ATA Error Categories and Grading Flashcards

In the ATA grading framework, what distinguishes a 'Required' error from a 'Preferred' error?

Answer: Required errors must be corrected for accuracy; Preferred errors reflect stylistic choices without a single correct answer

Required changes correct factual, semantic, or grammatical errors that impair accuracy. Preferred changes address style where the translator's choice, though not ideal, is not wrong.

Which would most likely be classified as a 'Mistranslation' error in ATA grading?

Answer: Rendering a source term with an incorrect equivalent that changes meaning

Mistranslation means the target text conveys a different meaning than the source, which is a core accuracy error in ATA grading.

How does the ATA grading system treat an omission of a significant source idea?

Answer: Omissions of significant content are penalized as accuracy errors

Omitting significant ideas from the source constitutes an accuracy error in ATA grading because the target text fails to convey the complete meaning of the original.

What role does 'register' play in ATA error categorization?

Answer: Using an inappropriately formal or informal register can constitute a style or usage error

Register refers to the level of formality appropriate for the text type and audience. Using an inappropriate register is a style or usage error in the ATA framework.

In ATA certification grading, what is the significance of the error point threshold?

Answer: Candidates who accumulate more than the allowed error points fail the passage

The ATA certification exam sets a specific error point threshold per passage. Exceeding that threshold on a passage results in a failing score for that passage.

Which error type in ATA grading addresses violations of target-language grammar rules?

Answer: Mechanics

Mechanics errors cover grammatical mistakes, spelling, punctuation, and other target-language correctness issues independent of source-text meaning.