Sorting with Microsoft Office

Save time both before and during class by using three simple features of Microsoft Office to sort and organize work.

From A to Z in Word
Sort data with Microsoft Word.

To alphabetize a list you've typed in Word, make sure you typed each list item on a separate line i.e. clicked Enter/Return between items). Then click Table > Sort and OK. If text other than the list appears on your page, highlight the list before sorting.

From One Thing to Another in Office
Insert graphic organizers into Word.

Microsoft Office includes a free feature that allows users to create graphic organizers similar to those in Inspiration and other programs. In Word, click Insert > Object > Microsoft Organizational Chart. Students can change the chart by typing their own information in it.

From A to Z in Excel!
Sort data in Microsoft Excel.

To arrange an Excel spreadsheet in alphabetical orderor by cityor by largest dollar amountor by, highlight every row you want included in the sort (including the top row even if it's just headers). Click Data > Sort, choose Ascending (A to Z or lowest to highest) or Descending (Z to A or highest to lowest) and Change. Choose the column you want to sort by, and then click OK.

Article by Lorrie Jackson
Education World®
Copyright © 2004 Education World