Skip to main content

Microsoft Word Cheat Sheet Review: “I will recommend it to my students”

By Blog

Anyeliz Pagan posted the following review to NetGalley for the Word for Microsoft 365 Reference and Cheat Sheet:

Word for Microsoft 365 Reference and Cheat Sheet is a short 4-page reference document detailing the most commonly used functions in Microsoft Word 365.

It provides an overview of Word’s ribbon interfacing, detailing the function of each tool, incorporating the images that appear in the ribbon in each tab to make a quick reference to them.

It also includes short instructions for common activities in Word like creating, opening, closing, and saving documents, cutting, copying, and pasting text; finding and replacing text; using styles and themes, etc. The overview for the tools and the instructions for common activities are detailed per tab. The document also includes a handy list of Word shortcuts in the back for both Windows and Mac interfaces.

The information was clear and easy to read. It would serve as a good reference tool for beginners or basic-level users of Microsoft Word to keep nearby whenever interacting with the program.

However, since it is text-based, the instructions are entirely verbal, so it might not be as convenient for visual learners in terms of the instructional aspect of the document. Visual learners, however, can still benefit from the overview of each tool and the list of keyboard shortcuts.

This is also a very useful tool for college students to immerse themselves in computer literacy to write papers, so I will be recommending it to my students once the semester starts.

The reviewer received an ARC review copy in return for their honest review.

4-star review: “Helpful for visual learners”

By Blog

A reviewer, Leighton S., had this to say about the new edition of Microsoft Word In 30 Minutes:

Microsoft Word In 30 Minutes (3rd Edition) by Angela Rose is an impressive guidebook for people who want to explore all of the features of Microsoft Word. Most people have a very basic understanding of Microsoft Word, But what if you wanted to truly explore all of the features and tools available to you? What if you wanted to change your plain document with the standard font into something more sophisticated and professional? Then, this book is the perfect book for you!

Overall, Microsoft Word In 30 Minutes (3rd Edition) is the perfect guidebook for anyone who wants to up their professional document-writing game. I can see this being the perfect gift for anyone from the elderly person who has never used Microsoft Word before to the college student who knows the basic features but wants to learn more. One highlight of this book are the many, many screenshots that show you exactly what to click. It is very helpful for those of us who are visual learners. I took off 1 star, because I wish that the book was longer.

The reviewer received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

Reviewer: “Short, but information dense”

By Blog

Spotted this review from Annie Buchanan for Microsoft Word In 30 Minutes (3rd Edition):

The book is short, but information dense. Chapters are arranged thematically: interface basics, creating saving & printing, formatting layout & design, inserting images tables & other elements, and review & collaboration. The subchapters contain step by step screenshots and directions to understand and utilize specific techniques. The text is written in simple accessible language to minimize frustration and maximize efficiency. There are bullet lists with step by step instructions as well as clear inset graphics and tables showing relevant screen shots (helpful!!). …

The author has also included relevant useful appendices with universal shortcuts and system specific shortcuts for windows and Mac OS. I wish I’d had this handbook when I wrote my thesis; it would have saved me some frustration and tears.

Four stars. There will be some information which is already familiar to readers, but very few readers will know all of the info included here. I also liked that the author presupposes no familiarity with the program already – rendering this a very good guide for beginners.

Read the full review on her blog.