Bahrain Polytechnic Entry key terms

The most important point a paragraph or passage conveys about its topic, usually stated or implied in one sentence. Readers identify it by asking what the whole text is mostly about.

A conclusion a reader draws from evidence in a text plus general knowledge, even though the text does not state it directly. Inferences must be supported by clues in the passage.

A sentence, usually near the start of a paragraph, that announces the paragraph's central point. The remaining sentences support or explain it with details and examples.

A fact, example, statistic, or reason that explains or proves the main point of a paragraph or passage. Removing supporting details leaves only the general claim.

Information in the surrounding words or sentences that helps a reader work out the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Clues include definitions, examples, contrasts, and cause-effect relationships.

A word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word in a given context, such as 'begin' and 'start'. Exact synonyms are rare because words usually differ slightly in tone or use.

A word that expresses the opposite meaning of another word, such as 'expand' and 'contract'. Antonyms are often used in texts as contrast clues to meaning.

The grammar rule that a verb must match its subject in number: a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. Intervening phrases do not change this.

Keeping verb tenses logical and stable within a sentence or passage so the timeline of events stays clear. Unnecessary shifts between past and present confuse the reader.

The relationship between a pronoun (he, it, they) and the noun it stands for, called its antecedent. Clear reference means the reader can identify exactly which noun is meant.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked so a text reads as one connected whole. Linking words, repeated key terms, and consistent pronouns all create cohesion.

A word or phrase such as 'however', 'therefore', or 'in addition' that signals the logical link between ideas. Choosing the right transition depends on whether ideas contrast, add, or follow as a result.

A number written as one integer over another, a/b, where b is not zero, representing part of a whole. The top number is the numerator and the bottom is the denominator.

A way of writing numbers using place value based on powers of ten, with a point separating whole and fractional parts, as in 3.75. Decimals can be converted to fractions and percentages.

A number expressed as a part out of one hundred, written with the percent sign. For example, 45% equals 45/100 or 0.45, and percentages are used to compare proportions easily.

A comparison of two or more quantities by division, often written as a:b. Ratios show relative size rather than absolute amounts and can be scaled up or down proportionally.

An equation stating that two ratios are equal, such as 2/3 = 8/12. Proportions are solved by cross-multiplication and are used in scaling and unit conversion problems.

A rate expressed per single unit of the second quantity, such as kilometres per one hour or price per one kilogram. Unit rates make comparisons between different offers or speeds straightforward.

The sum of a set of values divided by how many values there are. The mean summarises a data set with one number but is affected by unusually high or low values.

The middle value of a data set arranged in order. If there is an even number of values, the median is the mean of the two middle values, and it is less affected by extreme values than the mean.

The value that appears most often in a data set. A set may have one mode, several modes, or no mode if every value occurs equally often.

A symbol, usually a letter, that stands for an unknown or changing number in an expression or equation. Solving an equation means finding the value or values of its variables.

An equation in which each variable appears to the first power only, so its graph is a straight line, such as 3x + 5 = 20. It is solved by isolating the variable using inverse operations.

A mathematical phrase combining numbers, variables, and operations without an equals sign, such as 4x - 7. Unlike an equation, an expression can be simplified but not solved for a value.

In a right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides: a squared plus b squared equals c squared. It is used to find unknown side lengths.

The amount of flat surface enclosed by a two-dimensional shape, measured in square units. Common formulas include length times width for rectangles and pi times radius squared for circles.

The total distance around the outside edge of a two-dimensional shape, measured in linear units. For a rectangle it equals twice the length plus twice the width.

The amount of three-dimensional space an object occupies, measured in cubic units. For a rectangular box it is length times width times height.

A comparison showing that two pairs of items share the same relationship, as in 'hot is to cold as up is to down'. Solving analogies requires naming the link in the first pair and applying it to the second.

The ability to notice a repeating rule or regular change in a sequence of shapes, numbers, or letters and use it to predict what comes next. Differences or multipliers between terms often reveal the rule.

An ordered list of numbers generated by a rule, such as adding a fixed amount or multiplying by a constant. Identifying the rule lets you find missing or following terms.

Reaching a certain conclusion from statements assumed true by applying valid reasoning rules. If the premises are true and the reasoning is valid, the conclusion must also be true.

A form of deductive argument with two premises and a conclusion, such as 'All A are B; all B are C; therefore all A are C'. Validity depends on form, not on whether the claims are factually true.

An unstated belief that an argument relies on in order to reach its conclusion. Spotting hidden assumptions helps you judge whether reasoning is strong or flawed.

The claim an argument tries to establish, supported by reasons or evidence called premises. In reasoning questions you may be asked which statement follows or which weakens the conclusion.

The core software that manages a computer's hardware and provides services for applications, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS. It handles memory, files, and running programs.

Programs designed to help users perform specific tasks, such as word processors, spreadsheets, browsers, and media players. They run on top of the operating system.

Organising, naming, moving, copying, and deleting files and folders so data can be found and protected. Good practice includes meaningful names, sensible folder structures, and regular backups.

A copy of data stored separately from the original so it can be restored after loss, damage, or theft. Effective backups are regular, kept in a different location, and tested.

Software written to harm or exploit a computer system, including viruses, worms, trojans, and ransomware. Protection includes updated antivirus tools, cautious downloads, and avoiding suspicious links.

A scam in which attackers pretend to be a trusted person or organisation to trick users into revealing passwords or financial details. Warning signs include urgent demands, odd sender addresses, and unexpected links.

Practices that keep accounts safe, such as using long unique passwords, avoiding personal details, and enabling two-factor authentication. Reusing one password everywhere multiplies the damage of a single breach.

Software that stores data in a grid of rows and columns and calculates results with formulas, such as totals and averages. Cells can reference each other, so changing one value updates dependent results.

An instruction in a spreadsheet cell that calculates a value from other cells, beginning with an equals sign, such as =A1+B2. Formulas recalculate automatically when their input cells change.

The basic unit of a spreadsheet, formed where a row and a column meet and identified by a column letter and row number, such as C5. A cell holds text, numbers, or formulas.

The process by which green plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make glucose and release oxygen. It takes place mainly in leaves, in cell structures called chloroplasts containing chlorophyll.

The process by which living cells release energy from glucose, using oxygen and producing carbon dioxide and water. It happens continuously in all living cells, unlike photosynthesis, which needs light.

The green pigment in plant leaves that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis. It absorbs mainly red and blue light and reflects green, which is why most leaves look green.

A protein that speeds up a specific chemical reaction in living things without being used up. Each enzyme works best at a particular temperature and pH and loses function if denatured.

The smallest particle of a substance that keeps its chemical properties, made of two or more atoms bonded together. Water, for example, is a molecule of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

The smallest unit of an element that retains that element's identity, consisting of a nucleus of protons and neutrons surrounded by electrons. Atoms combine to form molecules and compounds.

A substance formed when atoms of two or more different elements are chemically joined in fixed proportions, such as water or carbon dioxide. Compounds have properties unlike their constituent elements.

A push or pull that can change an object's speed, direction, or shape, measured in newtons. The overall effect depends on the combined size and direction of all forces acting.

Three principles describing how forces affect motion: objects stay at rest or in uniform motion unless a net force acts; force equals mass times acceleration; and every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

The capacity to do work or cause change, existing in forms such as kinetic, potential, chemical, and thermal. Energy can be transferred or transformed but is never created or destroyed.

A testable, specific prediction about the outcome of an experiment, often written as an if-then statement. It must be falsifiable, meaning evidence could show it to be wrong.

In an experiment, the group that does not receive the treatment being tested and is used as a baseline for comparison. Comparing results with the control group helps isolate the effect of the variable.