In word processing programs such as MS Word, documents by default are printed in which page orientation mode?

Introduction / Context:
This question relates to basic usage of word processing software like Microsoft Word. When you create a new document, it has a default orientation, which is the way a page is laid out relative to its longer and shorter sides. Understanding the difference between portrait and landscape orientation is important for preparing documents, posters and presentations. Many exams ask about the default orientation used when printing standard documents.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The context is common word processors such as MS Word.
• The question asks about the default mode in which documents are printed.
• Options include landscape mode, portrait mode and several non orientation modes.
• Assume typical installation settings where the user has not changed the defaults.

Concept / Approach:
Page orientation describes whether the longer side of the paper is vertical or horizontal. Portrait orientation means the paper is taller than it is wide, like a typical letter or book page held upright. Landscape orientation means the paper is wider than it is tall, often used for wide tables or slides. In most word processing software and printer setups, the default orientation for new documents is portrait because that format is best for standard text documents and letters. Landscape must be manually selected through the page layout or page setup dialog when needed. Therefore, the correct default mode is portrait.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, open a word processor and create a new blank document. Go to the Page Layout or Layout menu and click on Orientation. The menu will show portrait and landscape, and the current choice will be highlighted. In a default installation, portrait is selected. Print preview also displays the page as tall in the default case. Printer properties for general document printing similarly list portrait as the default orientation. These consistent observations across different programs and printers show that portrait mode is the default orientation for printing standard documents.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Landscape mode: This orientation is available but is not the default; users select it only when they want a wide page.
• Page setup mode: Page setup is a dialog where you configure options; it is not an orientation.
• Print preview mode: Print preview is a view that shows how the page will look when printed, regardless of orientation.
• Draft mode: Draft is a print quality or view setting focused on speed and ink use, not on orientation.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes mix up portrait and landscape because the words are not obviously descriptive of page direction. A useful memory trick is to imagine a portrait photograph of a person usually displayed upright and tall, which matches portrait orientation. In contrast, landscape photographs of scenery are often wider than they are tall, which matches landscape orientation. Once you link these mental images to the terms, it becomes easier to remember that the default document orientation in word processors is portrait.

Final Answer:
By default, word processing documents are printed in Portrait mode page orientation.