Word count

Word count is defined as the number of terminologies found in a given text. It is necessary when a document is supposed to retain given amounts of word numbers. Word counts are mainly used in academic institutions, legal procedures, advertisements and in media activities (Camarda, 2001). Word count is mainly used by people who translate for them to determine the cost for their job which is translating. A Word count is therefore necessary since it determines words in a given document and enables translators to get the total words they translated (Guerrero, 2005). Word counts are also necessary in determining typing speed of many people as well as know the given number of typed and read words. Word counts involves use of converting characters which are able to show the number of words typed and read per minute where one is able to know the speed of typing as well as reading. This essay will discuss the uses and advantages of word counts and importance of word count software to many people.

Variations in word count

There are many variations in the procedure of word counting since people differ on the procedure of counting. Some argue that words count should not be inclusive of the total number of words. Word processing software has a rule for word count which has cleared the differences and variations in defining word count. The word processing software has word boundaries which depend on definition of word dividers (Guerrero, 2005). Example of word dividers include space and tab space which are able to space and divide words. The word processing software is accurate and has solved variation problems when dealing with word count. There is various word counting systems which at times give different results which depends o the rue of text segmentation. Some systems argue that words outside the main document such as footnotes, headers and footers should not be included in the word count. This is not common in most word processing since they tend to behave equally and thus their application is not different. In the past school assignments were done manually or with use of typewriters where word count was not considered. Currently students use digital methods of handling assignment where word count is a major contribution to earn good marks in the assignment (Guerrero, 2005). Students argue that word counts are inclusive of a conjunctions, prepositions and articles (Camarda, 2001). This depends on the word processor used since some show that word counts is inclusive of prepositions and conjunctions.

Compounds words were counted as one word. This was done as a way of saving time ensuring use of the rule of thumb which ensured that there were a minimum number of words usual less than ten words per line. This has however changed with use of a digital word processor which maintains use of word software for word count (Guerrero, 2005). This digital word count software enables use of text segmentation method which is universal agreed upon in the world. Word count software is used globally in many institutions since it is universally agreed upon by all countries globally. Teachers and various institutions should agree on whether to include compound words, footnotes, tables, headers, footers, bibliographies in the total word count (Guerrero, 2005). Students should be careful on the choice of words they use and exclude words bringing variations in the word count. Bibliographies in many institutions are not included in the word count but are important to students since without them less marks will be scored. Word count is important since it ensures that students do the required research and provide the necessary information for them to earn marks. Word counts software should upgrade as the technology is advancing in order to cater for the digital generation.

Reasons for the variations

As defined earlier, word count is the figure of the written words in a document or any given text. There is a case where there tends to be difference in word count. This is what is referred as variation in word counts. For instance, an individual may obtain a different figure of words from one Microsoft word to another. In this case, we will identify the reasons why there tends to be variation in word counts as one uses different Microsoft word. Normally, Microsoft word can be in a position to calculate the numeral of words in any document while an individual continues to type (Guerrero, 2005). This means that when one type in a document, the Microsoft Word will automatically add up the amount of words in the written document and show them on the status bars that tend to be at the bottom of the work space (Camarda, 2001). People have claimed that when one is having a similar document with same number of words, when they are opened in different version of office they always get varied word count results. Thus, we want to know why the        re is this variation of word count in different office. One of the reasons of the variation is that diverse versions of Office contains different format that may occupy different space (Camarda, 2001). This means that due to the variation of the versions, the word counts will also be varied in different office. Additionally, there are no rules that are established to define the entire instruments that must be used for the word count. Thus, there will be different word count as different version of Office use their particular schemes for word count. It is believed that the most excellent word count tools are the one that are usually armed with word count opportunities in footers, headers, notes, footnotes, among others. Additionally, they can be in a position to offer the word count in a greater number of folder formats (Camarda, 2001).

Advantages and disadvantages of word count

One of the disadvantage of word counts is that it is difficult to write an easy with the given word count required by the institution. The essay may include many important things to write yet it is impossible if the word count is causing limitations. It seems difficult to meet the required amount of words accurately in a given essay (Camarda, 2001). Word counts in this case are disadvantageous to students since one must meet the requirements of the assignment. In a different perspective, word counts ensure that the assignment is well planned and given amounts of words are provided (Guerrero, 2005). They are advantageous since students are able to make accurate research and meet the requirements of the assignment in a responsible manner. Word counts are necessary as they ensure the assignment is researched well and accurate. Word counts ensure tests are well arranged maintaining less  of conjunctions, prepositions and other words which are not meaningful to the texts (Guerrero, 2005).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Camarda, B. (2001). Special edition using Microsoft Word 2002. Indianapolis, Ind: Que.

Guerrero, M. C. M. (2005). Inner speech--L2: Thinking words in a second language. New York:   Springer