CSR Stenography Theory & Machine Shorthand Systems

Question 1

In machine shorthand, what is the term for a single depression of steno keys that produces one or more sounds?

Accepted Answer

Stroke

Answer

A stroke is the fundamental unit of machine shorthand — a single motion that produces one or more phonetic elements.

Question 2

Which side of the steno keyboard contains the keys representing initial consonant sounds that begin syllables?

Accepted Answer

Left side

Answer

The left bank of a stenotype keyboard holds the initial consonant keys (S, T, K, P, W, H, R) that form the beginning sounds of syllables.

Question 3

What is a 'brief' in machine shorthand?

Accepted Answer

An abbreviated steno outline used for a frequently written word or phrase

Answer

A brief (or briefing) is a shortened steno outline that allows reporters to write common words or phrases with fewer strokes, boosting speed.

Question 4

When a court reporter presses multiple steno keys simultaneously in one motion to form an outline, this is called a:

Accepted Answer

Chord

Answer

Pressing multiple steno keys at once in a single stroke is called a chord, which is the standard method for producing steno outlines.

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of the number bar on a steno machine?

Accepted Answer

To produce numbers when pressed simultaneously with designated letter keys

Answer

The number bar, pressed simultaneously with specific letter keys (1–0 positions), produces numerical digits in the steno output.

(CSR) Certified Shorthand Reporter Practice Test