Three original inventions paragraphs, 128 words in total, at an average US reading grade of 11.8. Each takes about 78 seconds at 40 WPM.
About these paragraphs
These paragraphs about the ideas that changed everyday life were written by the Typeri team for typing practice. They use real sentences with capital letters, commas and numbers, so they train the same skills as everyday writing. Facts were checked against standard references.
The paragraphs
Paragraph 1
Christopher Latham Sholes and his partners developed one of the first practical typewriters in the 1860s and 1870s. Their machine gave us the QWERTY layout, which is still on almost every keyboard today, more than one hundred and fifty years later.
Paragraph 2
Thomas Edison did not invent the first electric light, but his team made a bulb that was practical, long lasting and affordable. Just as important, Edison built a system to deliver electricity to homes and businesses, which helped bring electric light to American cities.
Paragraph 3
The Wright brothers made the first powered, controlled airplane flights at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in December 1903. The longest flight that day lasted under a minute, but it proved that people could fly a heavier-than-air machine and steer it through the sky.
Length and reading level
| Paragraph | Words | Characters | Reading grade | Time at 40 WPM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 41 | 248 | 10.8 | 74 sec |
| 2 | 44 | 271 | 13.9 | 81 sec |
| 3 | 43 | 264 | 10.6 | 79 sec |
Reading grade is the Flesch-Kincaid grade level, an estimate of the US school grade that can read the text comfortably. Time assumes the average adult copy speed of about 40 WPM. At the 52 WPM study average, each paragraph takes about a quarter less time.
How to practice with paragraphs
- Type one paragraph without stopping. Fix mistakes with Backspace, but keep going.
- Check accuracy first. Aim for 95% or higher before chasing speed.
- Repeat the same paragraph two or three times. Familiar text lets you focus on rhythm and finger movement.
- Switch to a new topic once you can finish a paragraph comfortably above your normal speed.
For teachers and parents
Every paragraph here is free to use in class. Students can take the test above on any device, and results stay private on their own device. Pair paragraphs with the typing lessons for structured practice, and use the typing certificate as a reward for a personal best.
More paragraph topics
Frequently asked questions
Can I print these inventions typing paragraphs?
Yes. They are free for personal and classroom use. Use your browser's print option, and the test and ads are hidden on the printed page.
What reading level are they?
The average Flesch-Kincaid grade level is 11.8, which suits most middle school, high school and adult typists.