Direction:- Each passage below is accompanied by a number of questions. For some questions, you will consider how the passage might be revised to improve the expression of ideas. For other questions, you will consider how the passage might be edited to correct errors in sentence structure, usage, or punctuation. A passage or a question may be accompanied by one or more graphics (such as a table or graph) that you will consider as you make revising and editing decisions.
Some questions will direct you to an underlined portion of a passage. Other questions will direct you to a location in a passage or ask you to think about the passage as a whole.
After reading each passage, choose the answer to each question that most effectively improves the quality of writing in the passage or that makes the passage conform to the conventions of standard written English. Many questions include a “NO CHANGE” option. Choose that option if you think the best choice is to leave the relevant portion of the passage as it is.
Court Reporting: Humans v. Machines
Court reporters for years have been the record keepers of the court, taking Q1 scrupulous notes during Q2 hearings; depositions, and other legal proceedings. Despite the increasing use of digital recording technologies, court reporters still play a vital role in courtrooms.
Should the writer make this addition here?
A) Yes, because it supports the claim that court reporting is an important part of a trial.
B) Yes, because it offers a relevant counterpoint to the argument that the use of digital recorders is on the rise.
C) No, because it presents information that is not directly related to the paragraph’s discussion of the role of court reporters.
D) No, because it does not provide information about the pay scale for more experienced court reporters.
-
Answer
Choice C is the best answer. The graph should not be added because it doesn’t support the information in the paragraph. The paragraph describes what a court reporter does. The graph provides information that compares the median salary of court reporters to that of other jobs. Choices A and B are incorrect because the graph should not be added. It neither supports the claim that court reporting is an important part of a trial nor offers a relevant counterpoint to the argument that the use of digital recorders is on the rise. Choice D is incorrect because it doesn’t matter that there is no information provided in the graph about the pay scale for more experienced court reporters. The paragraph doesn’t deal with the subject of pay, so therefore the graph doesn’t support the paragraph.
' >Q3 Although machines can easily make digital audio recordings of court events, they lack the nuance of human court reporters in providing a precise record.
[1] Court reporters record the spoken word in real time, most commonly using the technique of stenography. [2] A stenotype machine allows a person to type about 200 words per minute (the speed of speech is about 180 words per minute). [3] The typed words are instantaneously translated onto a computer screen for the judge to view, and the transcript is used later by people who want to review the case, such as journalists and lawyers. [4] Digital audio recording is becoming increasingly popular in courtrooms across the United States, with six states using solely audio recordings for general jurisdiction sessions. [5] Proponents of going digital say that technology is the easiest way to get the most accurate record of the proceedings, as the machine records everything faithfully as it occurs and is not Q4 subject to human errors such as mishearing or mistyping. [6] However, with the rise of high-quality recording technology, reliance on court reporters
Q5 as a record keeper is decreasing. Q6 Champions of court reporting, though, argue the Q7 opposite. They argue that with the increased reliance on technology, errors actually increase. Because digital systems record Q8 indiscriminately; they cannot discern important parts of the proceedings from other noises in the courtroom. Q9 Despite this, a digital device does indeed record everything, but that includes loud noises, such as a book dropping, that can make the actual words spoken impossible to hear. A court reporter, however, can distinguish between the words Q10 and distinguish between the extrinsic noises that need not be recorded. Also, if a witness mumbles, a human court reporter can pause court proceedings to ask the witness to repeat what he or she said. In some cases, digital recording Q11 makes it necessary for the judge to make additional announcements at the beginning of a trial. Increasing use of technology is “a transition from accurate records to adequate records,” says Bob Tate, president of the Certified Court Reporters Association of New Jersey.
Despite the apparent benefits of using digital recording systems in courtrooms, there is still a need for the human touch in legal proceedings. At least for the foreseeable future, machines simply cannot replicate the invaluable clarification skills and adaptability of human court reporters.