Chicago Firefighter key terms

A conclusion drawn from evidence in a passage rather than stated outright. Readers combine clues with background knowledge to figure out what the writer implies but never says directly.

The central point a paragraph or passage is built around. Every supporting detail should connect back to it, and it is often stated in a topic sentence near the beginning.

A fact, example, statistic, or description that explains or proves the main idea. Questions may ask which detail supports a claim or which one does not belong in the passage.

A word or phrase nearby that hints at the meaning of an unfamiliar term. Surrounding sentences often define, contrast, or give examples that reveal what a word means.

Determining what a word means as it is used in a specific sentence, which may differ from its most common dictionary meaning. The surrounding passage, not memory, decides the answer.

The writer's attitude toward the subject, such as urgent, neutral, critical, or reassuring. Word choice and sentence structure signal tone even when the topic is technical or dry.

The reason a text was written, usually to inform, persuade, instruct, or entertain. Identifying purpose helps predict where key information will appear and how much the writer may slant it.

A fact can be verified with evidence; an opinion expresses a judgment, belief, or feeling. Distinguishing them matters when a passage mixes objective data with the writer's evaluation.

The order in which actions or developments occur in a passage. Signal words such as first, after, meanwhile, and finally mark the steps a reader must track.

A relationship in which one event produces another. Passages often state a result first and the reason later, so readers must trace which condition actually triggered the outcome.

Locating specific facts such as names, numbers, dates, or conditions stated in a passage. It requires careful scanning rather than skimming for the general point.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number. Singular subjects take singular verbs, and interrupting phrases between subject and verb do not change that requirement.

The clarity of the noun a pronoun replaces. A sentence is faulty when it, they, or this could point to more than one earlier noun, leaving the reader to guess.

Putting descriptive words or phrases next to the item they describe. A misplaced modifier attaches to the wrong word and can make a sentence confusing or unintentionally funny.

Two independent clauses joined without correct punctuation or a conjunction. The fix is a period, a semicolon, or a comma plus a coordinating conjunction such as and or but.

Joining two complete sentences with only a comma. It is corrected by adding a conjunction, replacing the comma with a semicolon or period, or splitting the clauses.

A group of words punctuated as a sentence but missing a subject, a complete verb, or an independent thought. Fragments often begin with words like because, although, or which.

Listing items in the same grammatical form, such as all verbs or all noun phrases. Mixed forms make a list harder to read and are a common error on written-ability tests.

A word such as however, therefore, or meanwhile that shows how two ideas connect. Choosing the right transition depends on whether the ideas contrast, cause, or sequence.

Selecting the correct word and spelling, especially among sound-alike pairs such as affect and effect, or there, their, and they're. Meaning changes with the wrong choice.

A rigid bar that turns on a fixed point called a fulcrum. Force applied at one point produces movement or lifting force at another, allowing a small effort to move a heavy load.

The pivot point on which a lever rests or turns. Its position relative to the load and the effort determines whether the lever multiplies force or increases speed and distance.

The ratio of load force to effort force in a machine. A value greater than one means the machine multiplies force; less than one means it trades force for speed or distance.

A wheel with a grooved rim and a rope or cable running through it. A single fixed pulley changes the direction of pull, while movable pulleys can reduce the force needed to lift a load.

A sloped surface used to raise a load with less force over a longer distance. A steeper slope requires more effort than a gentle one covering the same height.

The resistance that occurs when two surfaces move against each other. It converts some motion into heat and must be considered when judging how much effort a task requires.

A twisting or turning force produced when force is applied at a distance from a pivot. Increasing the distance from the pivot increases the turning effect for the same force.

Force applied over a given area. The same force creates higher pressure when concentrated on a small area, which is why nozzle shape and hose diameter affect stream reach.

A banging or surge caused by a sudden stop or change in water flow. The moving water's momentum produces a pressure spike that can damage pipes, valves, and fittings.

The relationship between the number of teeth on two connected gears. A small gear driving a larger one increases turning force while reducing the speed of rotation.

Recognizing hand and power tools by their shape, parts, and intended use. Knowing what a tool is designed for helps predict which tasks it can perform safely and efficiently.

The formal line of authority from the lowest rank to the highest. Following it means reporting information and taking direction through the proper supervisor rather than skipping levels.

The principle that each member should answer to one direct supervisor at a time. Conflicting orders from multiple supervisors create confusion and unsafe conditions on an emergency scene.

The number of people one supervisor can effectively direct. When the span grows too large, supervision weakens, so the incident is divided into smaller, manageable groups.

Staying alert to what is happening around you, including changing hazards, crew positions, and the status of the incident. Losing it is a leading factor in fireground injuries.

Weighing the danger of a situation against what can realistically be saved. It guides decisions about whether to attempt an aggressive interior attack or shift to a defensive strategy.

Acting on your own without assignment or informing command. It is dangerous because no one is tracking your location, and it undermines the accountability system on scene.

The system of tracking which personnel are on scene and where they are working. It ensures every member can be located and accounted for during a rapid evacuation or roll call.

Working through disagreement in a way that addresses the problem without damaging the working relationship. It usually involves listening first, focusing on behavior, and agreeing on next steps.

Coordinating effort so the group achieves what no individual could alone. In fire service work it depends on trust, clear roles, and members watching out for each other's safety.