1 - Introduction ~5 mins
Welcome
A solid proposal needs more than paragraphs. When you list materials, a timeline, or a side-by-side comparison, a table lets a supervisor, club treasurer, or customer scan the facts in seconds. Today you will insert and format a table inside your existing proposal so the structured details of your Something Real project are easy to read.
Missing file? If you do not have {{code:03_proposal_draft}} yet, create a short one-page proposal now in your {{code:03_documents}} folder, save it as {{code:03_proposal_draft}}, then continue.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Create a table with rows and columns and adjust column widths
- Add or remove rows and apply a simple table style
- Use a table to present structured project information
- Add a project table with a header row plus at least three data rows, and at least two columns, to {{code:03_proposal_draft}}
Warm-up
Picture this line in a proposal: "I need blank cases, vinyl wrap, packaging bags, labels, and a card reader, and the cases cost about twelve euro for thirty, the wrap is eight fifty for two rolls…"
Turn to a partner for about 30 seconds: would a reader find that easier as a short table with clear headings, or as the paragraph? Say which and why. Your teacher will take one or two quick answers, then you move on.
2 - Key Concepts ~5 mins
Tables turn a jumble of facts into something a real reader can scan. Use these ideas when you build the sample table, then apply the same pattern to your own project.
| Concept | Why it matters | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Table — a grid of rows and columns that holds related pieces of information in separate cells | Readers can compare items side by side instead of hunting through long sentences | A materials list for a custom sticker side hustle: Material | Quantity | Approx. cost (€) |
| Header row — the top row that names what each column means | Without clear headings, a table of numbers is guesswork | Headings such as Stage, When, and Done when on a Work Experience prep timeline |
| Column width — how wide each column is; you drag the border between columns to change it | Fitted columns are far easier to scan than tall stacks of wrapped text | Widen Material so "Waterproof laminate" stays on one line; keep Approx. cost (€) narrow for numbers |
Worked example you will build
In the step-by-step task you will insert this sample materials table (header plus three data rows) into a practice area of the document. Your independent work then swaps the sample content for real details from your Something Real project. Heading choices for your own project (materials, timeline, or comparison) are listed in the Portfolio build task.
| Material | Quantity | Approx. cost (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Blank sticker sheets | 50 | 12.00 |
| Waterproof laminate | 2 rolls | 8.50 |
| Display cards | 20 | 5.00 |
3 - Step-by-step Task ~20 mins
Follow the steps for your word processor to open {{code:03_proposal_draft}}, insert the sample materials table, adjust column widths, add and remove a row, apply a simple table style, then save. Platform tabs show Word Online and Google Docs side by side.
Stuck? Keep these two fixes handy while you work:
- Tab vs Enter: {{key:Tab}} moves to the next cell. {{key:Enter}} often starts a new line inside the same cell.
- Styles will not appear: click once inside the table first so the app knows which table you mean.
Tip: After the table exists you will add a row, practise deleting and restoring it, then apply a simple finished look (Word Online style gallery, or thin borders plus a shaded header in Google Docs).
The full Common issues table after this task is there if you need more detail; your teacher can also project it during the 20 minutes.
4 - Common Issues ~5 mins
Common Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| I cannot find {{menu:Insert -> Table}} | Make sure you are editing the document (not only previewing it). In Word Online, check you are on the Insert tab on the ribbon. In Google Docs, open the Insert menu on the menu bar at the top. |
| My text is stuck in one cell and keeps wrapping into a tall stack | This catches everyone the first time: press {{key:Tab}} to move to the next cell, not {{key:Enter}} (Enter often adds a new line inside the same cell). Widen the column by dragging the border between columns. |
| I added too many rows or columns | Right-click inside the extra row or column (Chromebook: two-finger tap) and choose the delete row or delete column option. Do not press Backspace in a way that only clears text if you meant to remove the whole row. |
| The table style or shading will not apply | Click once inside the table first so the app knows which table you mean. In Word Online, open the Table tab (or Table tools) on the ribbon. In Google Docs, select the cells you want, then use border and background colour on the toolbar. |
5 - Portfolio Build ~15 mins
Independent Practice
- Open {{code:03_proposal_draft}} in your Project Portfolio {{code:03_documents}} folder.
- Pick one table shape and copy these headings into the header row (or insert a fresh table if you want a clean start):
- Materials: Material | Quantity | Approx. cost (€)
- Timeline: Stage | When | Done when
- Comparison: Option | Pros | Cons
- Enter the header row plus at least three data rows of real project facts (at least two columns).
- Fit the column widths and apply a simple finished look (table style, or shaded header plus thin borders).
- Confirm the file stays saved as {{code:03_proposal_draft}} in Project Portfolio / {{code:03_documents}}.
- {{code:03_proposal_draft}} contains a table with a header row plus at least three data rows, and at least two columns, of real project information
- Column headings are clear so a new reader knows what each column means
- Column widths fit the content and a simple finished look is applied (table style, or shaded header plus borders)
- The table sits in a sensible place in the proposal
- File remains saved as {{code:03_proposal_draft}} in Project Portfolio / {{code:03_documents}} so your teacher can find it for Key Assignment evidence
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