Typing lesson 12 of 17
Typing lesson 12: capitals and question marks
A capital takes Shift, held by the pinky of the other hand: the right Shift for a letter typed by the left hand, the left Shift for one typed by the right. The question mark is Shift with the / key, so your left pinky holds Shift while your right pinky reaches down from ;.
Keys and fingers
- Pinky
- Ring finger
- Middle finger
- Index finger
- Thumbs (space bar)
- Pale: keys from earlier lessons
- Outlined: home keys
| Key | Finger | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| ? | Right pinky | Down from ;, with the left pinky on Shift |
| Shift | Left or right pinky | The Shift key on the other hand from the letter |
How to practice
- Shift first, then the letter, then let go. Hold Shift, tap the letter, and release both before the next key.
- Use the other hand’s Shift. It keeps the letter’s own finger free to reach: for T, hold the right Shift; for J, the left.
- Leave Caps Lock alone for single capitals. It’s one more key to press, and easy to leave on.
- For a question mark, hold the left Shift and reach down with the right pinky to the / key.
Practice text
The text is common words from the word bank, easy to read at any age, with a capital at the start of each sentence and a question mark at the end of some. Two rounds as the trainer writes them; each round draws new words:
Got while year people your? Use him ever such please not. Would very do when after me, might one make.
Because away way, year life, but end. Not on how up? After an him not take they good many man.
Common mistakes
- Two capitals. Shift let go too late gives THe for The. Release it as soon as the letter is down.
- No capital. Shift let go too early, or pressed after the letter. The right letter in the wrong case still counts against accuracy.
- Shift on the same hand. Holding the left Shift for a left-hand letter like A ties up the hand that has to type it.
- A slash instead of a question mark. The / key without Shift.
Frequently asked questions
Which Shift key should I use?
The one on the other hand from the letter: the right Shift for letters typed by your left hand, the left Shift for letters typed by your right. Each Shift key is pressed by the pinky on its side.
Should I use Caps Lock for capitals?
Not for single capitals at the start of a sentence or a name. Shift with the other hand’s pinky is one move; Caps Lock is two, one to turn it on and one to turn it off.
How do I pass lesson 12?
Type a round at 95% accuracy or better in which a capital letter and a question mark were each typed right at least once. A lesson round is at most 30 words, and you can try again as often as you like: start lesson 12.
What comes after lesson 12?
Lesson 13 adds 4 and 7. Once you pass lesson 12, the next round starts it, and you can go back to any lesson whenever you like.
