PSB HOAE key terms

A word that carries the same or nearly the same meaning as another word, such as 'begin' and 'commence'. Verbal analogy and vocabulary items often hinge on recognizing that two words are interchangeable in context.

A word whose meaning is opposite to another word, such as 'expand' and 'contract'. Recognizing opposition is a common strategy for eliminating wrong answer choices in vocabulary questions.

A comparison stating that two pairs of words share the same relationship, as in 'pilot is to cockpit as chef is to kitchen'. The task is to name the relationship and match it, not merely to associate ideas.

The core part of a word that carries its basic meaning and to which prefixes and suffixes attach, such as 'port' meaning to carry in 'transport' and 'portable'. Knowing common roots helps decode unfamiliar vocabulary.

A meaningful unit attached to the front of a word that changes its meaning, such as 'pre-' meaning before or 'un-' meaning not. Prefixes often signal direction, negation, or quantity.

A meaningful unit attached to the end of a word that changes its meaning or its grammatical role, such as '-less' meaning without or '-ology' meaning study of. Suffixes often indicate part of speech.

Information in the surrounding sentence or paragraph that hints at the meaning of an unfamiliar word, such as a restatement, example, or contrast. Using clues avoids relying on memorized definitions alone.

The emotional or implied shading a word carries beyond its literal meaning, such as 'thrifty' versus 'stingy'. Word-choice questions often test whether a term sounds favorable, neutral, or negative.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, separate from any emotional shading. Distinguishing it from connotation helps when two answer choices are close in sense but differ in tone.

The order in which items, events, or steps follow one another. Nonverbal and verbal reasoning items often ask which element comes next in a repeating or growing pattern.

A regular, repeating arrangement or rule governing how elements change from one item to the next. Identifying the rule is the core skill in nonverbal reasoning series questions.

A series in which each element changes by a consistent rule, such as adding two sides each step or rotating ninety degrees each step. Checking differences between neighbors reveals the rule.

Turning a figure around a fixed point by a set angle, such as ninety degrees clockwise. Tracking a single feature's orientation across a series often exposes the underlying rule.

A mirror image of a figure flipped across a line, reversing left and right or top and bottom. Distinguishing reflection from rotation is a frequent trap in figure comparison items.

The ability to mentally picture, rotate, and compare shapes and their positions. It underlies questions about folded paper, unfolded boxes, and overlapping figures.

Grouping items by a shared attribute so that one element does not belong, as in four figures with three sides and one with four. The task is to find the rule the majority obey.

The single item in a set that fails to share the property common to the rest. Naming the shared property first, then testing each item against it, prevents guessing.

The central point a passage is built to convey, usually stated or implied in a topic sentence. Distractors often repeat details or overstate one part of the passage.

A fact, example, or statistic that backs up the main idea of a passage. Detail questions ask what the text states directly, so answers must be traceable to specific lines.

A conclusion drawn from evidence in the text rather than stated outright. A valid inference must be supported by the passage and must not rely on outside assumptions.

The sentence, often first in a paragraph, that announces what the paragraph will cover. Locating it quickly gives a map for the rest of the paragraph's details.

The reason a writer produced a text, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain a process. Purpose questions ask why, while main idea questions ask what.

The writer's attitude toward the subject as revealed by word choice, such as critical, amused, or urgent. Tone is inferred from language, not from the topic alone.

A word or phrase that signals how ideas connect, such as 'however' for contrast or 'therefore' for result. Noticing them helps track an argument's direction and predict what follows.

A comparison of two quantities by division, often written as 3:5 or 3/5. Ratios describe relative size and are the basis for proportion and scale problems.

An equation stating that two ratios are equal, such as 2/3 = 8/12. Cross-multiplication solves for an unknown term in scaling, dosage, and mixture problems.

A number expressed as a part of one hundred, so 45% equals 0.45 or 45/100. Converting between decimal, fraction, and percent forms is needed for discount and interest items.

The sum of a set of values divided by how many values there are. Rearranging the formula lets you find a missing value or a required total from a stated average.

The middle value of a data set arranged in order, or the mean of the two middle values when the count is even. It resists distortion by a single extreme value.

A rate expressed per single unit, such as cost per ounce or miles per hour. Finding the unit rate first simplifies comparisons and multi-step word problems.

The agreed sequence for evaluating expressions: parentheses, exponents, multiplication and division left to right, then addition and subtraction left to right. Ignoring it produces wrong answers in calculation items.

Approximating a result by rounding numbers to convenient values before computing. It quickly eliminates implausible answer choices and checks whether an exact answer is reasonable.

The smallest structural and functional unit of living things, bounded by a membrane and containing genetic material. Cells divide, take in nutrients, and respond to their environment.

The process by which green plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make sugar and release oxygen. It converts light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.

The process by which cells release energy from glucose, using oxygen in aerobic forms and producing carbon dioxide and water. It is the complement of photosynthesis in the carbon cycle.

A group of organs that work together to carry out a major body function, such as digestion or circulation. Systems are organized from cells to tissues to organs to systems.

The body's maintenance of stable internal conditions such as temperature and blood sugar despite outside change. Feedback mechanisms detect imbalance and trigger corrective responses.

The mass of a substance per unit volume, commonly in grams per cubic centimeter. Objects denser than a fluid sink in it, which explains floating and layering.

The smallest unit of an element that retains that element's properties, made of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Atoms combine in fixed ratios to form compounds.

The capacity to do work or cause change, existing in forms such as kinetic, potential, chemical, and thermal. Energy is conserved, though it often transforms from one form to another.

Arranging names or words from A to Z, letter by letter, treating spaces and punctuation by stated rules. Filing and indexing items test this skill under time pressure.

Arranging items from lowest to highest value, including multi-digit numbers and dates. Mixed lists of letters and numbers require deciding which sorting rule applies first.

A note directing a reader to related information elsewhere in a document or file. Following it correctly is essential when verifying a record against a second source.

Assigning letters, numbers, or symbols to represent categories such as departments or dates. Decoding requires applying the stated rule consistently to each item.

Arriving and completing tasks at the agreed time, including returning from breaks on schedule. Employers treat consistent lateness as a reliability problem regardless of work quality.

The quality of consistently doing what was promised, such as showing up and finishing assigned work without reminders. It is judged by patterns over time, not single good days.

Acting without being told when a task clearly needs doing, within the limits of one's role. It differs from overstepping, which ignores authority or procedure.

Cooperating with others toward a shared goal by sharing information, helping, and resolving differences constructively. Situational items reward the choice that serves the group's task.

Addressing a disagreement directly and calmly to reach a workable solution, often by listening first and focusing on the problem rather than the person. Avoiding or escalating usually worsens it.

The direction and oversight a worker receives from a manager or lead. Situational questions test knowing when to follow instructions, when to ask, and when to report a problem.