CART Steno Theory and Writing Systems 3

Question 1

What is an 'untranslate' in a CART provider's realtime output?

Accepted Answer

A steno outline that appears as raw steno strokes in the transcript because it has no matching dictionary entry

Answer

An untranslate occurs when the CAT software cannot find a dictionary entry for a steno outline, so it displays the raw steno strokes instead of an English word, reducing readability.

Question 2

What is the function of the asterisk (*) key on a stenotype machine?

Accepted Answer

To delete the previous stroke from the transcript or to create an alternate outline

Answer

The asterisk key serves a dual purpose: it can delete (undo) the most recently written stroke during realtime writing, and it is also used to create alternate outlines that avoid conflicts with existing entries.

Question 3

How does a CART provider typically handle an unfamiliar proper noun spoken during a live session?

Accepted Answer

Write a phonetic outline or use an asterisk-flagged stroke to mark the location for post-editing

Answer

Experienced CART providers write the closest phonetic approximation and may flag the stroke with the asterisk key, allowing them to maintain pace and correct the term after the event without disrupting the session.

Question 4

What distinguishes a 'write-out' from a 'brief form' in steno theory?

Accepted Answer

A write-out spells a word phonetically across multiple strokes, while a brief form is an abbreviated outline that captures the same word in fewer strokes

Answer

Write-outs follow standard phonetic steno rules across multiple strokes, while brief forms sacrifice phonetic transparency for speed by abbreviating the word into a shorter, often memorized outline.

Question 5

When preparing a job-specific dictionary for a medical CART assignment, which entries would be MOST critical to include?

Accepted Answer

Anatomical terms, drug names, medical procedures, and the names of physicians who will be speaking

Answer

Medical CART assignments involve highly specialized and often phonetically unusual terminology that is unlikely to be in a standard theory dictionary, making pre-entry of these terms essential for accuracy.

CART - Certified Communication Access Real-time Translation Provider Practice Test

CART - Certified Communication Access Real-time Translation Provider Practice Test

CART Steno Theory and Writing Systems 3