RBPF Entrance Exam key terms

A word that carries the same or nearly the same meaning as another word in a given context, such as 'begin' and 'commence'. Correct answers must match both meaning and tone.

A word with an opposite meaning to another word, such as 'scarce' and 'abundant'. Test items usually ask for the closest opposite, so degree and register both matter.

A conclusion a reader draws from stated facts plus reasonable background knowledge. It is not written directly in the passage but must be supported by it.

An unstated belief that must be true for an argument's conclusion to follow. If the assumption fails, the reasoning collapses even when the stated evidence is accurate.

A comparison showing that two pairs of words or ideas relate in the same way, such as hand to glove as foot to sock. Solving it requires naming the exact relationship first.

A fixed expression whose meaning cannot be worked out from its individual words, such as 'break the ice' meaning to start a conversation.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number and person, so a singular subject takes a singular verb. Phrases between them should not change the choice.

A descriptive phrase placed too far from the word it describes, creating confusion or unintended meaning. Moving the phrase next to its target usually repairs the sentence.

The emotional or cultural association a word carries beyond its literal meaning. 'Cheap' and 'affordable' describe similar prices but suggest different judgements.

The central point a passage is written to convey, supported by the details around it. It is broader than any single fact and is usually stated or implied near the start or end.

A comparison of two quantities expressed as a quotient, showing how many times one value contains another. Ratios allow scaling up or down while keeping the relationship fixed.

The difference between a new and an original value, divided by the original value and multiplied by one hundred. It always uses the original figure as its base.

The sum of a set of values divided by how many values there are. It is sensitive to extreme values, which can pull it away from what is typical in the data.

Interest calculated only on the original principal for each period, never on interest already earned. The calculation is principal multiplied by rate multiplied by time.

The pace at which a person or machine completes a task, often expressed as a fraction of the job per unit of time. Individual rates are added when workers labour together.

A number between zero and one expressing how likely an event is, found by dividing favourable outcomes by all equally likely outcomes.

The smallest positive number that is a multiple of two or more given numbers. It is used to align denominators or to find when repeating events next coincide.

A deductive argument with two premises sharing a term and a conclusion linking the remaining two. Validity depends on structure, not on whether the premises are actually true.

The result of reversing a conditional statement and negating both parts. 'If it rains, the ground is wet' becomes 'if the ground is dry, it did not rain'; the two mean the same.

A property of an argument where, if the premises were true, the conclusion could not possibly be false. Valid arguments may still contain false premises and so reach false conclusions.

An ordered list of numbers generated by a rule, such as adding a constant or multiplying by a growing factor. Finding the pattern lets you predict the next term.

The ability to picture shapes, rotate them mentally and judge how they would appear from another angle or after folding. It is tested with nets, mirrors and cube rotations.

An error in reasoning that makes an argument unreliable even when it sounds persuasive. Common types include attacking the person rather than the point and assuming the conclusion.

The middle value of an ordered data set, or the average of the two middle values when the count is even. Unlike the mean, it resists distortion by extreme values.

The arithmetic difference between two percentages, expressed in units of one hundred. A rise from 20% to 25% is five percentage points but a 25% relative increase.

A subset of a population chosen so that its key characteristics mirror the whole group. Conclusions drawn from it can reasonably be extended to the wider population.

A statistical relationship in which two variables tend to move together or in opposite directions. Correlation alone does not establish that one variable causes the other.

The fundamental set of rules establishing a state's institutions, the powers they hold and the rights of citizens. Ordinary laws must normally comply with it.

A sustained rise in the general level of prices, which reduces how much a fixed amount of money can buy. It is commonly measured by changes in a consumer price index.

The total market value of goods and services produced within a country during a period. It is a standard measure of economic size but ignores unpaid work and inequality.

Meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It balances economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection.

Any person or group affected by, or able to affect, a decision or project. Sound judgement means identifying them early and weighing their legitimate interests.

Deciding the order in which competing tasks should be handled, based on urgency, impact and available resources. It usually means addressing serious risks first.

Referring a matter to a more senior or specialised authority when it exceeds your role, competence or authority. Prompt escalation protects both the public and the organisation.

A situation where a personal interest could improperly influence a decision made in a professional role. The usual response is to disclose it and withdraw from the decision.

The duty to keep private information secure and share it only with people who are authorised or genuinely need it. It may be overridden where there is a serious risk of harm.

Consistently acting honestly and according to stated principles, even when nobody is watching and honesty is inconvenient. It underpins public trust in institutions and officials.

Being answerable for your decisions and their consequences, and being willing to explain and correct them. It requires clear records and openness to scrutiny.