Navy Officer Cadet key terms

A conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning rather than from an explicit statement. In verbal reasoning, you must decide which inference is best supported by the passage alone.

An unstated idea that must be true for an argument to work. Identifying hidden assumptions is central to evaluating whether a conclusion is properly supported.

A stated fact or reason offered as support for a conclusion. Distinguishing premises from the conclusion is the first step in analysing any argument.

The main claim an argument tries to establish. It is the statement the premises are intended to support, and it may appear anywhere in the passage.

The property of an argument whose conclusion must follow if its premises are true. Validity concerns structure, not whether the premises are actually factual.

A comparison of two quantities showing how many times one contains the other. Ratios can be written with a colon or as a fraction and are usually simplified.

An equation stating that two ratios are equal. Proportions allow you to find an unknown value when quantities scale at a constant rate.

A number expressed as a fraction of one hundred. Percentage change compares a new value with an original value, always dividing by the original, not the new.

The sum of a set of values divided by the number of values, also called the arithmetic mean. It is sensitive to unusually high or low figures.

The middle value of a data set arranged in order. With an even count, it is the mean of the two central values and is less affected by outliers than the average.

A ratio comparing quantities of different units, such as speed in kilometres per hour. Work-rate problems combine rates by adding the fractions of a task done per unit time.

A turn of a shape about a fixed point through a given angle. The shape keeps its size and orientation relative to itself, so it looks the same when turned through a full circle.

A mirror image of a shape across a line. A reflection reverses handedness, so a reflected letter or object cannot be produced by rotation alone.

A property where a shape maps onto itself under a transformation such as folding along a line or turning about a point. Line and rotational symmetry are the two main kinds.

The ratio of load lifted to effort applied by a machine. A lever, pulley system or ramp with advantage greater than one lets a smaller force move a larger load.

A rigid bar pivoting on a fulcrum, used to multiply force or distance. The three classes are defined by whether the fulcrum, load or effort lies in the middle.

The turning effect of a force, calculated as force multiplied by perpendicular distance from the pivot. Balanced torques keep a beam or lever in equilibrium.

The relationship between the tooth counts of two meshed gears, which sets their relative speed and turning force. A larger driven gear turns more slowly but with greater torque.

The value of the best alternative given up when a choice is made. Sound decision making weighs opportunity cost, not only the visible benefits of the selected option.

A structured comparison of the expected advantages and drawbacks of competing options. It helps justify a decision and makes the reasoning open to review by others.

The process of judging how likely a hazard is and how severe its consequences could be. It guides whether to accept, reduce or avoid a course of action.

A prepared fallback for when the primary plan fails or conditions change. Good plans name triggers for switching and the resources needed to execute the alternative.

Ranking tasks or problems by urgency and importance so limited effort goes where it matters most. It often means resolving safety-critical issues before routine administrative ones.

Assigning a task and the authority to complete it to another person while retaining accountability for the outcome. Effective delegation matches the task to competence and gives clear limits.

The formal line of authority through which orders and reports pass up and down an organisation. Respecting it keeps communication orderly, though urgent safety matters may justify bypassing it.

Being answerable for decisions and their results, even when tasks were carried out by others. It cannot be delegated away and is central to leadership in uniformed services.

Acting sensibly without waiting for instructions when a situation demands it. It must be balanced against orders and reported afterwards so commanders keep a complete picture.

The ability to perceive what is happening around you, understand what it means and predict what may happen next. Losing it is a common cause of accidents and poor decisions.

Consistently acting honestly and by stated values, especially when no one is watching or when telling the truth is inconvenient. It underpins trust between leaders and their teams.

The principles used to judge right and wrong conduct. In difficult situations, ethical reasoning weighs duty, fairness, harm to others and the expectations of the service.

The division of government into legislative, executive and judicial branches, each checking the others. It is intended to prevent any single body from holding unchecked authority.

The principle that everyone, including officials and the state itself, is subject to publicly known law applied equally. It contrasts with arbitrary rule by personal decree.

The full authority of a state to govern itself within its territory without external interference. It is limited in practice by international law and treaty obligations.

The total market value of goods and services produced within a country in a period. It measures economic output but not distribution of income or unpaid work.

A sustained rise in the general level of prices, which reduces what money can buy. Central banks often raise interest rates to restrain it.

The cost of borrowing money or the return on savings, expressed as a percentage per period. Policy rates influence investment, spending and the exchange rate.

Agreement between words in a sentence, for example a singular subject taking a singular verb. Errors of concord are common in timed grammar questions.

The rules governing how words combine into phrases and sentences. Faulty syntax can make a sentence ambiguous even when every individual word is correct.

The level of formality suited to an audience and purpose, ranging from casual speech to formal written reports. Choosing the wrong register can undermine a message.

A screening figure found by dividing weight in kilograms by height in metres squared. It is a rough guide only and does not distinguish muscle from fat.

The maximum rate at which the body can take up and use oxygen during sustained exercise, often called VO2 max. It is a key indicator of cardiovascular fitness.

The ability of a muscle group to keep working against resistance over time. It is tested by repeated actions such as push-ups or sustained holds.

The sharpness of vision, usually measured on a chart at a standard distance. Many services set minimum standards, sometimes with correction, for entry and for specific roles.

The ability to distinguish colours, particularly red and green. It matters for roles involving signals, navigation lights, wiring or map reading.

The reasons a candidate wants the role, ideally showing genuine interest in service and development rather than only job security. Interviewers probe it for evidence and consistency.

Evidence that a candidate can influence, support and direct others effectively as they gain experience. It is shown through examples of responsibility, teamwork and handling pressure.

An accurate understanding of your own strengths, weaknesses and effect on others. Candidates demonstrate it by naming real limitations and describing how they address them.

A way of structuring interview answers around Situation, Task, Action and Result. It keeps examples concise and ensures the outcome and your personal contribution are clear.