RPR Grammar, Punctuation, and Transcript Formatting 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How should numbers below 10 be written in a verbatim legal transcript?
- Spell them out: one, two, three (Correct answer)
- Use numerals: 1, 2, 3
- Use Roman numerals: I, II, III
- Follow the speaker's preference
Correct answer: Spell them out: one, two, three
Standard transcript style spells out numbers below 10, consistent with legal and editorial guidelines.
Question 2: In a deposition transcript, how is an 'off the record' remark typically indicated?
- With a notation such as '(Off the record.)' or '(Discussion off the record.)' (Correct answer)
- By simply omitting the comment entirely with no notation
- By enclosing the remark in double parentheses
- By using the notation [REDACTED]
Correct answer: With a notation such as '(Off the record.)' or '(Discussion off the record.)'
An off-the-record notation in parentheses preserves the transparency of the transcript without recording the actual content.
Question 3: Which is the correct way to transcribe a dollar amount stated as 'four hundred and fifty thousand dollars'?
- $450,000 (Correct answer)
- $450.000
- Four hundred and fifty thousand dollars
- $450 thousand
Correct answer: $450,000
Legal transcripts and standard style use numerical format with dollar signs for monetary amounts.
Question 4: How should a reporter handle a word they could not hear during testimony?
- Insert a phonetic spelling in parentheses or mark as [inaudible] (Correct answer)
- Omit the word and continue transcribing
- Insert the most likely word based on context
- Request an immediate read-back before continuing
Correct answer: Insert a phonetic spelling in parentheses or mark as [inaudible]
Inaudible or unclear words should be marked with a notation such as [inaudible] to preserve accuracy.
Question 5: Which punctuation is correct when a speaker trails off mid-thought in testimony?
- Ellipsis: 'I thought that maybe ...' (Correct answer)
- Em dash: 'I thought that maybe —'
- A period: 'I thought that maybe.'
- Parenthetical note: 'I thought that maybe (pause).'
Correct answer: Ellipsis: 'I thought that maybe ...'
An ellipsis indicates a trailing off or pause, while a dash indicates an abrupt interruption.
Question 6: What is the correct format for a date in a formal court transcript header?
- March 22, 2026 (Correct answer)
- 22 March 2026
- 03/22/26
- 22nd of March, 2026
Correct answer: March 22, 2026
Legal transcripts use month-day-year format with the month spelled out in the header.
RPR Grammar, Punctuation, and Transcript Formatting 2
How should numbers below 10 be written in a verbatim legal transcript?