Windows allows you to use shift and a keypad arrow to select words.  In Linux the shift keypad arrow toggles numlock and writing a number as described here by xenopeek.  Fortunately you can make the keypad and shift work the same as in windows as described here by mvaldez which is:

Go to the System Settings > Keyboard Layout > Layout > Options
Select Miscellaneous / Compatibility options > Shift with numeric keypad keys work as in MS Windows.