CRI Reporting Fundamentals & Skills 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A reporter is covering a highly technical patent trial. Which pre-job preparation step yields the greatest accuracy benefit?
- Requesting and loading all technical exhibits and glossaries into the CAT dictionary before proceedings begin (Correct answer)
- Increasing the machine's key sensitivity to capture faster strokes
- Practicing phonetic spelling drills the night before trial
- Asking the judge to slow down witness speech during direct examination
Correct answer: Requesting and loading all technical exhibits and glossaries into the CAT dictionary before proceedings begin
Loading technical terminology from trial exhibits into the dictionary before proceedings allows accurate realtime translation of specialized vocabulary.
Question 2: What is the function of the asterisk key on a standard stenotype machine?
- It is used to delete the most recently written stroke (Correct answer)
- It adds emphasis formatting to the preceding word in realtime
- It triggers the CAT software's spell-check function
- It marks the beginning of a new Q&A exchange
Correct answer: It is used to delete the most recently written stroke
The asterisk (*) key is the steno machine's delete key, used to strike the most recent stroke and allow the writer to re-stroke the correct outline.
Question 3: A student reporter is struggling to achieve the required 95% accuracy threshold on speed tests. Which diagnostic step should the CRI instructor take first?
- Analyze the student's error log to identify whether mistakes are random or pattern-based (Correct answer)
- Immediately lower the practice speed by 20 wpm
- Have the student switch to a different stenographic theory
- Require the student to transcribe audio recordings for two additional hours daily
Correct answer: Analyze the student's error log to identify whether mistakes are random or pattern-based
Error log analysis distinguishes between random misstrokes and systematic theory gaps, allowing the instructor to prescribe targeted remediation.
Question 4: Which statement correctly describes the purpose of the CRI's instructional competency examination?
- It assesses the candidate's ability to teach stenographic theory and reporting skills to students (Correct answer)
- It certifies the candidate to provide realtime CART captioning in academic settings
- It qualifies the candidate to administer NCRA speed examinations at approved testing sites
- It demonstrates the candidate's proficiency in legal research and citation
Correct answer: It assesses the candidate's ability to teach stenographic theory and reporting skills to students
The CRI credential certifies that the holder possesses both the subject matter expertise and pedagogical skills needed to instruct court reporting students.
Question 5: When a deposition witness spontaneously begins speaking a language other than English, the reporter's first action should be to:
- Interrupt and go off the record to notify counsel that an interpreter is needed (Correct answer)
- Continue writing phonetically and note the language change in brackets
- Stop writing entirely until the witness returns to English
- Ask the witness directly to speak only in English
Correct answer: Interrupt and go off the record to notify counsel that an interpreter is needed
The reporter should suspend the proceeding and notify counsel so that a qualified interpreter can be arranged before testimony continues.
Question 6: In stenographic theory, what term describes a brief that represents an entire phrase in a single stroke?
- Phrase brief or phrasing stroke (Correct answer)
- Condensed outline
- Stacking sequence
- Conflict cluster
Correct answer: Phrase brief or phrasing stroke
A phrase brief (phrasing stroke) captures a common multi-word phrase in one simultaneous keystroke, dramatically increasing writing speed.
Question 7: Which format standard must a U.S. court reporter follow when preparing a federal district court transcript?
- The format requirements specified in the court's local rules and standing orders (Correct answer)
- NCRA's Model Standards for Format and Style exclusively
- The format preferred by the ordering attorney
- APA citation style adapted for legal proceedings
Correct answer: The format requirements specified in the court's local rules and standing orders
Each federal district court publishes local rules and standing orders that specify transcript format requirements, which take precedence over general industry guidelines.
CRI Reporting Fundamentals & Skills 4
A reporter is covering a highly technical patent trial.
Which pre-job preparation step yields the greatest accuracy benefit?