DSTA Entrance Examination key terms

A comparison question where one pair of words has a fixed relationship, and you must pick the pair that shares the same relationship. Identify the link, e.g. part-to-whole or cause-to-effect, before comparing options.

A word with the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. In verbal tests, choose the option closest in meaning while matching the part of speech and register of the prompt word.

A word with the opposite meaning to another word. Watch for near-opposites and for words with several senses, since only one option is a true opposite in the intended sense.

A question where all but one item share a common feature. Find the rule that covers the majority, then identify the single item that fails it; check for alternative rules before committing.

Sorting items into groups by shared attributes, often used in verbal and abstract questions. The correct grouping must be consistent and must place every item exactly once.

A conclusion drawn from stated evidence rather than stated outright. In reading questions, the answer must follow necessarily from the passage, not merely be plausible or generally true.

An unstated idea that must be true for an argument to work. Naming the assumption is the standard way to test whether a conclusion is supported or whether a counter-argument succeeds.

A set of statements where evidence (premises) is offered in support of a claim (conclusion). Distinguishing premises from the conclusion is the first step in evaluating any reasoning question.

The main claim an argument tries to establish. It is usually signposted by words such as therefore, so, or hence, and it is what the remaining statements are intended to support.

A stated reason or piece of evidence offered in support of a conclusion. Premises are taken as given within the argument; the question is whether they genuinely support the claim.

The difference between two values expressed as a percentage of the original value: (new minus old) divided by old, times 100. Always divide by the starting value, not the final one.

A comparison of two or more quantities showing how many times one contains another. To share an amount in a given ratio, divide by the total number of parts, then multiply.

A statement that two ratios are equal, allowing an unknown quantity to be found by cross-multiplication. Also used loosely for a share of a whole, as in a proportion of total sales.

A relationship where one quantity doubles as the other doubles, so the ratio between them stays constant. Graphically this is a straight line through the origin.

A relationship where one quantity increases as the other decreases, so their product stays constant. For example, more workers on a fixed job means fewer days needed.

The arithmetic difference between two percentages. A rise from 20% to 25% is five percentage points but a 25% increase, and exams often test this distinction.

An average in which each value is multiplied by its weight before summing, then divided by the total weight. Use it whenever groups of different sizes are combined.

The sum of all values divided by how many values there are. It is sensitive to extreme values, so compare it with the median when a data set is skewed.

The middle value when data are ordered from smallest to largest; with an even count, it is the mean of the two middle values. It is less affected by outliers than the mean.

The difference between the largest and smallest values in a data set. It is a simple measure of spread but depends only on the two extreme values.

The speed at which a task is completed, usually expressed as a fraction of the job per unit time. Add rates when workers combine, then invert to find the total time.

An ordered list of numbers or shapes following a rule. Find the rule by comparing consecutive differences, ratios, or alternating sub-sequences before predicting the next term.

A sequence considered as a whole, often with terms generated by adding, multiplying, or alternating operations. Check whether two interleaved rules are running in parallel.

A regular and repeating arrangement of elements in a sequence, grid, or figure. Identifying the repeating unit lets you predict later positions without listing every element.

A deductive argument with two premises and a conclusion, such as all A are B and all B are C, so all A are C. Judge validity by form alone, not by whether the statements are factually true.

Reasoning from general rules to a guaranteed specific conclusion. If the premises are true and the form is valid, the conclusion must be true; no extra evidence is needed.

The property of an argument whose conclusion follows necessarily from its premises. An argument can be valid even when its premises are false, so validity concerns structure rather than truth.

Turning a figure about a fixed point by a given angle, without changing its size or shape. Track one distinctive feature, such as a marked corner, to confirm the direction and amount.

A mirror image of a figure across a line, which reverses orientation. Unlike rotation, a reflection cannot be produced by turning the shape in the plane.

A flat pattern that folds into a three-dimensional solid. To test a net, fold it mentally and check which faces end up opposite each other and which edges meet.

The flat shape revealed by slicing a solid with a plane. Common results include a circle from a cylinder cut horizontally and a rectangle from a vertical cut.

The view of an object seen from directly above, showing its footprint and the arrangement of features. It is normally read alongside front and side elevations.

The ratio of teeth on a driving gear to those on a driven gear. It determines output speed and torque: a larger driven gear turns more slowly but with greater turning force.

The factor by which a machine multiplies an applied force, equal to output force divided by input force. Levers, pulleys, and inclined planes trade force for distance moved.

The turning effect of a force about a pivot, calculated as force multiplied by perpendicular distance from the pivot. Balance problems set clockwise and anticlockwise moments equal.

Extracting values from rows and columns accurately, paying attention to units, headers, and totals. Check whether a total row is included before averaging or summing.

Reading values, trends, and comparisons from graphs such as bar, line, and pie charts. Note the scale, the axis units, and whether the chart starts at zero before drawing conclusions.

Estimating values beyond the range of observed data by continuing a trend. It is only as reliable as the assumption that the trend continues unchanged.

A test of workplace behaviour where you choose the most and least effective responses to a scenario. Answers are judged against professional effectiveness, not personal preference.

The extent to which an action achieves a good outcome while respecting rules, people, and resources. In judgement tests, effective options usually combine initiative with appropriate consultation and escalation.

Referring a matter to a more senior person or specialist when it exceeds your authority or competence. It is appropriate for safety, legal, or high-risk issues, not for routine decisions you can handle.

Acting honestly and consistently with rules and stated values, even when no one is watching. In situational tests, options that conceal errors or bend rules are usually rated least effective.