CAST Permanent key terms

A conclusion drawn from stated evidence rather than stated outright. In verbal reasoning you must judge whether a passage logically supports it, and reject options that merely seem plausible or rely on outside knowledge.

An unstated idea that must be true for an argument to hold. Questions often ask which assumption underlies a statement, so you test each option by asking whether the argument collapses without it.

A stated fact or claim offered as support for a conclusion. Distinguishing premises from conclusions is the first step in analysing any argument, because conclusions are what the author wants you to accept.

The main point an author is trying to establish, usually signposted by words such as therefore, thus or consequently. Everything else in the passage exists to support it.

A set of statements in which some, the premises, are offered as reasons to accept another, the conclusion. Recognising this structure lets you evaluate whether the support is strong or weak.

A statement that follows necessarily from the information given, so that if the premises are true the conclusion cannot be false. Only options meeting this strict test should be selected.

A claim worded more strongly than the passage allows, often using absolutes like always, never or all. Such options are a common trap because they go beyond what the text actually supports.

The precise limits of what a text covers, including the people, places and time periods discussed. Options that extend beyond these limits, even sensibly, cannot be supported by the passage alone.

The central point a whole passage is written to convey, as opposed to a detail mentioned in passing. Main-idea questions require you to weigh the entire text rather than one striking sentence.

The attitude a writer conveys through word choice, such as critical, neutral, cautious or enthusiastic. Tone questions ask you to infer feeling from phrasing rather than from explicit statements.

A comparison of two quantities showing how many times one contains the other, written as a:b. Ratio problems often require converting to a common unit or scaling both parts by the same factor.

A statement that two ratios are equal, allowing you to solve for an unknown value by cross-multiplication. Recognising proportional relationships quickly is essential under timed numerical conditions.

The increase or decrease in a value expressed as a percentage of the original amount, calculated as the change divided by the original, times one hundred. Always divide by the starting value, not the final one.

The arithmetic difference between two percentages, as when a rate rises from 20% to 25%, a change of five percentage points but a 25% relative increase. Confusing the two is a standard trap.

Repeated application of a percentage change to a value that already includes earlier changes, so the base grows each period. Successive percentage increases cannot simply be added together.

A mean in which each value contributes in proportion to its importance or size, such as group sizes. It differs from a simple average whenever the groups being combined are of unequal size.

A single value representing a set of numbers, most commonly the arithmetic mean found by dividing the total by the count. Check whether a question intends mean, median or mode before calculating.

The middle value of a set arranged in order, or the mean of the two middle values when the count is even. It is less affected by extreme outliers than the arithmetic mean.

A technique that first finds the value of one unit and then multiplies to reach the required quantity. It converts many proportion problems into two simple steps and reduces arithmetic error.

Changing a quantity from one measurement unit to another, such as minutes to hours or grams to kilograms, by multiplying by the correct factor. Mixed units in tables are a frequent source of error.

Approximating an answer to a sensible degree of accuracy in order to choose between multiple-choice options quickly. Rounding inputs before computing often identifies the correct option without exact calculation.

An incorrect answer option designed to attract candidates who make a predictable mistake, such as using the wrong base or forgetting a unit conversion. Identifying the likely error behind each option improves accuracy.

An ordered series of figures or shapes that follows a rule from one position to the next. Your task is to identify the rule and apply it to find the next or missing element.

The underlying principle governing how elements change across a series, such as adding a fixed amount, rotating, or increasing the step size. Naming the rule explicitly prevents guesswork.

A sequence in which two or more separate patterns interleave, so odd positions follow one rule and even positions another. Treating the series as a single pattern is a common and costly mistake.

A sequence in which the change between consecutive terms follows a regular scheme, such as constant differences or constant ratios. Recognising the type of progression narrows the possible next values.

Turning a shape about a fixed point by a stated angle, clockwise or anticlockwise. Track rotation separately from other changes, since two transformations are often applied at once.

Flipping a shape across a line so that it becomes a mirror image, reversing its orientation. A reflected shape cannot be produced by rotation alone, which distinguishes the two transformations.

Any systematic change applied to a figure, including rotation, reflection, translation and scaling. Abstract series frequently combine transformations, so check each property independently.

A grid of figures arranged in rows and columns, where a rule operates across rows, down columns, or both. Comparing one row at a time usually reveals the governing pattern.

A question type requiring you to identify the figure that does not share the property common to all others. State the shared property in words before choosing, to confirm only one option fails it.

A behaviour or skill defined by an employer as important for effective performance, such as planning or teamwork. Competency questions ask you to demonstrate it through concrete past examples.

A structure for answering behavioural questions by describing the Situation, Task, Action and Result. It keeps answers focused and ensures you state the outcome rather than trailing off after describing what you did.

Concrete examples of what you personally did in a real situation, rather than opinions or hypothetical intentions. Assessors weight specific, verifiable actions far more heavily than general self-description.

An assessment presenting realistic work scenarios and asking you to rank or choose responses. It measures practical judgement about effective and appropriate behaviour rather than factual knowledge.

A question format requiring you to order possible responses from most to least effective, or most to least likely. Rank each option on its own merits before comparing them.

Any person or group affected by or interested in a decision, such as colleagues, clients or managers. Good situational responses usually consider the most relevant stakeholders before acting.

Referring an issue to a more senior person when it exceeds your authority or expertise. Appropriate escalation is viewed positively, but only after you have taken reasonable action yourself.