KAAY Cadet Entrance Exam key terms

A word that carries a meaning very close to another word, so the two can often replace each other in a sentence without changing the sense, as 'brave' and 'courageous' do.

A word whose meaning is opposite to another word. Pairs such as 'ancient' and 'modern' or 'expand' and 'contract' show this relationship and are frequently tested in vocabulary questions.

Information in the surrounding sentence that hints at the meaning of an unfamiliar word, such as a definition, example, contrast, or cause-and-effect signal that helps a reader infer sense without a dictionary.

A conclusion drawn from evidence in a passage rather than stated outright. A reader combines details and general knowledge to work out what the writer implies but does not say directly.

The central point a paragraph or passage is built around, usually expressed in a topic sentence and supported by details. Identifying it is the first step in answering comprehension questions accurately.

A sentence pattern in which the subject performs the action, as in 'The cadet saluted the officer.' It is usually clearer and more direct than the passive form and is preferred in formal writing.

A sentence pattern in which the subject receives the action, formed with a form of 'be' plus a past participle, as in 'The report was written by the cadet.' It shifts emphasis to the action or receiver.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number and person, so a singular subject takes a singular verb and a plural subject takes a plural verb, even when words sit between them.

A small word such as 'in', 'on', 'at', 'between', or 'under' that links a noun or pronoun to another part of the sentence and shows place, time, direction, or relationship.

A joining word such as 'and', 'but', 'because', or 'although' that connects words, phrases, or clauses. Coordinating conjunctions link equals; subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses.

A comparison of two quantities by division, showing how many times one value contains another. A ratio of 3 to 4 can be written 3:4 or 3/4 and is scaled by multiplying both parts equally.

A statement that two ratios are equal, such as 2/5 = 8/20. Solving a proportion usually means finding the missing term by cross-multiplication, a skill used in scale and mixture problems.

A fraction expressed out of one hundred, so 45% means 45 per 100 or 0.45. Percentage change is found by dividing the change by the original amount and multiplying by 100.

The sum of a set of values divided by how many values there are. It summarises a group with one number and is often combined with total-and-count reasoning in word problems.

The highest common factor is the largest number dividing two or more numbers exactly; the lowest common multiple is the smallest number each divides into evenly. Their product equals the product of the two numbers.

A whole number greater than 1 with exactly two factors, itself and 1, such as 2, 3, 5, 7, and 11. Recognising primes helps in simplifying fractions and finding factors.

The relationship speed equals distance divided by time, rearranged as distance equals speed times time. Units must match, and relative-speed problems add or subtract speeds of moving objects.

The rate at which velocity changes with time, measured in metres per second squared. It occurs whenever speed changes, direction changes, or both, and is caused by an unbalanced force.

Three principles of motion: objects stay at rest or in uniform motion unless a force acts; force equals mass times acceleration; and every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

Mass is the quantity of matter in a body, measured in kilograms and unchanged by location. Weight is the gravitational force on that mass, measured in newtons and varying with gravity.

Mass per unit volume of a substance, calculated as mass divided by volume and often expressed in kilograms per cubic metre or grams per cubic centimetre. It explains why some objects float.

Force acting per unit area, measured in pascals. For a given force, a smaller area produces greater pressure, which is why sharp edges cut easily and wide tyres sink less.

A scalar quantity has size only, such as mass, time, or temperature. A vector has both size and direction, such as displacement, velocity, and force, and vectors combine by direction-aware rules.

The fundamental set of principles and rules by which a state is governed, defining institutions, powers, and citizens' rights. Pakistan's Constitution was adopted in 1973 and has been amended many times since.

The idea that Muslims of the subcontinent needed a separate homeland where they could practise Islam freely and shape public life by Islamic values, articulated in the Pakistan Movement and the 1940 Lahore Resolution.

The view that Hindus and Muslims of the subcontinent were two distinct nations with separate cultures, histories, and social systems, and therefore required separate political arrangements and ultimately separate states.

The 1940 resolution passed by the All-India Muslim League at Lahore, demanding that Muslim-majority areas in the north-west and east be grouped into independent states. It is also called the Pakistan Resolution.

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and provincial or regional units, each with defined responsibilities. Pakistan is a federal state with provinces and territories.

One of the five core acts of worship: declaration of faith (shahadah), prayer (salah), charity (zakah), fasting in Ramadan (sawm), and pilgrimage to Makkah (hajj) for those able.

The obligatory annual charity on wealth held for a lunar year above a minimum threshold, paid at a fixed rate to specified categories of needy people. It purifies wealth and supports the community.

The practice and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, preserved in hadith reports and taken by Muslims as a model for belief and conduct alongside the Quran. It informs worship, ethics, and daily behaviour.

A relationship question in which two items are connected in a specific way, and the candidate must find another pair sharing the same connection, such as worker to workplace, cause to effect, or part to whole.

A reasoning task presenting several items in which all but one share a common property. The candidate identifies the exception, requiring careful checking of categories, numbers, letters, or shapes.

A sequence of numbers, letters, or figures following a rule, such as adding a constant, multiplying, or alternating patterns. The candidate predicts the next term by finding the underlying rule.

A puzzle type in which words or letters are replaced by symbols, shifted letters, or numbers according to a rule, and the candidate must apply or reverse that rule to decode the answer.

The ability to picture and manipulate shapes in the mind, including rotations, reflections, folding, and matching views. It is tested through figure series, paper folding, and embedded-figure questions.

A reasoning skill involving movement described by compass directions or turns, where the candidate tracks a path and finds final direction, displacement, or relative position, often using a simple sketch.

Body mass index, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. It screens for underweight, normal, overweight, and obese ranges, though it does not measure body fat directly.

The ability to carry out daily tasks with vigour and alertness, without undue fatigue, and with energy left for emergencies. It includes cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, and agility.

The capacity to sustain effort over time, especially through running, swimming, or marching. Cardiovascular endurance depends on heart, lung, and circulatory efficiency and is built by regular aerobic training.

The ability to change body position and direction quickly while keeping control, important in obstacle courses, sports, and drill movements. It combines speed, balance, coordination, and reaction time.

The required level of eyesight for entry, usually stated as a minimum uncorrected or corrected visual acuity with limits on colour blindness and refractive error. Candidates should check the current official medical criteria.

The outcome of a medical examination confirming a candidate is free of conditions that would prevent training or service, covering vision, hearing, heart, lungs, and general health, and verified by authorised medical officers.

A short, structured spoken statement covering name, education, family background, interests, and motivation for joining. It should be brief, truthful, and delivered clearly, since it often opens the interview.

Non-verbal communication such as posture, eye contact, gestures, and facial expression. In an interview, upright posture, steady eye contact, and a calm expression signal confidence and respect.

A calm belief in one's own ability, shown by clear speech, steady posture, and willingness to admit what one does not know. It differs from arrogance, which dismisses others and exaggerates ability.

Recent national and international events, policies, and developments that an informed citizen should follow. Candidates are expected to know major happenings in Pakistan and the world from the past year.