US History Typing Practice Paragraphs

About these paragraphs

These paragraphs about American history, from the founding to the space age 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

The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. It explained why the thirteen colonies were breaking away from Great Britain, and it argued that governments get their power from the consent of the people. Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft, and a small committee helped revise it before the final vote.

Paragraph 2

The Transcontinental Railroad was completed in 1869 when the last spike was driven at Promontory Summit in Utah. Crews from the Central Pacific had worked east from California while the Union Pacific built west from Nebraska. A trip across the country that once took months could now be made in about a week.

Paragraph 3

In 1920 the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified, and women across the United States gained the right to vote. The victory came after decades of marches, petitions and speeches by suffragists who refused to give up. Many of the leaders who started the movement did not live long enough to cast a ballot themselves.

Length and reading level

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

1. Type one paragraph without stopping. Fix mistakes with Backspace, but keep going.
2. Check accuracy first. Aim for 95% or higher before chasing speed.
3. Repeat the same paragraph two or three times. Familiar text lets you focus on rhythm and finger movement.
4. 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.

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Frequently asked questions