In Microsoft Word mail merge, the mailing list that stores names and addresses is known as the

Introduction / Context:
This question is about the mail merge feature in Microsoft Word and similar word processing programs. Mail merge allows a user to create multiple personalised documents, such as letters or labels, using a single template and a list of recipients. The list that holds information such as names, addresses, or other fields has a specific term in mail merge terminology.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The context is Word mail merge, not general spreadsheet usage.
• The list contains mailing information such as names and addresses.

Concept / Approach:
In mail merge terminology, the file or table that contains records of recipients is called the data source. This data source can be an Excel sheet, a database table, or another structured list, but within Word mail merge it is always referred to using that specific phrase. The main document, such as a form letter, is connected to the data source and merges fields like FirstName or Address into the final personalised outputs.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that mail merge involves two main components, the main document and the data source containing variable information. Step 2: When Word prompts you to select recipients, it asks you to choose or create a data source, confirming this is the official term. Step 3: Option A, data source, therefore aligns directly with the terminology used in dialogs and help texts. Step 4: Options B and D, sheet and data sheet, sound more like spreadsheet terms and are not the formal name used in the Word mail merge interface. Step 5: Option C, source, is too general and does not capture the full descriptive phrase used in the tool.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this by opening Microsoft Word, going to Mailings, starting a mail merge, and examining the labels in the wizard or ribbon. The buttons and instructions refer to selecting a data source or editing the recipient list, not to selecting a sheet or generic source. This confirms that data source is the correct term in this context.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Sheet: This is wrong because sheet refers more specifically to a worksheet in a spreadsheet program like Excel. While a sheet can act as the underlying store, Word does not call the mailing list simply a sheet.
Source: This is wrong because it is too vague. Mail merge uses the term data source to emphasise that the file provides data fields for merge, not just a generic source.
Data sheet: This is wrong because data sheet is not the official Word mail merge term. It may sound similar but is not what appears in the user interface or documentation.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes conflate Excel terminology with Word terminology, especially when using an Excel file as the list. They then incorrectly assume that sheet or worksheet is the correct answer. Another common mistake is to pick a word that sounds technical without checking whether it is used in the specific feature being asked about. Reading dialog labels in Word is a good way to become familiar with the exact terms.

Final Answer:
In Word mail merge, the mailing list is known as the Data source.