Handwriting: Words and Sentences — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Letters that hang below the baseline are called tail letters.
Tail letters like g, p, and y have parts that drop below the baseline.
2. The letters g, p, and y all have tails that go below the line.
These letters have descending strokes called tails that extend below the baseline.
3. We use a finger space between words so they do not touch.
A finger space is the width of one finger, placed between words to keep them separated.
4. The bottom line where all letters sit is called the baseline.
The baseline is the bottom writing line that all letters rest on.
5. Capital letters always touch the top line.
Capital letters are tall and always extend up to the top line on lined paper.
6. A sentence starts with a capital letter.
Every sentence begins with a capital (uppercase) letter.
7. When letters are all the same size, writing looks neat.
Uniform letter size is one of the keys to neat, readable handwriting.
8. The dotted line in the middle helps us size our short letters.
The dotted midline shows how tall short letters like a, c, and e should be.
9. A sentence ends with a punctuation mark.
Every sentence ends with a punctuation mark such as a period, question mark, or exclamation point.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
baseline
→ bottom writing line
b, h, l
finger space
→ gap between words
bottom writing line
tall letters
→ b, h, l
g, p, y
tail letters
→ g, p, y
gap between words
The baseline is the bottom writing line. A finger space is the gap between words. Tall letters like b, h, and l reach the top line. Tail letters like g, p, and y hang below the baseline.