CART Steno Theory and Writing Systems 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary advantage of machine shorthand (steno) over standard typing for CART providers?
- It requires significantly less training time
- It allows sustained writing speeds exceeding 200 words per minute (Correct answer)
- It uses a standard QWERTY keyboard layout
- It automatically formats transcripts without editing
Correct 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.
Question 2: In standard stenographic theory, which section of the steno keyboard represents the initial (onset) consonants of a syllable?
- The right bank of keys
- The vowel row in the center
- The left bank of keys (Correct answer)
- The number bar across the top
Correct 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.
Question 3: In stenographic theory, what is a 'conflict' (also called a 'homophone conflict')?
- A disagreement between two CART providers during an assignment
- When two different words or phrases share the same steno outline (Correct answer)
- A technical failure in the CAT software during a session
- When a writer's speed drops below the certified minimum
Correct 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.
Question 4: What is a 'brief form' in stenographic writing?
- A short summary document delivered to the client after a session
- An abbreviated steno outline representing a common word or phrase in fewer strokes than normal (Correct answer)
- A certification requirement summary provided by NCRA
- A condensed version of a full transcript
Correct 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.
Question 5: In steno theory, when is fingerspelling (stroking individual letters) most commonly used by a CART provider?
- For proper nouns and unfamiliar words not in the dictionary (Correct answer)
- For all punctuation marks and symbols
- Only for numbers and mathematical expressions
- Exclusively for legal and medical terminology
Correct 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.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a CART writer's 'personal dictionary' within their CAT software?
- To store personal contact information and client billing records
- To add custom outlines and brief forms tailored to specific subject matter, clients, or speaking styles (Correct answer)
- To list all NCRA-certified CART providers by region
- To store audio backup recordings of CART sessions
Correct 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.
Question 7: Which type of shorthand theory is used with a stenotype machine, as opposed to manual shorthand systems?
- Pitman shorthand, which uses line thickness and position
- Gregg shorthand, which uses cursive pen strokes
- Machine shorthand theory such as Phoenix, StenEd, or Magnum Steno (Correct answer)
- Speedwriting, which abbreviates standard alphabetic letters
Correct 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.
CART Steno Theory and Writing Systems 1
What is the primary advantage of machine shorthand (steno) over standard typing for CART providers?