FFS Recruitment CBT key terms

A word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word in a given context, such as "begin" and "start." Recognizing synonyms helps candidates answer vocabulary and reading comprehension questions accurately.

A word with a meaning opposite to another word, such as "hot" and "cold." Antonym questions test whether a candidate can identify contrast relationships and avoid choosing words that are merely unrelated.

A conclusion a reader draws from evidence in a passage rather than from a statement made directly. Inferences must be supported by clues in the text and by reasonable background knowledge.

A fixed expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal meanings of its individual words, such as "break the ice." Idioms are tested because they require familiarity with conventional usage.

A comparison of two quantities by division, often written as a:b or as a fraction. Ratios show relative size and are used to solve sharing, mixing, and scaling problems.

A number expressed as a fraction of 100, denoted by the percent sign. Percentages make comparisons easier and are used in discounts, interest, tax, and data interpretation.

The sum of a set of values divided by the number of values. The mean summarizes a data set but can be strongly affected by very high or very low outliers.

Interest calculated only on the original principal, using the formula principal × rate × time. It does not include interest earned on previously accumulated interest.

Recent events and developments in politics, economy, society, science, and international relations. Candidates are expected to know major issues from the months before the examination.

The total market value of all final goods and services produced within a country during a specific period. GDP is a common measure of the size and growth of an economy.

An international organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, security, cooperation, and human rights. Its main bodies include the General Assembly and the Security Council.

A sustained rise in the general price level of goods and services, which reduces the purchasing power of money. Central banks often raise interest rates to control high inflation.

A model showing the three ingredients needed for most fires: fuel, oxygen, and heat. Removing any one of these can prevent ignition or stop combustion.

A chemical reaction in which a fuel reacts with oxygen and releases heat and light. Combustion may be complete or incomplete, and incomplete combustion produces carbon monoxide and soot.

The lowest temperature at which a liquid produces enough vapor to ignite briefly when exposed to an ignition source. A lower flash point indicates a greater fire hazard.

A sudden explosion of fire gases that occurs when oxygen enters a hot, oxygen-depleted compartment. It is extremely dangerous to firefighters and can be avoided by careful ventilation and cooling.

A portable device that discharges an agent such as water, foam, dry powder, or carbon dioxide to put out small fires. Using the wrong class of extinguisher can make a fire worse.

The mass of a substance per unit volume, usually expressed as grams per cubic centimeter or kilograms per cubic meter. Density helps explain why some objects float and others sink.

The process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make glucose and release oxygen. Chlorophyll captures the light energy needed for this process.

A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed by it. Catalysts lower the activation energy needed for the reaction and are important in industry and living cells.

A relationship stating that current through a conductor equals voltage divided by resistance, written as I = V/R. It is used to calculate electrical quantities in simple circuits.

Temporary working memory in a computer that stores data and instructions currently in use. RAM is volatile, so its contents are lost when the computer is switched off.

System software that manages hardware, memory, files, and programs, and provides a user interface. Examples include Windows, Linux, and macOS. It allows applications to run on the computer.

A fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information such as passwords or bank details by pretending to be a trustworthy person or organization, usually through email or fake websites.

A copy of data stored separately from the original so it can be restored after loss, damage, or a cyberattack. Regular backups are a basic safeguard for important information.

Reasoning that starts from general premises and draws a conclusion that must follow if the premises are true. It is evaluated for validity rather than for the actual truth of the premises.

A form of deductive argument with two premises and a conclusion, such as "All A are B; all B are C; therefore all A are C." Validity depends on the logical form.

A comparison that identifies a relationship between two pairs of items, often tested as "A is to B as C is to D." Solving analogies requires recognizing the precise relationship in the first pair.

An error in reasoning that makes an argument invalid or weak, such as attacking a person instead of the argument. Recognizing fallacies helps candidates evaluate arguments critically.

The fundamental set of principles and rules by which a state is governed, defining the structure of government and the rights of citizens. It is usually the highest law of the land.

The division of government authority among legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. Each branch checks the others.

The principle that everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law and accountable under it. It requires laws to be clear, public, and applied equally.

The right to vote in political elections. Suffrage may be restricted by age, citizenship, or other qualifications, and struggles to expand it are central to democratic history.

A situation in which a public official's personal interests could improperly influence their official decisions. It is usually managed by disclosure, recusal, or divestment.

The act of reporting wrongdoing, such as corruption or safety violations, within an organization to an authority or the public. Whistleblowers may be protected by law from retaliation.

The obligation of public officials to answer for their decisions and actions and to accept responsibility for their use of public resources. It is supported by audits, oversight, and transparency.

The practice of conducting public business openly, with decisions, records, and reasons available for scrutiny. Transparency reduces opportunities for corruption and builds public trust.

A set of written rules and standards that guides the behavior of public servants, covering integrity, impartiality, and proper use of public resources. Breaches may lead to disciplinary action.