Note-Taking Skills Quiz

What is the primary purpose of note-taking in consecutive interpreting?

• To transcribe the speech verbatim

• To supplement memory and aid recall

• To replace short-term memory

• To write down every single word

What is the biggest challenge when taking notes in consecutive interpreting?

• Remembering everything word-for-word

• Balancing note-taking with active listening

• Writing as fast as the speaker talks

• Using full sentences for clarity

Which of the following best describes an effective note-taking strategy?

• Writing down every word to ensure accuracy

• Using abbreviations and symbols for key ideas

• Writing in the target language for every note

• Using shorthand to capture full sentences

What is one major risk of relying too much on notes in consecutive interpreting?

• Losing eye contact with the audience

• Forgetting to write key details

• Becoming too dependent and neglecting memory

• Writing notes in the wrong language

Which of the following is NOT a recommended method for improving note-taking speed?

• Practicing with real speeches

• Developing a consistent symbol system

• Using full sentences instead of abbreviations

• Training memory alongside note-taking

How can interpreters avoid confusion when reviewing their notes?

• Writing complete sentences for context

• Using a clear structure and symbols consistently

• Only writing the speaker’s exact words

• Keeping notes brief and unstructured

What is the primary advantage of vertical or diagonal note-taking?

• It speeds up note-taking by reducing redundancy

• It helps visually separate key ideas and links

• It ensures every spoken word is recorded

• It eliminates the need for memory recall

Which of the following best explains the role of chunking in note-taking?

• Breaking speech into meaningful units for better recall

• Summarizing the entire speech in one sentence

• Grouping words alphabetically for easy reference

• Ignoring details and focusing on overall meaning

How should an interpreter deal with unfamiliar terminology while note-taking?

• Guess the meaning and write it down

• Write a phonetic approximation and verify later

• Ignore it and focus on the next point

• Translate it into the target language immediately

Why is writing too much in notes counterproductive?

• It slows down interpretation and affects fluency

• It ensures accuracy but loses logical connections

• It helps interpreters focus but limits comprehension

• It is necessary for long speeches but not short ones