We have come a long way from pen and paper and even typewriters. But are authors and writers in general harnessing the plethora of functionality that IT offers us? As an editor, I have seen a lot of surprising things happening. From authors using spaces to go to the next line to writers using default fonts because they do not know how to change them. I know of people whose content has been stolen because they did not have a way of proving it was theirs in the first place once the handwritten notes were digitised and destroyed. I have heard of frustrations from people who think faster than they can type, do not know how to justify their text (or in fact what the actual word is). But I have also seen people misusing or overusing computers for the task. Interestingly, the problem affects as much the 9% IT illiterates in the world as it affects those who know the fundamentals of IT. Certainly, it gives me work as an editor. But it is important that even delegating tasks keeps you in control of your content.

This set of six practice tests will give you an idea as to whether, as a writer, you are using IT tools to be as efficient, effective and productive as you could be. Are you using the right technology? Are you using all the tools that you could be using or worse, are you drowning under too many? Are you using features correctly? Are you following the most efficient processes? Are you learning in the process and widening your creative horizons? Do you feel focused and in control? Is your environment conducive to creativity?

We will look at writing with IT in general. Then, we will delve into tools, structure, formatting, multimedia, review and complementary functionalities, and finally, sharing, publishing and marketing content. All questions are multiple choice only and there is only one possible answer for each question.