KS POST key terms

The central point a passage is written to convey, which the supporting details explain or prove. Identifying it usually requires summarizing the whole text rather than one sentence.

A specific fact, example, or reason in a passage that backs up the main idea. Details answer who, what, when, where, or why and can be checked against the text.

A conclusion drawn from evidence in the text plus reasonable reasoning, even though the text does not state it directly. A valid inference must be supported, not merely guessed.

Facts stated directly in a passage, in words the reader can point to. Questions asking what the text says are answered from explicit information, not from assumptions.

Surrounding words or sentences that help a reader work out the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Clues may be definitions, examples, contrasts, or the overall sense of the sentence.

Determining what a word means as it is used in a particular passage, which may differ from its most common meaning. The surrounding sentence controls the correct choice.

The feeling or attitude a word carries beyond its literal meaning, such as the difference between cheap and inexpensive. Connotation affects tone and can change how a statement is read.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, separate from any emotional shading. Two words with the same denotation can still differ in connotation.

The writer's attitude toward the subject, revealed through word choice and detail, such as formal, urgent, or sarcastic. Tone differs from mood, which is the feeling the reader gets.

The reason a text was written, usually to inform, persuade, explain, or entertain. Purpose shapes which details are included and how the passage is organized.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number, so a singular subject takes a singular verb. Interrupting phrases and inverted sentences often hide the true subject.

The requirement that a pronoun match the noun it refers to in number and gender. A singular antecedent needs a singular pronoun, which frequently causes errors in formal writing.

Putting a descriptive word or phrase next to the word it describes. A misplaced or dangling modifier attaches to the wrong word and creates confusing or unintended meaning.

A group of words punctuated as a sentence that lacks a subject, a complete verb, or an independent thought. Fragments must be joined to a main clause or rewritten.

Two or more independent clauses joined with no punctuation or with only a comma. It is corrected with a period, semicolon, or conjunction plus comma.

A group of words containing a subject and a complete verb that can stand alone as a sentence. Recognizing it is essential for fixing fragments and run-ons.

Using the same grammatical form for items in a list or comparison, such as all verbs or all noun phrases. Parallelism makes writing clearer and is a common test item.

A sentence construction in which the subject performs the action, as in the officer wrote the report. Active voice is usually clearer and more direct than passive voice in reports.

A construction in which the subject receives the action, as in the report was written by the officer. It is useful when the doer is unknown but often weakens clarity.

A ratio compares two quantities, while a proportion states that two ratios are equal. Proportions are solved by cross-multiplying and are common in staffing and dosage problems.

The difference between an old and new value divided by the old value, then multiplied by one hundred. It shows increase or decrease relative to the starting amount.

A rate expressed for exactly one unit of the second quantity, such as miles per hour or cost per item. Unit rates allow direct comparison between different offers or speeds.

The sum of a set of values divided by the number of values. It is affected by extreme values, unlike the median, so the two can differ greatly.

The middle value in an ordered list of numbers, or the average of the two middle values when the count is even. It is less affected by outliers than the mean.

The agreed sequence for evaluating expressions: parentheses, exponents, multiplication and division, then addition and subtraction. Following it ensures everyone computes the same result.

Noticing and registering facts about people, places, or events using the senses. Accurate observation is the foundation for descriptions, witness accounts, and later recall.

Retrieving previously observed or learned information from memory without cues. Recall is strengthened by focused attention and weakened by stress or divided attention.

The ability to notice small but important features, such as a date, plate number, or wording change. It is tested by comparing similar items or spotting inconsistencies.

Mentally picturing a scene, route, or set of objects to remember and reason about it. It helps candidates answer questions about spatial layout and sequence.

Giving full attention to a speaker, noting both content and feeling, and confirming understanding before responding. It reduces miscommunication and is central to effective interviewing.

Recognizing and understanding another person's feelings without necessarily sharing them. In human relations, showing empathy calms people and builds cooperation.

Using calm speech, distance, and clear options to reduce tension in a conflict. The goal is to lower the risk of violence and create time for a safe resolution.

The formal line of authority through which orders and information pass in an organization. Following it prevents confusion, but urgent safety matters may require immediate direct action.

Choosing the best course of action in a realistic workplace scenario by weighing policy, safety, ethics, and consequences. Answers are judged on judgment and priorities, not on personal preference.

Protecting private information from unauthorized disclosure. It applies to reports, investigations, and personal data, and breaches can harm people and undermine trust.

Arranging events in the order they occurred, from first to last. Reports use it so a reader can follow exactly what happened and when.

Writing that states observable facts without opinion, emotion, or judgment. It avoids words like rude or lazy and instead records specific actions and statements.

The standard parts of a report, typically heading, summary, narrative, evidence, and conclusion. A consistent structure helps readers find key facts quickly.

The core questions a factual report must answer so the account is complete. Leaving any of them unanswered creates gaps that weaken the record.