Three original sports paragraphs, 142 words in total, at an average US reading grade of 7.5. Each takes about 80 seconds at 40 WPM.
About these paragraphs
These paragraphs about games, teams and athletes 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
Basketball was invented in 1891 by James Naismith, a physical education teacher in Springfield, Massachusetts. He wanted an indoor game to keep students active during the cold New England winter. The first baskets were peach baskets nailed to the balcony of a gym.
Paragraph 2
A marathon is 26.2 miles long. Most runners train for several months, slowly building their weekly mileage and adding one long run each weekend. On race day the biggest mistake is starting too fast, because the energy you spend early is hard to get back late.
Paragraph 3
In baseball, a perfect game means that no batter from the other team reaches first base for the entire game. No hits, no walks and no errors. It is one of the rarest achievements in the sport, and only about two dozen have been pitched in the history of the major leagues.
Length and reading level
| Paragraph | Words | Characters | Reading grade | Time at 40 WPM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 43 | 264 | 9.5 | 79 sec |
| 2 | 47 | 259 | 5.6 | 78 sec |
| 3 | 52 | 272 | 7.5 | 82 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 sports 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 7.5, which suits most middle school, high school and adult typists.