PSB HOAE flashcards
PSB HOAE · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Synonym strategy
- Replace the underlined word with each option and keep the one that preserves the sentence's original meaning; familiar-sounding words are often traps.
- Antonym strategy
- Select the option opposite in meaning to the target word. Two options that mean the same as each other cannot both be right, so eliminate them.
- Analogy bridge
- A short phrase linking the first pair, such as "is a type of" or "is used to." Apply the identical phrase to the second pair in the same direction.
- Odd-one-out items
- Name the property shared by all but one option, such as all being mammals or all being tools. The single option lacking that property is the answer.
- Contrast signal words
- Words like although, but, despite, and however signal that the blank's meaning opposes another part of the sentence, guiding the correct choice.
- Rotation versus reflection
- Rotation turns a figure and preserves handedness; reflection mirrors it and reverses handedness. Check whether a shape's orientation flipped or merely turned.
- Alternating series rule
- When consecutive figures do not follow one rule, split odd-positioned and even-positioned figures into two separate sequences and analyze each independently.
- Superposition rule
- In additive figure series, the third figure often combines the first two: shared lines may cancel (XOR) or only shared lines remain (AND).
- Paper-folding hole count
- Unfold in reverse order of the folds, mirroring holes across each fold line. Each fold doubles the hole count unless holes overlap.
- Matrix pattern rule
- In a grid, the transformation is constant along rows or down columns. Determine which direction holds, then apply it to the missing cell.
- Main idea versus detail
- The main idea covers the entire passage. An option that is true of only one paragraph is a supporting detail and therefore incorrect.
- Inference scope rule
- A valid inference is forced by the text. A claim that is merely plausible in real life but never implied by the passage is out of scope.
- EXCEPT question method
- Three options are supported by the passage and one is not. Verify each option against a specific line; the unsupported option is the answer.
- Vocabulary in context
- Substitute each option for the target word inside the original sentence. Only the choice that preserves the sentence's logic is correct.
- Author's tone
- Tone is the author's attitude, revealed by word choice such as unfortunately or remarkably, not by the topic itself.
- Percent change formula
- Percent change equals (new minus old) divided by old, times 100. A 20% rise then a 20% fall yields a net 4% decrease.
- Combined work rate
- For two workers completing a job in a and b hours, combined time t satisfies 1/a + 1/b = 1/t. Add rates, never times.
- Average and missing value
- Average equals sum divided by count, so sum equals average times count. Use the total to recover a missing data point.
- Ratio cross-multiplication
- Set two ratios equal as a/b = c/d, then cross-multiply to get ad = bc and solve for the unknown term.
- Common fraction decimals
- Memorize 1/8 = 0.125, 1/4 = 0.25, 1/3 ≈ 0.333, 1/2 = 0.5, 2/3 ≈ 0.667, and 3/4 = 0.75 for fast comparison.
- Cell organelles
- The nucleus stores DNA, mitochondria produce ATP energy, ribosomes assemble proteins, and the cell membrane regulates what enters and leaves.
- Photosynthesis equation
- Six carbon dioxide plus six water plus light yields glucose and six oxygen: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂, occurring in chloroplasts.
- Newton's second law
- Force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma). A larger net force or smaller mass produces greater acceleration of the object.
- Conductors versus insulators
- Conductors such as copper allow electric current to flow; insulators such as rubber block it. Current requires a closed circuit.
- Water cycle stages
- Evaporation turns water into vapor, condensation forms clouds, precipitation returns water to the surface, and collection gathers it in bodies of water.
- Alphabetical filing rule
- Compare letter by letter. Nothing comes before something, so a space sorts before a letter: New York precedes Newark.
- Numeric filing rule
- Sort by the entire number, not the first digit. Compare place values left to right, so 109 comes before 92.
- Chronological filing
- Order by year first, then month, then day. Thus 03/15/2023 precedes 04/01/2023, and both precede 01/10/2024.
- See versus see also
- A see reference points to the correct filing heading; see also points to related headings that may contain additional relevant material.
- Name filing order
- File by last name, then first name, then middle initial. Ignore titles such as Dr. or Mr. when alphabetizing entries.
- Persistent coworker conflict
- Address the issue directly and privately first. If it continues or affects safety or quality, report it to a supervisor.
- Reporting a missed deadline
- Inform the supervisor as soon as the delay is known, with a revised estimate and a recovery plan. Concealing the problem is never correct.