Victoria Police Exam key terms

A conclusion a reader draws from evidence that is not stated outright. The reader connects the clues in the text to what they imply.

A belief an argument depends on but does not state. If the assumption is false, the argument's conclusion loses its support.

A stated reason or piece of evidence offered in support of an argument's conclusion. Premises are the building blocks a writer asks you to accept.

The claim an argument is trying to establish. It should follow from the premises offered in its support.

The quality of a word, phrase or sentence that can reasonably be read in more than one way, so the intended meaning is unclear.

The central point a passage is making. Supporting details exist to explain, illustrate or prove it, so it is usually broader than any single fact.

Restating a passage's meaning in your own words. It keeps the original sense but changes the wording and sentence structure.

A flaw in reasoning where the conclusion does not follow from the premises, even though the argument may sound persuasive.

A comparison of two quantities showing how many times one contains the other, written with a colon such as 3:2.

The size of an increase or decrease expressed as a share of the starting value, calculated as (new minus old) divided by old, times 100.

The arithmetic average, found by adding all the values together and dividing by the number of values. It is pulled upward or downward by extreme scores.

The middle value when a set of numbers is arranged in order. With an even number of values, it is the average of the two middle ones.

A ratio comparing quantities measured in different units, such as kilometres per hour or dollars per item. Rates let you scale a value up or down.

Working out an approximate answer by rounding values to convenient numbers. It is a fast way to check whether a precise calculation looks sensible.

Changing a measurement from one unit to another, such as metres to centimetres, while the real quantity stays the same.

A share of a whole expressed relative to the total, or a statement that two ratios are equal. Proportions are used to scale maps, recipes and budgets.

An ordered series of numbers, shapes or symbols that follows a rule, allowing you to work out what comes next.

A form of reasoning with two premises and a conclusion, such as: all A are B, all B are C, therefore all A are C.

Reasoning from general rules to a specific conclusion. If the premises are true and the logic is valid, the conclusion must be true.

Reasoning from particular observations to a general rule. The conclusion is likely rather than certain, because unseen cases may differ.

A statement in if-then form that links a condition to a result, such as: if it rains, the ground gets wet.

Mentally rotating, folding or rearranging shapes to work out how they would appear from another angle or position.

Spotting the item in a group that does not share the rule or property common to all the others.

Solving a grid puzzle by finding the rule that links its rows and columns, then applying that rule to the missing cell.

Acting honestly and consistently with rules and values, even when no one is watching or when it would be easier not to.

Judging when information or action is appropriate, including deciding who genuinely needs to know something and who does not.

Using calm communication and controlled behaviour to lower tension and reduce the chance a situation turns violent.

Treating people with respect, letting them be heard, and applying rules consistently and transparently, especially when decisions affect them.

The obligation to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and wellbeing of people affected by your decisions and actions.

Keeping personal or sensitive information private, and sharing it only with people who genuinely need it for a legitimate purpose.

Understanding and acknowledging another person's feelings and point of view, without necessarily agreeing with their behaviour or decisions.

The formal line of authority in an organisation, showing who reports to whom and how orders and information should travel.

Sentence construction where the subject performs the action, as in 'the officer cautioned the driver', which is usually clearer and more direct.

Describing facts and observations without letting personal feelings, guesses or judgements distort the account. Objective writing separates what was seen from what was assumed.

Presenting events in the order they happened, from earliest to latest, so a reader can follow the sequence without confusion.

Writing in short, simple sentences with everyday words, so the reader understands the message the first time they read it.

Expressing the necessary information in as few words as possible without losing meaning. Concise writing removes repetition and padding but keeps key facts.