FCTC FREE FCTC Verbal Reasoning Question and Answers 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the following: 'Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) fans push fresh air into a structure to displace smoke. PPV is most effective when a dedicated exhaust opening is established opposite the fan entry point.' A crew sets up a PPV fan at the front door but does not open a back window. Based on the passage, this setup will likely:
- Work perfectly because the fan is positioned correctly
- Be less effective because no dedicated exhaust opening is established (Correct answer)
- Cause a backdraft due to increased oxygen introduction
- Remove smoke faster than a setup with an exhaust opening
Correct answer: Be less effective because no dedicated exhaust opening is established
The passage states PPV is most effective with a dedicated exhaust opening, so without one at the back the smoke displacement will be less effective.
Question 2: Which answer choice correctly uses the word 'mandatory' in a sentence?
- The mandatory was set too high for the new recruits to reach
- Attendance at the annual physical fitness evaluation is mandatory for all personnel (Correct answer)
- Firefighters mandatory their equipment every morning
- The mandatory hose was stored in the apparatus bay
Correct answer: Attendance at the annual physical fitness evaluation is mandatory for all personnel
'Mandatory' is an adjective meaning required by authority; in choice B it correctly modifies attendance as something required.
Question 3: A fire department directive states: 'Personnel shall not use personal cell phones during emergency operations. Cell phones may be used only during rest periods or when authorized by a superior officer.' Firefighter Kim receives a call on her personal phone while actively fighting a fire. What should she do?
- Answer the call briefly if it appears to be urgent
- Ignore the call and remain focused on emergency operations (Correct answer)
- Step away from the operation to answer the call
- Ask a fellow firefighter to answer the call on her behalf
Correct answer: Ignore the call and remain focused on emergency operations
The directive prohibits personal cell phone use during emergency operations, so she must ignore the call until a rest period or when authorized.
Question 4: In which sentence is the word 'volatile' used correctly?
- The volatile hose was connected to the standpipe system
- Gasoline and other volatile liquids ignite easily due to their low flash points (Correct answer)
- The volatile ladder was positioned against the building
- Firefighters wore volatile gear to protect against heat exposure
Correct answer: Gasoline and other volatile liquids ignite easily due to their low flash points
Volatile describes substances that evaporate or ignite easily; gasoline is a correct example of a volatile liquid in a firefighting context.
Question 5: Read this passage: 'When responding to a reported gas leak, firefighters should approach from upwind and uphill when possible to avoid contact with escaping vapors. The area should be evacuated before ignition sources are eliminated.' What does the passage imply about ignition source elimination?
- Eliminating ignition sources should be the first priority upon arrival
- Ignition sources should be eliminated before evacuating the area
- The area should be cleared of people before attempting to eliminate ignition sources (Correct answer)
- Ignition sources do not need to be eliminated if personnel approach from upwind
Correct answer: The area should be cleared of people before attempting to eliminate ignition sources
The passage states evacuation should occur before ignition sources are eliminated, implying the area must be cleared first.
Question 6: The phrase 'chain of command' in a fire department context most nearly means:
- A physical restraint tool used in rescue operations
- The series of authority levels from highest to lowest rank (Correct answer)
- A checklist for equipment inspection
- The order in which apparatus arrives on scene
Correct answer: The series of authority levels from highest to lowest rank
Chain of command refers to the hierarchical structure of authority within an organization, from the top-ranking official down to line personnel.
Question 7: A pre-incident plan note reads: 'Building occupancy: 450 persons maximum. Sprinkler system: wet pipe, covers floors 1-4 only. Standpipe connections: lobby and stairwells B and C.' A fire is reported on floor 6. Which statement is accurate based only on this pre-plan?
- The sprinkler system will automatically suppress the fire on floor 6
- Standpipe connections are available only in stairwells A and D
- The sprinkler system does not cover floor 6, so suppression must come from other means (Correct answer)
- The building can hold up to 540 persons at maximum occupancy
Correct answer: The sprinkler system does not cover floor 6, so suppression must come from other means
The pre-plan states the sprinkler system covers floors 1-4 only, so a fire on floor 6 would not be covered by sprinklers.
Read the following: 'Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) fans push fresh air into a structure to displace smoke.
PPV is most effective when a dedicated exhaust opening is established opposite the fan entry point.' A crew sets up a PPV fan at the front door but does not open a back window.
Based on the passage, this setup will likely: