Which of the following is an example of a standard contraction that is commonly seen in transcripts?

The choice of "ain't" as a standard contraction commonly seen in transcripts is understandable because it is widely used in informal speech and various dialects of English, reflecting how people actually communicate in spoken language. "Ain't" functions as a colloquial contraction for "am not," "is not," or "are not," making it a relevant example in the context of transcribing spoken dialogue accurately and authentically.

In transcription practice, capturing the nuances of speech, including informal contractions, is essential to maintain the original tone and intent of the speaker. "Ain't" exemplifies this because it's frequently encountered in natural conversation.

Other options, while they are contractions, may not be as commonly used in everyday dialog or may fall outside the realm of standard contractions recognized in transcriptions. For instance, "shant" might be less familiar in modern usage and is seldom seen in transcripts, while "cannot" is a formal expression and thus does not serve as a contraction at all. Therefore, "ain't" stands out as the most representative example of a standard contraction for transcription purposes.