How to fill in forms

2. Filling in forms

There are many different kinds of forms that you may have to fill in as you get older. You might want to apply for a job, or you might want to go to college or university. You might want to join a club or move into a new house. There are a few different ways forms can be filled in:

• by hand
• using a computer and then signing by hand
• writing and then sending them online 

Tips

When you're filling in a form:

• read it very carefully before you start writing
• make sure you understand everything that is said on the form
• make you understand what you are supposed to do with the form

There can be different types of questions and different ways of answering them. For example:

• Ticking or crossing empty boxes
• Crossing out a box
• Writing a letter in a box
• Circling the correct answer
• Using drop down boxes or tick buttons online

Here are some explanations of common items included on forms:

• Write in BLOCK CAPITALS

This means write the word in capital letters

• Please tick appropriate box

Put a tick next to answer that applies to you

• Delete where applicable

Cross out any answers that don't apply to you

• Please print

Write without joining up the letters

• Please specify

Make sure you include as much detail as is needed

For a longer list of the language used on forms, please follow the link below to BBC Skillswise:

BBC Skillswise