NY Court Officer key terms

A conclusion a reader draws by combining stated details with general knowledge, even though the author does not state that conclusion directly. Inferences must be supported by evidence in the text.

The central point or most important message of a passage. Other sentences usually support, explain, or give examples of it, so it can often be found by asking what the whole passage is about.

A word, phrase, or sentence near an unfamiliar term that helps a reader figure out its meaning. Examples include definitions, examples, contrasts, and restatements placed nearby.

A fact is a statement that can be verified with evidence; an opinion expresses a belief, feeling, or judgment. Recognizing the difference helps a reader judge how much weight to give a statement.

To restate a passage's meaning in your own words while keeping the original ideas accurate. A good paraphrase changes wording and sentence structure but not the essential information.

A brief restatement of the most important points of a longer passage. A good summary leaves out minor details and examples while preserving the author's central meaning.

A word or phrase that shows how ideas connect, such as however, therefore, first, or in addition. Transitions signal contrast, cause, sequence, or emphasis and guide a reader through the text.

A sentence structure 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.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number. A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb, even when words come between them.

Putting descriptive words or phrases close to the word they describe. A misplaced modifier can confuse readers or accidentally make a sentence say something the writer did not intend.

A comparison of two quantities using division, often written as 3:1 or 3 to 1. Ratios show how much of one thing exists relative to another.

An equation stating that two ratios are equal, such as 2/3 = 4/6. Proportions are used to solve problems involving scaling, rates, and unknown quantities.

A number expressed as a part of 100. For example, 25% means 25 out of every 100, or 0.25, and percentages are converted to decimals by dividing by 100.

The arithmetic average of a set of numbers, found by adding all the values and dividing by the number of values. The mean can be affected strongly by unusually high or low values.

The middle value in a set of numbers arranged in order. If there is an even number of values, the median is the average of the two middle numbers.

The standard sequence for evaluating math expressions: parentheses first, then exponents, then multiplication and division from left to right, then addition and subtraction from left to right.

A rate that compares a quantity to exactly one unit of another quantity, such as miles per hour or dollars per item. Unit rates make comparisons easier.

Replacing a number with a nearby value that has fewer digits, based on a chosen place value. If the next digit is 5 or higher, round up; otherwise keep the digit.

An approximate calculation used when an exact answer is not needed or not possible. Estimation helps check whether a calculated answer is reasonable.

Reasoning that starts with general rules or premises and applies them to reach a specific, logically certain conclusion. If the premises are true and the logic is valid, the conclusion must be true.

Reasoning that uses specific observations or examples to form a general conclusion. Inductive conclusions are probable rather than certain, because future observations could contradict them.

A statement offered as evidence or a reason in an argument. Premises are supposed to support the conclusion, and an argument's strength depends on whether they are true and relevant.

The claim an argument is trying to establish. It is the statement that the premises are meant to support, and it may appear at the beginning or end of the argument.

A specific case that shows a general statement or rule is false. One valid counterexample is enough to disprove a claim that says something is always true.

A flaw in reasoning that makes an argument unreliable, even if the conclusion happens to be true. Examples include attacking a person instead of the argument or assuming what one is trying to prove.

An unstated belief that an argument depends on. If the assumption is false, the argument's conclusion may no longer follow from the stated evidence.

An ordered arrangement of numbers, letters, or shapes that follows a rule. Finding the rule allows you to predict the next item in the series.

Fully concentrating on a speaker, hearing the message, and confirming understanding by summarizing or asking clarifying questions. It reduces miscommunication and shows respect.

Techniques used to calm a tense or potentially violent situation by speaking calmly, giving space, and reducing triggers. The goal is to lower risk before resorting to force.

The sound judgment to decide when to act, how much to say, and what information to share. It involves choosing appropriately within rules rather than acting automatically or carelessly.

The duty to protect private or sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure. It means sharing information only with people who have a legitimate need to know.

The formal line of authority in an organization, showing whom each person reports to and who may give orders. Following it ensures decisions and problems reach the right level.

The ability to understand and acknowledge another person's feelings and perspective without necessarily agreeing with them. It helps build trust and improve communication.

The process of addressing a disagreement constructively so the parties can reach a workable solution. It often involves listening, identifying interests, and finding compromises.

Limits that keep a working relationship appropriate, such as avoiding favoritism, personal involvement, or sharing private information. Boundaries protect fairness, safety, and public trust.

Arranging records by the letters of names or titles, from A to Z. Standard rules usually ignore spaces and punctuation and treat surname-first formats consistently.

Arranging events or records by the time they occurred, from earliest to latest or the reverse. It helps track sequences and verify timelines.

A difference or inconsistency between two records, statements, or sets of facts. Finding and explaining discrepancies is important for accurate record keeping.

A note or link that directs a reader from one record or entry to related information elsewhere. Cross-references help connect files and prevent missed details.

Removing or obscuring sensitive information from a document before it is released or shared. Redaction protects privacy and legal requirements while keeping the rest readable.

A documented record of who changed a file or record, what was changed, and when. It supports accountability and helps detect errors or unauthorized actions.

Entering information correctly and consistently, with attention to spelling, numbers, dates, and codes. Mistakes in data entry can cause serious record errors later.