A Model of polymer decomposition is proposed which formally involves the termination of active centres. It yields reasonable activation energies for the decompositions of polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene and polymethyl methacrylate investigated by non-isothermal thermogravimetry. In the value of a formal reaction orders the model reflects the reaction conditions, such as initial sample weight, atmosphere, ventilation conditions, sample holder nature and shape, etc.