Steno Theory and Writing Systems Flashcards
7 cards from real CART practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Steno Theory and Writing Systems flashcards as text
What is the primary advantage of machine shorthand (steno) over standard typing for CART providers?
Answer: It allows sustained writing speeds exceeding 200 words per minute
Machine shorthand enables CART providers to write at speeds of 200+ WPM by allowing multiple keys to be struck simultaneously, matching or exceeding average speech rates.
In standard stenographic theory, which section of the steno keyboard represents the initial (onset) consonants of a syllable?
Answer: The left bank of keys
The left bank of the steno keyboard is used to write the initial consonant sounds of a syllable, following the standard phonetic layout of machine shorthand.
In stenographic theory, what is a 'conflict' (also called a 'homophone conflict')?
Answer: When two different words or phrases share the same steno outline
A conflict occurs when the same steno outline maps to more than one word or phrase, requiring the writer to create alternative outlines to distinguish between them.
What is a 'brief form' in stenographic writing?
Answer: An abbreviated steno outline representing a common word or phrase in fewer strokes than normal
Brief forms are shortened steno outlines that allow writers to produce common words or phrases with fewer strokes, increasing overall speed and efficiency.
In steno theory, when is fingerspelling (stroking individual letters) most commonly used by a CART provider?
Answer: For proper nouns and unfamiliar words not in the dictionary
CART providers use fingerspelling primarily for proper nouns, unusual names, and unfamiliar terms that do not have established outlines in their dictionary.
What is the purpose of a CART writer's 'personal dictionary' within their CAT software?
Answer: To add custom outlines and brief forms tailored to specific subject matter, clients, or speaking styles
A personal dictionary allows CART providers to build customized entries for specialized terminology, client-specific jargon, and frequently used brief forms that supplement the base theory dictionary.
Which type of shorthand theory is used with a stenotype machine, as opposed to manual shorthand systems?
Answer: Machine shorthand theory such as Phoenix, StenEd, or Magnum Steno
CART providers use machine shorthand theories (e.g., Phoenix Theory, StenEd, Magnum Steno) designed for the stenotype keyboard, which chord multiple keys simultaneously to write phonetically.