How do you get the menu ribbon to appear on word?

I had this very same question. The answer it turns out was quite simple.

1. Open Word

2. Right click in the menu bar across the top of Word (just below the document name)

3. If the Ribbon is minimized you will see a check next to "minimize the ribbon"

4. Highlight and click the "Minimize the Ribbon" selection. The check mark is gone and the ribbon is back.

Hope this helps.