Cambridge IGCSE ICT 0417 – Presentations: Applying Slide LayoutCambridge IGCSE ICT 0417 – Topic 19: Presentations
Learning Objective
Students will be able to apply slide layouts effectively when creating a presentation.
Key Concepts
- Understanding the purpose of slide layouts.
- Choosing appropriate layouts for different types of content.
- Modifying built‑in layouts to suit specific needs.
- Consistent use of placeholders (title, text, image, chart, etc.).
Steps to Apply a Slide Layout
- Open the presentation software and create a new presentation.
- Navigate to the Slide Master view (often found under the “View” menu).
- Select the layout you wish to use from the layout pane:
- Title Slide
- Title and Content
- Section Header
- Two Content
- Comparison
- Picture with Caption
- Blank
- Insert the chosen layout onto a new slide (or change the layout of an existing slide via the “Layout” button).
- Populate the placeholders with appropriate content:
- Title – concise and descriptive.
- Text – bullet points, not paragraphs.
- Images/Charts – relevant and clearly labelled.
- Adjust the layout if necessary:
- Resize or move placeholders.
- Change font style or size for consistency.
- Apply a theme or colour scheme uniformly.
- Review the slide for visual balance and readability.
- Repeat the process for each slide, ensuring a logical flow.
Common Slide Layouts and Their Uses
| Layout Name | Typical Content | When to Use |
|---|
| Title Slide | Presentation title, subtitle, presenter’s name, date | First slide – introduces the topic |
| Title and Content | Heading + bullet points, image, or chart | General information or key points |
| Section Header | Section title, optional subtitle | To separate major sections of the presentation |
| Two Content | Two side‑by‑side placeholders (text, image, chart) | Comparisons or parallel ideas |
| Comparison | Title, two columns of bullet points, optional images | Directly contrasting two concepts |
| Picture with Caption | Large image with a short caption below | When a visual needs emphasis |
| Blank | Empty slide – user adds custom elements | When none of the predefined layouts suit the need |
Tips for Effective Slide Layouts
- Keep slides uncluttered – limit to 5–6 bullet points.
- Use high‑contrast colours for text and background.
- Maintain a consistent font style throughout.
- Align objects using gridlines or guides.
- Use visuals (charts, diagrams) to replace lengthy text.
- Check readability from a distance – large enough font size.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading a slide with too much information.
- Mixing multiple layout styles on the same slide.
- Inconsistent use of fonts, colours, or bullet styles.
- Placing text over busy images without sufficient contrast.
- Neglecting to preview the slide show mode.
Practice Activity
Using any presentation software, create a short 5‑slide presentation on a topic of your choice. Follow these requirements:
- Use at least three different slide layouts.
- Include a title slide, a section header, and a comparison slide.
- Apply a consistent theme and colour scheme.
- Insert at least one chart or diagram (you may use a placeholder).
- Present the slides to a peer and obtain feedback on layout effectiveness.
Suggested diagram: Flowchart showing the steps to apply a slide layout.