 to 10. What is the correct approach?

  1. Use Different Odd and Even Pages and place the second header on even pages
  2. Enable Different First Page and type the second header there
  3. Insert a page break before page 6 and edit the header
  4. Insert a section break before page 6 and unlink the header for the new section Correct answer.

Explanation

Headers and footers vary by section, so a section break must separate the two ranges. Unlinking the header for the second section allows it to hold different text.

Question 25Using the application

Which setting allows a user to open a document and have Word prompt for confirmation before any changes are saved to the original file?

  1. Restrict formatting
  2. Track changes
  3. Read-only recommended Correct answer.
  4. Mark as Final

Explanation

Read-only recommended prompts the user to open the file read-only while still permitting an editable copy if needed. It is a soft safeguard rather than an enforced restriction.

Question 26Using the application

Which keyboard shortcut opens the Backstage view where you can create, open, save, and print documents?

  1. Ctrl+O
  2. Ctrl+P Correct answer.
  3. Ctrl+F
  4. Ctrl+N

Explanation

Ctrl+P opens the Backstage view directly on the Print tab, from which you can also access other file operations such as Save, Open, and Close. The Backstage view is the central location for document-level tasks.

Question 27Using the application

Where can a user change the default font and font size that Word applies to new blank documents?

  1. In the Font dialog box opened from the Home tab Correct answer.
  2. In the Styles pane
  3. In the Page Setup dialog box
  4. In the Word Options dialog box under the Save category

Explanation

The Font dialog box, accessed from the Home tab, contains a Set As Default button that changes the default font for the current template. This affects all new documents based on that template.

Question 28Using the application

A user wants to insert a symbol that is not available on the keyboard, such as a copyright sign, into a document. Which command should be used?

  1. Insert > Equation
  2. Insert > WordArt
  3. Insert > Quick Parts
  4. Insert > Symbol Correct answer.

Explanation

The Symbol command on the Insert tab opens a gallery of symbols and special characters that can be inserted at the cursor position. It provides access to characters beyond those on the keyboard.

Question 29Using the application

A user wants to add a note in the margin that is linked to a specific word in the document. Which feature should be used?

  1. Text Box
  2. Footnote
  3. Endnote
  4. Comment Correct answer.

Explanation

A comment is anchored to selected text and appears in the margin or in the Reviewing pane, making it suitable for notes that are not part of the main document content. Comments are typically used for review and collaboration.

Question 30Using the application

A user wants to ensure that a specific style, such as a custom heading, is available in all new documents based on the current template. What is the correct approach?

  1. Copy the styled text and paste it into each new document
  2. Export the document as a PDF and reuse the PDF as a template
  3. Modify the style and select the option to add it to the template Correct answer.
  4. Apply the style to the current document and then save the document as a .docx file

Explanation

Styles are stored in the template on which a document is based. Modifying a style and choosing to add it to the template makes it available for future documents created from that template.

Question 31Document creation

Which file format is the native default for documents created in Microsoft Word 2016 and later?

  1. .txt
  2. .docx Correct answer.
  3. .rtf
  4. .odt

Explanation

Word 2007 introduced the Office Open XML format, and .docx has been the default save format ever since. It stores content in a zipped XML package. The other formats are supported for saving but are not the default.

Question 32Document creation

A user wants to start a new document based on a pre-designed layout with placeholder text and styles. Which Word feature provides this?

  1. A building block
  2. A style set
  3. A template Correct answer.
  4. A macro

Explanation

A template is a pre-formatted document model that supplies layouts, styles, and placeholder content for a new file. Macros automate actions, style sets change formatting combinations, and building blocks are reusable content snippets.

Question 33Document creation

Which keyboard shortcut opens the Print screen in Word so a user can choose a printer and page range?

  1. Ctrl+O
  2. Ctrl+P Correct answer.
  3. Ctrl+S
  4. Ctrl+N

Explanation

Ctrl+P invokes the Print view, from which a printer, copies, and page range can be selected before printing. The other shortcuts handle opening, saving, and creating files.

Question 34Document creation

What is the main purpose of the Undo command in Word?

  1. To reverse the most recent action Correct answer.
  2. To remove all formatting
  3. To restore a file from backup
  4. To delete the entire document

Explanation

Undo steps backward through recent edits one action at a time, restoring the document to an earlier state. It does not delete files, recover backups, or clear formatting wholesale.

Question 35Document creation

Which view in Word is best suited for typing and editing text with the ribbon visible and page breaks shown as a continuous flow?

  1. Outline
  2. Web Layout
  3. Print Layout Correct answer.
  4. Read Mode

Explanation

Print Layout shows the document as it will print, with margins, headers, and page breaks, and keeps the ribbon available for editing. Read Mode is for viewing, Web Layout removes print pagination, and Outline is for structure.

Question 36Document creation

A user needs to add a reusable block of formatted text (such as a standard closing) that can be inserted quickly into many documents. Which feature should be used?

  1. Track Changes
  2. Compare Documents
  3. Mail Merge
  4. Quick Parts Correct answer.

Explanation

Quick Parts stores reusable content, including formatted text and fields, in the Building Blocks gallery for quick insertion. The other features handle revision tracking, bulk letters, and document comparison.

Question 37Document creation

What does saving a document as a PDF primarily ensure?

  1. The file size is always smaller than .docx
  2. The layout stays fixed across different devices Correct answer.
  3. The document can be edited by any user
  4. The document automatically updates its fields

Explanation

PDF is a fixed-layout format, so the appearance is preserved on other systems regardless of fonts or software. It is not designed for easy editing, does not guarantee a smaller size, and does not refresh fields.

Question 38Document creation

Which command creates a copy of a document under a new name while leaving the original file unchanged?

  1. Save As Correct answer.
  2. Close
  3. Export
  4. Save

Explanation

Save As writes the current document to a new file name or location, leaving the original intact. Save overwrites the existing file, Export converts to another format, and Close simply ends the session.

Question 39Document creation

A user wants the same text to appear at the top of every page in a document. Where should the text be placed?

  1. In a footnote
  2. In a text box
  3. In the header Correct answer.
  4. In the footer

Explanation

The header is the area at the top of each page and repeats automatically on every page of a section. The footer is at the bottom, footnotes are at the bottom of a page, and a text box appears only where it is placed.

Question 40Document creation

Which setting controls the amount of white space between the text and the edge of the paper?

  1. Margins Correct answer.
  2. Indentation
  3. Line spacing
  4. Paragraph spacing

Explanation

Margins define the distance between the page edge and the text area. Indentation offsets text from the margin, while line and paragraph spacing control distance between lines and paragraphs.

Question 41Document creation

A document must be printed in landscape orientation. Which page setup option should be changed?

  1. Orientation Correct answer.
  2. Gutter position
  3. Paper size
  4. Columns

Explanation

Orientation switches the page between portrait and landscape, exchanging the width and height of the printable area. Paper size selects dimensions, columns divide text, and gutter adds binding space.

Question 42Document creation

What is the effect of inserting a page break in a document?

  1. It inserts a blank line between paragraphs
  2. It forces the following content to start on a new page Correct answer.
  3. It creates a new section with different formatting
  4. It adds a horizontal line across the page

Explanation

A page break ends the current page and moves subsequent content to the top of the next page. A section break creates a new section, and a blank line or horizontal line is produced by other means.

Question 43Document creation

A user needs to apply the same font, size, and colour to many scattered paragraphs quickly. Which tool is most efficient?

  1. The Thesaurus
  2. The Format Painter Correct answer.
  3. The Navigation pane
  4. The Spelling and Grammar checker

Explanation

Format Painter copies formatting from a selected source and applies it to other text, saving repeated manual formatting. The other tools check spelling, suggest synonyms, or help navigate headings.

Question 44Document creation

Which alignment option distributes text evenly between the left and right margins, producing straight edges on both sides?

  1. Align Right
  2. Align Left
  3. Justify Correct answer.
  4. Center

Explanation

Justified alignment stretches or compresses spaces so both edges are flush. Center, left, and right alignment leave at least one edge ragged.

Question 45Document creation

What is the purpose of applying a built-in Heading style to a title in Word?

  1. It enables the title to appear in the Navigation pane and in a generated table of contents Correct answer.
  2. It changes the document to read-only mode
  3. It converts the title into a hyperlink
  4. It permanently locks the title so it cannot be edited

Explanation

Heading styles mark document structure, so headings appear in the Navigation pane and can be collected into an automatic table of contents. They do not lock, link, or restrict the document.

Question 46Document creation

A user wants a numbered list to continue numbering from a previous list rather than restarting at 1. Which action achieves this?

  1. Convert the list to a table
  2. Apply the Heading 1 style to the list
  3. Press Enter twice after the last item
  4. Choose Continue Numbering from the numbering options Correct answer.

Explanation

The numbering menu includes a Continue Numbering command that links the new list to the previous sequence. Pressing Enter twice, applying headings, or converting to a table does not preserve the sequence.

Question 47Document creation

Which feature inserts a reference at the bottom of the page that comments on the main text?

  1. A bookmark
  2. A caption
  3. A header
  4. A footnote Correct answer.

Explanation

A footnote places explanatory notes at the bottom of the page, linked to a reference mark in the text. Headers repeat at the top, captions label objects, and bookmarks mark locations for navigation.

Question 48Document creation

A user wants to insert a table of contents that updates automatically when headings change. What must be done first?

  1. Convert all text to a single font
  2. Insert a page break before each section
  3. Add a footer to every page
  4. Apply heading styles to the section titles Correct answer.

Explanation

An automatic table of contents is built from paragraphs that use heading styles, so headings must be styled before generating it. Page breaks, fonts, and footers do not provide the structure needed.

Question 49Document creation

Which command is used to check a document for spelling and grammar errors across the whole file?

  1. The Spelling & Grammar command on the Review tab Correct answer.
  2. The Find command
  3. The Zoom command
  4. The Word Count command

Explanation

The Spelling & Grammar command reviews the document for spelling and grammar issues and offers corrections. Word Count, Zoom, and Find serve unrelated purposes.

Question 50Document creation

A user needs to insert an image that resizes and repositions freely while text wraps around it. Which text-wrapping setting is most appropriate?

  1. Behind Text only
  2. In Line with Text
  3. No wrapping at all
  4. Square wrapping Correct answer.

Explanation

Square wrapping lets text flow around the image on all sides while the image can be moved freely. In Line with Text treats the image as a character, and Behind Text hides it under the text.