In Microsoft Word and similar word processing programs, what is the default file extension that is traditionally used for saving standard word processing documents?

Introduction / Context:
Most computer users work with word processing programs such as Microsoft Word to create letters, reports, and other documents. Each file saved on a computer has a file extension, which helps the operating system understand which program should open that file. This question checks whether you know the traditional default file extension that word processing applications, especially classic versions of Microsoft Word, use for their standard document format.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The context is word processing software, especially Microsoft Word.
• The question refers to the default file extension for normal word processing documents.
• The options given are TXT, WRD, FIL, and DOC.
• We assume a basic general knowledge and common exam convention that refers to the classic Word format.

Concept / Approach:
A file extension is the part of a filename that comes after the dot, such as .doc or .txt. Classic versions of Microsoft Word, and many exam syllabi, treat .DOC as the default extension for Word documents. Text files produced by simple text editors often use .TXT. Extensions such as .WRD and .FIL do not correspond to standard default document formats in common office suites. Even though newer versions of Word now use .DOCX, competitive exams and basic computer awareness questions usually expect the answer .DOC for the default Word document extension.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the extension that appears on older Microsoft Word files, such as report.doc. Step 2: Recognise that .doc represents a Microsoft Word document, not a plain text file. Step 3: Note that .txt is associated with basic text files from Notepad or similar editors. Step 4: Observe that .wrd and .fil are not standard default extensions for Word documents. Step 5: Conclude that DOC is the default and hence correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
When you open older Word documents that were created before the introduction of the .docx format, their filenames usually end with .doc. Many exam preparation books for computer awareness also state that the standard extension for Word documents is .doc. Even though modern versions support .docx, exam questions at this level almost always refer to the classic extension. Text files ending in .txt open by default in simple editors and do not preserve formatting such as bold, italics, or page layout that Word documents support.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (TXT): This is the extension for plain text files, which lack advanced formatting features. Option B (WRD): This looks similar to the word “word” but is not a standard, widely used file extension for Word documents. Option C (FIL): This is not a commonly used document file extension in office applications.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse modern formats like .docx with the traditional .doc and may feel unsure when exams still use the older term. Others may think that any extension that looks like “WRD” must be related to Word. To avoid confusion, remember that classic exam oriented questions treat .DOC as the default Word document extension, while .TXT is used for simple text and does not preserve complex formatting.

Final Answer:
The default file extension for traditional Word documents is DOC.