DSA Cadet Selection key terms

The central point a passage or paragraph is built around. In English comprehension items you identify it by asking what the whole text is mostly saying, not what one detail says.

A conclusion drawn from evidence in a text even though the text does not state it directly. It must be logically supported, not merely guessed, and is a common reading-comprehension question type.

A specific fact, example, or reason inside a passage that backs up the main idea. Recognising which sentence is a detail rather than the point helps you answer both detail and main-idea questions.

A synonym is a word with nearly the same meaning as another; an antonym has the opposite meaning. Vocabulary items often test these, so build word knowledge in pairs rather than in isolation.

Information in the surrounding sentence or paragraph that hints at the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Using contrast words, examples, and restatements lets you work out meaning without a dictionary.

A ratio compares two quantities by division, and a proportion states that two ratios are equal. These are used to scale recipes, mix concrete, convert map distances, and solve many speed and work problems.

A fraction expressed out of one hundred, written with the percent sign. Converting between fractions, decimals, and percentages quickly is essential for discount, interest, and data-interpretation questions.

The sum of a set of values divided by how many values there are. Knowing that total equals average multiplied by count lets you solve many problems without listing every value.

The relationship that distance equals speed multiplied by time. Rearranging it gives speed and time, and average speed over a whole journey is total distance divided by total time, not the average of the speeds.

A structured way of investigating: observe, form a hypothesis, design a controlled test, collect data, and draw conclusions. Understanding the order helps you judge whether a described experiment is valid.

A testable, specific prediction about what will happen under stated conditions. It must be able to be shown false by evidence; a statement that cannot be tested is not a hypothesis.

Any factor in an experiment that can change. The independent variable is what the experimenter alters, the dependent variable is what is measured, and controlled variables are held constant so results are fair.

A force is a push or pull that can change an object's speed or direction. Newton's laws describe how net force, mass, and acceleration relate, and why an object keeps moving when forces balance.

The movement of energy from one store or object to another, such as chemical to kinetic in a running body or electrical to light in a bulb. Energy is conserved overall but can spread as heat.

A deductive argument with two premises leading to a conclusion, such as all A are B and all B are C, so all A are C. Only the stated premises matter, not real-world knowledge.

Reasoning from general rules to a guaranteed specific conclusion. If the premises are true and the form is valid, the conclusion must be true, which distinguishes it from probabilistic reasoning.

Reasoning from specific observations to a general rule or likely pattern. The conclusion is probable rather than certain, so strong evidence raises confidence but never guarantees the generalisation.

A premise is a stated reason or piece of evidence; the conclusion is the claim it is meant to support. Identifying which is which is the first step in evaluating any argument.

An unstated belief an argument depends on to reach its conclusion. If the assumption is false, the argument collapses, so spotting it is central to strengthening and weakening questions.

Spotting a rule that governs a sequence of numbers, shapes, or letters so you can predict the next item. Check differences, ratios, alternating rules, and positions before assuming one simple rule.

A question type where you find the missing or next element of a sequence. Work through simple operations first, then test combinations such as alternating sub-sequences or increasing steps.

A pair-based question of the form A is to B as C is to what. Identify the exact relationship between the first pair, then apply the same relationship to the second pair.

The ability to picture shapes, rotations, and positions in your mind. It covers folding, mirror images, and block counting, and is tested because map reading and formation work depend on it.

Choosing the most appropriate response to a realistic workplace or training scenario. The best answer is usually the one that is safe, honest, respectful of the chain of command, and focused on the team's task.

The formal line through which orders and reports pass, from junior to senior. Following it keeps communication clear and prevents confusion, though immediate safety concerns are always raised at once.

Accepting responsibility for your own actions, decisions, and mistakes, and answering for their results. It means owning an error rather than deflecting blame, and then correcting it.

Acting on a sensible opportunity or problem without waiting to be told. In a team it means spotting what needs doing and doing it within your authority, while keeping others informed.

The line between helpful action and exceeding your authority. Good judgement means acting promptly on urgent, low-risk matters but seeking approval before decisions that affect others or carry real risk.

Consistently doing what is honest and right, even when no one is watching or when lying would be easier. It includes admitting mistakes and refusing to take unfair credit or advantage.

The ability of the heart and lungs to supply oxygen to working muscles over a sustained period. It is built by running, swimming, and cycling, and is usually tested by a timed distance run.

The ability of a muscle group to keep working against resistance for many repetitions. Push-ups, sit-ups, and plank holds are common tests, and training uses higher repetitions with lighter loads.

Gradually increasing training demand, such as distance, repetitions, or load, so the body keeps adapting. Increases must be small and spaced out, otherwise injury and overtraining become likely.

The rest and sleep during which the body repairs and strengthens after training. Without it, performance falls and injury risk rises, so rest days are part of a plan, not a break from it.

Maintaining enough body water for the body to work properly. Even mild dehydration reduces endurance and concentration, so drinking before, during, and after exertion matters, especially in heat.

Gentle activity and mobility work done before exercise to prepare the body, and afterwards to return it gradually to rest. Both reduce injury risk and stiffness and improve performance.

Fully concentrating on a speaker, noting both words and tone, and confirming understanding by summarising or asking questions. It prevents misunderstandings and is the foundation of clear teamwork.

Specific, timely information about how someone's performance or behaviour was received. Useful feedback describes the action and its effect and is given to help, not to attack the person.

Stating your views, needs, and concerns clearly and calmly while respecting others. It sits between passivity, where you stay silent, and aggression, where you override people.

Working through disagreement to reach a workable outcome by clarifying the real issue, listening to each side, and agreeing on next steps. The aim is solving the problem, not winning the argument.

Coordinating your effort with others so the group succeeds rather than only you. It involves sharing information, covering gaps, and putting the team's objective above personal credit.

Knowing exactly what your job covers and where another person's responsibility begins. Clear roles prevent duplicated effort and gaps, and they make it easier to ask for help at the right time.

The drive to serve a larger purpose, such as protecting the nation and helping people, rather than only seeking personal reward. It sustains effort through hardship and repetitive training.

A deliberate decision to stay with a demanding path over years, accepting short-term difficulty for a larger goal. It is shown by preparation and persistence, not by enthusiasm alone.

The capacity to recover after setbacks, failure, or fatigue and keep going. It is built through repeated manageable challenges, reflection, and support from others, not by avoiding difficulty.

An accurate view of your own strengths, weaknesses, triggers, and effect on others. It lets you correct weaknesses early and explain honestly why you want the role and where you must improve.

Doing what is required, to standard, whether or not you feel like it. It covers punctuality, following rules, keeping kit and appearance in order, and completing tasks without supervision.

Personally controlling your impulses, time, and habits so you meet your own commitments. It is the private side of discipline, shown in study routines, sleep, and turning up prepared.

Arriving and finishing at the agreed time, every time. It signals reliability and respect for others' time, and repeated lateness is treated as a serious attitude problem in uniformed service.

Techniques used to keep pressure at a workable level, such as controlled breathing, planning, exercise, and talking to someone. It keeps performance steady when tasks are urgent or unfamiliar.