Question

what is the significance of having shapes in a Word document

Answer 1

Creating a Drawing Object
Word documents can contain more than just words—they can also contain drawing objects such as lines and simple shapes. Word provides an easy way to add such objects to a document.
Displaying the AutoShapes Menu
AutoShapes are very useful for adding common drawing shapes to your document. You can make the AutoShapes easier to select and use by displaying the AutoShapes menu, as described in this tip.
Drawing a Curve
Ever wonder how to add a curved line to your document? With a little practice, adding curves is simple. Here's how.
Drawing Lines
Lines are one of the most common graphic elements to be added to documents. Here's how you can add the lines you want.
Filling A Drawing Object
Creating a drawing object can be just the first step in putting together your masterpiece drawing. This tip explains how you can fill the object with a color of your choosing.
Inserting Multiple Drawing Objects
If you need to add more than one particular drawing object to your document, you can do it most easily by "tearing off" the drawing object menu that you need. This forces the menu to remain visible for as long as you need.

Answer 2

Using different shapes, we can denote various character which we can't defined through words. if you want to show a picture inside word document, you can mention that by using shapes. there are basic as well as advance shapes available in latest MS word.