FCTC Written Test key terms

A conclusion drawn from evidence in a passage rather than stated outright. Readers combine clues with background knowledge to identify what the writer implies but does not say directly.

The central point a passage is built around, usually supported by most of its details. It answers the question of what the writer most wants the reader to understand.

A specific fact, example, statistic, or reason that backs up the main idea. Details are narrower than the main idea and usually answer who, what, when, where, or why.

Information surrounding an unfamiliar word that hints at its meaning. Examples include restatement, contrast, definition, and examples embedded in nearby sentences.

The writer's attitude toward the subject, conveyed through word choice and sentence structure. Tone may be neutral, critical, urgent, humorous, or sympathetic, and it differs from the reader's mood.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number. Singular subjects take singular verbs and plural subjects take plural verbs, even when phrases separate the two.

The clarity of the relationship between a pronoun and the noun it replaces. Ambiguous or missing antecedents leave readers unsure who or what the pronoun means.

Positioning descriptive words or phrases next to the element they describe. A misplaced or dangling modifier attaches to the wrong word and creates confusing or unintended meaning.

Presenting items in a series or comparison in the same grammatical form, such as all nouns or all verbs. Consistency signals clarity and makes lists easier to read.

Two or more independent clauses joined without proper punctuation or a conjunction. It can be corrected with a period, semicolon, or coordinating conjunction.

A comparison of two quantities by division, often written as a fraction or with a colon. Ratios allow scaling amounts up or down while keeping the relationship constant.

An equation stating that two ratios are equal. Solving a proportion by cross-multiplying finds an unknown value in a scaling or comparison problem.

A rate expressed per single unit of measure, such as cost per gallon or words per minute. Unit rates make different quantities comparable on the same scale.

The amount of increase or decrease expressed as a share of the original value. It is computed by dividing the change by the original amount and multiplying by 100.

The agreed sequence for evaluating expressions: parentheses, exponents, multiplication and division, then addition and subtraction, working left to right within each level.

A rigid bar that pivots on a fulcrum to move a load. Its mechanical advantage depends on the relative distances between the effort, fulcrum, and load.

The fixed pivot point on which a lever turns. Moving the fulcrum alters how much effort is needed to lift a given load.

The factor by which a machine multiplies an applied force. It equals the output force divided by the input force, or the effort arm divided by the load arm for a lever.

A grooved wheel with a rope or cable that changes the direction of force or reduces the effort needed to lift a load. Movable pulleys share the load across rope segments.

The relationship between the tooth counts or rotation speeds of two meshed gears. A larger driven gear turns more slowly but with greater torque than the driving gear.

A twisting force produced by applying force at a distance from an axis. It equals force times lever arm and explains why longer wrenches loosen tight bolts more easily.

Resistance to motion that occurs when two surfaces slide or roll against each other. It converts kinetic energy into heat and can be reduced with lubricants or bearings.

The ability to mentally rotate, fold, or rearrange objects and predict how they look from another angle. It is commonly tested with unfolded patterns and rotated figures.

Imagining how a shape appears after being turned in space. Test items often present mirrored or rotated versions and ask which one matches the original.

Identifying the missing piece that continues a visual or numerical sequence. The solver detects the underlying rule and applies it to the gap.

The ability to distinguish a target shape from surrounding background or distracting detail. Strong figure-ground skill helps in spotting objects against busy or low-contrast settings.

The formal line of authority through which orders and reports pass within an organization. Following it prevents conflicting directions and clarifies who is accountable.

The principle that each worker reports to only one supervisor at a time. It reduces confusion caused by competing instructions from multiple leaders.

The number of subordinates one supervisor can effectively direct. Wide spans require more delegation, while narrow spans allow closer oversight.

A structured process for addressing disagreement between people so that work can continue. It typically involves listening to each side, identifying interests, and agreeing on next steps.

Fully concentrating on a speaker, reflecting back what was heard, and asking clarifying questions. It builds trust and reduces misunderstandings during tense conversations.

A ranked list of workplace hazard controls from most to least effective: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment.

Gear worn to shield a worker from hazards, such as helmets, gloves, respirators, and eye protection. It is the last line of defense and requires training and proper fit.

A procedure that isolates energy sources and applies locks and warning tags before maintenance. It prevents accidental startup or release of stored energy that could injure workers.

Continuous perception of what is happening around you and anticipation of what may happen next. It lets responders spot changing hazards before they cause harm.

The process of identifying hazards, judging how likely and severe harm could be, and deciding what controls are needed. It is repeated as conditions change.

A standardized management structure used to coordinate emergency response across multiple agencies. It assigns clear roles for command, operations, planning, logistics, and finance.