WPM Accuracy and Error Correction 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Why should typists avoid looking at the keyboard to improve accuracy?
- It strains the neck muscles
- It breaks the reading-to-typing workflow, increasing errors (Correct answer)
- Keyboards are poorly lit
- It is considered unprofessional
Correct answer: It breaks the reading-to-typing workflow, increasing errors
Looking away from the source text to check the keyboard disrupts the flow and increases omission and substitution errors.
Question 2: What is the 'double-space' error common in typing?
- Pressing Enter twice between paragraphs
- Accidentally inserting two spaces between words (Correct answer)
- Skipping two lines on the page
- Using two fingers on one key
Correct answer: Accidentally inserting two spaces between words
A double-space error occurs when two spaces are accidentally inserted between words instead of one.
Question 3: How does proofreading immediately after typing help reduce net error count?
- It speeds up your WPM score
- It allows correction of mistakes before submission (Correct answer)
- It increases gross WPM
- It resets the test timer
Correct answer: It allows correction of mistakes before submission
Proofreading allows you to catch and correct errors before the final submission, improving net WPM.
Question 4: What does 'omission error' mean in the context of typing?
- Adding an extra character
- Skipping a required character entirely (Correct answer)
- Typing two characters simultaneously
- Pressing the wrong function key
Correct answer: Skipping a required character entirely
An omission error occurs when a required character is completely left out while typing (e.g., 'wen' instead of 'when').
Question 5: Which typing drill is most effective for reducing substitution errors (wrong letter typed)?
- Speed typing races
- Targeted practice on commonly confused key pairs (Correct answer)
- Typing in all caps
- Blindfolded typing with no feedback
Correct answer: Targeted practice on commonly confused key pairs
Focused drills on commonly confused key pairs (e.g., 'i' vs 'o', 'b' vs 'v') directly target and reduce substitution errors.
Question 6: Why is accuracy typically trained before speed in typing courses?
- Speed cannot be measured before accuracy
- Accuracy errors at high speed are harder to unlearn (Correct answer)
- Accuracy is worth more points in WPM tests
- Employers prefer accuracy over speed universally
Correct answer: Accuracy errors at high speed are harder to unlearn
Building speed on top of bad accuracy habits embeds errors into muscle memory, making them very hard to correct later.
WPM Accuracy and Error Correction 2
Why should typists avoid looking at the keyboard to improve accuracy?