PN Cadet Initial Test key terms

A word that means the same as, or nearly the same as, another word. For example, 'brave' and 'courageous' are synonyms, so either can replace the other without changing the sentence's meaning.

A word whose meaning is opposite to another word. 'Hot' and 'cold' are antonyms. Antonym questions ask you to pick the option that contrasts most directly with the given word.

A word that shares spelling or pronunciation with another word but has a different meaning, such as 'bank' (river edge) and 'bank' (financial institution). Context decides which meaning is intended.

A comparison that shows a relationship between two pairs of words, such as 'doctor is to hospital as teacher is to school'. You must identify the same logical link in the second pair.

A fixed phrase whose meaning cannot be worked out from its individual words, such as 'to let the cat out of the bag' meaning to reveal a secret. Idioms must be learned as whole units.

A word that shows the relationship of a noun or pronoun to another word in the sentence, usually indicating place, time, or direction, such as 'in', 'on', 'under', 'after', and 'between'.

A sentence construction in which the subject performs the action, as in 'The pilot flew the aircraft'. It is usually clearer and more direct than the passive voice, where the subject receives the action.

A conclusion drawn from evidence in the text rather than stated directly. A reader combines clues with general knowledge to work out what the writer implies, which is often tested in comprehension passages.

A comparison of two or more quantities showing how many times one contains another, written as 3:4 or 3/4. To simplify a ratio, divide every part by their highest common factor.

An equation stating that two ratios are equal, such as 2/3 = 8/12. In direct proportion both quantities grow together; in inverse proportion one rises as the other falls.

A fraction or ratio expressed as a part of one hundred. To find a percentage increase, divide the increase by the original amount and multiply by 100, not by the new amount.

The arithmetic mean, found by adding all values and dividing by how many values there are. If a group's average and count are known, their total can be recovered by multiplying them.

Distance travelled per unit of time, calculated as distance divided by time. For average speed over a journey, use total distance divided by total time, not the average of separate speeds.

The largest number that divides two or more given numbers exactly, with no remainder. For 12 and 18 the factors are shared up to 6, so 6 is the highest common factor.

The smallest number that is a multiple of two or more given numbers. For 4 and 6 the multiples meet first at 12, which is used when adding fractions with unlike denominators.

Interest calculated only on the original principal, using the formula principal × rate × time ÷ 100. It does not grow on previously earned interest, unlike compound interest.

In a right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides. It is used to find an unknown side when two sides are known.

A physical quantity that has magnitude only and no direction, such as mass, time, speed, and temperature. It is added by simple arithmetic, unlike a vector.

A physical quantity having both magnitude and direction, such as displacement, velocity, acceleration, and force. Vectors are added by the triangle or parallelogram rule, not by simple arithmetic.

The rate at which velocity changes with time, measured in metres per second squared. A change of direction is also acceleration, even when the speed itself stays constant.

The resultant force on a body equals its mass multiplied by its acceleration (F = ma). A heavier body needs a larger force to gain the same acceleration as a lighter one.

The tendency of a body to resist any change in its state of rest or uniform motion. It depends on mass alone, so a loaded truck has more inertia than a bicycle.

The product of a body's mass and velocity, measured in kilogram metres per second. In a collision with no external force, total momentum before equals total momentum after.

The product of force and the distance moved in the direction of that force, measured in joules. Pushing a wall without moving it does no work in the physical sense.

The rate of doing work or transferring energy, measured in watts, where one watt is one joule per second. It tells how fast energy is used, not how much is used.

For a conductor at constant temperature, current is directly proportional to potential difference, so V = IR. Resistance is measured in ohms and current in amperes.

The bending of light as it passes from one transparent medium into another of different optical density, caused by a change in its speed. It explains why a stick looks bent in water.

The supreme authority of a state to govern itself without external interference. In Pakistan it belongs to Allah and is exercised through the people's chosen representatives under the Constitution.

The fundamental law that establishes a state's institutions, distributes powers, and limits government authority. Pakistan's Constitution of 1973 is the country's third and current constitution.

A system of government in which power is shared between a central authority and regional units such as provinces. Pakistan's Constitution divides subjects between the federation and the provinces.

One of the five core acts of worship: declaration of faith, prayer, charity, fasting in Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Makkah. Together they form the practical foundation of a Muslim's religious life.

The obligatory annual charity of Islam, payable on wealth held for a full lunar year at about two and a half percent. It purifies wealth and supports specified categories of needy people.

The pilgrimage to Makkah that every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able must perform at least once. It takes place in the month of Dhul Hijjah and is the fifth pillar.

A recorded report of the sayings, actions, or approvals of the Prophet Muhammad, preserved with a chain of narrators. Alongside the Quran, it is a primary source of Islamic guidance.

A form of reasoning in which two premises lead to a necessary conclusion, such as 'All pilots are trained; he is a pilot; therefore he is trained'. Validity depends on structure, not content.

Reasoning from general rules to a specific conclusion. If the premises are true and the form is valid, the conclusion must follow, as in applying a law to a particular case.

Reasoning from particular observations to a general conclusion. Because it goes beyond the evidence, an inductive conclusion is probable rather than certain, unlike a valid deduction.

A sequence of numbers following a hidden rule, such as adding 3, then 6, then 9. The task is to identify the pattern and supply the missing or next term.

A puzzle in which letters or words are changed by a fixed rule, such as shifting each letter two places forward, and you must apply the same rule to a new word.

An assessment of how you would respond to a realistic workplace dilemma, judged against qualities such as integrity, teamwork, and respect for rules. There is usually a most and least appropriate option.

The ability to guide and motivate others towards a shared goal while accepting responsibility for the outcome. In selection interviews it is shown through concrete examples from school, sports, or community work.

Working cooperatively with others, sharing tasks and credit, and resolving disagreement constructively. Assessors look for evidence that you listen, contribute, and support others rather than only compete.

Recent national and international events, policies, and appointments that a well-informed citizen is expected to know. Regular reading of a reliable newspaper is the standard preparation method.