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CA Court Reporter practice questions

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Question 1English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence uses the apostrophe correctly?

  1. The court reporters association met on Friday.
  2. The court reporters' association met on Friday. Correct answer.
  3. The court reporters's association met on Friday.
  4. The court reporter's association met on Friday.

Explanation

A plural noun ending in s forms the possessive by adding only an apostrophe after the s. Because the association belongs to multiple reporters, the correct form is reporters'. Adding an s before the apostrophe or omitting the apostrophe entirely misrepresents the plural possessive.

Question 2English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Choose the sentence in which the subject and verb agree.

  1. Each of the exhibits have been marked for identification.
  2. Each of the exhibits were marked for identification.
  3. Each of the exhibits are marked for identification.
  4. Each of the exhibits was marked for identification. Correct answer.

Explanation

The subject is the indefinite pronoun each, which is singular, so it requires the singular verb was. The prepositional phrase of the exhibits does not change the number of the subject, and plural verbs such as were, have, and are do not agree with each.

Question 3English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which word is spelled correctly?

  1. Occurrance
  2. Occurrence Correct answer.
  3. Ocurrence
  4. Occurence

Explanation

The noun occurrence doubles the r after the prefix and keeps a single c before the double r, following the pattern of the verb occur. The other spellings either double the wrong consonant or drop a required r.

Question 4English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

  1. The witness paused then, continued her testimony.
  2. The witness, paused then continued her testimony.
  3. The witness paused; then continued her testimony.
  4. The witness paused, then continued her testimony. Correct answer.

Explanation

A comma correctly separates the introductory clause from the conjunction-led continuation in a compound predicate. The comma belongs after paused, not after then, and a semicolon cannot join a dependent continuation that lacks its own subject.

Question 5English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence uses the semicolon correctly?

  1. The clerk swore in the witness; which the reporter recorded.
  2. The clerk swore in the witness; and the reporter took down the oath.
  3. The clerk swore in the witness; because the reporter took down the oath.
  4. The clerk swore in the witness; the reporter took down the oath. Correct answer.

Explanation

A semicolon may join two independent clauses that are closely related without a coordinating conjunction. The other options pair the semicolon with a conjunction or a dependent clause, which requires different punctuation.

Question 6English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Identify the part of speech of the underlined word in this sentence: The reporter spoke calmly to the judge.

  1. Conjunction
  2. Adverb Correct answer.
  3. Adjective
  4. Preposition

Explanation

The word calmly modifies the verb spoke, describing how the action was performed, which is the function of an adverb. Adjectives modify nouns, prepositions show relationships between words, and conjunctions join elements.

Question 7English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence is written in the active voice?

  1. The exhibits were marked by the clerk.
  2. The transcript was prepared by the certified reporter.
  3. The certified reporter prepared the transcript. Correct answer.
  4. The oath was administered by the judge.

Explanation

In the active voice the subject performs the action, so the reporter performing the preparation is active. The other sentences place the actor in a by phrase and make the object the subject, which is passive voice.

Question 8English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence uses its and it's correctly?

  1. Its important that the record reflect it's full contents.
  2. It's important that the record reflect its full contents. Correct answer.
  3. It's important that the record reflect it's full contents.
  4. Its important that the record reflect its full contents.

Explanation

It's is a contraction of it is, while its is the possessive form meaning belonging to it. The sentence needs it is at the start and the possessive before full contents, so only the second option supplies both correctly.

Question 9English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence correctly uses a colon?

  1. The reporter requested three items: a pen, a notebook, and a seal. Correct answer.
  2. The reporter requested three items; a pen, a notebook, and a seal.
  3. The reporter requested: three items, a pen, a notebook, and a seal.
  4. The reporter requested three items, a pen, a notebook, and a seal.

Explanation

A colon introduces a list after a complete independent clause, which the second sentence provides. A comma cannot introduce such a list, a colon cannot separate a verb from its object, and a semicolon requires an independent clause to follow.

Question 10English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Choose the sentence with correct pronoun case.

  1. The judge asked whom was present to stand.
  2. The judge asked whomever was present to stand.
  3. The judge asked whoever was present to stand. Correct answer.
  4. The judge asked who was present to stand.

Explanation

The pronoun serves as the subject of the verb was inside the noun clause, so the nominative form whoever is required. Whomever and whom are objective forms and cannot act as the subject of was.

Question 11English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence avoids a dangling modifier?

  1. After being sworn, the witness's testimony was recorded by the reporter.
  2. After being sworn, the reporter recorded the testimony of the witness. Correct answer.
  3. After being sworn, the testimony of the witness was recorded by the reporter.
  4. After being sworn, the recording of the testimony began.

Explanation

An introductory participial phrase must modify the subject of the main clause. Only the first sentence makes the reporter, the person sworn, the subject; the others attach the phrase to testimony or recording, which cannot be sworn.

Question 12English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence uses the past perfect tense correctly?

  1. By the time the judge arrived, the reporter has already finished the transcript.
  2. By the time the judge arrived, the reporter already finished the transcript.
  3. By the time the judge arrived, the reporter had already finished the transcript. Correct answer.
  4. By the time the judge arrived, the reporter was already finishing the transcript.

Explanation

The past perfect (had plus past participle) expresses an action completed before another past action. Finishing the transcript occurred before the judge arrived, so had finished is required.

Question 13English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence uses parallel structure?

  1. The reporter's duties include transcribing testimony, marking exhibits, and to file transcripts.
  2. The reporter's duties include transcribing testimony, marking exhibits, and filing transcripts. Correct answer.
  3. The reporter's duties include transcribing testimony, to mark exhibits, and filing transcripts.
  4. The reporter's duties include to transcribe testimony, marking exhibits, and filing transcripts.

Explanation

Items in a series must share the same grammatical form. The second sentence uses three gerunds (transcribing, marking, filing), while the others mix gerunds with infinitives.

Question 14English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence correctly uses a hyphen?

  1. The court adopted a wellreasoned opinion.
  2. The court adopted a well reasoned opinion.
  3. The court adopted a well-reasoned opinion. Correct answer.
  4. The court adopted a well reasoned-opinion.

Explanation

A compound modifier made of an adverb ending in ly plus a participle is normally left open, but well is an exception that is hyphenated when it precedes the noun it modifies. Thus well-reasoned opinion takes a hyphen between the two words.

Question 15English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Choose the sentence that correctly uses the subjunctive mood.

  1. The rule requires that the reporter was present at all times.
  2. The rule requires that the reporter will be present at all times.
  3. The rule requires that the reporter is present at all times.
  4. The rule requires that the reporter be present at all times. Correct answer.

Explanation

After verbs of requirement such as require, that clauses take the base form of the verb in the subjunctive mood. Be present is therefore correct, while is, was, and will be do not express the required subjunctive.

Question 16English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence is punctuated correctly with quotation marks?

  1. The judge said, "The record will reflect the objection".
  2. The judge said, "The record will reflect the objection." Correct answer.
  3. The judge said "The record will reflect the objection".
  4. The judge said "The record will reflect the objection."

Explanation

In American usage a comma introduces a direct quotation, and the period belongs inside the closing quotation mark. Only the first option places both marks correctly.

Question 17English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence correctly uses an adverb to modify an adjective?

  1. The witness spoke clear and answered direct.
  2. The witness spoke clear and answered directly.
  3. The witness spoke clearly and answered directly. Correct answer.
  4. The witness spoke clearly and answered direct.

Explanation

Adverbs modify verbs, so spoke and answered require the adverb forms clearly and directly. The adjective forms clear and direct describe nouns and cannot modify these verbs.

Question 18English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence contains a correctly formed compound sentence?

  1. The reporter arrived early, and she set up her equipment. Correct answer.
  2. The reporter arrived early and, she set up her equipment.
  3. The reporter arrived early; and she set up her equipment.
  4. The reporter arrived early, she set up her equipment.

Explanation

Two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction require a comma before the conjunction. The comma-and pattern in the first sentence is correct, while the others produce a comma splice or misplace punctuation.

Question 19English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which word correctly completes the sentence: The number of objections ____ increased sharply this term.

  1. are
  2. were
  3. have
  4. has Correct answer.

Explanation

The subject is the singular noun number, not the plural objections in the prepositional phrase. Singular number takes the singular verb has increased.

Question 20English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence uses the word principal correctly?

  1. The principal issue before the court was jurisdiction. Correct answer.
  2. The principle of the reporter was to remain neutral.
  3. The principal delivered the courts principle ruling.
  4. The principle issue before the court was jurisdiction.

Explanation

Principal as an adjective means chief or main, which fits the main issue before the court. Principle is a noun meaning a fundamental rule or belief and cannot serve as the adjective here.

Question 21English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Identify the grammatical function of the clause in brackets: The transcript [that the reporter certified] was admitted into evidence.

  1. Noun clause
  2. Adverb clause
  3. Relative clause Correct answer.
  4. Independent clause

Explanation

The bracketed clause begins with the relative pronoun that and modifies the noun transcript, so it is a relative (adjective) clause. It does not modify a verb, act as a noun, or stand alone as a sentence.

Question 22English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence uses the past unreal conditional correctly?

  1. If the reporter had objected, the judge would have sustained it. Correct answer.
  2. If the reporter had objected, the judge would sustain it.
  3. If the reporter would have objected, the judge would have sustained it.
  4. If the reporter objected, the judge would have sustained it.

Explanation

Past unreal conditionals use had plus past participle in the if clause and would have plus past participle in the result clause. Only the second sentence supplies both parts correctly.

Question 23English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence correctly uses a restrictive (essential) appositive?

  1. The witness a court interpreter, testified through a headset.
  2. The witness a court interpreter testified through a headset. Correct answer.
  3. The witness, a court interpreter, testified through a headset.
  4. The witness, a court interpreter testified through a headset.

Explanation

When the appositive is restrictive, it is essential to identifying the noun and takes no commas. Setting it off with commas would make it nonrestrictive, and omitting punctuation on one side only creates an error.

Question 24English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence uses the pronoun reference unambiguously?

  1. The clerk told the reporter she had filed the exhibit list, and she nodded.
  2. The clerk told the reporter that she herself had filed the exhibit list, and she agreed.
  3. The clerk told the reporter that she had filed the exhibit list.
  4. The clerk told the reporter that the exhibit list had been filed. Correct answer.

Explanation

A pronoun must refer clearly to a single antecedent. Recasting the clause in the passive voice removes the ambiguous she and makes the meaning explicit, while the other options leave the reader unsure who filed the list.

Question 25English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence uses the word comprise correctly?

  1. The record comprises four volumes. Correct answer.
  2. The record comprises of four separate volumes.
  3. The record is comprised of four volumes.
  4. The record comprises of four volumes.

Explanation

Comprise means to consist of or include and takes a direct object without of. The whole comprises the parts, so the record comprises four volumes is correct; the other options add an unnecessary of.

Question 26English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?

  1. The clerk filed the exhibit; because the bailiff sealed the record.
  2. The clerk filed; the exhibit the bailiff sealed the record.
  3. The clerk filed the exhibit; and the bailiff sealed the record.
  4. The clerk filed the exhibit; the bailiff sealed the record. Correct answer.

Explanation

A semicolon may join two independent clauses that are closely related and not already joined by a coordinating conjunction. Each side of the mark in the correct sentence can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Question 27English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence contains a subject-verb agreement error?

  1. Each of the exhibits was logged by the clerk.
  2. The transcription of the recordings take several hours. Correct answer.
  3. A list of objections is attached to the motion.
  4. Neither the attorney nor the paralegal was present.

Explanation

The subject of a sentence determines the verb's number, and intervening prepositional phrases do not change it. Here the true subject is the singular noun 'transcription', so the verb must be 'takes', not 'take'.

Question 28English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence uses the dash correctly?

  1. The only objection-a hearsay objection-was overruled. Correct answer.
  2. The only objection-a hearsay objection was-overruled.
  3. The only objection, a hearsay objection-was overruled.
  4. The only objection-a hearsay objection, was overruled.

Explanation

A pair of dashes can set off a parenthetical element inside a sentence, and both dashes must be present. The interrupting phrase 'a hearsay objection' is correctly enclosed by a matching pair.

Question 29English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence uses 'who' or 'whom' correctly?

  1. The witness whom testified first was excused.
  2. The witness whom the attorney questioned remained calm. Correct answer.
  3. The witness who the attorney questioned remained calm.
  4. The witness who the attorney questioned him remained calm.

Explanation

'Whom' is the objective case form and is used when the pronoun serves as the object of a verb or preposition. In this sentence the attorney questioned the witness, so the pronoun is the object of 'questioned'.

Question 30English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence uses the comparative or superlative form correctly?

  1. Of the two versions, this transcript is the more accurate. Correct answer.
  2. Of the two versions, this transcript is more accurater.
  3. Of the two versions, this transcript is most accurate.
  4. Of the two versions, this transcript is the most accurate.

Explanation

The comparative form ('more accurate') is used when comparing exactly two items, while the superlative is reserved for three or more. Because the sentence compares two versions, the comparative is required.

Question 31English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence uses a comma splice?

  1. The reporter arrived early, she reviewed her notes. Correct answer.
  2. The reporter arrived early; she reviewed her notes.
  3. The reporter arrived early, and she reviewed her notes.
  4. The reporter arrived early because she reviewed her notes.

Explanation

A comma splice occurs when a comma alone joins two independent clauses. Both 'The reporter arrived early' and 'she reviewed her notes' can stand alone, so a comma by itself is insufficient.

Question 32English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence uses an adverb clause correctly punctuated?

  1. Although, the record was sealed, the clerk retained a copy.
  2. Although the record was sealed the clerk retained a copy.
  3. Although the record was sealed, the clerk retained a copy. Correct answer.
  4. Although the record was sealed; the clerk retained a copy.

Explanation

An introductory dependent clause is followed by a comma before the main clause begins. The subordinate clause 'Although the record was sealed' is correctly set off by a comma.

Question 33English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence uses 'affect' or 'effect' correctly?

  1. The ruling will have an affect on the parties.
  2. The ruling had a major effect on the parties. Correct answer.
  3. The ruling will effect the parties immediately.
  4. The ruling had a major affect on the parties.

Explanation

'Effect' is normally a noun meaning a result or outcome, while 'affect' is normally a verb meaning to influence. The phrase 'a major effect' correctly uses the noun form.

Question 34English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence uses a gerund phrase as the subject?

  1. The reporter, transcribing the testimony, worked late.
  2. To transcribe the testimony took several hours.
  3. The reporter transcribed the testimony carefully.
  4. Transcribing the testimony took several hours. Correct answer.

Explanation

A gerund is a verb form ending in '-ing' that functions as a noun. In 'Transcribing the testimony took several hours', the gerund phrase serves as the subject of the verb 'took'.

Question 35English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence uses a colon correctly?

  1. The reporter brought: the following items, a laptop and a recorder.
  2. The reporter brought the following items: a laptop, a recorder, and a notepad. Correct answer.
  3. The reporter brought: a laptop, a recorder, and a notepad.
  4. The reporter brought a laptop: a recorder, and a notepad.

Explanation

A colon should follow a complete independent clause before introducing a list or explanation. 'The reporter brought the following items' is a complete clause, so the colon is properly placed.

Question 36English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence uses a correctly formed plural?

  1. The court received several attorney's from the county.
  2. The court received several attorneys from the county. Correct answer.
  3. The court received several attornies from the county.
  4. The court received several attorneys' from the county.

Explanation

Nouns ending in '-y' preceded by a consonant form the plural by changing the 'y' to 'i' and adding '-es'. The plural of 'attorney' is therefore 'attorneys'.

Question 37English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence correctly uses 'lie' or 'lay'?

  1. The exhibits lay on the table since morning.
  2. The exhibits are laying on the table since morning.
  3. The exhibits have lain on the table since morning. Correct answer.
  4. The exhibits have laid on the table since morning.

Explanation

'Lie' is intransitive and means to recline; its principal parts are lie, lay, lain. The present perfect 'have lain' correctly describes a state continuing since morning.

Question 38English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence uses an absolute phrase correctly?

  1. The testimony having concluded, the judge dismissed the jury. Correct answer.
  2. Having concluded, the testimony the judge dismissed the jury.
  3. The testimony having concluded the judge dismissed the jury.
  4. The testimony, having concluded, the judge dismissed the jury.

Explanation

An absolute phrase consists of a noun or pronoun plus a participle and modifies the entire sentence rather than a single word. It is conventionally set off by a comma from the main clause.

Question 39English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence uses 'fewer' or 'less' correctly?

  1. The motion had fewer objections than expected. Correct answer.
  2. The motion had fewer opposition than expected.
  3. The motion had less objecting than expected.
  4. The motion had less objections than expected.

Explanation

'Fewer' is used with countable plural nouns, while 'less' is used with uncountable quantities. 'Objections' is a countable plural, so 'fewer objections' is correct.

Question 40English Language, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling

Which sentence uses an apostrophe correctly?

  1. The court reporters association published its' revised guidelines yesterday.
  2. The court reporters association published its revised guideline's yesterday.
  3. The court reporters' association published its revised guidelines yesterday. Correct answer.
  4. The court reporter's association published it's revised guidelines yesterday.

Explanation

A plural noun ending in s forms the possessive by adding only an apostrophe, so reporters' correctly shows that the association belongs to multiple reporters. The possessive pronoun its never takes an apostrophe, and ordinary plural nouns such as reporters and guidelines need no apostrophe at all.

Question 41Vocabulary, Word Usage, and Terminology

Which sentence uses the word "principal" correctly?

  1. She spoke with principal conviction about the verdict.
  2. The principal of the school addressed the jury.
  3. The principal of the loan was repaid in monthly installments.
  4. The principal reason for the delay was a missing transcript. Correct answer.

Explanation

"Principal" as an adjective means chief or main, so "principal reason" is correct. As a noun it can mean a school head or a sum of money, but the adjective sense governs phrases like "principal reason." "Principle" is the noun meaning a rule or belief.

Question 42Vocabulary, Word Usage, and Terminology

In legal writing, which word means "a court's power to hear a case"?

  1. Docket
  2. Venue
  3. Jurisdiction Correct answer.
  4. Standing

Explanation

Jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear and decide a case, including subject-matter and personal jurisdiction. Venue concerns the geographic location where a case is heard, and standing concerns whether a party may bring the claim. The docket is the court's calendar of cases.

Question 43Vocabulary, Word Usage, and Terminology

Which sentence uses "affect" correctly?

  1. Her flat affect suggested no reaction to the verdict.
  2. The new statute had a major affect on filings.
  3. The affect of the ruling was immediate.
  4. The ruling will affect the outcome of the appeal. Correct answer.

Explanation

"Affect" as a verb means to influence, so "will affect the outcome" is correct. "Effect" as a noun means a result, as in "the effect of the ruling." The noun "affect" exists in psychology meaning outward emotion, but it does not fit the sentences about statutes and rulings.

Question 44Vocabulary, Word Usage, and Terminology

What does the term "sua sponte" mean in a court opinion?

  1. On the court's own motion Correct answer.
  2. Without prejudice
  3. By leave of the appellate panel
  4. By agreement of the parties

Explanation

"Sua sponte" is Latin for "of one's own accord" and describes action a court takes on its own initiative, without a party's request. It commonly appears when a court raises an issue or dismisses a case without a motion.

Question 45Vocabulary, Word Usage, and Terminology

Which word correctly completes the sentence: "The witness was asked to ___ to the exhibit on the screen."?

  1. refer Correct answer.
  2. allude
  3. elude
  4. allusion

Explanation

"Refer to" means to direct attention to something and takes the preposition "to," fitting the sentence. "Allude" means to hint indirectly and does not fit a direct instruction to point at an exhibit. "Elude" means to escape or evade, and "allusion" is a noun.

Question 46Vocabulary, Word Usage, and Terminology

In court reporting, what does "realtime" most commonly refer to?

  1. A verbatim transcript certified after the hearing
  2. Transcription completed within one business day
  3. Instant translation of stenotype strokes to text on a screen Correct answer.
  4. Audio recording played back during trial

Explanation

Realtime reporting converts the reporter's stenographic keystrokes into readable text immediately, displayed on monitors or devices as the testimony is given. It differs from later transcription or audio playback because the text appears during the proceeding.

Question 47Vocabulary, Word Usage, and Terminology

Which sentence uses "discreet" correctly?

  1. The clerk was discreet about the sealed filing. Correct answer.
  2. The parties reached a discreet settlement.
  3. The court issued a discreet order in three parts.
  4. The record contains discreet exhibits labeled A through C.

Explanation

"Discreet" means tactful or prudent, so being discreet about a sealed filing is correct. "Discrete" means separate or distinct and applies to separate orders, settlements, or exhibits. The two words differ by one letter but carry unrelated meanings.

Question 48Vocabulary, Word Usage, and Terminology

What is a "sidebar" in a trial proceeding?

  1. A conference at the bench outside the jury's hearing Correct answer.
  2. A written summary of the evidence
  3. A supplemental page attached to a transcript
  4. A list of witnesses subpoenaed by the defense

Explanation

A sidebar is an off-the-record or private bench conference between the judge and counsel, usually to discuss legal matters the jury should not hear. The term does not refer to written summaries, witness lists, or transcript attachments.

Question 49Vocabulary, Word Usage, and Terminology

Which sentence correctly uses "comprise"?

  1. Three justices are comprising the panel.
  2. The panel comprises three justices. Correct answer.
  3. The panel is comprised of three justices.
  4. The panel is comprised by three justices.

Explanation

"Comprise" means to include or consist of, so "the panel comprises three justices" is the standard form. The whole comprises its parts; the parts compose the whole. "Is comprised of" is widely criticized in formal usage, and "comprising" as a progressive verb is awkward here.

Question 50Vocabulary, Word Usage, and Terminology

A witness testifies "I saw the defendant leave at noon." In the transcript, the reporter should record this as:

  1. A summary of the testimony approved by counsel
  2. A paraphrase in the reporter's own words
  3. A verbatim quotation of the witness's words Correct answer.
  4. An audio time-stamp reference only

Explanation

A court reporter's core duty is to produce a verbatim record of what was said, preserving the speaker's exact words. Paraphrasing or summarizing would alter the official record and defeat the purpose of a transcript.