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GA Court Reporter practice questions

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Question 1Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

On a stenotype machine, how many main keys does the standard keyboard contain, and how are they arranged?

  1. 23 keys arranged in two rows plus a number bar Correct answer.
  2. 26 keys arranged in a curved ergonomic layout
  3. 24 keys arranged in three rows of eight
  4. 22 keys arranged in a single horizontal row

Explanation

The standard stenotype keyboard has 23 keys: a number bar across the top, an upper row of ten consonant keys, and a lower row of ten keys plus four vowels in the center. The layout reflects the phonetic structure of the chord system rather than the alphabet.

Question 2Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

A court reporter's realtime feed displays untranslated strokes as what kind of output in most CAT software?

  1. Raw steno notes shown in brackets or highlighted form Correct answer.
  2. Silent gaps with no visual indicator
  3. Blank spaces that hide the untranslated material
  4. Automatic English guesses based on phonetics

Explanation

When the dictionary lacks an entry for a stroke, CAT software typically displays the raw steno in brackets or with highlighting so the reporter can see and fix the untranslated material. Blank or silent output would hide errors and defeat the purpose of realtime monitoring.

Question 3Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

In stenotype writing, what is a 'chord'?

  1. A sequence of strokes written left to right across the paper
  2. Multiple keys pressed simultaneously to produce a syllable or word Correct answer.
  3. A punctuation mark inserted by the software
  4. A single key pressed alone to produce one letter

Explanation

A chord is the simultaneous depression of two or more keys, which the machine records as one stroke representing a sound, syllable, or whole word. Chording is what allows stenotype speed to exceed typing speed.

Question 4Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

Which statement best describes the purpose of a stenotype dictionary entry?

  1. It schedules the reporter's calendar and billing
  2. It defines legal terminology for the court's glossary
  3. It stores audio recordings of the proceedings for later review
  4. It maps a specific steno stroke or stroke pattern to an English word or phrase Correct answer.

Explanation

A dictionary entry links a steno stroke pattern to the English text that should appear in the transcript. Building and maintaining these entries is central to producing accurate realtime translation.

Question 5Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

When a reporter writes a brief form such as a single stroke for a common phrase, what is the main transcription risk?

  1. The brief may conflict with another entry and translate incorrectly Correct answer.
  2. The brief always slows down the writing speed
  3. The brief removes punctuation from the transcript
  4. The brief cannot be edited after the fact

Explanation

Briefs increase speed but can collide with other dictionary entries, producing an unexpected word in the transcript. Reporters manage this by testing briefs and organizing the dictionary to avoid conflicts.

Question 6Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

What does the term 'stroke' refer to in machine shorthand?

  1. One complete press of one or more keys recorded as a single unit Correct answer.
  2. The pause between spoken words
  3. The speed setting on the stenotype machine
  4. A correction mark made on the paper tape

Explanation

A stroke is one depression of the keyboard, whether one key or several keys at once, and it is recorded as a single unit on the paper or in memory. The number of strokes per minute is a common measure of writing speed.

Question 7Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

Why do court reporters proofread machine-generated transcripts rather than trusting the translation blindly?

  1. Because the software cannot produce punctuation at all
  2. Because juries require handwritten notes
  3. Because homophones and brief conflicts can produce wrong words Correct answer.
  4. Because the machine records only every other word

Explanation

Steno translation relies on dictionary matching, so homophones, brief conflicts, and undefined strokes can yield incorrect words even when the strokes were written correctly. Proofreading catches these errors before the transcript is certified.

Question 8Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

Which practice best supports transcription accuracy when a witness uses an uncommon proper name repeatedly?

  1. Ignore the name and substitute a generic term
  2. Create a dedicated brief or dictionary entry for the name early Correct answer.
  3. Ask the witness to spell the name only at the end of testimony
  4. Write the name phonetically each time without review

Explanation

Establishing a dedicated entry for an uncommon name early prevents repeated untranslates and inconsistent spellings throughout the transcript. The reporter can confirm the spelling on the record and then write it consistently.

Question 9Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

A reporter's realtime output shows 'THE COURT IS NOW IN SESSIONS' when the speaker said 'session.' What is the most likely cause?

  1. The microphone picked up an echo
  2. The speaker actually said 'sessions'
  3. The number bar was engaged
  4. A dictionary entry mapped the stroke to a plural form Correct answer.

Explanation

An incorrect plural usually indicates that the stroke pattern was defined with an -S ending in the dictionary or that a conflicting entry translated to the plural. Reviewing and correcting the entry resolves the recurring error.

Question 10Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

In a transcript, a speaker says 'The defendant, uh, he left at nine.' How should the reporter generally handle the filler in a verbatim transcript?

  1. Replace the filler with a bracketed note
  2. Transcribe the filler as spoken, including the hesitation Correct answer.
  3. Move the filler to the end of the sentence
  4. Delete the filler to improve readability

Explanation

A verbatim transcript preserves the speaker's words, including hesitations and fillers, because they may bear on credibility or meaning. Reporters remove fillers only when the transcript format or the court directs otherwise.

Question 11Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

A reporter notices the same stroke translating as 'there' in one place and 'their' in another within the same paragraph. Which explanation fits best?

  1. The software randomly alternates homophones
  2. Two different dictionary entries were assigned to the same stroke Correct answer.
  3. The number bar was engaged intermittently
  4. The speaker pronounced the words differently

Explanation

Homophones share the same sound and therefore the same stroke, so the reporter must assign distinct strokes or use editing to select the correct word. When one stroke maps to multiple entries, the output can vary unpredictably.

Question 12Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

What is the primary function of the number bar on a stenotype keyboard?

  1. To reset the dictionary to defaults
  2. To lock the machine for transport
  3. To shift the entire keyboard into uppercase letters
  4. To produce numerals when pressed with other keys Correct answer.

Explanation

Pressing the number bar together with letter keys produces numerals according to a defined mapping. This allows digits to be written without leaving the home position.

Question 13Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

A reporter must produce a certified transcript. Which step most directly protects accuracy before certification?

  1. Relying on the realtime feed without further review
  2. Shortening long speeches to fit page limits
  3. Deleting unclear passages to avoid errors
  4. Comparing the transcript against audio and correcting untranslates Correct answer.

Explanation

Certification confirms the transcript is a true record, so reporters verify against the audio and resolve untranslates and mistranslations before signing. Skipping this step risks certifying an inaccurate record.

Question 14Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

Which factor most affects a stenographer's ability to maintain accuracy at high words-per-minute rates?

  1. The color of the paper tape
  2. The length of the microphone cable
  3. The font used in the transcript
  4. Consistent chord formation and brief usage Correct answer.

Explanation

Accuracy at speed depends on reliable chord formation and a well-practiced brief system that reduces the number of strokes per word. Physical and formatting details do not determine writing accuracy.

Question 15Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

A reporter writes a stroke that produces no English text in the transcript. What is the standard first corrective action?

  1. Delete the stroke from the record
  2. Define the stroke in the dictionary to the intended word Correct answer.
  3. Ask the speaker to repeat the sentence
  4. Restart the software

Explanation

An untranslate means the dictionary lacks a matching entry, so the reporter defines the stroke to the intended word. This resolves the gap without altering the record.

Question 16Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

When two speakers overlap, what is the most accurate transcription approach?

  1. Omit the overlapping portion entirely
  2. Assign all overlapping words to the first speaker
  3. Capture as much as possible and mark the overlap clearly Correct answer.
  4. Merge both speakers' words into one paragraph without attribution

Explanation

Overlapping speech should be captured as fully as possible and marked so readers understand the simultaneous talk. Omitting or misattributing overlap distorts the record.

Question 17Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

Which transcription convention is standard for indicating that a word was unintelligible on the audio?

  1. Writing the word phonetically as heard
  2. Inserting a bracketed notation such as [inaudible] Correct answer.
  3. Substituting a plausible word that fits the context
  4. Leaving a blank line

Explanation

A bracketed notation such as [inaudible] signals that the audio could not be resolved without inventing content. Substituting guesses or phonetic spellings would misrepresent the record.

Question 18Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

A reporter is building a dictionary and finds that a proposed brief conflicts with an existing high-frequency entry. What is the best resolution?

  1. Delete the high-frequency entry
  2. Keep both entries and hope context resolves them
  3. Reassign the brief to a distinct stroke pattern Correct answer.
  4. Use the conflicting brief only in realtime

Explanation

Conflicting entries cause unpredictable translation, so the brief should be reassigned to a stroke pattern that does not collide. Removing an established high-frequency entry would create new errors.

Question 19Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

What is the effect of a 'define' stroke in many CAT systems when written after an untranslated stroke?

  1. It inserts a paragraph break
  2. It opens a dialog to assign English text to the stroke Correct answer.
  3. It changes the speaker identification
  4. It deletes the preceding stroke

Explanation

A define stroke tells the software to prompt the reporter to enter the English equivalent for the preceding stroke, adding it to the dictionary. This streamlines correction during realtime writing.

Question 20Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

A reporter consistently mistranslates 'statute' as 'statue.' Which corrective step addresses the root cause?

  1. Manually editing each occurrence without changing the dictionary
  2. Lowering the realtime display speed
  3. Adding a distinct stroke or entry for 'statute' Correct answer.
  4. Asking the court to avoid the word

Explanation

The recurring error stems from a dictionary mapping that produces the wrong homophone, so the reporter must create a distinct stroke or entry for the intended word. Manual edits alone leave the root cause in place.

Question 21Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

In the context of machine shorthand, what does 'writing realtime' require beyond accurate steno writing?

  1. A second reporter to type the transcript
  2. A jury monitor for each juror
  3. A trained dictionary with high translation rates and immediate error correction Correct answer.
  4. Audio recording only, with no dictionary

Explanation

Realtime display depends on a well-developed dictionary that translates most strokes correctly and on the reporter's ability to correct untranslates instantly. Without these, the live feed would be riddled with raw steno.

Question 22Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

A transcript contains the sentence 'Counsel objection sustained.' Which transcription issue does this most clearly illustrate?

  1. Incorrect capitalization of a proper name
  2. Missing punctuation and speaker attribution Correct answer.
  3. Misnumbered exhibit references
  4. Untranslated steno in the body

Explanation

The sentence lacks the punctuation and attribution that distinguish the court's ruling from counsel's statement, making the exchange ambiguous. Accurate transcripts separate speakers and punctuate rulings clearly.

Question 23Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

Why is a reporter's dictionary considered a personal and evolving asset in machine shorthand practice?

  1. It reflects each reporter's stroke habits and grows through ongoing editing Correct answer.
  2. It is identical for every reporter and never changes
  3. It only stores legal citations
  4. It is fixed by the manufacturer at purchase

Explanation

Reporters form strokes differently, so each dictionary is tailored to individual writing patterns and expands as new terms and briefs are added. This personalization is why dictionaries are continuously maintained.

Question 24Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

A reporter must transcribe a witness who spells a surname letter by letter. Which approach best preserves accuracy?

  1. Write the letters phonetically and hope the dictionary resolves them
  2. Substitute a similar-sounding surname
  3. Use designated letter strokes or fingerspelling and verify the spelling on the record Correct answer.
  4. Omit the spelling and use only the spoken name

Explanation

Designated letter strokes or fingerspelling allow the reporter to capture spelled names precisely, and confirming the spelling on the record guards against error. Guessing or omitting the spelling risks an inaccurate record.

Question 25Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

Which scenario best demonstrates an analysis-level judgment about transcription accuracy?

  1. Reading back a sentence from the realtime screen
  2. Changing the font size of the transcript
  3. Pressing the number bar to write a date
  4. Recognizing that a repeated mistranslation stems from a brief collision and revising the dictionary Correct answer.

Explanation

Diagnosing a pattern of errors and tracing it to a dictionary conflict requires analysis rather than simple recall or routine action. The reporter identifies the root cause and fixes it systematically.

Question 26Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

In machine shorthand, what does the term 'brief' refer to?

  1. A shortened stroke or stroke combination assigned to a word or phrase Correct answer.
  2. A note requesting clarification from a speaker during transcription
  3. A temporary file created by the CAT software during realtime writing
  4. A summary of testimony prepared for the judge after a hearing

Explanation

A brief is a condensed stroke form, often one stroke, that a reporter assigns to a frequently occurring word or phrase to increase speed and reduce finger travel. Briefs are stored in the reporter's personal dictionary and are a core component of machine shorthand efficiency.

Question 27Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

Which keyboard component on a stenotype machine is used to produce numbers?

  1. The asterisk key
  2. The initial consonant keys
  3. The vowel keys
  4. The number bar Correct answer.

Explanation

The number bar is a horizontal bar above the main key rows; pressing it together with certain letter keys produces digits. The asterisk key serves other functions such as corrections and dictionary commands, not numeral entry.

Question 28Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

What is the primary purpose of a reporter's personal dictionary in CAT software?

  1. To store the official court rules for transcript formatting
  2. To archive audio recordings for later verification
  3. To track billable hours for each assignment
  4. To map steno strokes to the reporter's preferred English translations Correct answer.

Explanation

The personal dictionary is the reporter's mapping of strokes to text, including briefs, phrases, and proper names. Because each reporter writes differently, the dictionary must be customized to that reporter's writing style to translate accurately.

Question 29Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

A witness says 'The plaintiff, uh, signed the document on May 3.' How should the reporter generally render the hesitation in the transcript?

  1. Delete the hesitation to improve readability
  2. Replace the hesitation with '[inaudible]'
  3. Paraphrase the sentence without the hesitation
  4. Include the hesitation as spoken, often as 'uh' Correct answer.

Explanation

Verbatim transcription preserves the speaker's actual words, including verbal hesitations, because they may bear on meaning or credibility. Reporters do not clean up or paraphrase testimony unless a specific rule or agreement allows it.

Question 30Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

What does the term 'conflict' mean in the context of a CAT dictionary?

  1. A disagreement between the reporter and the judge about transcript format
  2. A situation where one stroke is assigned two different translations Correct answer.
  3. A mismatch between the audio timestamp and the transcript page
  4. A hardware failure during realtime writing

Explanation

A conflict occurs when a stroke already has a dictionary entry and the reporter tries to assign a different translation to the same stroke. CAT software typically flags conflicts so the reporter can decide whether to replace, merge, or create a new stroke.

Question 31Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

Which punctuation mark is most appropriate to indicate an incomplete or interrupted utterance in a transcript?

  1. A period
  2. A semicolon
  3. An em dash Correct answer.
  4. A question mark

Explanation

An em dash is conventionally used to show that a speaker was cut off or stopped abruptly mid-sentence. A period would falsely suggest a completed thought, and a semicolon joins independent clauses rather than marking interruption.

Question 32Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

What is the role of a scopist in the production of a court transcript?

  1. To edit and proofread the reporter's draft transcript for accuracy Correct answer.
  2. To certify the transcript as an official court record
  3. To operate the audio recording equipment in the courtroom
  4. To administer oaths to witnesses before testimony

Explanation

A scopist reviews and edits the reporter's translated draft, correcting mistranslations, punctuation, and formatting before the reporter's final review. The reporter remains responsible for the accuracy and certification of the transcript.

Question 33Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

Which practice best helps a reporter maintain accuracy when a speaker uses rapid, technical jargon?

  1. Writing every word in full without using briefs
  2. Pre-building dictionary entries for likely technical terms before the proceeding Correct answer.
  3. Relying on the CAT software to auto-correct unknown terms
  4. Slowing the speaker by interrupting frequently

Explanation

Loading technical terms and phrases into the dictionary in advance reduces hesitation and mistranslation during fast testimony. Preparation tailored to the subject matter is a standard accuracy strategy for machine shorthand reporters.

Question 34Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

What does 'readback' mean in court reporting practice?

  1. Reading the steno notes back into the CAT software for re-translation
  2. Reading aloud prior testimony from the reporter's notes or screen on request Correct answer.
  3. Reviewing the dictionary for conflicting entries
  4. Comparing the audio recording to the transcript for verification

Explanation

Readback is the oral repetition of previously recorded testimony, typically requested by the judge or an attorney to resolve a dispute about what was said. The reporter locates the passage in the steno notes or realtime screen and reads it accurately.

Question 35Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

A reporter writes a stroke that translates as a homophone of the intended word, such as 'right' for 'write.' What is the most appropriate correction method?

  1. Use the CAT software's edit function to replace the word in the transcript Correct answer.
  2. Change the dictionary entry for that stroke permanently
  3. Re-record the audio to capture the correct word
  4. Leave the error and note it in a separate errata sheet

Explanation

Homophone errors are typically corrected during scoping or editing by replacing the mistranslated word with the correct one in the transcript. Permanent dictionary changes are reserved for recurring systematic errors, not one-off homophone slips.

Question 36Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

Which factor most directly causes a stroke to appear as untranslated in a CAT transcript?

  1. The stroke is not present in the active dictionary Correct answer.
  2. The reporter typed too slowly during the proceeding
  3. The audio recording was of poor quality
  4. The transcript was formatted with the wrong margin settings

Explanation

Untranslated strokes occur when the CAT software cannot find a matching entry in the active dictionary for the written stroke. The reporter must then define the stroke or correct the misstroke so it translates properly.

Question 37Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

What is the standard method for indicating that a portion of testimony was inaudible and could not be transcribed?

  1. Guessing the most likely words and marking them with italics
  2. Inserting a bracketed notation such as '[inaudible]' Correct answer.
  3. Leaving a blank line in the transcript
  4. Writing '[sic]' after the nearest word

Explanation

Bracketed notations like '[inaudible]' are the conventional way to show that the reporter could not hear or verify the words. Guessing or leaving blanks undermines the integrity and usability of the record.

Question 38Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

A reporter's realtime feed shows 'The witness TESTIFIED THAT HE WAS THEIR' when the intended word was 'there.' Which action best addresses this recurring issue?

  1. Disable realtime output during testimony
  2. Add a distinguishing stroke or brief for 'there' versus 'their' in the dictionary Correct answer.
  3. Ask the witness to repeat the sentence
  4. Ignore it because realtime is only a draft

Explanation

Recurring homophone mistranslations are best resolved by assigning distinct strokes or briefs to each word so the software can differentiate them. This improves both realtime accuracy and the final transcript.

Question 39Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

When a speaker self-corrects, saying 'We went to the store-the market-on Tuesday,' how should the reporter generally transcribe the self-correction?

  1. Mark the passage as inaudible
  2. Combine the two into a single word
  3. Retain both the original and corrected words as spoken Correct answer.
  4. Delete the first version and keep only the correction

Explanation

Verbatim transcription preserves self-corrections because they reflect the witness's actual statement and may affect interpretation. The reporter uses punctuation such as dashes to reflect the flow of speech.

Question 40Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

What is the primary purpose of a 'define' stroke in CAT software?

  1. To switch between audio channels
  2. To open a dialog for assigning a translation to a stroke Correct answer.
  3. To insert a standard objection phrase
  4. To mark the beginning of a new transcript page

Explanation

The define stroke invokes the dictionary definition function, allowing the reporter to map a stroke to text without leaving the writing screen. It is a core tool for building and updating the personal dictionary in real time.

Question 41Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

A reporter is about to cover a proceeding involving specialized medical testimony. Which preparation step most directly supports transcription accuracy?

  1. Arriving early to test the audio system
  2. Reviewing prior transcripts from the same courtroom
  3. Increasing the realtime display font size
  4. Building dictionary entries for likely medical terms and drug names Correct answer.

Explanation

Pre-loading specialized vocabulary into the dictionary reduces untranslated strokes and mistranslations during fast technical testimony. This targeted preparation is more directly tied to accuracy than general setup tasks.

Question 42Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

Which statement best describes the relationship between a reporter's steno notes and the final transcript?

  1. The transcript is a verbatim translation of the steno notes and must match them exactly
  2. The notes are discarded once the transcript is certified
  3. The transcript is generated independently of the notes by the audio recording
  4. The transcript is an edited rendering of the notes, corrected for translation and punctuation errors Correct answer.

Explanation

The steno notes are the raw record, and the transcript is produced by translating and editing those notes to correct mistranslations and punctuation. The reporter's edits must preserve the substance of what was said.

Question 43Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

What does 'writing realtime' require beyond accurate steno writing?

  1. A backup audio recording for every minute of testimony
  2. Manual typing of the transcript during the proceeding
  3. A second reporter to verify each stroke
  4. Immediate translation of strokes into readable text on a screen Correct answer.

Explanation

Realtime writing means the CAT software translates strokes instantly and displays them for participants to read as testimony proceeds. This demands a well-developed dictionary and consistent writing to minimize untranslated or garbled output.

Question 44Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

A transcript reads 'The doctor prescribed a new statue for the patient.' Based on context, what is the most likely error?

  1. An inaudible notation error
  2. A punctuation error
  3. A formatting error in the speaker identification
  4. A homophone mistranslation of 'statute' or 'statin' Correct answer.

Explanation

The context of a doctor prescribing medication indicates that 'statue' is a mistranslation, likely of 'statin' or a similar term. Homophone errors are common in CAT output and must be caught during scoping or editing.

Question 45Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

Which practice best supports consistency when a witness's name is unusual and appears throughout the transcript?

  1. Spell the name phonetically each time it occurs
  2. Use a generic placeholder such as 'the witness'
  3. Verify the spelling with counsel and add it to the dictionary Correct answer.
  4. Transcribe the name only on first mention

Explanation

Verifying the spelling on the record and adding the name to the dictionary ensures consistent, accurate rendering throughout the transcript. This prevents variations that could confuse readers or misidentify parties.

Question 46Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

A reporter notices that a brief intended for 'plaintiff' is occasionally translating as 'plaintive.' What is the most likely cause?

  1. The audio system is picking up background noise
  2. The witness is speaking too softly
  3. The CAT software has a virus
  4. The brief is written with an inconsistent stroke that matches two dictionary entries Correct answer.

Explanation

When a brief produces different translations, it usually means the written stroke is not identical each time or that two entries share the same stroke. Reviewing and standardizing the stroke or resolving the dictionary conflict corrects the issue.

Question 47Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

In a certified transcript, what does the reporter's certificate attest to?

  1. That the reporter used a specific CAT software brand
  2. That the transcript was produced within 24 hours of the proceeding
  3. That the transcript is a true and accurate record of the proceedings Correct answer.
  4. That the audio recording was destroyed after transcription

Explanation

The certificate is the reporter's sworn statement that the transcript accurately reflects the proceedings. It carries legal weight and requires the reporter to have verified the transcript before signing.

Question 48Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

A reporter is reviewing a draft and finds a passage where two attorneys spoke simultaneously, producing overlapping strokes. What is the most accurate approach to resolving the passage?

  1. Merge the overlapping speech into a single paragraph without attribution
  2. Mark the entire passage as inaudible
  3. Transcribe only the louder speaker and ignore the other
  4. Use the audio recording to reconstruct each speaker's words and attribute them correctly Correct answer.

Explanation

When speakers overlap, the reporter should consult the audio to separate and attribute each speaker's words as accurately as possible. This preserves the integrity of the record and clarifies who said what.

Question 49Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

A reporter's dictionary contains a brief that conflicts with a high-frequency word used in nearly every proceeding. What is the best long-term resolution?

  1. Keep the conflicting brief and correct errors manually each time
  2. Disable the dictionary and write everything in full
  3. Remove or reassign the conflicting brief to preserve the high-frequency entry Correct answer.
  4. Delete the high-frequency entry to make room for the brief

Explanation

High-frequency words should retain their established strokes because changing them would disrupt the reporter's writing rhythm across all transcripts. The less critical brief should be reassigned or removed to resolve the conflict.

Question 50Machine Shorthand Dictation and Transcription Accuracy

Which situation most clearly requires the reporter to interrupt the proceedings for clarification?

  1. A witness uses a common word that is already in the dictionary
  2. The judge calls a brief recess
  3. A witness gives a critical proper name or number that the reporter could not hear clearly Correct answer.
  4. An attorney speaks at a normal pace

Explanation

When a critical fact such as a name or number is unclear, the reporter should seek clarification on the record to ensure accuracy. Interrupting for routine or audible speech is unnecessary and disruptive.