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Exam Structure and Tips

Sep 8, 2025

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Overview

This lecture covers the structure and key question types of the Grade 12 Computer Applications Technology practical exam, focusing on Word, Excel, Access, HTML, file management, and practical techniques needed for each section.

Exam Layout and General Tips

  • The practical paper includes: 2 Word questions, 2 Excel questions, 1 Access question, 1 HTML question, and File Management tasks.
  • Word and Excel sections typically total about 50 marks each; Access ~40 marks; HTML ~20–25 marks; File Management ~15–20 marks.
  • You can start with any section; prioritize areas you are most confident in.

Microsoft Word Section

  • Know how to remove or insert automatic hyphenation (Layout > Hyphenation).
  • Insert captions for pictures (References > Insert Caption).
  • Add or remove hyperlinks (Insert > Link; right-click to remove).
  • Restore pictures to original colors (Picture Format > Artistic Effects > None).
  • Use cross-references for text (References > Cross-reference).
  • Change text layout to multiple columns and adjust column width/spacing (Layout > Columns > More Columns).
  • Change page size and margins (Layout > Size/Margins).
  • Adjust line spacing (Home > Line Spacing or Layout > Paragraph Options).
  • Use Find and Replace with formatting options (Home > Replace > More).
  • Insert text boxes and manage page numbers, including starting numbering from a specific page (Insert > Page Number; Layout > Section Break).
  • Manage and insert sources/citations (References > Manage Sources/Insert Citation).
  • Style and align tables, apply grid styles, and align text (Table Tools > Design/Layout).
  • Count words (Review > Word Count).
  • Insert SmartArt and change styles/colors (Insert > SmartArt).
  • Perform Mail Merge steps: Start, Select Recipients, Insert Fields, Preview, Finish (Mailings tab).

Microsoft Excel Section

  • Use SMALL/LARGE functions for ranked values (e.g., =SMALL(range,2)).
  • Edit data validation lists to add options (Data > Data Validation).
  • Write nested IF functions for conditional grading or discounts.
  • Use COUNTIF for conditional counting (Formulas > Insert Function > COUNTIF).
  • Apply conditional formatting including color scales, gradient fills, or data bars (Home > Conditional Formatting).
  • Insert today’s date or current date/time with =TODAY() or =NOW().
  • Calculate age or date differences by subtracting and dividing by 365.25 for leap years.
  • Manage charts: add elements, change styles, move to a new sheet, format chart area, and filter data.
  • Use autofill and absolute referencing when copying formulas.

Microsoft Access Section

  • Set up tables in Design View, define field names, data types, and primary keys.
  • Use Lookup Wizard for combo boxes; input masks use ‘9’ for optional digits.
  • Set validation rules/text for fields (e.g., allowed values, ranges).
  • Edit field properties like field size and rearrange fields.
  • In forms/reports, edit headers/footers, themes, and add date using =Now().
  • In queries, filter with criteria like <18, not a specific value, or after a certain year.
  • Create calculated fields with "FieldName: [Field1]*10".
  • In reports, group and sort data, choose layout/orientation, add functions/labels with text boxes.*

HTML Section

  • Edit existing HTML (not from scratch); tasks include images, headings, color, lists, tables.
  • Use <img src=""> for images, <h1> for main headings, <p> for paragraphs.
  • Set background color with <body bgcolor="color"> and font color with <font color="color">.
  • Use <ol> for ordered (numbered) lists; <ul> for unordered (bulleted) lists.
  • Place exam number in the <title> tag for tab display.
  • Merge table columns with colspan attribute; set borders and colors in the table tag.

File Management Section

  • Complete tasks like renaming files/folders, changing extensions, creating/deleting shortcuts.
  • Ensure two words stay together using non-breaking hyphens (Layout > Hyphenation).
  • Compare two documents (Review > Compare) and screenshot results.
  • Accept/reject tracked changes (Review > Track Changes).
  • Insert form controls using Developer tab (legacy tools for text, checkboxes, dropdowns).
  • Follow mail merge steps: link to data source, select recipients, insert merge fields, preview, finish.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Hyphenation — Automatic splitting of words at line breaks.
  • Caption — Descriptive text added below images/tables.
  • Cross-reference — Reference to another part of the document, often as a hyperlink.
  • Nested IF — An IF function containing another IF for multiple conditions.
  • Validation Rule — Restricts allowable input in a database field.
  • Combo Box — Drop-down list in a form for selection.
  • Input Mask — Pattern controlling how data is entered in fields.
  • Conditional Formatting — Applies formatting to cells based on set criteria.
  • Mail Merge — Automated process to create personalized documents by merging templates with data sources.
  • Colspan — HTML attribute to merge table columns.
  • Track Changes — Feature to monitor edits in documents.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice each application section using past exam questions.
  • Review core features and navigation in Word, Excel, Access, and HTML editors.
  • Complete any assigned exercises or sample practical papers.

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