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IA Court Reporter practice questions

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Question 1Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

On a stenographic keyboard, which keys make up the initial consonant bank operated by the left hand?

  1. -Z
  2. AO*EU
  3. FRPBLGTSDZ
  4. STKPWHR Correct answer.

Explanation

The steno layout places the initial consonants on the left-hand bank as STKPWHR, with vowels in the center and final consonants on the right. The asterisk sits above the vowel bank and is struck by a thumb. Memorizing the four banks is the foundation of writing any stroke.

Question 2Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

In stenographic writing, what does the term 'stroke' describe?

  1. A complete deposition transcript page
  2. A correction made during readback
  3. A pause taken between speakers
  4. A single simultaneous depression of one or more keys Correct answer.

Explanation

A stroke is one chord-like key depression that may involve several keys at once, producing a syllable, word, or phrase. Speed in steno comes from writing whole syllables per stroke rather than one letter per keystroke. Strokes are then translated into text by the CAT software.

Question 3Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

What is the primary function of the asterisk key on a stenographic machine?

  1. It inserts a paragraph break
  2. It marks a stroke as a correction or forces the raw steno to appear Correct answer.
  3. It capitalizes the next word
  4. It switches the machine into audio recording mode

Explanation

The asterisk is used to delete or flag a misstroke and to force untranslated steno into the transcript. Reporters use it constantly when a word is written incorrectly and must be undone. It does not control capitalization or layout, which the CAT software handles.

Question 4Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

Which statement best describes real-time translation in court reporting?

  1. Steno strokes are converted to text and displayed on screens as the testimony is spoken Correct answer.
  2. The transcript is generated only after the judge reviews the notes
  3. The audio is transcribed by hand after the proceeding ends
  4. A second reporter types a summary on a laptop

Explanation

Real-time reporting uses CAT software dictionaries to translate steno strokes instantly into text sent to monitors in the courtroom. It depends on a well-built personal dictionary and consistent writing. Delayed transcription is the opposite of real-time work.

Question 5Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

A reporter writes a word and immediately realizes the stroke was wrong. Which action best reflects standard steno practice for correcting it?

  1. Strike the asterisk to delete the misstroke, then write the word again Correct answer.
  2. Leave the error and fix it later during proofreading only
  3. Write the word twice so the software picks the better one
  4. Stop writing and ask the witness to repeat the answer

Explanation

Immediate correction with the asterisk keeps the steno notes clean and prevents mistranslation in real time. Waiting for proofreading risks the error appearing on the live feed. Asking for repetition disrupts the record unnecessarily.

Question 6Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

Which keys does the right hand use for final consonants on the steno keyboard?

  1. AOE
  2. *
  3. STKPWHR
  4. FRPBLGTSDZ Correct answer.

Explanation

The final consonant bank is FRPBLGTSDZ, struck by the right hand. Initials are on the left and vowels in the center, so the layout mirrors the sound order of a syllable. Knowing this bank helps a reporter build consistent outlines.

Question 7Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

What is a steno dictionary in computer-aided transcription software?

  1. A file mapping steno outlines to English words and phrases Correct answer.
  2. A list of legal terms approved by the court
  3. A glossary of witness names only
  4. A backup copy of the audio file

Explanation

The steno dictionary links each written outline to its translation, and the software consults it to convert strokes to text. Reporters build personal dictionaries over time to handle names, jargon, and phrases. It is not a legal glossary or an audio file.

Question 8Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

Why do reporters use briefs in stenographic writing?

  1. They allow common words or phrases to be written in fewer strokes Correct answer.
  2. They signal the court reporter to change paper
  3. They mark testimony that is off the record
  4. They shorten the transcript by removing filler words

Explanation

Briefs are short outlines assigned to frequently used words or phrases so the reporter can keep pace with speech. They are stored in the personal dictionary and must be memorized for reliable recall. Briefs do not alter the substance of the record.

Question 9Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

During a deposition, a reporter writes a proper name that translates incorrectly on the real-time feed. What is the most appropriate immediate step?

  1. Ask the attorney to spell the name aloud every time it appears
  2. Ignore it because names are always corrected at the end
  3. Write a correction stroke and later add the name to the personal dictionary Correct answer.
  4. Turn off real-time output for the remainder of the deposition

Explanation

Correcting the stroke keeps the live feed accurate, and adding the name to the dictionary prevents the error from recurring. This is standard real-time hygiene for unfamiliar proper nouns. Repeatedly asking for spelling or disabling real-time would disrupt the proceeding.

Question 10Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

A reporter must write the phrase 'at the time' as a single stroke. Which concept does this illustrate?

  1. Finger spelling
  2. Conflict resolution
  3. Audio synchronization
  4. Phrasing Correct answer.

Explanation

Phrasing combines multiple words into one stroke to increase speed and reduce keystrokes. The reporter assigns or memorizes an outline for the phrase and stores it in the dictionary. Finger spelling is reserved for items that cannot be phrased.

Question 11Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

What does a 'conflict' mean in CAT software?

  1. The audio and the steno notes are out of sync
  2. The reporter and attorney disagree on a spelling
  3. The machine battery is running low
  4. Two different steno outlines translate to the same English word Correct answer.

Explanation

A conflict occurs when two distinct outlines map to the same word, which can cause inconsistent writing. Reporters resolve conflicts by editing the dictionary so each outline has a unique translation. Conflicts are a dictionary issue, not a hardware or procedural one.

Question 12Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

Why is consistent fingering important when building a personal steno dictionary?

  1. It is required by the court's formatting rules
  2. It reduces the physical wear on the machine keys
  3. It allows the software to skip the translation step
  4. Inconsistent outlines create duplicate entries and unreliable translation Correct answer.

Explanation

If the same word is written with different outlines, the dictionary accumulates duplicates and the software may translate inconsistently. Consistent fingering keeps one reliable outline per word. Formatting rules and hardware wear are not the reason.

Question 13Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

A real-time feed shows an untranslated steno outline in brackets. What does this most likely indicate?

  1. The witness spoke too softly
  2. The outline is not yet defined in the loaded dictionary Correct answer.
  3. The reporter struck the asterisk key
  4. The audio feed was interrupted

Explanation

Untranslated steno appears when the software cannot find a matching dictionary entry for the outline. The reporter can define it on the fly or correct the stroke. Audio problems and asterisk use produce different symptoms.

Question 14Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

Which practice best supports accurate real-time captioning during rapid technical testimony?

  1. Pre-building dictionary entries for expected terminology before the proceeding Correct answer.
  2. Relying on the audio recording for the final text
  3. Writing every word letter by letter to avoid errors
  4. Disabling the dictionary to prevent wrong translations

Explanation

Pre-loading specialized terms into the dictionary lets the reporter write them confidently and keeps the live feed accurate. Finger spelling and disabling the dictionary would slow writing and increase errors. The audio recording is a backup, not the primary text source.

Question 15Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

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

  1. To mark the beginning of a new page
  2. To add a new outline-to-translation entry to the dictionary during writing Correct answer.
  3. To insert a time stamp into the transcript
  4. To switch the machine to a different language

Explanation

A define stroke lets the reporter create a dictionary entry on the fly without leaving the keyboard. This is essential for unfamiliar names and terms encountered mid-proceeding. Page breaks, time stamps, and language switching use different functions.

Question 16Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

A reporter notices that a common word now translates incorrectly after a recent dictionary edit. What is the most likely cause?

  1. The edit reassigned an outline that was already in use Correct answer.
  2. The machine's memory is full
  3. The audio cable is loose
  4. The witness changed the subject

Explanation

Editing a dictionary entry can overwrite or conflict with an existing outline, causing a previously correct word to translate differently. Reviewing the edit for conflicts restores accuracy. Memory, cabling, and topic changes do not alter translation mapping.

Question 17Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

Which describes the role of the vowel bank on the steno keyboard?

  1. It is struck by the thumbs to supply vowel sounds within a stroke Correct answer.
  2. It is struck by the left hand for initial consonants
  3. It is used only for punctuation
  4. It is a correction mechanism

Explanation

The vowel keys are operated by the thumbs and supply the vowel sounds of a syllable. Their position in the center of the keyboard lets them combine with initial and final consonants in one stroke. Punctuation and corrections are handled by other keys or software.

Question 18Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

Why might a reporter choose to write a number by finger spelling rather than by a number bar stroke?

  1. To avoid an ambiguous translation when the number bar outline conflicts with another entry Correct answer.
  2. Because the number bar is disabled during real-time
  3. To comply with a rule that numbers cannot be stroked
  4. Because finger spelling is always faster

Explanation

If a number-bar outline conflicts with an existing dictionary entry, finger spelling can produce a cleaner translation. The reporter weighs speed against accuracy. There is no rule prohibiting stroked numbers, and finger spelling is not generally faster.

Question 19Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

What does synchronization between the steno notes and the audio backup primarily provide?

  1. Automatic correction of all mistrokes
  2. A guarantee that the transcript needs no proofreading
  3. The ability to jump to the audio corresponding to a specific steno stroke Correct answer.
  4. Real-time translation without a dictionary

Explanation

Synchronized audio lets a reporter click a steno stroke or text and hear the matching audio, which is invaluable for proofreading and resolving unclear passages. It does not correct strokes or remove the need for review. Translation still depends on the dictionary.

Question 20Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

A reporter is asked to provide real-time text to a judge while also producing the certified transcript. Which workflow best balances both demands?

  1. Disable real-time to concentrate on the transcript
  2. Focus only on the live feed and skip proofreading
  3. Write cleanly with consistent outlines, correct errors immediately, and proofread against audio afterward Correct answer.
  4. Write everything in finger spelling to avoid dictionary conflicts

Explanation

Clean writing and immediate correction keep the live feed usable, while proofreading against synchronized audio ensures the certified transcript is accurate. Skipping proofreading or disabling real-time undermines one of the two deliverables. Finger spelling is too slow for testimony.

Question 21Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

Which scenario best demonstrates the value of a well-maintained personal dictionary in real-time reporting?

  1. The transcript requires no formatting afterward
  2. The audio backup becomes unnecessary
  3. The reporter's machine runs faster because the dictionary is large
  4. A recurring expert witness's name translates correctly on every appearance Correct answer.

Explanation

A dictionary entry for a frequently appearing name ensures consistent, correct translation each time, which is the core benefit of dictionary maintenance. Dictionary size does not affect machine speed, formatting, or the need for audio backup.

Question 22Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

A reporter's real-time feed repeatedly shows the same word mistranslated as a similar-sounding word. Which diagnostic step is most appropriate?

  1. Ask the speaker to change vocabulary
  2. Reduce the real-time display font size
  3. Inspect the dictionary entry for the outline and check for a conflicting homophone Correct answer.
  4. Replace the machine's keyboard

Explanation

Repeated mistranslation of the same word points to a dictionary mapping issue, often a homophone conflict. Reviewing and correcting the entry resolves it. Hardware changes, vocabulary requests, and display settings do not address translation mapping.

Question 23Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

Why can aggressive use of long phrase briefs become counterproductive in real-time reporting?

  1. Phrase briefs slow the reporter's writing speed
  2. A single misstroke in a long phrase brief can garble several words at once Correct answer.
  3. Phrase briefs cannot be stored in a personal dictionary
  4. Phrase briefs are not supported by CAT software

Explanation

Long phrase briefs pack several words into one stroke, so an error affects the whole phrase and can produce confusing output on the live feed. Reporters balance speed gains against the risk of larger errors. CAT software supports phrase briefs and they generally increase speed.

Question 24Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

During real-time captioning of a technical hearing, a new acronym is spoken repeatedly. What is the most efficient approach?

  1. Ignore the acronym and let it appear as untranslated steno
  2. Finger spell the acronym every time it appears
  3. Define a short outline for the acronym on the fly and use it for subsequent occurrences Correct answer.
  4. Ask the speaker to stop using the acronym

Explanation

Defining a short outline once lets the reporter write the acronym quickly and accurately for the rest of the proceeding. Repeated finger spelling is slow, and leaving it untranslated degrades the feed. The reporter should not restrict the speaker's vocabulary.

Question 25Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

A reporter must decide between two outlines for the same word to keep the dictionary conflict-free. Which criterion is most sound?

  1. Choose the outline with the most keys to reduce ambiguity
  2. Choose whichever outline the software suggests first
  3. Choose the outline that looks most like the English spelling
  4. Choose the outline that is fastest to write and least likely to collide with another entry Correct answer.

Explanation

The best outline balances writing speed with uniqueness, since collisions with other entries cause conflicts. Longer or spelling-based outlines may be slower and still collide. Relying on the software's first suggestion does not guarantee conflict-free mapping.

Question 26Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

On a standard stenographic keyboard, which fingers operate the four keys labeled -S, -D, -Z, and -T on the lower bank?

  1. The left hand, specifically the index and middle fingers
  2. The thumbs, working the center of the keyboard
  3. The right hand, specifically the index and middle fingers Correct answer.
  4. The little fingers of both hands at the outer edges

Explanation

The steno keyboard splits into a left-hand consonant bank, a vowel bank under the thumbs, and a right-hand consonant bank. The lower right keys -S, -D, -Z, and -T are struck by the right index and middle fingers, mirroring the left-hand S-, T-, K-, and P- positions. Consistent assignment of fingers to keys is what makes chorded writing repeatable.

Question 27Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

A reporter writes a stroke that the CAT software cannot match to any dictionary entry, so the raw stenographic outline appears on screen. What is the standard term for this outcome?

  1. A define
  2. An untranslate Correct answer.
  3. A misstroke
  4. A conflict

Explanation

When the software finds no dictionary entry for a written stroke, the outline is displayed untranslated, commonly called an untranslate. Conflicts, by contrast, occur when one outline maps to multiple candidate translations and the software must choose. Recognizing the difference guides whether the reporter defines a new entry or resolves a duplicate.

Question 28Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

A reporter wants the single stroke for a frequently heard phrase to expand into that phrase in the transcript. Which CAT feature accomplishes this?

  1. A number-bar conversion setting
  2. An audio synchronization marker
  3. A global search-and-replace macro
  4. A phrase brief stored in the dictionary Correct answer.

Explanation

A phrase brief is a short outline defined in the steno dictionary to translate as a multi-word phrase, letting the reporter capture common expressions in one stroke. The dictionary performs the expansion automatically during writing, so no post-processing step is needed. This differs from editing tools that act on already-translated text.

Question 29Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

A reporter is building a real-time feed for a hearing where a new expert will repeatedly use an unfamiliar product name. Which approach best keeps the feed clean from the first mention?

  1. Add the name to the personal dictionary before the proceeding begins Correct answer.
  2. Rely on the software's phonetic guessing to approximate the name
  3. Write the name letter by letter each time it is spoken
  4. Wait until the hearing ends and correct the name in the final transcript

Explanation

Loading the term into the personal dictionary before the proceeding means the first spoken instance already translates correctly on the real-time feed. Preemptive dictionary building is standard preparation for hearings with known technical vocabulary. Finger spelling or post-hearing correction leaves the live feed inaccurate during the event.

Question 30Court Reporting Theory, Stenographic Machine Operation, and Real-Time Technology

A reporter's real-time feed keeps rendering a recurring term as a different, similarly spelled word, and the reporter confirms the fingering is correct every time. What does this pattern most strongly suggest?

  1. A conflicting dictionary entry maps that outline to the wrong word Correct answer.
  2. The writer is consistently misstroking the outline
  3. The number bar is enabled when it should be disabled
  4. The audio backup is out of sync with the steno notes

Explanation

If the same correct outline reliably produces the same wrong word, the fault lies in the dictionary mapping rather than in the writing. A duplicate or conflicting entry is assigning that outline to the wrong translation, and it must be located and corrected. Consistent output from consistent input is the signature of a dictionary problem, not a fingering problem.

Question 31English Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, and Vocabulary

In a court transcript, which sentence uses the apostrophe correctly to show that the exhibit belongs to a single witness?

  1. The exhibit is the witnesss' sworn statement.
  2. The exhibit is the witness' sworn statement.
  3. The exhibit is the witnesses sworn statement.
  4. The exhibit is the witness's sworn statement. Correct answer.

Explanation

A singular noun forms the possessive by adding an apostrophe plus s, so witness becomes witness's. Because the sentence refers to one witness, the plural possessive witnesses' would misrepresent the record. Court reporters must preserve such distinctions since they can change the meaning of testimony on appeal.

Question 32English Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, and Vocabulary

A deponent says: 'I seen the defendant leave.' How should a court reporter render this in a verbatim transcript that preserves the speaker's exact words?

  1. I have seen the defendant leave.
  2. I had seen the defendant leave.
  3. I seen the defendant leave. Correct answer.
  4. I saw the defendant leave.

Explanation

A verbatim transcript records the speaker's actual words, including nonstandard grammar, because altering testimony could mislead the court. The reporter may later flag the usage, but the transcript itself must reproduce 'I seen' exactly. Correcting the deponent's speech would violate the reporter's duty of accuracy.

Question 33English Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, and Vocabulary

Which sentence in a transcript's index uses the colon correctly?

  1. The following exhibits were marked, A, B, and C.
  2. The following exhibits: were marked A, B, and C.
  3. The following exhibits were marked; A, B, and C.
  4. The following exhibits were marked: A, B, and C. Correct answer.

Explanation

A colon introduces a list or elaboration after an independent clause, and 'The following exhibits were marked' is a complete clause. The colon correctly signals that the enumerated items follow. A comma or semicolon cannot perform this introductory function, and a colon placed after the subject interrupts the clause improperly.

Question 34English Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, and Vocabulary

Choose the sentence that uses 'principal' and 'principle' correctly in a legal context.

  1. The principal witness testified about the principle of attorney-client privilege. Correct answer.
  2. The principle witness testified about the principal of attorney-client privilege.
  3. The principal witness testified about the principal of attorney-client privilege.
  4. The principle witness testified about the principle of attorney-client privilege.

Explanation

Principal as an adjective means chief or main, so 'principal witness' is correct. Principle as a noun means a fundamental rule or doctrine, so 'principle of attorney-client privilege' is correct. These homophones are frequently confused and a reporter must spell them according to meaning.

Question 35English Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, and Vocabulary

In the sentence 'The court ruled that the evidence was inadmissible, therefore the jury never saw it,' what punctuation error should a proofreader flag?

  1. An incorrect use of the subjunctive mood.
  2. A dangling modifier at the start of the sentence.
  3. A comma splice joining two independent clauses. Correct answer.
  4. A missing apostrophe in a possessive noun.

Explanation

The word 'therefore' is a conjunctive adverb, and joining two independent clauses with only a comma before it creates a comma splice. The correct fix is a semicolon before 'therefore' or a period with a new sentence. Court reporters proofreading transcripts must catch such errors while preserving meaning.

Question 36English Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, and Vocabulary

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon in a transcript narrative?

  1. Counsel objected, the judge sustained the objection.
  2. Counsel objected; and the judge sustained the objection.
  3. Counsel objected; the judge sustained the objection. Correct answer.
  4. Counsel objected: the judge sustained the objection.

Explanation

A semicolon joins two closely related independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction. 'Counsel objected' and 'the judge sustained the objection' are each complete clauses, so the semicolon is appropriate. Using a comma alone would create a splice, and adding 'and' after a semicolon misuses the mark.

Question 37English Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, and Vocabulary

Which spelling is correct for the legal term meaning a formal request that a higher court review a decision?

  1. appel
  2. appeale
  3. apeal
  4. appeal Correct answer.

Explanation

The correct spelling is 'appeal,' with a double p and a single l at the end. Court reporters must spell legal terms precisely because misspellings can undermine the credibility of a certified transcript. The other forms drop or add letters incorrectly.

Question 38English Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, and Vocabulary

In the sentence 'Neither the plaintiff nor the defendants was present at the deposition,' which correction is needed?

  1. Change 'Neither' to 'Either' to reflect the meaning.
  2. No change is needed; the sentence is correct.
  3. Change 'was' to 'were' because the nearer subject is plural. Correct answer.
  4. Change 'defendants' to 'defendant' to match 'was.'

Explanation

With 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the subject nearest to it. 'Defendants' is plural and closer to the verb, so 'were' is required. This proximity rule matters in transcripts where parties are named precisely.

Question 39English Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, and Vocabulary

Which sentence uses the word 'affect' correctly in a courtroom context?

  1. The ruling will affect how future depositions are conducted. Correct answer.
  2. The judge showed little affect during the testimony.
  3. The affect of the ruling was immediate.
  4. The ruling will have an affect on how depositions are conducted.

Explanation

Affect is normally a verb meaning to influence, while effect is usually the noun meaning result. 'Will affect how depositions are conducted' uses the verb correctly. The noun sense of affect (an emotional display) exists but does not fit the other sentences.

Question 40English Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, and Vocabulary

What is the correct plural of 'affidavit' as used in a transcript index?

  1. affidavities
  2. affidavit's
  3. affidavits Correct answer.
  4. affidavixes

Explanation

Regular nouns ending in a consonant plus t simply add s to form the plural, so the plural is 'affidavits.' The apostrophe form is possessive, not plural, and the other endings are invented. Accurate pluralization keeps an index usable.

Question 41English Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, and Vocabulary

Which sentence uses the em dash correctly to show an interruption in testimony?

  1. I was about to say, no, strike that.
  2. I was about to say; no, strike that.
  3. I was about to say-no, strike that. Correct answer.
  4. I was about to say: no, strike that.

Explanation

An em dash marks a sudden break or interruption in speech, which is exactly what occurs when a deponent stops mid-sentence. Commas, semicolons, and colons signal different relationships and do not convey abrupt interruption. Reporters use dashes deliberately to reflect broken speech.

Question 42English Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, and Vocabulary

Identify the sentence in which the pronoun reference is clear enough for a certified transcript.

  1. When the witness spoke to the attorney, it took careful notes.
  2. When the witness spoke to the attorney, the attorney took careful notes. Correct answer.
  3. When the witness spoke to the attorney, she took careful notes.
  4. When the witness spoke to the attorney, they took careful notes.

Explanation

A pronoun must refer unambiguously to one antecedent. In the original, 'she' could refer to either the witness or the attorney, so repeating the noun removes doubt. Transcripts demand clarity because ambiguous references can be misread on appeal.

Question 43English Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, and Vocabulary

Which word correctly completes the sentence: 'The witness testified that he had ______ the document before signing it'?

  1. readed
  2. reed
  3. red
  4. read Correct answer.

Explanation

The past participle of 'read' is spelled 'read' even though it is pronounced like 'red.' The sentence requires the past participle after 'had.' Reporters must spell homophones by grammatical function, not sound.

Question 44English Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, and Vocabulary

Which sentence correctly uses 'who' rather than 'whom'?

  1. The clerk who the judge addressed recorded the oath.
  2. The clerk who swore in the witness recorded the oath. Correct answer.
  3. Whom swore in the witness recorded the oath.
  4. The clerk whom swore in the witness recorded the oath.

Explanation

Who is the subject form and is correct when the pronoun performs the action, as in 'who swore in the witness.' Whom is the object form and belongs where the pronoun receives the action. Choosing correctly preserves grammatical precision in the record.

Question 45English Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, and Vocabulary

In the sentence 'Having been sworn, the reporter began transcribing the testimony,' what is the function of 'Having been sworn'?

  1. An absolute phrase modifying the whole sentence.
  2. A participial phrase modifying 'the reporter.' Correct answer.
  3. An infinitive phrase acting as an adverb.
  4. A gerund phrase acting as the subject.

Explanation

'Having been sworn' is a participial phrase, and its implied subject must match the main clause subject, 'the reporter.' Because the reporter was sworn, the modifier is correctly attached. Misattached participles produce dangling modifiers that confuse readers.

Question 46English Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, and Vocabulary

Which sentence uses the subjunctive mood correctly in a legal directive?

  1. The court ordered that the record is sealed.
  2. The court ordered that the record was sealed.
  3. The court ordered that the record will be sealed.
  4. The court ordered that the record be sealed. Correct answer.

Explanation

After verbs of ordering, demanding, or requesting, formal English uses the subjunctive 'be' regardless of tense. 'Ordered that the record be sealed' follows this pattern. The indicative forms shift the meaning toward a statement of fact rather than a directive.

Question 47English Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, and Vocabulary

Which sentence places the adverb correctly to convey that the witness paused only briefly?

  1. Only the witness paused before answering.
  2. The witness only paused before answering. Correct answer.
  3. The witness paused before only answering.
  4. The witness paused only before answering.

Explanation

The adverb 'only' should sit next to the word it limits. In 'The witness only paused,' only modifies the verb paused, indicating the pause was the sole action. Moving only changes which element is restricted, altering the meaning of testimony.

Question 48English Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, and Vocabulary

Which sentence uses the hyphen correctly in a compound modifier within a transcript narrative?

  1. The well known attorney objected to the leading question.
  2. The well-known attorney objected to the leading question. Correct answer.
  3. The well known-attorney objected to the leading question.
  4. The well-known-attorney objected to the leading question.

Explanation

A compound adjective before a noun takes a hyphen, as in 'well-known attorney,' to show that the words form a single modifier. Hyphenating the noun itself or omitting the hyphen entirely misrepresents the structure. Consistency in such modifiers aids readability.

Question 49English Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, and Vocabulary

Which sentence uses 'its' and 'it's' correctly?

  1. The court issued it's ruling; it's final now.
  2. The court issued its ruling; it's final now. Correct answer.
  3. The court issued it's ruling; its final now.
  4. The court issued its ruling; its final now.

Explanation

'Its' is the possessive form, while 'it's' is the contraction of 'it is.' The first clause needs the possessive and the second needs the contraction, so only the sentence using both correctly is acceptable. This distinction is a frequent proofreading target.

Question 50English Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, and Vocabulary

Which sentence correctly uses quotation marks around a witness's exact words within a longer sentence?

  1. The witness said, "I never signed that document".
  2. The witness said "I never signed that document".
  3. The witness said "I never signed that document."
  4. The witness said, "I never signed that document." Correct answer.

Explanation

In standard American style, a comma introduces the quotation and the period stays inside the closing quotation mark. This convention is required for consistent transcript formatting. The other options misplace the comma or the terminal period.