Postal Exam 955 key terms

A conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning rather than stated directly. On verbal tests, you identify what a passage implies even when the author never says it outright.

The central point or overall message of a passage. It summarizes what the text is mostly about and is often supported by smaller details throughout the reading.

A specific fact, example, or statement that explains, proves, or clarifies the main idea. Details answer who, what, when, where, or how questions about the passage.

A word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. Recognizing synonyms helps you understand passages and answer vocabulary questions without outside knowledge.

A word that means the opposite of another word. Identifying contrasts between words helps you understand meaning and answer questions that ask for opposites.

A hint in the surrounding words, sentence, or passage that helps you figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Clues can be examples, contrasts, or definitions nearby.

A comparison between two pairs of words that share a similar relationship. Solving analogies requires identifying how the first pair is related and applying the same relationship to the second pair.

An idea accepted as true without being directly stated. In reasoning questions, an unstated assumption is often required for the argument or conclusion to make sense.

A fact is a statement that can be proven true or false with evidence. An opinion expresses a belief, feeling, or judgment that cannot be proven objectively.

The order in which ideas, events, or steps follow one another in a sensible way. Questions may ask you to arrange sentences or steps into the correct order.

A comparison of two quantities by division, often written as "a to b" or a:b. Ratios show how much of one thing exists relative to another.

An equation stating that two ratios are equal. Proportions are used to solve problems where quantities change at the same rate, such as scaling recipes or maps.

A number expressed as a part of 100. Percentages make comparisons easier and are used in discounts, interest, and data reporting.

The sum of a set of numbers divided by how many numbers are in the set. The mean gives a single value that represents the center of the data.

The middle value in a set of numbers arranged in order from least to greatest. If there is an even number of values, the median is the average of the two middle numbers.

A ratio that compares two quantities measured in different units, such as miles per hour or cost per item. Rates often describe how one quantity changes relative to another.

Changing a measurement from one unit to another while keeping the same value, such as converting minutes to hours. Conversion factors are used to multiply or divide correctly.

Finding an answer that is close enough to the exact value by rounding or using approximate numbers. Estimation saves time and helps you check whether a calculated answer is reasonable.

Replacing a number with a nearby, simpler number that has fewer digits, usually based on a chosen place value. Rounding helps simplify calculations and report approximate results.

The agreed sequence for evaluating math expressions: parentheses, exponents, multiplication and division from left to right, then addition and subtraction from left to right.

A difference or inconsistency between two things that should match, such as two records, totals, or lists. Finding discrepancies is a core part of error-checking tasks.

A mistake in which two characters, digits, or letters are switched in order, such as writing "1234" as "1324." These errors are common in data entry and must be caught by careful checking.

Something that has been left out or missing from a document, list, or set of data. Spotting omissions means comparing what should be present with what actually appears.

Carefully reading text to find and correct errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, or formatting. Proofreading requires slow, focused attention rather than fast scanning.

Comparing information from two or more sources or methods to confirm accuracy. Cross-checking helps catch mistakes that might not be visible when reviewing only one source.

A system for arranging records using letters and numbers according to set rules, such as alphabetizing names or sorting numeric codes in sequence. Correct order makes files easy to find and retrieve.

Confirming that information is true, correct, or matches an official source. Verification often involves checking names, numbers, dates, or codes against a reference before acting.

Keeping the same format, spelling, values, or rules throughout a document or set of records. Inconsistent entries can signal errors and make information harder to trust.

Deciding which tasks or problems should be handled first based on importance, urgency, deadlines, or impact. Good prioritization helps you manage time and focus on what matters most.

Referring a problem or decision to a supervisor or higher authority when it is beyond your authority or expertise. Escalation should be timely and follow workplace procedures.

The formal line of authority in an organization that shows who reports to whom. Following it means communicating concerns or decisions through the proper levels.

Protecting private or sensitive information from being shared with people who are not authorized to see it. Confidentiality is a basic workplace and legal responsibility.

The process of addressing disagreements between people in a calm, respectful way to reach a workable solution. It often involves listening, clarifying facts, and finding common ground.

Taking responsibility for your own actions, decisions, and mistakes. Accountable employees follow through on commitments and report problems honestly rather than hiding them.

Following an organization's written rules, procedures, and standards. Compliance protects safety, fairness, and legal obligations, and violations may lead to discipline or other consequences.

Behaving in a respectful, reliable, and appropriate manner at work. It includes punctuality, courtesy, appropriate communication, and keeping personal issues from interfering with job duties.