CSR Transcription Techniques & Speed Building 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When transcribing from steno notes, what is the recommended approach for handling an unfamiliar word you cannot immediately read?
- Skip it entirely and leave a blank
- Continue transcribing and return to it after completing the surrounding context (Correct answer)
- Stop and ask the attorney to repeat the testimony
- Insert '[inaudible]' and move on permanently
Correct answer: Continue transcribing and return to it after completing the surrounding context
Returning to difficult words after transcribing surrounding context allows the meaning to become clear from context clues.
Question 2: In speed building practice, what is the primary benefit of writing 'takes' at speeds slightly above your comfort zone?
- It builds finger strength for the steno machine
- It trains your brain to process language faster and extends your speed ceiling (Correct answer)
- It reduces the number of errors in final transcripts
- It helps memorize the QWERTY keyboard layout
Correct answer: It trains your brain to process language faster and extends your speed ceiling
Practicing above your comfort zone, known as 'challenge takes,' pushes the neurological ceiling of speed higher over time.
Question 3: Which transcription practice is most effective for reducing 'read-back' time when verifying steno notes?
- Writing every word in full longhand before transcribing
- Maintaining consistent brief forms and outlines throughout a job (Correct answer)
- Using a different color ink for each witness
- Numbering each line of steno notes as you write
Correct answer: Maintaining consistent brief forms and outlines throughout a job
Consistent use of brief forms means you always know what an outline represents, speeding up the read-back and transcription process.
Question 4: During a fast-paced Q&A exchange, a court reporter falls behind. What is the best immediate technique to regain rhythm?
- Write shorter, abbreviated outlines and fill in details during transcription (Correct answer)
- Ask the speaker to slow down immediately
- Stop writing and rely on audio recording
- Skip every other question until caught up
Correct answer: Write shorter, abbreviated outlines and fill in details during transcription
Using abbreviated outlines under pressure allows the reporter to stay engaged and reconstruct the full record during transcription.
Question 5: What does the term 'scopist' refer to in the court reporting profession?
- A specialist who calibrates steno machines
- A person who proofreads and edits CAT-translated transcripts (Correct answer)
- A court official who times testimony speed
- A software program that auto-corrects steno errors
Correct answer: A person who proofreads and edits CAT-translated transcripts
A scopist is a professional who reads the CAT translation on-screen and edits it for accuracy before the reporter does the final proofread.
Question 6: Which factor most directly affects a reporter's words-per-minute (WPM) transcription speed?
- The brand of steno machine used
- Dictionary size in CAT software
- Mastery of brief forms and consistent stroke patterns (Correct answer)
- The number of speakers in a proceeding
Correct answer: Mastery of brief forms and consistent stroke patterns
A well-developed brief form dictionary and consistent stroke patterns reduce keystrokes per word, directly increasing transcription speed.
Question 7: When practicing speed drills, what is the recommended frequency of practice sessions per week for optimal skill improvement?
- Once per week in a long session
- Three to five times per week in shorter, focused sessions (Correct answer)
- Daily sessions of at least four hours
- Only when taking official practice exams
Correct answer: Three to five times per week in shorter, focused sessions
Research on skill acquisition supports shorter, more frequent practice sessions over infrequent marathon sessions for motor skill development.
CSR Transcription Techniques & Speed Building 2
When transcribing from steno notes, what is the recommended approach for handling an unfamiliar word you cannot immediately read?