Irish Firefighter Aptitude key terms

A conclusion drawn from evidence in a passage rather than stated word for word. The reader combines clues with general knowledge to work out what the text implies.

The central point a passage is built around, summarising what the writer most wants the reader to understand. Supporting details explain or illustrate it.

An unstated belief the writer treats as true for an argument to work. Spotting it helps you judge whether the reasoning actually holds together.

A set of statements where one claim is supported by reasons or evidence. A strong argument links its evidence logically to the conclusion it draws.

The claim an argument is trying to establish, usually signalled by words such as therefore or so. It is what the reasons are offered to support.

Facts, examples or data offered to support a claim. Judging its relevance and reliability is central to evaluating how convincing an argument is.

A fact can be checked and shown true or false; an opinion expresses a judgement, preference or belief. Distinguishing them is a common reading-comprehension task.

A leaning towards one side that colours how information is presented or selected. Bias may be deliberate or unconscious and can distort what a reader is told.

The attitude a writer conveys through word choice, such as formal, urgent, critical or neutral. Tone shapes how the reader responds to the message.

Condensing a passage into its key points in your own words, leaving out minor detail. A good summary keeps the original meaning without copying sentences.

Restating a passage's meaning in different words while keeping the sense intact. It shows understanding without simply quoting the original text.

The order in which events or steps occur in a passage. Noticing words like before, after and meanwhile helps you track what happens when.

A comparison of two quantities showing how many times one contains the other, written as a:b or as a fraction. Ratios scale both values by the same factor.

A statement that two ratios are equal, used to solve scaling problems. If quantities stay in the same proportion, doubling one doubles the other.

A fraction expressed out of one hundred, so 25% means 25 per 100. Percentages make comparisons between different-sized groups easier.

The size of an increase or decrease shown as a percentage of the original value. Divide the change by the starting amount, then multiply by 100.

The sum of a set of values divided by how many values there are. It gives a single figure representing the group as a whole.

The middle value when numbers are arranged in order; with an even count it is the mean of the two middle values. Unlike the mean, it is not skewed by outliers.

A quantity measured against another, such as speed in kilometres per hour or flow in litres per minute. Rates let you compare how fast things happen.

A technique for solving proportion problems by first finding the value of one unit, then multiplying for the number of units needed. It makes scaling questions straightforward.

Working out an approximate answer by rounding numbers to convenient values. It is useful for checking whether a calculated answer is reasonable.

Replacing a number with a nearby simpler value, such as to the nearest ten or whole number. The digit after the target place decides whether to round up.

Working with hours, minutes and seconds, including adding durations or converting between units. Remember 60 minutes make an hour and 24 hours make a day.

Changing a measurement from one unit to another, such as metres to centimetres or minutes to hours. Multiply or divide by the correct conversion factor.

A view of an object seen from directly above, like a map of its layout. It shows the footprint and arrangement of parts rather than height.

A view of an object seen from the side or front, showing its height and profile. Combined with a plan view it fully describes a simple object.

The shape you see when an object is cut through along a plane. It reveals internal structure such as pipes, layers or hollow spaces.

Turning an object around a fixed point or axis without changing its size or shape. Tracking how a shape turns helps identify matching views.

A mirror image of an object, flipped across a line or plane. The reflected shape is the same size but its left-right orientation is reversed.

A property where a shape can be folded or rotated to match itself exactly. Lines of symmetry and rotational symmetry help predict how objects look from other angles.

A rigid bar that pivots on a fulcrum to move a load using an effort force. The position of the fulcrum changes how much effort is needed.

The factor by which a machine multiplies the force you apply. It equals the load divided by the effort, so a higher value means less force is needed.

A wheel with a grooved rim and a rope running over it, used to lift loads or change the direction of a force. Multiple pulleys can reduce the effort needed.

The relationship between the number of teeth on two meshing gears, which sets how their speeds and turning forces compare. A small gear driving a large one turns slower with more torque.

Force spread over an area, measured in units such as newtons per square metre. The same force applied over a smaller area produces higher pressure.

Deciding which task or person needs attention first, based on urgency and risk. In emergency work, life-threatening situations normally come before routine matters.

Judging the likelihood and seriousness of harm in a situation so you can act safely. It weighs hazards against the benefit of taking action.

Knowing what is happening around you and how it might develop. It means noticing hazards, people and changes before they become a problem.

The line of authority through which orders and information pass in an organisation. Following it keeps decisions coordinated and avoids confusion on scene.

Taking responsibility for your own actions and decisions, including admitting mistakes. It means answering for the outcome rather than shifting blame.

Acting honestly and consistently with stated values, even when unobserved or under pressure. It includes refusing to cut corners or cover up errors.

Cooperating with others so the group achieves what individuals cannot alone. It involves sharing information, supporting colleagues and doing your share.

Handling disagreement calmly to reach a workable outcome. It involves listening to each side, staying respectful and focusing on the problem rather than the person.

Understanding and acknowledging another person's feelings and perspective. It helps you respond appropriately to people who are frightened, upset or in distress.

Keeping private information secure and sharing it only with those who genuinely need it. Breaching it can harm people and damage public trust.

The tendency to be organised, careful and dependable in your work. High scorers plan ahead, follow procedures and see tasks through to the end.

Being consistently dependable so others can count on you to turn up and deliver. It reflects steady effort rather than occasional bursts of performance.

Noticing small but important facts and checking work for errors. It matters where a missed detail, such as a wrong address, could have serious consequences.

Staying calm and composed under pressure, and recovering after stress. It supports clear thinking when situations are frightening or chaotic.

The ability to bounce back after setbacks, criticism or difficult experiences. It involves learning from what went wrong and continuing to perform.

The capacity to keep functioning effectively when demands are high or time is short. It involves managing your own reactions so performance does not collapse.

Adjusting willingly when plans, instructions or circumstances change. It means staying effective rather than rigidly sticking to a preferred approach.

The drive that pushes you to start and persist with tasks, including dull or demanding ones. It shows in effort sustained without constant supervision.

The tendency to answer personality questions in the way you think looks best rather than how you truly are. Well-designed questionnaires include checks to detect it.

A questionnaire method where you describe your own behaviour, habits and preferences. Answers are only useful if given honestly and consistently.