AFM Enlistment (English) key terms

A word that means the same as, or nearly the same as, another word in a given context; synonym questions ask you to pick the closest match.

A word that means the opposite of another word. Antonym questions test whether you can identify the contrasting meaning rather than a similar one.

A conclusion you reach by reasoning from evidence in a passage rather than from a statement written directly. Inferences must be supported by the text.

The central point a passage is built around. It is broader than a detail and usually stated or strongly implied in the opening or closing sentences.

A word, phrase, or sentence near an unfamiliar word that helps you work out its meaning from how it is used.

The grammar rule that a verb must match its subject in number: singular subjects take singular verbs, plural subjects take plural verbs, even when words sit between them.

A letter group added to the front of a base word to change its meaning, such as un- in unclear or pre- in preview.

A letter group added to the end of a base word to change its meaning or word class, such as -less in careless or -tion in action.

A comparison of two quantities by division, written as a:b or as a fraction. It tells how many times one amount contains the other.

An equation stating that two ratios are equal, used to solve for an unknown when quantities scale together at the same rate.

The difference between an old and new value expressed as a percentage of the old value; calculated as change divided by original, times one hundred.

The arithmetic average: add all values and divide by how many values there are. It is affected by very high or low outliers.

The middle value when a set of numbers is arranged in order; with an even count, it is the average of the two middle values.

Changing a measurement from one unit to another, such as kilometres to metres, by multiplying or dividing by the correct factor.

A ratio that compares quantities with different units, such as kilometres per hour or cost per litre; often used in time, speed, and work problems.

A logical argument with two premises and a conclusion. A valid syllogism's conclusion follows necessarily from the premises, whether or not those premises are actually true.

A statement given as evidence or a starting point in an argument. In logic questions you accept premises as true and test what must follow from them.

The statement an argument claims to prove from its premises. A valid conclusion must follow necessarily, not just probably, from the given information.

Reasoning from general rules to a specific case that must follow from them. If the rules are true and applied correctly, the conclusion cannot be false.

A sequence of numbers generated by a hidden rule, such as adding a fixed amount or multiplying by a constant; you must identify the rule and predict the next term.

A repeated or predictable arrangement in shapes, numbers, or symbols. Pattern questions ask you to identify the rule and continue or complete it.

An unstated belief or condition that an argument relies on. If the assumption is false, the argument's conclusion loses support, even when the stated premises are true.

A rigid bar that turns about a fixed point to move a load when an effort is applied. Levers trade force for distance and include crowbars, scissors, and wheelbarrows.

The fixed pivot point about which a lever turns. Its position determines how much effort is needed to lift a given load.

The ratio of load force to effort force in a machine. A value greater than one means the machine multiplies your effort.

A turning effect produced by a force acting at a distance from a pivot; calculated as force multiplied by perpendicular distance from the pivot.

A force that opposes motion when two surfaces slide or tend to slide past each other; it converts kinetic energy into heat and can be reduced with lubrication.

The ratio of teeth on a driven gear to teeth on a driving gear. It determines changes in output speed and turning force.

A push or pull that can change an object's speed, direction, or shape, measured in newtons; it has both size and direction.

Force spread over an area, measured in pascals. The same force produces more pressure when concentrated on a smaller area.

Imagining how a two- or three-dimensional object looks after being turned in space, without physically moving it; a core spatial reasoning skill.

A flat, unfolded pattern that can be folded along its edges to make a three-dimensional shape such as a cube or pyramid.

A view of an object or area seen from directly above, showing layout and relative positions but not height; also called a top view.

A direction measured clockwise in degrees from north, written with three digits, so east is 090 and south is 180.

The ratio between a distance on a map or drawing and the real distance it represents, such as 1:50,000 or one centimetre to one kilometre.

A set of coordinates locating a point on a map by counting eastings first, then northings, usually given as a four- or six-digit number.

Recent local, national, and international events and issues, especially those reported in the news during the months before the exam.

The full authority of a state to govern itself without outside interference, including control over its territory, laws, and foreign policy.

The branch of government that makes laws, typically a parliament or congress whose members debate and vote on bills before they become Acts.

The senior group of ministers who head government departments and advise the head of government, usually the prime minister or president, on major policy decisions.