Course Content
English Language Skills
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General Knowledge & Current Affairs
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Civic Education & Discipline ! Basic Science
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Logical & Abstract Reasoning ! Basic Fire Service & Safety Awereness
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Fire Service Aptitude Test 2026 Questions and Answers

 

MODULE 6: LOGICAL & ABSTRACT REASONING

Overview

Logical and Abstract Reasoning assesses a candidate’s ability to think critically, detect patterns, interpret relationships, and solve problems systematically. In emergency services like the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), officers must make rapid decisions under pressure. This module strengthens mental agility and structured thinking.


UNIT 1: Number Sequences

Concept Explanation

A number sequence is a series of numbers arranged according to a specific rule or pattern. The candidate must determine the pattern and predict the next number(s).

Common Types of Number Sequences

Type Description Formula / Rule Example
Arithmetic Sequence Constant difference between terms Tₙ = a + (n − 1)d 2, 5, 8, 11
Geometric Sequence Constant ratio between terms Tₙ = a(r)ⁿ⁻¹ 3, 6, 12, 24
Square Numbers Perfect squares 1, 4, 9, 16
Alternating Pattern Two interwoven sequences Identify each separately 2, 5, 4, 7, 6, 9

1. Arithmetic Sequence

Formula:

Tₙ = a + (n − 1)d

Where:

  • Tₙ = nth term

  • a = first term

  • d = common difference

  • n = term position

Example:
Find the next number: 4, 9, 14, 19, ___
Difference = 5
Next term = 19 + 5 = 24


2. Geometric Sequence

Formula:

Tₙ = a(r)ⁿ⁻¹

Where:

  • r = common ratio

Example:
3, 6, 12, 24, ___
Multiply by 2
Next = 48


UNIT 2: Letter Series

Concept Explanation

Letter series follow alphabetical patterns based on position in the alphabet.

Alphabet Positions:

A=1, B=2, C=3 … Z=26


Example 1:

A, C, E, G, ___
Positions: 1, 3, 5, 7
Add 2 each time
Answer: I (9)


Example 2 (Alternating Pattern):

B, E, D, G, F, ___
Pattern 1: B, D, F
Pattern 2: E, G, ___
Second pattern adds 2 → I


Teaching Tip:

Convert letters to numbers before solving.


UNIT 3: Pattern Recognition

Concept Explanation

Pattern recognition involves identifying visual or symbolic changes in shapes, diagrams, or symbols.

Common Changes:

Pattern Type Description
Rotation Shape turns 90°, 180°
Reflection Mirror image
Shading Increase or decrease shading
Movement Object shifts position

Example:

If a triangle rotates 90° clockwise each step, predict the next orientation.

Students should:

  1. Identify direction of movement.

  2. Observe changes in position.

  3. Count number of elements added/removed.


UNIT 4: Analogies

Concept Explanation

Analogies test relationship reasoning.

Format:

A : B :: C : ?

Means: A is related to B in the same way C is related to ?


Types of Analogies

Type Example Explanation
Function Knife : Cut :: Pen : Write Tool and function
Part to Whole Wheel : Car :: Finger : Hand Component relationship
Cause & Effect Fire : Smoke :: Rain : Flood Result relationship
Degree Warm : Hot :: Cold : Freezing Intensity progression

Solving Strategy

  1. Identify relationship between first pair.

  2. Apply same logic to second pair.

  3. Eliminate wrong options.


UNIT 5: Deductive Reasoning

Concept Explanation

Deductive reasoning involves drawing specific conclusions from general statements.

Structure:

Premise 1
Premise 2
Conclusion


Example:

Premise 1: All firefighters wear uniforms.
Premise 2: Kwame is a firefighter.
Conclusion: Kwame wears a uniform.

This is logically valid.


Common Logical Forms

Type Structure Example
Modus Ponens If P → Q If fire occurs, alarm sounds
Modus Tollens If P → Q, not Q → not P If alarm not sound, no fire

UNIT 6: Logical Problem Solving

Concept Explanation

Requires structured thinking and elimination.

Example:

Three firefighters A, B, C respond to calls on different days.
Clues are given.
Students must deduce correct arrangement.


Teaching Approach

  1. List all possibilities.

  2. Use elimination method.

  3. Create tables if needed.

Example Table:

Officer Monday Tuesday Wednesday
A    
B    
C    

Importance for Fire Service

In real emergencies, officers must:

  • Analyze information quickly

  • Identify patterns

  • Make correct decisions under pressure


(Worked Examples and Structured Solutions)


UNIT 1: Number Sequences

1.1 Arithmetic Sequences

Definition

An arithmetic sequence is a sequence where the difference between consecutive terms is constant.

Formula

Tₙ = a + (n − 1)d

Where:
Tₙ = nth term
a = first term
d = common difference
n = term number


Worked Example 1

Find the 10th term of the sequence:

3, 7, 11, 15, …

Step 1: Identify first term
a = 3

Step 2: Find common difference
7 − 3 = 4
11 − 7 = 4
d = 4

Step 3: Apply formula

Tₙ = a + (n − 1)d
T₁₀ = 3 + (10 − 1)4
T₁₀ = 3 + (9 × 4)
T₁₀ = 3 + 36
T₁₀ = 39

Answer: 39


Worked Example 2

Find the next number:

5, 9, 13, 17, ___

Difference:

9 − 5 = 4
13 − 9 = 4
17 − 13 = 4

Next = 17 + 4 = 21


1.2 Geometric Sequences

Definition

A geometric sequence has a constant ratio between terms.

Formula

Tₙ = a(r)ⁿ⁻¹

Where:
r = common ratio


Worked Example 3

Find the 6th term:

2, 6, 18, 54, …

Step 1: Find ratio

6 ÷ 2 = 3
18 ÷ 6 = 3

r = 3

Step 2: Apply formula

T₆ = 2(3)⁶⁻¹
T₆ = 2(3)⁵
T₆ = 2(243)
T₆ = 486

Answer: 486


1.3 Alternating Sequences

Worked Example 4

Find the next term:

2, 5, 4, 7, 6, ___

Split into two sequences:

Sequence 1 2 4 6
Sequence 2 5 7 ?

Sequence 1: +2
Sequence 2: +2

Next = 9

Answer: 9


UNIT 2: Letter Series

Convert letters to numbers:

A=1, B=2, C=3 ... Z=26

Worked Example 5

Find the next letter:

A, D, G, J, ___

Step 1: Convert to numbers

Letter A D G J
Number 1 4 7 10

Pattern: +3

Next number:

10 + 3 = 13

13 = M

Answer: M


Worked Example 6 (Alternating)

B, E, D, G, F, ___

Convert:

Letter B E D G F
Number 2 5 4 7 6

Split pattern:

Sequence 1: 2, 4, 6 (+2)
Sequence 2: 5, 7, ___ (+2)

Next number = 9

9 = I

Answer: I


UNIT 3: Pattern Recognition

Types of Visual Patterns

Type Description
Rotation Shape turns 90° or 180°
Reflection Mirror image
Progression Elements increase/decrease
Movement Object shifts position

Worked Example 7 (Rotation Concept)

If a square rotates 90° clockwise each step:

Step 1 → 0°
Step 2 → 90°
Step 3 → 180°
Step 4 → 270°

Next rotation:

270° + 90° = 360°

360° returns to original position.

Answer: Original orientation.


Worked Example 8 (Element Increase)

1 dot
2 dots
4 dots
8 dots


Pattern: multiply by 2

8 × 2 = 16

Answer: 16 dots.


UNIT 4: Analogies

Structure:

A : B :: C : ?

Means: A is related to B the same way C is related to ?


Common Relationship Types

Type Example
Function Knife : Cut
Part–Whole Wheel : Car
Cause–Effect Fire : Smoke
Degree Warm : Hot

Worked Example 9

Fire : Smoke :: Rain : ?

Relationship: Cause → Effect

Rain causes Flood

Answer: Flood


Worked Example 10

Finger : Hand :: Leaf : ?

Relationship: Part to Whole

Leaf is part of Tree

Answer: Tree


UNIT 5: Deductive Reasoning

Structure:

Premise 1
Premise 2
Conclusion


Logical Forms

Modus Ponens

If P → Q
P is true
Therefore Q is true

Worked Example 11

Premise 1: If there is fire, smoke is present.
Premise 2: There is fire.

Conclusion:

Smoke is present.


Modus Tollens

If P → Q
Q is false
Therefore P is false

Worked Example 12

Premise 1: If alarm rings, there is danger.
Premise 2: There is no danger.

Conclusion:

Alarm did not ring.


UNIT 6: Logical Problem Solving

Strategy

  1. List possibilities

  2. Eliminate impossible options

  3. Use table format


Worked Example 13

Three officers — A, B, C — respond on different days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.

Clues:

  • A did not work Monday

  • B worked Tuesday

  • C did not work Wednesday

Construct table:

Officer Monday Tuesday Wednesday
A ? ?
B ? ?
C ? ?

Step 1: B is Tuesday

Remove Tuesday from others.

Officer Monday Tuesday Wednesday
A ?
B
C ?

Step 2: C cannot be Wednesday or Tuesday → must be Monday

Step 3: A must be Wednesday

Final Table:

Officer Monday Tuesday Wednesday
A
B
C

Answer:
C – Monday
B – Tuesday
A – Wednesday


UNIT 7: Speed Under Pressure (Timed Reasoning Tip)

In aptitude exams:

  • Do simple sequences first

  • Skip long logic puzzles temporarily

  • Return after completing easier questions

  • Avoid spending more than 60–90 seconds per question


TEACHER SUMMARY

Logical & Abstract Reasoning improves:

  • Pattern detection

  • Structured thinking

  • Analytical speed

  • Decision-making accuracy

These skills are critical for high-pressure environments such as emergency response.

MODULE 7: BASIC FIRE SERVICE & SAFETY AWARENESS

Overview

This module introduces the structure, mandate, and operations of the Ghana National Fire Service. It equips candidates with foundational knowledge of fire prevention, fire behavior, and safety protocols.


UNIT 1: Mandate of GNFS

The GNFS was established to:

  1. Prevent and manage fire outbreaks.

  2. Protect life and property.

  3. Conduct fire safety education.

  4. Provide rescue services.

Legal Basis:
Established under national law to operate as Ghana’s primary fire authority.


UNIT 2: Core Functions of the Fire Service

Function Explanation
Fire Suppression Extinguishing fires
Rescue Operations Saving trapped victims
Public Education Fire safety awareness
Inspection Checking buildings for compliance
Investigation Determining cause of fire

UNIT 3: Fire Prevention Strategies

Fire prevention reduces risk before fire occurs.

Prevention Methods:

  1. Electrical safety checks

  2. Proper storage of flammable materials

  3. Installation of smoke detectors

  4. Public awareness campaigns


UNIT 4: Common Causes of Fire

Cause Explanation
Electrical faults Overloaded circuits
Gas leaks Poor cylinder handling
Open flames Candles, cooking
Arson Deliberate setting
Negligence Carelessness

UNIT 5: Basic Fire Safety Equipment

Equipment Function
Fire Extinguisher Puts out small fires
Smoke Detector Detects smoke
Fire Blanket Smothers fire
Hose Reel Directs water
Fire Alarm Alerts occupants

Classes of Fire

Class Fuel Type Extinguishing Method
A Wood, paper Water
B Flammable liquids Foam
C Gas Dry Powder
D Metals Special powder
Electrical Live equipment CO₂

UNIT 6: Fire Triangle

Fire requires three elements:

Fuel
Heat
Oxygen

If one is removed, fire stops.

Diagram Representation:

Fuel + Heat + Oxygen = Fire


UNIT 7: Emergency Response Procedures

Standard Procedure:

  1. Raise alarm

  2. Evacuate area

  3. Call emergency services

  4. Use extinguisher (if trained)

  5. Assemble at safe point


Chain of Command Concept

In uniformed services:

Level Role
Officer-in-Charge Leads operation
Station Officer Manages station
Firefighter Executes tasks

Professional Conduct

Fire officers must demonstrate:

  • Discipline

  • Integrity

  • Teamwork

  • Respect for authority

  • Calmness under pressure