Shorthand Principles and Skill Test Preparation Notes

The SSC Stenographer exam has a written test and a skill test. In the skill test a passage is dictated and the candidate transcribes it. This note covers shorthand basics, a practice plan and tips for accuracy.

Principles of Pitman Shorthand

• It is phonetic. You write what you hear, not the spelling.
• Strokes are light or heavy (thick). For example, P is a light stroke and B is a heavy one.
• Vowels are written as dots and dashes placed at the first, second or third place of a stroke.
• Position writing: the outline sits above, on or through the line to show the first vowel.
• Circles and loops are used for S and Z. Hooks are used for R, L and N.
• Phrasing: joining common words like "I am" and "of the" to save time.

Skill Test

• Dictation is given at 80 words per minute for 10 minutes.
• The passage is then transcribed within the time given for the grade and language (see the official notice).
• Accuracy matters: too many errors lead to disqualification.

Practice Plan

Tips

1. Read your own notes soon after taking dictation.
2. Practise daily for at least 60 to 90 minutes.
3. Keep a list of your errors and review it each week.
4. Use a good pen and a smooth notebook.
5. Type with proper spacing and punctuation.

Quick Tips

• Always write neatly so that you can read your notes.
• Practise grammalogues daily.
• Do dictation at a speed a little higher than the test.
• Check punctuation and spelling in the transcript.

Quick Revision Points

• Pitman shorthand is phonetic.
• P is light and B is heavy.
• Vowels are dots and dashes.
• Phrasing saves time.
• Dictation is at 80 words per minute.
• Accuracy is as important as speed.

Practice Questions With Answers

1. Is Pitman shorthand based on sound or spelling?
   Answer: Sound (phonetic)
2. Which stroke is heavy: P or B?
   Answer: B
3. How are vowels written in Pitman shorthand?
   Answer: As dots and dashes
4. At what speed is the SSC stenographer dictation given?
   Answer: 80 words per minute
5. What is phrasing?
   Answer: Joining common words in one outline to save time
6. For how long is the dictation given?
   Answer: 10 minutes
7. What is the main factor, apart from speed, in the skill test?
   Answer: Accuracy
8. Which sign is used for S and Z?
   Answer: Circles and loops

How to Practise This Chapter

Practise 10 questions every day and write the steps on paper. Then attempt timed sets from our practice papers and the previous year papers page. See all topics on the Stenography notes page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is shorthand?

A fast method of writing using symbols for sounds.

What is Pitman shorthand?

A phonetic shorthand system invented by Sir Isaac Pitman.

What are grammalogues?

Special single signs for very common words.

What is phrasing?

Joining outlines of words that often go together.

How can I improve my speed?

Take dictation daily at a slightly higher speed than your current level.

How long should I practise daily?

About 60 to 90 minutes.

Why is accuracy important?

Errors reduce marks and can lead to failure in the skill test.

Is typing needed for transcription?

Yes, the transcript is typed on a computer.

Should I check my notes?

Yes, read them back soon after the dictation.

What is the best way to practise transcription?

Time yourself and compare the transcript with the original.