QFD Firefighter Aptitude key terms

A conclusion drawn from evidence in a passage rather than stated outright. Readers combine clues with general knowledge to reach a reasonable, defensible meaning the author implies but does not spell out.

The central point a paragraph or passage is built around. Every supporting detail in the text relates back to it, and it can usually be stated in a single sentence.

A specific fact, example, statistic, or reason that backs up the main idea. Details answer who, what, when, where, or why and can be verified directly in the text.

Information surrounding an unfamiliar word that hints at its meaning. Nearby definitions, examples, contrasts, and cause-effect statements all serve as clues for figuring out vocabulary in a passage.

The order in which events, steps, or ideas appear in a text. Signal words such as first, then, before, and finally mark the order and help you follow a process or narrative.

The author's attitude toward the subject, conveyed through word choice and phrasing. A tone may be neutral, urgent, critical, or sympathetic, and it shapes how a message should be interpreted.

A fact can be proven or observed; an opinion expresses a belief, preference, or judgment. Distinguishing them helps a reader judge how much weight to give a statement.

A word that has nearly the same meaning as another word in a given context. Choosing among synonyms requires attention to shade of meaning, formality, and how the word fits the sentence.

A word with a meaning opposite to another word. Antonym questions test whether you can identify contrast, so watch for words like not, unlike, and instead in the sentence.

A comparison showing that two pairs of words share the same relationship, such as part to whole or cause to effect. Solving one means naming the relationship in the first pair, then matching it.

Arranging sentences or ideas so each follows sensibly from the one before. Transition words and pronoun references are the main signals for deciding which statement comes first, next, or last.

A judgment that follows logically from stated premises. A valid conclusion must be supported by the given information alone, without adding assumptions the text does not provide.

An unstated belief a speaker or writer relies on for an argument to hold. Spotting hidden assumptions is key to judging whether reasoning is sound or rests on shaky ground.

A comparison of two quantities showing how many times one contains the other, often written as a fraction or with a colon. Ratios scale up or down together and are used for mixing, staffing, and gear ratios.

An equation stating that two ratios are equal. Setting up a proportion lets you solve for an unknown value when the relationship between quantities stays constant.

A ratio comparing quantities with different units, such as gallons per minute or miles per hour. Rates describe how fast something changes and often require unit conversion before calculating.

Changing a measurement from one unit to another, such as feet to inches or minutes to seconds, by multiplying by a known equivalent. Careful labeling prevents errors in later calculations.

A number expressed as a part of one hundred. Percentages compare portions of different-sized totals and are used for discounts, increases, grades, and concentration of mixtures.

Finding an approximate answer by rounding numbers or using convenient values. Estimation checks whether a calculated result is reasonable and saves time when exact figures are unnecessary.

A rigid bar that pivots on a fulcrum to lift or move a load. Placing the fulcrum closer to the load increases the mechanical advantage, letting a smaller effort move a heavier object.

The fixed pivot point on which a lever turns. Its position along the bar determines how much effort is needed to move a given load.

The factor by which a machine multiplies the effort applied to it. A higher advantage means a smaller force can move a larger load, though the load then travels a shorter distance.

A wheel with a grooved rim that carries a rope or cable. Fixed pulleys change the direction of a pull, while movable pulleys can reduce the force needed to lift a load.

The resistance that occurs when two surfaces slide or rub against each other. Friction converts motion into heat and is why fluids flow more slowly through long hoses or rough pipes.

The amount of force applied over a given area. The same force concentrated on a smaller area produces greater pressure, which explains why a narrow nozzle shoots water farther.

The volume of fluid passing a point in a set amount of time, commonly measured in gallons per minute. Flow rate depends on pressure, hose diameter, and friction losses along the line.

A turning motion around a center point or axis. Recognizing rotation helps you predict how a gear, wheel, or handle will move when force is applied to it.

The relationship between the number of teeth on two meshed gears, which determines their relative speed and turning force. A small gear driving a large gear turns faster but with less force.

A balanced arrangement in which one half of a shape or object mirrors the other. Spotting symmetry helps you judge whether a folded pattern, map, or diagram matches its original form.

The ability to keep track of where you are and which direction things face relative to a reference point. It underlies map reading, giving directions, and following a route through a building.

The formal line of authority through which orders and reports pass in an organization. Following it ensures clear accountability and prevents conflicting instructions during an emergency.

The principle that each worker reports to only one supervisor at a time. It prevents confusion and conflicting orders, especially when several agencies respond to the same incident.

The number of subordinates one supervisor can effectively direct. Keeping the span manageable preserves communication and safety as an incident grows in size and complexity.

The process of addressing disagreement between people so it is settled constructively. It involves listening to each side, identifying the real issue, and agreeing on a workable solution.

Paying full attention to a speaker, reflecting back what was heard, and asking clarifying questions. It builds trust and reduces misunderstandings during stressful or high-stakes conversations.

Coordinating effort with others toward a shared goal, with each member contributing and supporting the rest. In emergency response, teamwork depends on trust, clear roles, and reliable communication.

Consistently doing what is right and honest even when no one is watching. It includes following rules, admitting mistakes, and refusing to take unfair shortcuts on the job.

Taking responsibility for your actions, decisions, and their results. An accountable worker reports problems promptly, owns errors, and follows through on commitments without excuses.

Being dependable and consistent in showing up, meeting deadlines, and completing assigned tasks. Reliable workers can be counted on to perform to standard without constant supervision.

A defined series of steps for completing a task safely and correctly. Following procedures consistently reduces errors and injuries, and deviations should be reported rather than hidden.

The act of noticing and mentally recording details in your surroundings. Careful observation captures specifics like colors, positions, and counts that memory alone often distorts.

Retrieving previously seen or heard information from memory without cues. Recall is strengthened by grouping details into meaningful chunks and by rehearsing them shortly after exposure.

The habit of noticing small but important specifics that others might overlook. It supports accurate reporting, equipment checks, and spotting changes between similar images or lists.