Chicago Firefighter flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Subject-verb agreement rule

A verb must agree in number with its subject. Prepositional phrases between them do not change the number; singular subjects take singular verbs, plural subjects take plural verbs.

Dangling modifier

A phrase that does not clearly modify the intended noun or pronoun, often because the subject of the main clause is not the doer of the action. Example: 'Running to the fire, the hose was dropped.'

Parallel structure

Using the same grammatical form for items in a list or comparison. It improves clarity and readability, as in 'reading, writing, and arithmetic' rather than mixing forms.

Semicolon use

A semicolon joins two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction. It signals a close relationship between the ideas and replaces a period.

Active voice

The subject performs the action of the verb. Active voice is usually clearer and more direct than passive voice, which makes the object the subject.

Affect vs. effect

'Affect' is usually a verb meaning to influence; 'effect' is usually a noun meaning a result. Example: 'The smoke affected her breathing; the effect was coughing.'

Comma splice

Two independent clauses joined only by a comma. It is an error; fix it with a period, semicolon, or coordinating conjunction.

Main idea

The central point or message of a passage. It may be stated explicitly, often in the first or last sentence, or implied through the supporting details.

Inference

A conclusion drawn from evidence in the text rather than stated directly. It must be logically supported by the passage, not by personal opinion.

Context clue

Information from surrounding words or sentences that helps determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Types include definition, example, contrast, and cause-effect clues.

Author's purpose

The reason an author writes a text: to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain. Purpose influences the tone, structure, and choice of details.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject, conveyed through word choice and connotation. Tone can be critical, neutral, enthusiastic, sarcastic, and so on.

Fact vs. opinion

A fact is a statement that can be verified; an opinion expresses a belief, feeling, or judgment. Opinions often contain evaluative words like 'best' or 'should'.

Sequence signal words

Words such as first, next, then, finally, before, and after that indicate chronological order. They help readers follow the steps or events in a passage.

Cause-effect signal words

Words like because, therefore, as a result, and consequently show that one event or idea brings about another. They clarify logical relationships in a text.

Lever mechanical advantage

The ratio of the effort arm length to the load arm length. A longer effort arm reduces the force needed to lift a load, though the effort moves a greater distance.

Lever balance formula

A lever is balanced when effort force times effort distance equals load force times load distance: F₁ × d₁ = F₂ × d₂. Distances are measured from the fulcrum.

Movable pulley advantage

A single movable pulley has a mechanical advantage of 2, halving the effort force needed to lift a load. The effort moves twice the distance the load moves.

Gear ratio

The ratio of the number of teeth on the driven gear to the number on the driving gear. It determines changes in speed and torque between meshed gears.

Wheel and axle advantage

Mechanical advantage equals the radius of the wheel divided by the radius of the axle. A larger wheel makes it easier to turn the axle.

Inclined plane force

The effort force needed to move an object up a ramp equals the object's weight times the ramp height divided by the ramp length. A longer ramp reduces effort.

Pressure formula

Pressure equals force divided by area (P = F/A). For the same force, a smaller area produces greater pressure, which is why sharp tools cut more easily.

Pascal's principle

Pressure applied to a confined fluid is transmitted equally in all directions. Hydraulic systems use this to multiply force with pistons of different areas.

Series circuit

A circuit with a single path. Current is the same through all components, and the total voltage divides among them. If one component fails, the circuit breaks.

Parallel circuit

A circuit with multiple paths. Voltage is the same across each branch, and current divides among branches. If one branch fails, others continue to operate.

Chain of command

The formal line of authority in a fire department. Report to your immediate supervisor first; if unavailable, follow the designated acting supervisor per policy.

Radio communication discipline

Use clear, concise messages, acknowledge orders, and repeat back critical instructions to confirm understanding. Avoid unnecessary chatter on the fireground.

Conflict resolution steps

Address disagreements privately and respectfully, focus on the issue rather than the person, listen actively, and involve a supervisor if the conflict escalates.

Integrity on duty

Follow rules and procedures even when unsupervised, report errors or near-misses honestly, and avoid covering up mistakes. Integrity builds trust within the crew.

Stress recognition

Notice signs of stress in yourself and others, such as irritability, fatigue, or withdrawal. Use department resources like peer support or employee assistance programs.

Public courtesy

Treat the public with empathy and respect, explain actions simply, and protect privacy and dignity during emergencies. Good customer service reflects well on the department.

Decision-making under pressure

Gather available information, consider consequences, act within your training, and reassess as the situation changes. Prioritize life safety, then incident stabilization, then property.