Why quotes and apostrophes may appear as question marks

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When you use the 'Copy and Paste' method for submitting written assignments or transferring text from your word processor to an online form, quotation marks (single or double) and apostrophes may appear as question marks in your text on the form. What may be happening is that the word processor you are using to create the text is putting in "smart" quotes or "true" quotes. As these are not true ASCII characters, they don't import correctly to the written assignment form. Here are directions for 'turning off' the smart quotes or true quotes settings in Word for Windows, Word97, WordPerfect, and Lotus Word Pro 96. You must turn off these settings BEFORE creating the document. Then complete a practice assignment submission in Module 4 of this tutorial so you know the problem has been resolved. If you are using another type of word processor application, consult your owner's manual or the Help screen of the application for more information. If you receive assignments from your students with strange characters sprinkled throughout it, this is probably the reason and you should direct the student to the Student Orientation or the HelpDesk so they can get help making the adjustments to their word processor.

WORD for Windows:

Use these commands to correct the situation (prior to creating a document ):

1. Open the Format menu.
2. Select Auto-Format.
3. Select Options.
4. De-select Replace Straight Quotes with Smart Quotes. (Make sure the X does not appear).

Word 97:

Use these commands to correct the situation (prior to creating a document ):

1. Open the Tools menu
2. Select AutoCorrect.
3. Select AutoFormat As You Type.
4. De-select Replace as you type "Straight quotes" with "smart quotes."
5. Select AutoFormat.
6. De-select Replace "Straight quotes" with "smart quotes."
7. Click OK.

Word Perfect:

Use these commands to correct the situation (prior to creating a document ):

1. Choose Tools (at top of menu) when in Word Perfect.
2. Select QuickCorrect. You should see the necessary options, but you are using version 7, you will need to select "options."
3. De-select (uncheck boxes) in 2 places for "turn on single (and double) quotes."
4. Select OK and Close as necessary to escape.

Lotus Word Pro 96:

Use these commands to correct the situation (prior to creating a document ):

1. Pull down the Edit menu.
2. Choose the SmartCorrect... option.
3. Uncheck the box change straight quotes to smart quotes.
4. Click OK.