4. TAXONOMIES I, II and III

Placing the interrogative sentence at the end of the stem allows the candidate to take in the necessary information before processing it.

• What is the procedure to cut an angle iron while using an oxy‑acetylene torch to make a square frame with mitred corners?

• An oxy‑acetylene torch is used to make a square frame with mitred corners. What is the procedure to cut an angle iron?

• Why is full grouting required while a curtain wall sill flashing is being shimmed?

• Curtain wall sill flashing is being shimmed. Why is full grouting required?

• What caused a chip that is found on the contoured edge of the cooktop of a 6‑month‑old range?

• The contoured edge of a 6‑month‑old range cooktop is chipped. What is the cause?

When the stem is very short, best practice is to begin with the interrogative, which sounds more natural. The rule of thumb is 1 line long on a printed exam page.

• A V‑belt is being installed. What is done?

• What is done to install a V‑belt?

• An alternator is to be replaced. What is the procedure?

• What is the procedure to replace an alternator?

• A plank is warped. How is the plank repaired?

• How is a warped plank repaired?

Stems with long sentences are broken down to make reading and comprehension easier.

• A compression test on an inline 6‑cylinder engine shows that number 5 cylinder is low, and a cylinder leakage test confirms excessive leakage of air, which is escaping through the exhaust. What is the cause?

• A compression test on an inline 6‑cylinder engine shows that number 5 cylinder is low. A cylinder leakage test confirms excessive leakage of air through the exhaust. What is the cause?

• A structural steel panel is being prepared for plug welding and the recommended hole size is not given. What size holes are made?

• A structural steel panel is being prepared for plug welding. The recommended hole size is not given. What size holes are made?

• A 12 in. header is installed in a boiler room by suspending it using 3 sets of chain falls. The installation is not complete at the end of the day and needs to be continued the next day. What is the procedure?

• Three sets of chain falls are required to suspend a 12 in. header in a boiler room. The installation is not complete by end of day. What is the work stop procedure?

‘Which’ is used in front of countable nouns (e.g. door, document, method, type).

• Which document shows the final modification of the original engineering plan?

• Which type of joint is used to install a rail?

• Which method is used for cooling fudge?

• Which tool bends 25M rebar in place?

• Which task requires a dust mask?

• Which temperature range is required to serve crème anglaise?

• Refer to Figure 1. Which of the following readings indicates a problem?

• Refer to Figure 1. Which reading indicates a problem?

‘What’ is used in front of:

• non-countable nouns (e.g. information, documentation)
• some abstract nouns (e.g. time, kind).

• What kind of water is used on the wick of the wet‑bulb thermometer of a sling psychrometer?

• What thickness of wood blocking is installed under a roof hatch?

• What PPE is required to remove exposed rebar with an angle grinder?

• What material is used to install plumbing fixtures in a detention area?

• What documentation is required in the boiler room?

• What information is required to replace tires on a 4WD truck?

Modal verbs indicate possibility or likelihood, whereas a question must be explicitly straightforward and unequivocal. The present tense is used instead.

• What could be placed on a plate to prevent ice cream from sliding?

• What is placed on a plate to prevent ice cream from sliding?

• An ORP meter is measuring zero mV. What would this value indicate?

• An ORP meter is measuring zero mV. What does this value indicate?

• How should concrete finishing tools be cleaned?

• How are concrete finishing tools cleaned?

• When can weld bonding be used?

• When is weld bonding used?

• An air window will only operate at 70 psi. What is the cause?

• An air window only operates at 70 psi. What is the cause?

• What shall be the maximum input to a continuous pilot on a crop dryer?

• What is the maximum input to a continuous pilot on a crop dryer?

The conjunction ‘if’ is a conditional word that denotes speculation or assumption. It is omitted and either replaced with a present tense verb or separated into 2 distinct sentences, replacing the need for the conjunction.

• If a wet diamond is used without water to cut concrete, what is the result?

• A wet diamond is used without water to cut concrete. What is the result?

• What occurs if the products of combustion in a vent are allowed to cool below 53 °C (127 °F)?

• The products of combustion in a vent are allowed to cool below 53 °C (127 °F). What is the result?

The conjunction ‘when’, meaning ‘under which circumstances or conditions’, is omitted and either replaced with a present tense verb or separated into 2 distinct sentences, replacing the need for the conjunction.

Refer to 4.14 – When questions for situations where ‘When’ is used a temporal adverb, i.e. to indicate a time frame.

• What is the procedure when installing a V‑belt?

• What is the procedure to install a V‑belt?

• When replacing a leg on a landing gear assembly, what is the first step?

• A leg on a landing gear assembly is being replaced. What is the first step?

• What safety equipment is required when using a chainsaw to trim trees from a bucket?

• A chainsaw is used to trim trees from a bucket. What safety equipment is required?

When negative markers are used in a stem, they are bolded to help candidates avoid misreading or misinterpreting the information.

The most common negative markers are the following: no, not, non-, none, nothing, without.

• Which device is not connected on the suction side of a piston pump?

• The accumulator pump starts for no reason. What is the cause?

• Which grains are ready to use without rinsing?

• How is non-structural glass protected after removal?

In some cases, a negative statement can be turned into a positive one by replacing the negative marker with a positive synonym.

• A tractor does not move with the differential lock engaged. What is the cause?

• A tractor fails to move with the differential lock engaged. What is the cause?

• A freezer compressor is no longer functioning. What is the cause?

• A freezer compressor has broken down. What is the cause?

• A dozer’s manual transmission gear does not work. Which tool is used to confirm the problem?

• A dozer’s manual transmission is stuck in gear. Which tool is used to confirm the problem?

• A tandem drive axle unit does not move. The main and inter‑axle drive shafts turn during the engagement of transmission. What is the cause?

• A tandem drive axle unit is stalled. The main and inter‑axle drive shafts turn during the engagement of transmission. What is the cause?

In stems with longer sentences, it is best practice to split the sentence. Refer to 4.1.2 – Avoid long sentences + question in stem.

• A power shift transmission works in first gear, but the engine stalls as the transmission shifts into second gear. What is the cause?

• A power shift transmission works in first gear. The engine stalls as the transmission is shifted into second gear. What is the cause?

• Only 90 V are available at the high limit control of a forced‑air furnace, but 120 V are available at the power supply. How is this problem corrected?

• Only 90 V are available at the high limit control of a forced‑air furnace. 120 V are available at the power supply. How is this problem corrected?

Round brackets are used in stems for:

• imperial measurements, where both metric and imperial measurements are used (note that metric is always written first);
• synonyms, i.e. when there are 2 commonly used names in Canada for a tool, piece of equipment or method. This is done to ensure that the question is understood by all candidates across the country.

• How many No. 12 conductors are permitted in a 10 cm × 4 cm/4 in. × 1 1/2 in. octagonal box?

• How many No. 12 conductors are permitted in a 10 cm × 4 cm (4 in. × 1 1/2 in.) octagonal box?

• A crane requires a secure lifting area of 400 ft² (37.2 m²). What is the lift radius?

• A crane requires a secure lifting area of 37.2 m² (400 ft²). What is the lift radius?

• What is the procedure to seal a penetration with a gum box or pitch pan?

• What is the procedure to seal a penetration with a gum box (pitch pan)?

• What is the purpose of a tandem master cylinder?

• What is the purpose of a tandem (dual piston) master cylinder?

• How is cad‑weld used for visual inspection?

• How is cad‑weld (exothermic welding) used for visual inspection?

All information must be contained within the stem, i.e. nothing can come after the question.

• What is the throat measurement for a 5 in. × 1 3/4 in. LR elbow? (rounded to the nearest 1/16 in.)

• What is the throat measurement for a 5 in. × 1 3/4 in. LR elbow, rounded to the nearest 1/16 in.?

A stem without either metric or imperial measurements does not require round brackets to explain or contain information. This can be done by:

• using appropriate punctuation;
• using bullet points;
• being more concise, i.e. considering if some words can be omitted or rewritten.

• A 10 ft. length of 4 in. water‑filled pipe (weighing 8 lb./ft.) is being installed. What are the minimum weight requirements at each support?

• A 4 in. water‑filled pipe, 10 ft. long and weighing 8 lb./ft., is being installed. What are the minimum weight requirements at each support?

• Given the following information:
  
  
  • Water‑filled pipe: 4 in.
  • Length: 10 ft.
  • Weight: 8 lb. per ft.
  What are the minimum weight requirements at each support?

Exceptions are sometimes made for safety questions or when the word is used as part of the scenario and not the interrogative sentence.

• A hoisting operation is to be performed near a powerline. Which information is required to determine the safe limit of approach?

• An industrial rooftop evaporator is to be installed. What is the safest and most efficient procedure to hoist the evaporator?

Subjective terminology, such as best, most, and -est, is always avoided. They create a situation where there is more than 1 correct answer, depending on a candidate’s experience.

• What is the best procedure to apply a safety edge on exterior stairs?

• What is the procedure to apply a safety edge on exterior stairs?

• A portable air conditioner is leaking water. What is the most likely cause?

• A portable air conditioner is leaking water. What is the cause?

The candidate is never directly addressed with ‘you’. Instead, the passive voice is used.

• A task requiring tools is being done above a rig. Which safety precaution do you observe?
  
  
  1. Tie off tools with carabiners attached to your person.

• A task requiring tools is being done above a rig. Which safety precaution is required?
  
  
  1. Tie off tools with carabiners attached to body.

The personal pronouns ‘he / she / they’ and ‘him / her / them’ are never used. To ensure gender neutrality, repeat the position of the person (e.g. apprentice, employer, supervisor).

• How are an apprentice’s capabilities assessed for a given task?
  
  
  1. By talking with apprentice and observing.
  2. By asking opinion of apprentice’s coworkers.

The impersonal pronouns ‘it / they / them’, as well as the demonstrative pronouns ‘this / that / these / those’, when referring to objects, actions, methods or phrases, are never used, in order to avoid confusion between 2 or more nouns.

• A front-frame rail is to be replaced on a unibody vehicle. Where is it sectioned?

• A front-frame rail is to be replaced on a unibody vehicle. Where is the vehicle sectioned?

• A driver’s side door drops and contacts the sill plate while opening. How is this repaired?

• A driver’s side door drops and contacts the sill plate while opening. How is the door repaired?

Whenever possible, professional designations and titles are gender neutral.

• journeyman
• fireman

• journeyperson
• fire fighter

• saleswoman
• policewoman

• salesperson
• police officer

Whenever possible, the use of trade titles must be avoided.

• At the beginning of each shift, what does a crane operator record in the crane logbook?

• At the beginning of each shift, what is recorded in the crane logbook?

Articles are always included in stems, which must be written as natural sounding as possible for best comprehension.

• The control valve is in the extend position. There are 10 gpm flowing into the inlet of the hydraulic pump. How much flow is available to move the piston in the cylinder?

Articles are normally not required in responses and can be removed. They are repetitious and often redundant, and needlessly lengthen responses. In longer responses, removing articles improves legibility and comprehension, and allows the candidate to read and complete the exam more quickly.

• Who is responsible for developing the as‑built drawings?
  
  
  1. The designer.
  2. The project manager.

• Who is responsible for developing the as‑built drawings?
  
  
  1. Designer.
  2. Project manager.

• A flex line is replaced on a gas appliance. What is the procedure?
  
  
  1. Secure the union, then tighten the flare nut on the flex line.

• A flex line is replaced on a gas appliance. What is the procedure?
  
  
  1. Secure union, then tighten flare nut on flex line.

• What is the procedure to check the manifold pressure on a furnace?
  
  
  1. Remove the plug in the outlet pressure tap, insert the barb fitting, connect the manometer, then start the appliance.

• What is the procedure to check the manifold pressure on a furnace?
  
  
  1. Remove plug in outlet pressure tap, insert barb fitting, connect manometer, then start appliance.

Short responses using prepositions sound more natural with the use of articles.

• Water is noticed on the floor around a refrigerator. Where is the leak?
  
  
  1. In condenser coil.
  2. Above drain pan.
  3. Behind drain trough.
  4. Under condenser coil.

• Water is noticed on the floor around a refrigerator. Where is the leak?
  
  
  1. In the condenser coil.
  2. Above the drain pan.
  3. Behind the drain trough.
  4. Under the condenser coil.

Some responses require an article for clarity and legibility or use a set expression that sounds strange without the article.

• 1. When lift is in air.

• 1. When lift is in the air.

• 1. Sell part at loss.

• 1. Sell part at a loss.

• 1. Confirm adjustment with naked eye.

• 1. Confirm adjustment with the naked eye.

When acronyms are used in an exam bank, candidates refer to an acronym sheet in their exam booklet. As such, there is no need to write out a term and its acronym in an item (either in the stem or in the responses).

• How is a high pressure sodium (HPS) lamp socket tested for power?
  
  
  1. By using digital voltmeter (VOM) to check from centre contact to ground.

• How is an HPS lamp socket tested for power?
  
  
  1. By using digital VOM to check from centre contact to ground.

In responses where 1 or 2 single acronyms are used and create a visual imbalance, it is best practice to write out the acronym’s meaning.

• Before applying adhesive, what is referenced for safety concerns?
  
  
  1. Provincial safety regulations.
  2. Specification sheets.
  3. SDS.
  4. Specification addendums.

• Before applying adhesive, what is referenced for safety concerns?
  
  
  1. Provincial safety regulations.
  2. Specification sheets.
  3. Safety data sheets.
  4. Specification addendums.

To determine which form of the indefinite article ‘a / an’ is required, it is best to use the form appropriate to the spoken (phonetic) first sound of the word following it.

• a PTO (a pee ‑ tee ‑ oh)

• a USB (a you ‑ ess ‑ bee)

• an LED (an el ‑ ee ‑ dee)

• an ECU (an ee ‑ see ‑ you)

When a brand attains widespread recognition and people apply the name to all similar products, it becomes genericized. When this happens, the brand name is written without upper‑case letters.

• bubble wrap

• dumpster

• escalator

• kerosene

• styrofoam

• thermos

Many brand names appear to be genericized, especially in spoken language, but they are not. In such cases, the generic term is used.

• Allen key
• Crock‑Pot

• hex key
• slow cooker

• Post‑it
• Q‑Tip

• sticky  note
• cotton  swab

On rare occasions, trade experts assert that a brand name has no equivalent or is unknown by a widely accepted synonym. They may be unable to create a generic term that would be concise and understood by all candidates across the country. In such cases, the only recourse is to alter the brand name’s spelling and/or use lower‑case letters.

• Loctite 🠚 lock tight
• Duramix 🠚 dura‑mix

• Fineline 🠚 fine line
• Teflon 🠚 teflon

• Plexiglas 🠚 plexiglass
• Floor‑dry 🠚 floordry

It is best practice to ensure words are spelled the same throughout an item bank.

Canadian spelling is used throughout an exam bank.

• gauge instead of gage
• catalogue instead of catalog
• -ou- instead of -o- in words such as ‘colour’, ‘moulding’
• double -ll- instead of single -l- when adding -ed or -ing to words such as ‘bevelling’, ‘signaller’, ‘labelled’
• storey instead of story (i.e. floor)
• practise as a verb, as in ‘practise a new skill’
• -wards (with ‘s’) words as adverbs, as in ‘push towards’
• -ward (without ‘s’) words as adjectives, as in ‘forward motion’

• program instead of programme
• aluminum instead of aluminium
• -re instead of -er at the ends of words such as ‘calibre’, ‘fibre’, ‘kilometre’, ‘litre’
• grey instead of gray
• -ence instead of -ense for nouns such as ‘licence’, ‘defence’
• practice as a noun, as in ‘common practice’

American spelling is commonly used only in the circumstances shown below.

The word ‘centre’ uses the Canadian spelling when it is a noun, a compound noun, a verb or an adjective.

The word ‘centred’ uses the Canadian spelling when it is an adjective or the past verb tense.

The word ‘centering’ uses the American spelling when it is a verb ending in -ing (e.g. participle or gerund).

• Noun — the centre of the machine
• Compound noun — the centreline of the pinion
• Adjective — the centre bolt
• Adjective — the centred radius point
• Verb — centre the screw
• Verb — the braces are centred

• Participle — a self‑centering gauge
• Gerund — (by) centering the gauge

‘Metre’ is used for a unit of metric measurement. The Canadian spelling is always used, with or without a prefix.

‘Meter’ is used for a measuring instrument. This spelling is always used for words based on or derived from such an instrument (e.g. ‘metering’, ‘micrometer’).

• How many cubic metres of air are required to burn 1m³ of natural gas?
• Refer to Figure 12. What is the roughness height of the piece in micrometres?
• In a rural area with 1‑metre deep snow, what is used to plow?
• The pressure differential across the circulating pump is 21.65 psi. How many metres (feet) of head is the pump capable of lifting?

• Who determines the space requirements for the location of meters?
• Refer to Figure 91. The ohmmeter reading is zero. What is indicated?
• A wet gas line has a metered connection. Where are the sensing lines located?
• Which type of metering device is installed on a cooling tower?

In instances where the primary spelling of a term is not readily apparent or standardized, the materials below are to be referenced in the following order of priority.

1. Trade codebooks
   When the spelling of a word is used consistently throughout a codebook, it overrides any alternate spelling found in the style guide or other recognized sources.
2. Red Seal Occupational Standard (RSOS)
   When the spelling of a word is used consistently throughout an RSOS, it is normally preferred over other recognized sources.
3. Trade manuals and textbooks
   Spellings used in trade‑specific manuals applied for teaching, training and/or reference.

Units of measurement are always singular and not pluralized.

• 100 kgs
• 50 ins

• 100 kg
• 50 in.

• 10 hrs
• 5 yds

• 10 hr
• 5 yd.

Acronyms are pluralized with the addition of an ‘s’, without an apostrophe.

• VOC’s

• VOCs

• ECU’s

• ECUs

Ratios are indicated with a colon. There is no space before or after the colon.

• 1 : 2

• 1:2

• 3 : 4 : 5

• 3:4:5

Letters used as symbols in stems and responses, including those taken from diagrams, are not bolded, italicized or put in quotation marks. They are always capitalized.

• Refer to Figure 2. Y and Z are in the closed position and U is open. What is the result?
  
  
  1. V is running and W is closed.
  2. V is running and W is open.
  3. W is running and S is energized.
  4. V is running and S is energized.

• Refer to Figure 2. Y and Z are in the closed position and U is open. What is the result?
  
  
  1. V is running and W is closed.
  2. V is running and W is open.
  3. W is running and S is energized.
  4. V is running and S is energized.

• Refer to Figure 25. How are the "X" , "Y" and "Z" datums established?

• Refer to Figure 25. How are the X , Y and Z datums established?

• 1. Touch off on y axis, move over 0.600 in., touch off on x axis, then move over 0.850 in.

• 1. Touch off on Y axis, move over 0.600 in., touch off on X axis, then move over 0.850 in.

The following is a list of common trade words in exams that are written with or without hyphens.

• high-fat cake
• high-pressure pump
• low-pressure gauge
• load-bearing wall
• non-load-bearing wall
• short-circuit (noun, verb)
• through-the-roof mast
• wind-powered generator

• antifreeze
• counterclockwise
• database
• seatbelt
• timeframe
• uninsulated bonding conductor
• waterproof
• worksite

A hyphen is inserted between a number and a noun used as an adjective.

• A. Install 3 ply underlayment.

• A. Install 3-ply underlayment.

• What is the torque sequence on a 16 bolt maintenance hole cover?

• What is the torque sequence on a 16-bolt maintenance hole cover?

• A three phase, 3 wire service is being installed using No. 3 AWG RW90 copper conductors.

• A three-phase, 3-wire service is being installed using No. 3 AWG RW90 copper conductors.

• Which wire is used to replace a 12 gauge wire on a bake element?

• Which wire is used to replace a 12-gauge wire on a bake element?

• A. Sand with 60 grit sandpaper, clean, then recoat.

• A. Sand with 60-grit sandpaper, clean, then recoat.

A hyphenated word, including one with numbers, must not be split across 2 lines and must include a non-break hyphen.

A non-break hyphen is inserted between compound words or number + noun as an adjective, to keep them on the same line.

• Which DVOM setting is used to test for an OPEN in a non-
  energized circuit?

• Which DVOM setting is used to test for an OPEN in a
  non-energized circuit?

• A. Safety glasses, hard hat, protective gloves and steel-
  toed boots.

• A. Safety glasses, hard hat, protective gloves and
  steel‑toed boots.

The minus sign and the negative sign both require the use of the en dash (–) symbol. In numeric expressions, the hyphen (-) is only used to denote a range.

• R‑12 refrigerant is to be transferred from a full recovery bag stored at -30 °C (-22 °F) to a cylinder. The bag is flat with only a small amount of liquid at the bottom corner. What is done?

• R‑12 refrigerant is to be transferred from a full recovery bag stored at –30 °C (–22 °F) to a cylinder. The bag is flat with only a small amount of liquid at the bottom corner. What is done?

• A bench calibration is performed on a control valve. The valve has a bench set of 6 ⁠–⁠ 27 psi with a positioner that accepts an input of 6 – 18 psi in a split range application. What is the correct calibration of the positioner?

• A bench calibration is performed on a control valve. The valve has a bench set of 6 ‑ 27 psi with a positioner that accepts an input of 6 ‑ 18 psi in a split range application. What is the correct calibration of the positioner?

There is sometimes confusion between the possessive marker ’s / s’ and the plural s.

• An apostrophe is never used in writing the plural form of a noun.
• The use of apostrophe + s (’s) marks possession for a singular noun.
• The use of an apostrophe (s’) marks possession for a plural noun.

• Which tools’ are used?
  Which tool’s are used?

• Clean the brushes’
  Clean the brush’s

• Clean the brushes.

• the devices read‑outs.
  (singular)

• the device’s read‑outs
  (singular)

• the devices read‑outs.
  (plural)

• the devices’ read‑outs
  (plural)

Time is written using the 12‑hour system, i.e. am and pm, without ‘o’clock’ or periods after each letter.

• 1. Midnight.
  2. 11:59 a.m.
  3. Noon.
  4. 23:59 p.m.

• 1. 12:00 am
  2. 11:59 am
  3. 12:00 pm
  4. 11:59 pm

• 1. 12 am
  2.   6 am
  3. 12 pm
  4.   6 pm

When the face of a clock is used as a means of reference for a position and all answers also refer to a clock:

• the word ‘clock’ is included in the stem;
• the responses consist of numbers only and do not end with a period.

• A thermostat with a vertical flange is installed on the side of the block. What is the position of the vent hole?
  
  
  1.   3 o’clock.
  2.   6 o’clock.
  3.   9 o’clock.
  4. 12 o’clock.

• A thermostat with a vertical flange is installed on the side of the block. What is the clock position of the vent hole?
  
  
  1.   3
  2.   6
  3.   9
  4. 12

When the face of a clock is used as a means of reference for a position and the expression ‘o’clock position’ is a standardized trade term, the standardized term is kept in the stem and response(s).

• A dial indicator is rotated 65º from the 12 o’clock position. The reading is –0.012 in. What is the required correction?
  
  
  1. Move front and rear feet of motor 0.012 in. towards 9 o’clock position

• What is done before reinstalling a transmission?
  
  
  1. Center disc using alignment tool.
  2. Rotate shaft to 3 o’clock position.

Fractions are written in normal characters, not in symbols.

• Refer to Figure 5. What is the minimum size of pipe A with a developed length of 9 ½ ft.?
  
  
  1. 1 ¼ in.

• Refer to Figure 5. What is the minimum size of pipe A with a developed length of 9 1/2 ft.?
  
  
  1. 1 1/4 in.

Single spaces are used to separate thousands from hundreds, millions from hundreds of thousands, etc. – not commas.

Single spaces between numbers also follow the non-break spaces rule. This rule:

• follows standard technical and scientific writing practice;
• helps avoid legibility and comprehension issues by keeping a number on 1 line.
  
  

• What is the minimum ventilation air opening for a boiler
  room containing a power burner with a firing rate of 1 000
  000 Btuh?

• What is the minimum ventilation air opening for a boiler
  room containing a power burner with a firing rate of
  1 000 000 Btuh?

• 1. 5000 ppm

• 1. 5 000 ppm

• 1. 1400 °F

• 1. 1 400 °F

A number and its unit of measurement or descriptor (i.e. the noun it is quantifying) must be kept on the same line. Therefore, there must be a non-break space:

• between a number and the following unit of measurement;
• between a number and the descriptor (in this order);
• between a descriptor and a number (in this order).
  
  

• A boiler room contains 10 boilers, each fired at 4 500 000
  Btuh.

• A boiler room contains 10 boilers, each fired at
  4 500 000 Btuh.

• How is a 9 in. cheesecake cooked?
  
  
  1. By baking at 65 - 95 °C (150 - 200 °F) between 30
     min to 1 hr.

• How is a 9 in. cheesecake cooked?
  
  
  1. By baking at 65 - 95 °C (150 - 200 °F) between
     30 min to 1 hr.

• The supply mains of a steam system are Schedule
  40 pipe. Which schedule of condensate main is installed?

• The supply mains of a steam system are Schedule 40 pipe. Which schedule of condensate main is installed?

• The surface of a 16.9 m × 9.5 m (56 ft. × 32 ft.) rectangular foundation is being covered. How many 1.2 × 2.4 m (4 ft. 
  × 8 ft.) sheets of protection board are required?

• The surface of a 16.9 m × 9.5 m (56 ft. × 32 ft.) rectangular foundation is being covered. How many 1.2 × 2.4 m (4 ft. × 8 ft.) sheets of protection board are required?

• A column measures
  250 mm × 250 mm × 2.4 m (10 in. × 10 in. × 8 ft.). How much paint is required?

• A column measures 250 mm × 250 mm × 2.4 m
  (10 in. × 10 in. × 8 ft.). How much paint is required?

A number and its unit of measurement used as an adjective in front of a noun do not require a hyphen. While some grammar books recommend the hyphen, there are several reasons to omit them altogether:

• the metric system does not require a hyphen (refer to the relevant Government of Canada’s TERMIUM page);
• assisted reading software reads out the hyphen, which amounts to ‘auditory pollution’ in items with many numbers;
• items containing many measurements, including dimensions, are significantly less cluttered and more legible (and thus easier to understand) without the hyphen;
• a blanket directive doing away with the hyphen in this circumstance creates uniformity across exam banks by preventing the uneven application of hyphenation rules by item developers across the country.
  
  

• A 12-in. diameter blowpipe has a 1.5-in. companion flange and requires 8 evenly spaced bolt holes.

• A 12 in. diameter blowpipe has a 1.5 in. companion flange and requires 8 evenly spaced bolt holes.

• A 2-ft. × 2-ft. square float is to be installed.

• A 2 ft. × 2 ft. square float is to be installed.

A number and its unit of measurement used as an adjective in front of a noun must have a non-break space:

• between the number and the following unit of measurement;
• between the unit of measurement and the following noun.
  
  

• A cupped head welder, a 1 in. semi‑rigid acoustic and a 20
  L pail of contact adhesive are delivered to the job site.

• A cupped head welder, a 1 in. semi‑rigid acoustic and a
  20 L pail of contact adhesive are delivered to the job site.

• Which size valve is required the installation of a 3 in.
  valve train?

• Which size valve is required the installation of a
  3 in. valve train?

The number of decimal places depends on the trade and accuracy required in the context of the item.

• A 12 in. diameter blowpipe has a 1.5 in. companion flange and requires 8 evenly spaced bolt holes. What is the C‑C distance of the holes?
  
  
  1. 4.7 in.
  2. 5.0 in.
  3. 5.3 in.
  4. 5.9 in.

• There is a vertical angular misalignment with a gap size of 0.009 mm larger at 12 o’clock. [...] How much is the motor shimmed to achieve alignment?
  
  
  1. 0.005 mm
  2. 0.055 mm
  3. 0.505 mm
  4. 5.055 mm

Quantities are written as numbers, apart from the exceptions noted below in 4.26.5.1 – Quantity — Exceptions (spelled out).

• Osmosis units are installed one above the other on each of three storeys.

• Osmosis units are installed one above the other on each of 3 storeys.

• What is the final quoted price per unit for five units?

• What is the final quoted price per unit for 5 units?

• What is the unit run of a stair that has eight risers?

• What is the unit run of a stair that has 8 risers?

The number is spelled out to avoid confusion when a quantity:

• is directly followed by a measurement;
• begins a sentence.
  
  

• There are 40 6.4 mm (1/4 in.) electrodes.

• There are forty 6.4 mm (1/4 in.) electrodes.

• A bus bar has 6 20 A overcurrent devices receiving power from an interactive inverter.

• A bus bar has six 20 A overcurrent devices receiving power from an interactive inverter.

• 12 conductors in a cable assembly are installed.

• Twelve conductors in a cable assembly are installed.

• 6 No. 12 AWG and three No. 8 AWG Type TW7 conductors are being installed. What is the minimum size of conduit required?

• Six No. 12 AWG and 3 No. 8 AWG Type TW75 conductors are being installed. What is the minimum size of conduit required?

For trades that use the term ‘phase’, the codebook’s practice is followed:

• the number before ‘‑phase’ is spelled out;
• ‘single‑phase’ has no number (i.e. is not said ‘one‑phase’).
  
  

• A 208 V, 1‑phase ice machine is replaced with a 208/120 V, 3‑phase unit. Which conductors are required?

• A 208 V, single‑phase ice machine is replaced with a 208/120 V, three‑phase unit. Which conductors are required?

Abbreviated imperial system measurements end in a period.

• Given the following information:
  
  
  • Weight of refrigerant cylinder: 30 lb.
  • Amount of refrigerant removed: 9 lb. 4 oz.
  • Previous amount of refrigerant removed: 6 lb. 7 oz.
  How much refrigerant remains?
  
  
  1. 14.1875 lb.

• A 6 in. pipe is being insulated. What is the inside divider setting to lay out a 6 in. × 1 in. stainless steel 45° bevel?
  
  
  1. 4 in.

In items containing both metric and imperial measurements, quantities and calculations must be completely distinct from one another, i.e. worked out separately. This rule reflects the following disclaimer found in every Red Seal examination booklet:

‘When both metric (SI) and imperial measurements are provided in a question, exact conversions are NOT used.
Use only one system of measurement to answer the question.
Do NOT attempt to convert the measurements from one system to the other.’

• Given the following information:
  
  
  • Gas system: 140 kPa (20  sig)
  • Welded pipiing: 40 mm (1 1/2 in.)
  • Total developed length 50 m (165 ft.)
  What is the minimum test procedure used for this gas system?
  
  

  METRIC	IMPERIAL
  0.5 mm 1.0 mm 1.5 mm 3.0 mm	0.020 in. 0.040 in. 0.060 in. 0.120 in.

• Given the following information:
  
  
  • Gas system: 140 kPa (20  sig)
  • Welded pipiing: 38 mm (1 1/2 in.)
  • Total developed length 50.3 m (165 ft.)
  What is the minimum test procedure used for this gas system?
  
  

  METRIC	IMPERIAL
  0.508 mm 1.016 mm 1.524 mm 3.048 mm	0.020 in. 0.040 in. 0.060 in. 0.120 in.

• A tank has a 2 034 mm (80 in.) ID and a 2 134 mm (85 in.) OD. What is the length of 12.7 mm (1/2 in.) tubing required to steam trace once around the tank?
  
  

  METRIC	IMPERIAL
  3 192 m 3 352 m 6 384 m 6 744 m	126 in. 132 in. 251 in. 265 in.

• A tank has a 2 034 mm (80 in.) ID and a 2 134 mm (84 in.) OD. What is the length of 12.7 mm (1/2 in.) tubing required to steam trace once around the tank?
  
  

  METRIC	IMPERIAL
  3 192 m 3 352 m 6 384 m 6 744 m	125.7 in. 131.9 in. 251.3 in. 265.4 in.

Only 1 space follows a period or colon.

• Refer to Figure 84.  Given the following information:
  
  
  • Boom length:  80 ft.
  • Boom angle:  45.7°
  The outriggers are set.  What is the maximum lift capacity over the side of the crane?

• Refer to Figure 84. Given the following information:
  
  
  • Boom length: 80 ft.
  • Boom angle: 45.7°
  The outriggers are set. What is the maximum lift capacity over the side of the crane?

The following rules apply to ranges of numbers consisting also of a symbol or unit of measurement:

• the words ‘from’ and/or ‘to’ are replaced with a hyphen;
• there is a single non-break space before and after the hyphen;
• the symbol or unit of measurement is only written once:
  • at the end of the response when the symbol is normally placed after the measurement;
  • at the beginning of the response when the symbol is normally placed before the measurement.

• An oxygen analyzer with a range of 0%‑25% O2 is used to measure flue gas between 1.8% and 4% O2. Which gas range is used for zero calibration?
  
  

• An oxygen analyzer with a range of 0 ‑ 25% O2 is used to measure flue gas between 1.8 ‑ 4% O2. Which gas range is used for zero calibration?
  
  

• Refer to Figure 12. The mutual induction transformer is rated at 120/240‑12/24 V and 10 kVA. The voltage with the load connected is 220 V. What is the no-load voltage for the connection?
  
  

• Refer to Figure 12. The mutual induction transformer is rated at 120/240 ‑ 12/24 V and 10 kVA. The voltage with the load connected is 220 V. What is the no-load voltage for the connection?
  
  

• 1.     1 in.‑10 in.
  2. 100 in.‑1 000 in.

• 1.     1 - 10 in.
  2. 100 - 1 000 in.

• 1. From $10 to $15.
  2. From $100 to $150.

• 1.   $10 - 15
  2. $100 - 150

• 1. From 10 to 100 kVA.
  2. From 1 to 10 kVA.

• 1. 10 - 100 kVA
  2.   1 - 100 kVA

• 1.   10 kg‑150 kg
  2. 200 kg‑300 kg

• 1.   10 - 150 kg
  2. 200 - 300 kg

The use of ‘or’ leads to confusion, as it supposes 2 situations (in the stem) and the possibility of 2 correct answers (in the responses). To ensure clarity in an item, there must always be only 1 situation in the stem and 1 element in each response.

• How is the risk of a fire or explosion minimized in an oxyfuel system?

• How is the risk of explosion minimized in an oxyfuel system?

• The doors on a trailer van body fail to close. What is the cause?
  
  
  1. Weak or broken springs.
  2. Worn or rusted frame members.
  3. Broken or rusted springs.
  4. Unbalanced or leaning load.

• The doors on a trailer van body fail to close. What is the cause?
  
  
  1. Broken springs.
  2. Worn frame members.
  3. Rusted springs.
  4. Unbalanced load.

• A holding tank monitor system indicates 1/4, 3/4 and full. The system does not indicate 1/2 unless the 1/2 sensor lead is shorted to ground. What is done to repair the system?
  
  
  1. Replace well nut or install new ground.
  2. Rinse tank or install new resistor pack.

• A holding tank monitor system indicates 1/4, 3/4 and full. The system does not indicate 1/2 unless the 1/2 sensor lead is shorted to ground. What is done to repair the system?
  
  
  1. Replace well nut.
  2. Install new resistor pack.

• What is the procedure to flood test a black water tank?
  
  
  1. Install gate valves, fill black water tank, then close gate valves or check for leaks.

• What is the procedure to flood test a black water tank?
  
  
  1. Install gate valves, fill black water tank, then close gate valves.

• What do plan view drawings show?
  
  
  1. Curb lines and/or edge of pavementleaks.

• What do plan view drawings show?
  
  
  1. Curb lines.

• What causes surging and/or stalling of the engine under steady load?

• What causes surging of the engine under steady load?

• What causes stalling of the engine under steady load?

Ordinal numbers, i.e. first, second, third, fourth, etc., are always written in normal script and spelled out.

• How is masonry material loaded onto the 4^th level of a scaffold?

• How is masonry material loaded onto the fourth level of a scaffold?

• Refer to Figure 3. Hot water radiator #3 on the 2nd floor of a 10‑storey building is cold. What is the cause?

• Refer to Figure 3. Hot water radiator #3 on the second floor of a 10‑storey building is cold. What is the cause?

Therer is no final period when the answer is a:

• single letter;
• chemical formula or compound (e.g. NO2, CO2, H2O);
• number;
• number and letter combination;
• number range;
• number with a unit of measurement used in both metric and imperial (e.g. %, °, t);
• number with a metric measurement abbreviation;
• number with an imperial measurement for a few specific abbreviations (e.g. mph, psi).
  
  

• 1. A.
  2. B.

• 1. A
  2. B

• 1.   10.
  2. 100.

• 1.   10
  2. 100

• 1. 4°.
  2. 8°.

• 1. 4°
  2. 8°

• 1. 1.0 - 2.0%.
  2. 2.1 - 3.0%.

• 1. 1.0 - 2.0%
  2. 2.1 - 3.0%

• 1. 1.5 m.
  2. 2.0 m.

• 1. 1.5 m
  2. 2.0 m

• 1.     5 psia.
  2. 500 psia.

• 1.     5 psia
  2. 500 psia

• 1. NO2.
  2. H2O.

• 1. NO2
  2. H2O

• 1. 1 in².
  2. 2 in².

• 1. 1 in²
  2. 2 in²

• 1. X0.
  2. Y1.

• 1. X0
  2. Y1

• 1. 10 °C.
  2. 15 °C.

• 1. 10 °C
  2. 15 °C

Therer is a final period when the answer is a:

• single noun;
• noun group;
• acronym;
• phrase (i.e. a partial sentence, including one containing numbers and/or units of measurement);
• complete sentence;
• sequence of numbers or letters;
• number with most imperial measurement abbreviations (e.g. in., ft., lb.).
  
  

• A. Glass

• A. Glass.

• A. Type K copper

• A. Type K copper.

• D. ABS

• D. ABS.

• D. Under 10 psi

• D. Under 10 psi.

• C. By scraping vertically

• C. By scraping vertically.

• C. Install new door

• C. Install new door.

• B. 4, 1, 3, 2

• B. 4, 1, 3, 2.

• B. E, B, F, D, A, C

• B. E, B, F, D, A, C.

• A. 55 lb

• A. 55 lb.

• A. More than 100°

• A. More than 100°.

Only commas are used to separate non-final nouns in a list, not semi‑colons.

• Self-etch primers are mixed in a well‑ventilated area. What PPE is required?
  
  
  1. Gloves; coveralls; respirator and goggles.

• Self-etch primers are mixed in a well‑ventilated area. What PPE is required?
  
  
  1. Gloves, coveralls, respirator and goggles.

• What is the order for delivery of materials to a large commercial job site?
  
  
  1. Wire; conduit; distribution panel; fixtures.

• What is the order for delivery of materials to a large commercial job site?
  
  
  1. Wire, conduit, distribution panel, then fixtures.

There is no Oxford comma preceding the final ‘and’ in a list.

• What PPE is required for mixing self‑etch primers?
  
  
  1. Gloves, coveralls, respirator, and face shield.

• What PPE is required for mixing self‑etch primers?
  
  
  1. Gloves, coveralls, respirator and face shield.

The Oxford comma precedes the final ‘and’ only when its omission may result in ambiguity.

• What is used to remove a 250 lb. flange?
  
  
  1. Hammer, block and tackle and shims.

• What is used to remove a 250 lb. flange?
  
  
  1. Hammer, block and tackle, and shims.

• Refer to Figure 11. How is the part installed?
  
  
  1. According to manufacturer’s specifications, company policies and procedures and job specifications.

• Refer to Figure 11. How is the part installed?
  
  
  1. According to manufacturer’s specifications, company policies and procedures, and job specifications.

If the nouns in a response must be listed in a specific order, the final noun is preceded by a comma and ‘then’.

• Materials are scheduled for delivery to the work site. What is the order for delivery?
  
  
  1. Paint, drywall, cabinets, baseboard and ceramic tiles.

• Materials are scheduled for delivery to the work site. What is the order for delivery?
  
  
  1. Paint, drywall, cabinets, baseboard, then ceramic tiles.

When the nouns in the response can be listed in any order, the final noun is preceded by ‘and’ with no Oxford comma.

• Which tools are used to lay out an arc?
  
  
  1. Trammel points, dividers, chalk line, then compass.

• Which tools are used to lay out an arc?
  
  
  1. Trammel points, dividers, chalk line and compass.

For better legibility and symmetry, responses with numbers only are aligned by units, tens, hundreds, thousands, etc. in both metric and imperial measurements.

• 1. 5 000 Hz
  2. 50 000 Hz
  3. 500 000 Hz
  4. 5 000 000 Hz

• 1.        5 000 Hz
  2.      50 000 Hz
  3.    500 000 Hz
  4. 5 000 000 Hz

• 1. 5/16 in.
  2. 5 5/8 in.
  3. 10 3/8 in.
  4. 100 3/16 in.

• 1.        5/16 in.
  2.     5 5/8 in.
  3.   10 3/8 in.
  4. 100 3/16 in.

For better legibility and symmetry, the number of decimal places must be the same in each response where all responses are numbers only.

• 1. 0.005 mm
  2. 0.05 mm
  3. 0.5 mm
  4. 5 mm

• 1. 0.005 mm
  2. 0.050 mm
  3. 0.500 mm
  4. 5.000 mm

• 1. 1.25
  2. 10.5
  3. 100.525
  4. 1 000

• 1.        1.250
  2.      10.500
  3.    100.525
  4. 1 000.000

For better legibility and symmetry, the units of measurement are the same in each response.

• 1.   5 mm
  2. 10 mm
  3.   6 cm
  4. 12 cm

• 1.     5 mm
  2.   10 mm
  3.   60 mm
  4. 120 mm

• 1.   6 mm
  2. 12 mm
  3.   5 cm
  4. 10 cm

• 1.   0.6 cm
  2.   1.2 cm
  3.   5.0 cm
  4. 10.0 cm

In responses giving a range of numerical responses, there must not be any overlap between responses – otherwise, there may be 2 correct answers.

• How many coats of primer surfacer are required on a slab door?
  
  
  1. 1 ‑ 2 light coats.
  2. 2 ‑ 3 light coats.
  3. 1 ‑ 2 medium coats.
  4. 2 ‑ 3 medium coats.

• How many coats of primer surfacer are required on a slab door?
  
  
  1. 1 ‑ 2 light coats.
  2. 3 ‑ 4 light coats.
  3. 1 ‑ 2 medium coats.
  4. 3 ‑ 4 medium coats.

• Which gas pressures are used in the plasma arc gouging process?
  
  
  1.     0 ‑ 50 psi
  2.     0 ‑ 100 psi
  3. 101 ‑ 200 psi
  4. 250 ‑ 300 psi

• Which gas pressures are used in the plasma arc gouging process?
  
  
  1.     0 ‑ 50 psi
  2.   51 ‑ 100 psi
  3. 101 ‑ 200 psi
  4. 250 ‑ 300 psi

There is only 1 space after the hyphen in a range. Numbers, measurements and symbols are not aligned.

1. 1 ‑     10 in.
2. 10 ‑ 100 in.

1. 1 ‑ 10 in.
2. 10 ‑ 100 in.

1.   $10 ‑    150 
2. $100 ‑ 1 000

1.   $10 ‑ 150 
2. $100 ‑ 1 000

For better legibility and symmetry, when there is a negative value in a range:

• the hyphen is replaced with ‘to’. If any of the 4 responses is not a negative value, ‘to’ is still inserted in that response for consistency.
• each response ends with a period.
  
  

• What is the temperature range for serving ice cream?
  
  
  1. –15 - –11 °C
  2. –10 - –5 °C
  3.   –4 - 0 °C
  4.     0 - 5 °C

• What is the temperature range for serving ice cream?
  
  
  1. –15 to –11 °C.
  2. –10 to –5 °C.
  3.   –4 to 0 °C.
  4.     0 to 5 °C.

Many items that include both the metric and imperial measurement systems with number‑only responses are formatted in a 2‑column, borderless table, with bolded upper case headers and the metric column placed first.

• A crane requires a secure lifting area of 37.2 m² (400 ft²). What is the lift radius?
  
  

  METRIC	IMPERIAL
  3.4 m   6.8 m 10.8 m 19.5 m	11.3 ft. 22.6 ft. 35.4 ft. 63.7 ft.

Items that include non-metric and non-imperial measurement systems with number‑only responses are also formatted in a 2‑column, borderless table, with bolded upper case headers in alphabetical order from left to right.

• Refer to Figure 34. What is the PRV setting of the air supply?
  
  

  PSIA	PSIG
  30.0 37.5 40.0 42.5	15.3 22.8 25.3 27.8

• Refer to Figure 2. What is the gas pressure?
  
  

  KPA	IN. W.C.
  1.75 2.00 3.25 4.50	7.03   8.03 13.05 18.07

Round brackets are used in worded responses for:

• imperial measurements, where both metric and imperial measurements are used. Metric is always written first.
• synonyms, i.e. 2 common names for a tool, piece of equipment or method.
  
  

• 1. 25 mm/1 in. of depth.

• 1. 25 mm (1 in.) of depth.

• 4. By setting hinge gain 1/16 in. (2 mm) deeper.

• 4. By setting hinge gain 2 mm (1/16 in.) deeper.

• 3. Shape contour using sure‑form file.

• 3. Shape contour using sure‑form file (cheese grater)

• 2. Place fixing or locating rings in bearing.

• 2. Place fixing (locating) rings in bearing.

• 1. Use cad‑weld.

• 1. Use cad‑weld (exothermic welding).

Responses must never be non-answers, i.e. they cannot be null or require no action.

• A crane is moved onto rubber. What is done before hoisting?
  
  
  1. Nothing.
  2. Engage brake.
  3. Extend jib.
  4. Check load weight.

• A crane is moved onto rubber. What is done before hoisting?
  
  
  1. Check fuel line.
  2. Engage brake.
  3. Extend jib.
  4. Check load weight.

• A DC drive decreases the current supply to the shunt field. What is the result?
  
  
  1. Rotating speed remains same.
  2. Rotating speed increases.
  3. Rotating speed decreases.
  4. Rotating speed becomes erratic.

• A DC drive decreases the current supply to the shunt field. What is the result?
  
  
  1. Magnetic field decreases.
  2. Rotating speed increases.
  3. Rotating speed decreases.
  4. Magnetic field increases.

Some trades, such as the electrical trades, can sometimes have zero as the correct answer.

• A sequence filter is connected to a newly installed wye‑connected transformer. What is the neutral current?
  
  
  1. 0 times the phase current. *
  2. 2 times the phase current.
  3. 3 times the phase current.
  4. 4 times the phase current.

• Refer to Figure 34. The breaker trips repeatedly. What is the cause?
  
  
  1. Faulty wire.
  2. Insufficient load.
  3. Undervoltage.
  4. Zero harmonics. *

• A capacitor has been discharged, then isolated. What is done next?
  
  
  1. De‑energize.
  2. Confirm zero rotation. *
  3. Shunt terminals.
  4. Apply resistor.

• Refer to Figure 29. Which condition causes a transistor to turn off?
  
  
  1. X is midway between maximum and minimum.
  2. Y is slightly greater than X.
  3. Z is zero and Y is maximum.
  4. X is zero and Y is zero. *

Responses that consist solely of numeric or alphanumeric answers are always written in ascending order (smallest to largest).

• 1.   3 ft.
  2.   5 ft.
  3.   7 ft.
  4. 10 ft.

• 1. T0
  2. X0
  3. X8
  4. Y0

• 1. PCV-1
  2. PCV-2
  3. RV-1
  4. RV-2

• 1.        1 cm
  2.      10 cm
  3.    100 cm
  4. 1 000 cm

• 1. 12 AWG
  2. 10 AWG
  3.   8 AWG
  4.   6 AWG

• 1. 1 ft. 1/16 in.
  2. 1 ft. 3/8 in.
  3. 1 ft. 7/8 in.
  4. 1 ft. 15/16 in.

• 1.   3:00 am
  2.   9:30 am
  3. 12:00 pm
  4.   5:15 pm

• 1. 1:2
  2. 1:4
  3. 1:6
  4. 1:8

Responses must be balanced in length.

The following combinations are acceptable:

• 4 short responses;
• 4 long responses;
• 2 balanced pairs (i.e. 2 short and 2 long responses);
• balanced number of lists, sequences or procedures in each response;
• 2 or 4 responses with similar phrasing – when there are 3 such responses, the fourth response creates an imbalance and may mislead the candidate.
  
  

• 1. Soldered steel pipe.
  2. Threaded Schedule 20 black iron pipe.
  3. Threaded Schedule 40 black iron pipe.
  4. Threaded Schedule 80 black iron pipe.

• 1. Soldered steel pipe.
  2. Soldered brass pipe.
  3. Threaded Schedule 40 black iron pipe.
  4. Threaded Schedule 80 black iron pipe.

• 1. Install a pour strip.
  2. Trowel to top of form.
  3. Trowel to grade nails.
  4. Spray bonding agent and roughen surface.

• 1. Install a pour strip.
  2. Trowel to top of form.
  3. Trowel to grade nails.
  4. Spray bonding agent.

• 1. 1, 2, 4, 5.
  2. 1, 3, 5, 2, 4.
  3. 4, 5, 2, 1, 3.
  4. 2, 1, 3, 4, 5.

• 1. 1, 2, 4, 5, 3.
  2. 1, 3, 5, 2, 4.
  3. 4, 5, 2, 1, 3.
  4. 2, 1, 3, 4, 5.

Responses containing only units of measurement are spelled out and end with a period.

• An aerial device is tested using the bare‑hand method. Which unit of measurement does a leakage meter indicate?
  
  
  1. A
  2. mA
  3. V
  4. μΩ

• An aerial device is tested using the bare‑hand method. Which unit of measurement does a leakage meter indicate?
  
  
  1. Amperes.
  2. Microamperes.
  3. Volts.
  4. Microohms.