CRI Machine Shorthand Theory 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In machine shorthand theory, what does the term 'brief form' refer to?
- A shortened outline for a frequently used word or phrase (Correct answer)
- A summary written at the end of a deposition
- A single stroke representing a vowel sound
- A technique for writing numbers quickly
Correct answer: A shortened outline for a frequently used word or phrase
Brief forms are abbreviated outlines used for common words or phrases to increase writing speed.
Question 2: Which consonant cluster is typically written on the left side of the steno keyboard for initial sounds?
- STPH (Correct answer)
- FRPB
- EUOD
- LGTS
Correct answer: STPH
STPH represents common initial consonant combinations on the left bank of the steno keyboard.
Question 3: What is the function of the asterisk (*) key in standard machine shorthand theory?
- To delete or retro-correct the previous stroke (Correct answer)
- To indicate a proper noun
- To mark a quotation beginning
- To signal a number follows
Correct answer: To delete or retro-correct the previous stroke
The asterisk key is used to retroactively correct or delete the immediately preceding stroke.
Question 4: In steno theory, a 'phrase' differs from a 'brief form' primarily because a phrase:
- Combines multiple words into one stroke or stroke sequence (Correct answer)
- Uses only vowel keys
- Requires both hands simultaneously at all times
- Represents a single syllable only
Correct answer: Combines multiple words into one stroke or stroke sequence
Phrases condense two or more words into a single steno outline for efficiency.
Question 5: What does 'word boundary' mean in the context of machine shorthand writing?
- The point at which one steno word ends and the next begins in a stroke sequence (Correct answer)
- The maximum number of strokes per word
- A margin set on the CAT software output
- The space between steno keys on the keyboard
Correct answer: The point at which one steno word ends and the next begins in a stroke sequence
Word boundaries define where discrete dictionary entries begin and end within a multi-stroke outline.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the 'STKPW' stroke in steno theory?
- A left-hand combination used to write the initial sound 'Z' (Correct answer)
- A right-hand ending for '-tion'
- A number-bar combination
- A phrase for 'is it not'
Correct answer: A left-hand combination used to write the initial sound 'Z'
STKPW is a common left-bank combination that produces the initial 'Z' sound in many steno theories.
Question 7: When teaching machine shorthand theory, instructors emphasize 'phonetic consistency' primarily to:
- Ensure students can decode any unfamiliar word using learned sound patterns (Correct answer)
- Reduce the number of keys on the steno machine
- Standardize punctuation across all CAT software platforms
- Limit the student's vocabulary to common words
Correct answer: Ensure students can decode any unfamiliar word using learned sound patterns
Phonetic consistency allows writers to construct outlines for new words by applying known sound-to-stroke mappings.
CRI Machine Shorthand Theory 2
In machine shorthand theory, what does the term 'brief form' refer to?