CSE-PPT Subprofessional study materials
CSE-PPT Subprofessional study resources

CSE-PPT Subprofessional key terms

CSE-PPT Subprofessional · Get comfortable with the vocabulary.

synonym

A word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. In verbal tests, you choose the option closest in meaning to the given word.

Related: antonym, context clue
antonym

A word that means the opposite of another word. Antonym questions ask you to pick the option that reverses the meaning of the given word.

Related: synonym
analogy

A comparison that shows how two pairs of words are related. You identify the relationship in the first pair and apply the same relationship to complete the second pair.

Related: synonym, antonym
context clue

A hint in the surrounding words or sentences that helps you figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Types include examples, contrasts, and definitions.

Related: inference, synonym
prefix

A letter group added to the beginning of a base word that changes its meaning, such as un- in unhappy or re- in rewrite.

Related: suffix
suffix

A letter group added to the end of a base word that changes its meaning or part of speech, such as -ness in kindness or -ly in quickly.

Related: prefix
idiom

An expression whose meaning is not literal and cannot be understood from the individual words alone, such as "break the ice" meaning to start a conversation.

Related: inference
subject-verb agreement

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.

paraphrase

To restate a passage in your own words while keeping the same meaning. Good paraphrasing changes wording and sentence structure without adding opinions.

Related: inference
inference

A conclusion you draw from evidence and reasoning rather than from a direct statement. Reading questions often ask what a passage implies but does not say outright.

Related: context clue, paraphrase
percentage

A number expressed as a part of 100. To find a percentage of an amount, convert the percent to a decimal and multiply.

Related: fraction, decimal
ratio

A comparison of two or more quantities by division, often written as a:b or as a fraction. It shows how much of one quantity exists relative to another.

Related: proportion, fraction
proportion

An equation stating that two ratios are equal. You can solve a proportion by cross-multiplying the terms, which lets you find an unknown value.

Related: ratio
average (mean)

The sum of a set of values divided by the number of values. It gives a single number that represents the center of the data set.

Related: median, mode
median

The middle value in a data set arranged from smallest to largest. If there is an even number of values, the median is the average of the two middle values.

Related: average (mean), mode
mode

The value that appears most often in a data set. A set may have one mode, more than one mode, or no mode at all.

Related: average (mean), median
fraction

A number that represents part of a whole, written as one number over another, such as 3/4. The top number is the numerator and the bottom is the denominator.

Related: decimal, percentage
decimal

A number written using a decimal point to show a value smaller than one, such as 0.25. It can be converted to a fraction or a percent.

Related: fraction, percentage
least common multiple (LCM)

The smallest number that is a multiple of two or more given numbers. For example, the LCM of 4 and 6 is 12.

Related: greatest common factor (GCF)
greatest common factor (GCF)

The largest number that divides evenly into two or more given numbers. For example, the GCF of 12 and 18 is 6.

Related: least common multiple (LCM)
alphabetical filing

Arranging records or names in the order of the alphabet, letter by letter. It is a common clerical task used to keep files easy to find.

Related: chronological order
cross-reference

A note that directs a reader from one place in a file or document to another related place. It helps prevent records from being lost or duplicated.

Related: alphabetical filing
invoice

A business document that lists goods or services provided and the amount owed by the buyer. It usually includes quantities, prices, and payment terms.

Related: inventory
memorandum

A short written message used within an organization to share information or instructions. It is usually less formal than a letter and has a heading listing recipients and sender.

Related: minutes
minutes

The official written record of what was discussed and decided at a meeting. They typically include the date, attendees, agenda items, and resolutions.

Related: memorandum
inventory

A count or list of items currently on hand, such as supplies or stock. Clerical staff update it to track what is available and what needs reordering.

Related: invoice
chronological order

Arranging events or documents by the date or time they occurred, from earliest to latest. It is used in filing, reporting, and records management.

Related: alphabetical filing
proofreading

Checking a document for errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting before it is finalized. It helps ensure the text is accurate and professional.

Related: data entry
data entry

Typing information from a source document into a computer system or database. Accuracy is important because errors can affect records and reports.

Related: proofreading
transmittal

A short letter or form sent with documents to explain what is being sent and why. It helps the receiver confirm what was received.

Related: memorandum
Constitution

The fundamental law of a country that establishes the structure of government and lists the rights of the people. Other laws must conform to it.

Related: Bill of Rights, separation of powers
Bill of Rights

The part of a constitution that protects individual freedoms from government abuse, such as free speech, due process, and protection against unlawful searches.

Related: Constitution, human rights
separation of powers

The division of government authority among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches so that no single branch becomes too powerful.

Related: Constitution
local government unit

A political subdivision such as a province, city, municipality, or barangay that has its own officials and limited powers to govern local affairs.

Related: suffrage
suffrage

The right to vote in elections and plebiscites. It is usually granted to citizens who meet age and residency requirements.

Related: local government unit
inflation

A general rise in the prices of goods and services over time, which reduces the purchasing power of money. It is often measured by changes in a price index.

Related: gross domestic product (GDP)
gross domestic product (GDP)

The total market value of all final goods and services produced within a country during a given period. It is a common measure of economic activity.

Related: inflation
human rights

Basic freedoms and protections that belong to every person, such as the right to life, liberty, and fair treatment. They are often protected by law and international agreements.

Related: Bill of Rights