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Maharashtra HSC Stenography (Occupational) study materials
Maharashtra HSC Stenography (Occupational) study resources

Maharashtra HSC Stenography (Occupational) practice questions

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Question 1Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

In Pitman shorthand, which stroke represents the consonant sound heard at the beginning of the word 'pay'?

  1. A light straight upstroke
  2. A light curved stroke sloping down to the left
  3. A light straight downstroke Correct answer.
  4. A heavy horizontal stroke

Explanation

The consonant /p/ is written with a light straight stroke drawn downwards, so 'pay' begins with that downstroke. Lightness distinguishes it from the heavy stroke used for /b/, and direction distinguishes it from other straight consonants such as /t/ and /d/.

Question 2Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

A shorthand student writes the sign for /t/ as a light downward straight stroke. Which consonant is written with the corresponding heavy downward straight stroke?

  1. /s/
  2. /θ/
  3. /n/
  4. /d/ Correct answer.

Explanation

Pitman pairs consonants of the same place and direction by stroke weight: the light downstroke is /t/ and the heavy downstroke is its voiced partner /d/. Weight, not direction, is what separates the two members of this pair.

Question 3Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

How is a vowel placed when it is to be read after a stroke consonant in Pitman shorthand?

  1. On the same side as the consonant but above it
  2. Before the stroke, at its beginning
  3. Written as a separate heavy stroke following the consonant
  4. After the stroke, on the opposite side of the consonant Correct answer.

Explanation

A vowel sign placed after a stroke is written on the side opposite to that used for a vowel read before the stroke. This positional convention lets the reader recover vowel order without extra marks. The beginning, middle and end positions of the vowel sign also indicate where the vowel falls within the word.

Question 4Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

In Pitman shorthand, which stroke represents the consonant sound at the beginning of 'church'?

  1. A light curved stroke sloping down to the left
  2. A light curved stroke sloping down to the right
  3. A heavy curved stroke sloping down to the right Correct answer.
  4. A light horizontal stroke

Explanation

The sound at the start of 'church' is the affricate /tʃ/, written with a heavy curved stroke sloping down to the right. Its unvoiced partner in the same direction is the light curved stroke used for /ʃ/ (as in 'she'), so weight is the distinguishing feature.

Question 5Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

Which pair of consonants is distinguished in Pitman shorthand only by the thickness (weight) of otherwise identical strokes?

  1. /k/ and /t/
  2. /m/ and /n/
  3. /p/ and /b/ Correct answer.
  4. /l/ and /r/

Explanation

Pitman uses stroke weight to separate voiced from unvoiced consonants at the same place of articulation: /p/ is light and /b/ is heavy, drawn in the same direction. This light/heavy contrast is a core principle of the system and applies to several consonant pairs.

Question 6Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

A writer needs to express the consonant /s/ in Pitman shorthand. Which stroke is used?

  1. A light straight horizontal stroke
  2. A light curved stroke written downwards to the right Correct answer.
  3. A light curved stroke written downwards to the left
  4. A heavy curved stroke written downwards to the right

Explanation

The /s/ sound is written with a light curved stroke sloping down to the right, the same direction as the heavier /z/ stroke. Lightness marks it as unvoiced, and the rightward slope distinguishes it from the leftward-sloping curve family.

Question 7Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

In Pitman shorthand, the sound /ŋ/ (as at the end of 'sing') is normally represented by which sign?

  1. The stroke for /n/ followed by a small hook or a special sign Correct answer.
  2. A light straight upstroke
  3. A heavy curved stroke
  4. A light horizontal stroke

Explanation

The nasal /ŋ/ has no independent stroke of its own in the basic alphabet; it is shown by a modified form of the /n/ sign, commonly by an added hook or a distinct nasal stroke depending on the manual. Candidates should note that /ŋ/ is derived from /n/ rather than being a primary consonant stroke.

Question 8Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

What is the primary function of a vowel sign in Pitman shorthand when it is written in the middle position of a stroke?

  1. To show that the vowel comes at the end of the word
  2. To show that the vowel comes at the beginning of the word
  3. To indicate a long vowel rather than a short vowel
  4. To show that the vowel comes between two consonants Correct answer.

Explanation

The position of a vowel sign along the stroke (beginning, middle or end) tells the reader where the vowel falls in the sequence of sounds. A vowel written at the middle of a stroke therefore signals that it occurs between the consonant represented by the stroke and a following consonant. Length is shown by the shape of the vowel sign, not by its position.

Question 9Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

Which vowel sign is used for the short sound heard in the word 'bit'?

  1. A heavy dot placed in the first position
  2. A light dot placed in the first position Correct answer.
  3. A light dot placed in the third position
  4. A light dash placed in the first position

Explanation

Pitman's first-position vowel signs represent the short vowel /ɪ/ (as in 'bit') with a light dot, while the long /iː/ is a heavy dot in the same position. The dash forms belong to the /a/-type vowels, and the third position belongs to the /u/-type vowels.

Question 10Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

The vowel sign for the sound in 'cart' (long /ɑː/) is best described as which of the following?

  1. A heavy dot in the third position
  2. A heavy dash in the second position
  3. A light dot in the second position
  4. A light dash in the second position Correct answer.

Explanation

Pitman arranges vowels by position and by dot or dash: the second-position dash forms cover the open back vowels, with the light dash standing for the short /a/ and the heavy dash for the long /ɑː/. The word 'cart' therefore takes the heavy dash in the second position.

Question 11Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

What does a small circle written at the side of a stroke generally represent in Pitman shorthand?

  1. A punctuation mark indicating a full stop
  2. The consonant /m/
  3. The consonant /s/ or /z/, depending on which side and which stroke it attaches to Correct answer.
  4. The vowel /a/

Explanation

The small circle is the standard sign for the sibilants /s/ and /z/, and its position and the side of the stroke on which it is written determine which sound is read. This circle is one of the most economical devices in the system because it can be attached to many strokes.

Question 12Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

A shorthand writer adds a small loop to the end of a stroke. What does this loop most commonly indicate?

  1. The doubling of the stroke's consonant
  2. The addition of the consonant /s/ or /z/ in a fuller form than the circle Correct answer.
  3. The addition of the consonant /r/
  4. The addition of the vowel /iː/

Explanation

The loop is a larger form of the circle and is used for /s/ or /z/, particularly where a circle would be awkward or where a fuller, more visible sign is needed. It is not a vowel sign and does not double the consonant.

Question 13Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

In Pitman shorthand, what is the effect of writing a stroke at double its normal length?

  1. It indicates the addition of /t/ or /d/ to the consonant Correct answer.
  2. It indicates that the following word is a proper noun
  3. It indicates the addition of the vowel /uː/
  4. It indicates that the stroke is to be read as a vowel

Explanation

Lengthening a stroke adds the consonant /t/ or /d/, giving a compact way of writing clusters such as /pr/ + /t/ or /pl/ + /d/. The choice between /t/ and /d/ is resolved by context and by the following vowel sign.

Question 14Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

A writer wants to represent the cluster /pr/ as a single sign. Which device is used in Pitman shorthand?

  1. A small circle attached to the /r/ stroke
  2. An initial hook added to the /p/ stroke Correct answer.
  3. A vowel sign inserted between /p/ and /r/
  4. A final hook added to the /r/ stroke

Explanation

An initial hook attaches /r/ (or /l/) to a preceding consonant stroke, so a hook on the /p/ stroke yields the cluster /pr/. Initial hooks are distinguished from final hooks, which add /n/ or /f/ or /v/ at the end of a stroke.

Question 15Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

Which final hook, when added to a straight or curved stroke, most commonly represents the consonant /n/?

  1. A hook at the end of the stroke on the side away from the direction of writing Correct answer.
  2. A loop at the end of the stroke
  3. A hook at the beginning of the stroke
  4. A small circle at the beginning of the stroke

Explanation

Final hooks add consonants at the end of a stroke; the /n/ hook is placed at the end of the stroke and read after the stroke consonant. Its side placement follows the rules for final hooks, distinguishing it from the /f/ and /v/ hooks.

Question 16Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

What is a 'phraseogram' in Pitman shorthand?

  1. A special sign used only for proper nouns
  2. A diagram showing the position of vowels on the line
  3. A list of words arranged alphabetically in a shorthand dictionary
  4. A single outline representing a whole phrase or common word group Correct answer.

Explanation

A phraseogram joins the outlines of two or more words into one compact sign, which is a major source of speed in Pitman. Phraseograms are formed by writing the constituent outlines together without lifting the pen, often with modifications for fluency.

Question 17Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

When two words are joined in a phraseogram, what is the usual way of indicating that they are to be read as separate words rather than as one word?

  1. By inserting a full vowel sign between them
  2. By placing the second outline in a lower or higher position relative to the first Correct answer.
  3. By doubling the length of the second stroke
  4. By writing the second word in a heavier stroke

Explanation

In phraseography, the relative position of the joined outlines (raised, lowered or on the line) is used to show the separation of words and to suggest the correct reading. This positional device preserves speed while avoiding ambiguity between a single compound word and a phrase.

Question 18Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

In Pitman shorthand, what is the purpose of writing the first stroke of an outline in a particular position relative to the line of writing?

  1. To mark the outline as a proper noun
  2. To indicate the tense of the verb
  3. To show whether the word is singular or plural
  4. To fix the vowel values of the outline Correct answer.

Explanation

Pitman's system of position fixes the first stroke of an outline on, above or through the line, and this position determines which vowel sounds are read in the outline. Without this positional convention, dot and dash vowels would be ambiguous.

Question 19Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

An outline is written entirely above the line of writing. Which set of vowels does this position most directly help to establish?

  1. Second-position vowels
  2. No vowel information, since position affects only the first stroke
  3. First-position vowels Correct answer.
  4. Third-position vowels

Explanation

The position of the first stroke (on, above or through the line) corresponds to first, second or third position and so fixes the first vowel of the outline. An outline written above the line is therefore read with first-position vowels unless a vowel sign overrides it.

Question 20Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

Which of the following best describes a 'grammalogue' in Pitman shorthand?

  1. A vowel sign placed in the middle position
  2. A consonant stroke written at double length
  3. A word represented by a single simple sign rather than a full outline Correct answer.
  4. A phrase formed by joining two complete outlines

Explanation

Grammalogues are frequent words (such as 'the', 'and', 'of', 'to') written with a single simple sign or a short conventional stroke. They are memorised as a list and are essential for fluent speed writing.

Question 21Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

In Pitman shorthand, the grammalogue for the word 'and' is conventionally written as which sign?

  1. A short horizontal stroke
  2. A downward straight stroke
  3. A single dot Correct answer.
  4. A small circle alone

Explanation

'And' is one of the standard grammalogues and is represented by a single dot, which is quick to write and easily joined to neighbouring outlines. This is a memorised convention rather than a phonetic derivation.

Question 22Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

A shorthand student writes the outline for 'nation' using the /n/ stroke followed by the /ʃ/ stroke, omitting the vowel. Why is this acceptable in Pitman shorthand?

  1. Because vowels are always omitted in Pitman shorthand
  2. Because 'nation' is a grammalogue and cannot be written in full
  3. Because the consonant framework plus position and context usually makes the word clear Correct answer.
  4. Because the /ʃ/ stroke already contains the vowel sound

Explanation

Pitman is a phonetic system in which the consonant skeleton carries most of the meaning, and vowels are inserted only where needed to avoid ambiguity. Position and context resolve most omissions, so a consonant outline for 'nation' is readable.

Question 23Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

In Pitman shorthand, what does the 'halving' principle applied to a stroke indicate?

  1. The addition of /t/ or /d/ after the stroke consonant Correct answer.
  2. The removal of the vowel following the stroke
  3. The addition of /s/ or /z/ after the stroke consonant
  4. The addition of /r/ before the stroke consonant

Explanation

Halving shortens a stroke and adds a final /t/ or /d/, which is the counterpart of the doubling principle. Halving and doubling are used to compress common clusters and to speed up writing.

Question 24Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

A shorthand outline is written with a small circle on the left side of an upward straight stroke. Which sound is most likely indicated by that circle?

  1. /θ/
  2. /ʃ/
  3. /z/
  4. /s/ Correct answer.

Explanation

The side on which the circle is written determines whether it is read as /s/ or /z/; the left side of an upward stroke conventionally gives the unvoiced /s/. The circle's placement is fixed by the direction and curvature of the stroke it attaches to.

Question 25Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

Which statement correctly describes how the consonant /h/ is usually handled in Pitman shorthand?

  1. It is represented by a heavy curved stroke
  2. It is always omitted from the outline
  3. It has a full straight stroke of its own
  4. It is represented by a light dot placed before the following vowel Correct answer.

Explanation

The aspirate /h/ is written as a light dot, placed before the vowel it precedes, rather than as a full stroke. This keeps the outline compact and avoids an extra stroke in common words such as 'home' or 'hand'.

Question 26Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

In Pitman shorthand, which stroke represents the consonant /t/?

  1. A heavy straight stroke written downward
  2. A heavy curved stroke written forward
  3. A light straight stroke written downward Correct answer.
  4. A light curved stroke written upward

Explanation

Pitman pairs plosives by stroke weight and direction: /t/ is the light downward straight stroke, while /d/ is its heavy counterpart. Weight distinguishes voiceless from voiced members of the pair, and direction is fixed by the consonant table. Curved strokes belong to other consonant families, not to /t/.

Question 27Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

Which consonant pair in Pitman shorthand is distinguished purely by the weight of the stroke?

  1. /m/ and /n/
  2. /s/ and /z/
  3. /r/ and /l/
  4. /k/ and /g/ Correct answer.

Explanation

Pitman uses stroke weight to separate voiceless from voiced plosives, so /k/ (light) and /g/ (heavy) share the same direction and length and differ only in thickness. The same principle applies to /p/-/b/ and /t/-/d/. Other pairs listed differ by direction, curve shape, or circle size rather than by weight.

Question 28Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

A shorthand student needs the outline for the word 'impression'. Which treatment of the nasal before /pr/ is correct in Pitman?

  1. Write the /m/ stroke at double length
  2. Write the /m/ stroke in full followed by the /pr/ double consonant
  3. Write a small circle before the /pr/ stroke
  4. Use an initial hook on the /pr/ stroke for the preceding nasal Correct answer.

Explanation

A nasal immediately before a consonant is shown by a hook, so the /m/ before /pr/ is expressed by the initial hook on that double consonant rather than by a full stroke. This keeps the outline compact and avoids an unnecessary separate stroke. A circle would signal /s/, and doubling a stroke signals a following /tr/, /dr/, or /thr/, not a nasal.

Question 29Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

In Pitman shorthand, what does the 'shun' hook represent when it is attached to a stroke?

  1. The syllable /ʃən/ as in 'nation' Correct answer.
  2. The syllable /ɪŋ/ as in 'singing'
  3. The cluster /st/ as in 'best'
  4. The cluster /nt/ as in 'sent'

Explanation

The 'shun' hook is the standard abbreviation for the terminal syllable /ʃən/, typically spelled -tion, -sion, or -shion. It is attached to the preceding stroke so that words like 'nation' and 'action' need no separate /ʃ/ stroke. The other clusters listed have their own devices, such as the /st/ loop.

Question 30Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

A writer must express the word 'between' quickly in a phrase. Which device from Pitman phrasing is most appropriate?

  1. Insert a small circle between the two strokes
  2. Write each consonant as a separate full stroke with all vowels inserted
  3. Use a phraseogram that joins the words without lifting the pen Correct answer.
  4. Write the word above the line to show the vowel

Explanation

Phrasing joins words that are commonly used together into a single unbroken outline called a phraseogram, which saves time and pen lifts. The grammatical relationship is preserved by the joined strokes, so the reader can still separate the words. Writing every consonant in full defeats the purpose of phrasing.

Question 31Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

In Pitman shorthand, how is the consonant /w/ normally represented at the beginning of a word?

  1. A light upward straight stroke Correct answer.
  2. A short downward straight stroke
  3. A heavy curved stroke
  4. A small circle at the start of the outline

Explanation

The /w/ sound is written with a short straight stroke, and at the beginning of a word it is written upward and light. This distinguishes it from the downward strokes used for other consonants. Circles and heavy curves belong to different devices such as /s/ and the voiced plosives.

Question 32Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

Which vowel position is used for a vowel written after a downward straight stroke in Pitman shorthand?

  1. At the beginning of the stroke
  2. At the end of the stroke Correct answer.
  3. Above the line of writing
  4. At the middle of the stroke

Explanation

Vowel position relative to the stroke indicates whether the vowel comes before, in the middle of, or after the consonant. For a downward straight stroke, a vowel placed at the end of the stroke is read after that consonant. This positional convention lets the reader recover vowel order without writing every vowel sign fully.

Question 33Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

A shorthand writer wants to represent the sound /θ/ as in 'think'. Which stroke is used in Pitman?

  1. A heavy curved stroke written downward
  2. A heavy straight stroke written downward
  3. A light straight stroke written upward
  4. A light curved stroke written downward Correct answer.

Explanation

The two 'th' sounds are curved strokes, and /θ/ is the light one while /ð/ is the heavy one. Both are written downward. Straight strokes belong to other consonant families and cannot represent the dental fricative.

Question 34Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

A student writes the outline for 'prudent' using the /pr/ double consonant followed by a halved /d/ stroke. What does the halving indicate here?

  1. That the vowel before /d/ is long
  2. That the /d/ is preceded by /s/
  3. That the /d/ is followed by /t/ Correct answer.
  4. That the /d/ is doubled in length

Explanation

Halving a stroke adds a following /t/ (or /d/ after a light stroke), so a halved /d/ stroke signals the cluster /dt/ in this context. This is one of the standard ways Pitman compresses consonant clusters. Lengthening a stroke is a different device that adds /tr/, /dr/, or /thr/.

Question 35Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

Which describes the correct use of the /st/ loop in an outline such as 'best'?

  1. A small circle at the beginning of the stroke
  2. A hook at the end of the stroke
  3. A small loop at the end of the stroke Correct answer.
  4. A large loop at the beginning of the stroke

Explanation

The /st/ sound is represented by a small loop, and at the end of a stroke it is read after that consonant, giving the final cluster in 'best'. The loop is distinct from the small circle used for /s/ alone. Beginning loops and hooks serve other purposes.

Question 36Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

In Pitman shorthand, which device represents the sound /h/ at the beginning of a word?

  1. A full downward straight stroke
  2. A small circle on the stroke
  3. A doubled stroke
  4. A light dot placed before the vowel Correct answer.

Explanation

Initial /h/ is shown by a light dot placed at the beginning of the outline, just before the vowel position. This avoids writing a separate consonant stroke for a sound that is easily predicted from context. A circle and a doubled stroke serve entirely different purposes.

Question 37Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

A shorthand student is unsure whether to write a vowel sign in first, second, or third position. What does this vertical placement primarily record?

  1. The stress pattern of the sentence
  2. Which vowel sound is intended Correct answer.
  3. Whether the word is a noun or a verb
  4. The number of syllables in the word

Explanation

Pitman groups vowel signs by vertical position: first position near the top of the line, second in the middle, third near the bottom. The position therefore identifies which vowel sound the sign stands for. It does not encode syllable counts, parts of speech, or sentence stress.

Question 38Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

Which statement best explains why Pitman omits many vowels in ordinary outlines?

  1. Vowel signs cannot be written between strokes
  2. Omitting vowels shortens the outline but changes its meaning
  3. Context and consonant framework usually make the vowel recoverable Correct answer.
  4. Vowels are considered unimportant in English speech

Explanation

Pitman is a phonetic system in which consonants carry most of the meaning, and the surrounding context plus the consonant skeleton normally makes the intended vowel clear. Vowels are inserted where ambiguity would otherwise arise, such as in proper names or unfamiliar words. Omission is therefore a controlled speed device, not a claim that vowels are meaningless.

Question 39Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

A shorthand writer needs the outline for 'extra'. Which treatment of the /ks/ sound is standard in Pitman?

  1. Write the /k/ stroke at double length
  2. Use the /ks/ device, a small circle or hook combination on the /k/ stroke Correct answer.
  3. Write a full /k/ stroke followed by a full /s/ stroke
  4. Write the /s/ circle before the /k/ stroke

Explanation

The /ks/ sound is a standard abbreviation in Pitman, shown by combining the /k/ stroke with a circle or hook device rather than writing two full strokes. This keeps the outline compact and consistent with other clusters such as /st/. Doubling a stroke would add /tr/, /dr/, or /thr/ instead.

Question 40Shorthand Theory and Outlines (English Pitman system)

Which of the following correctly describes the grammalogue for the word 'the' in Pitman shorthand?

  1. A doubled downward stroke
  2. A single short stroke with no vowel
  3. A small circle at the end of a stroke
  4. A small dot on the line Correct answer.

Explanation

Very common words are written as grammalogues, and 'the' is represented by a dot placed on the line of writing. This is one of the shortest signs in the system because of the word's high frequency. A circle, a doubled stroke, and a plain short stroke serve other functions.

Question 41Shorthand Dictation and Transcription

In Pitman shorthand, which pair of characters represents the consonant sounds /p/ and /b/?

  1. Light and heavy strokes in the third position
  2. Light and heavy curves in the second position
  3. Light and heavy strokes in the first position Correct answer.
  4. Light and heavy hooks in the first position

Explanation

Pitman writes consonants as straight strokes whose thickness marks voicing and whose position on the line marks the vowel class. The plosives /p/ and /b/ are the light and heavy versions of the first-position straight stroke. The other positions belong to different consonant pairs.

Question 42Shorthand Dictation and Transcription

When a Pitman shorthand writer places a stroke in the second position, the vowel sound read after that stroke is normally which one?

  1. The long vowel /ɑː/ as in 'father'
  2. The short vowel /e/ as in 'pen'
  3. The short vowel /ɪ/ as in 'pit' Correct answer.
  4. The diphthong /aɪ/ as in 'pine'

Explanation

Pitman groups vowels into three positions tied to the writing line: first position for the broad/low vowels, second for the mid vowels such as /e/ and /ɪ/, and third for the high vowels. Within the second position, the light dot represents the short /ɪ/ and the heavy dot the short /e/.

Question 43Shorthand Dictation and Transcription

A dictation passage contains the phrase 'the manager has already signed the report'. Which Pitman device is used for the brief form of 'already'?

  1. A phraseograph joining 'all' and 'ready'
  2. A halved /l/ stroke with an /r/ hook
  3. A circle attached to the /r/ stroke
  4. A single logogram formed from the /l/ and /r/ strokes Correct answer.

Explanation

Pitman brief forms are single logograms that stand for a whole word, and 'already' is written as one such sign built from the /l/ and /r/ strokes. It is not written as a phraseograph, because a phraseograph joins two or more separate words. Recognising brief forms quickly is essential when taking dictation at speed.

Question 44Shorthand Dictation and Transcription

In a shorthand dictation test the passage is read at 80 words per minute. Approximately how many words should the candidate have written after three minutes of dictation?

  1. 320 words
  2. 240 words Correct answer.
  3. 200 words
  4. 160 words

Explanation

Words per minute multiplied by the number of minutes gives the total word count: 80 × 3 = 240. Speed figures in stenography examinations always refer to dictated words per minute, so the total grows linearly with time. Candidates should use this arithmetic to check whether their outline count keeps pace.

Question 45Shorthand Dictation and Transcription

Which statement correctly describes the purpose of phrasing in Pitman shorthand?

  1. It converts long vowels into diphthongs
  2. It replaces consonants with vowel signs
  3. It separates every word with a clear pen lift
  4. It joins two or more words into one outline to save writing time Correct answer.

Explanation

Phrasing combines common word groups, such as 'I have' or 'in order to', into a single continuous outline without lifting the pen. This reduces pen movement and raises speed during dictation. The device never alters the sounds themselves, only how words are joined on paper.

Question 46Shorthand Dictation and Transcription

During transcription, a candidate must expand the shorthand outline for 'government'. Which transcription is correct in standard British spelling used in Maharashtra HSC papers?

  1. governmant
  2. government Correct answer.
  3. governement
  4. goverment

Explanation

The correct spelling retains the medial 'n' before 'ment': government. Shorthand outlines record sounds, so a writer may hear a reduced vowel and wrongly drop a letter during expansion. Transcribers must therefore verify spelling against dictionary forms rather than the phonetic outline.

Question 47Shorthand Dictation and Transcription

A candidate transcribes a dictated sentence and writes 'The committee has submitted there report'. Which correction is required?

  1. Change 'has' to 'have'
  2. Change 'report' to 'reports'
  3. Change 'submitted' to 'submited'
  4. Change 'there' to 'their' Correct answer.

Explanation

The possessive determiner before 'report' must be 'their', not the place adverb 'there'. Homophones are a frequent transcription hazard because shorthand records sound rather than spelling. The transcriber must apply grammar to choose the correct homophone.

Question 48Shorthand Dictation and Transcription

In shorthand theory, what does halving a stroke generally indicate?

  1. The doubling of the consonant
  2. The insertion of a long vowel
  3. The addition of an initial /s/ sound
  4. The addition of a final /t/ or /d/ sound Correct answer.

Explanation

Halving a stroke is a standard Pitman device that adds a final /t/ or /d/ to the consonant represented by that stroke. It allows compact outlines for words ending in those sounds. The device concerns final consonants, not initial ones or vowels.

Question 49Shorthand Dictation and Transcription

A dictation includes the word 'nationalisation'. Which transcription correctly follows standard spelling?

  1. nashonalisation
  2. nationalizetion
  3. nationlisation
  4. nationalisation Correct answer.

Explanation

The word is built from 'nation' plus '-al' plus '-isation', giving nationalisation. The suffix '-isation' is the standard British form used in Indian official English. Transcribers should keep the full root 'nation' intact.

Question 50Shorthand Dictation and Transcription

Which punctuation mark should a transcriber insert where the dictator pauses and then begins a list of items after a complete statement?

  1. An apostrophe
  2. A colon Correct answer.
  3. A hyphen
  4. A semicolon

Explanation

A colon introduces a list or an explanation that follows a complete statement. The semicolon links two independent clauses, and the hyphen joins words. Transcribers rely on the dictator's intonation and pause to choose the mark.