ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension and Inference 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the passage: 'The Battle of Midway in June 1942 is considered the turning point of the Pacific War. American codebreakers had intercepted Japanese communications, allowing Admiral Nimitz to anticipate the attack. Despite being outnumbered, the U.S. Navy sank four Japanese aircraft carriers while losing only one. This victory shifted the balance of naval power in the Pacific.' Why was the Battle of Midway significant?
- It shifted the balance of naval power in the Pacific to the United States (Correct answer)
- It was the final battle of World War II
- Japan won the battle decisively
- It was the largest naval battle in history
Correct answer: It shifted the balance of naval power in the Pacific to the United States
The passage describes Midway as 'the turning point of the Pacific War' and states it 'shifted the balance of naval power in the Pacific,' making this the most significant aspect.
Question 2: Read the passage: 'Unlike traditional warfare, cyber warfare does not require physical proximity to the enemy. A skilled cyber team operating from a secure facility thousands of miles away can disrupt communication systems, disable infrastructure, and gather intelligence. However, attributing cyberattacks to specific actors remains one of the greatest challenges in this domain.' What is the main challenge of cyber warfare mentioned in the passage?
- Identifying who is responsible for attacks (Correct answer)
- Lack of skilled personnel
- High cost of equipment
- Physical distance from the target
Correct answer: Identifying who is responsible for attacks
The passage specifically states that 'attributing cyberattacks to specific actors remains one of the greatest challenges,' meaning it is difficult to identify who carried out an attack.
Question 3: Read the passage: 'The M1 Abrams tank weighs approximately 68 tons and is powered by a gas turbine engine that can propel it at speeds up to 42 mph. Its advanced composite armor provides superior protection against a variety of threats. However, the tank's significant fuel consumption—about 0.6 miles per gallon—presents logistical challenges during extended operations.' What logistical problem does the M1 Abrams create?
- It consumes large amounts of fuel, requiring frequent resupply (Correct answer)
- It is too slow for modern warfare
- Its armor is too thin for combat
- It cannot be transported by air
Correct answer: It consumes large amounts of fuel, requiring frequent resupply
The passage states the tank gets about 0.6 miles per gallon and that this 'presents logistical challenges during extended operations,' indicating frequent fuel resupply is needed.
Question 4: Read the passage: 'Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have transformed modern military operations. They can perform reconnaissance, deliver supplies, and conduct strikes without risking pilot lives. As drone technology becomes more accessible, however, there are growing concerns about their use by non-state actors and the ethical implications of autonomous weapons systems.' What concern about drones is raised in the passage?
- Non-state actors could use them, and autonomous weapons raise ethical questions (Correct answer)
- They are too expensive for military use
- They are unreliable in combat conditions
- Pilots prefer manned aircraft
Correct answer: Non-state actors could use them, and autonomous weapons raise ethical questions
The passage specifically mentions 'concerns about their use by non-state actors and the ethical implications of autonomous weapons systems' as the growing concerns.
Question 5: Read the passage: 'The GI Bill, officially the Servicemembers' Readjustment Act, was signed into law in 1944. It provided veterans with funding for college education, low-cost mortgages, and unemployment insurance. Historians credit the GI Bill with creating the American middle class, as millions of veterans used its benefits to earn degrees and purchase homes they otherwise could not have afforded.' What was the most significant long-term effect of the GI Bill?
- It helped create the American middle class (Correct answer)
- It ended World War II
- It increased military enrollment
- It reduced the cost of college for everyone
Correct answer: It helped create the American middle class
The passage states that 'historians credit the GI Bill with creating the American middle class,' identifying this as the most significant long-term effect.
Question 6: Read the passage: 'Night vision devices work by amplifying existing light, including infrared light invisible to the naked eye. First-generation devices amplify light about 1,000 times, while the latest generation can amplify it up to 50,000 times. Thermal imaging devices, which detect heat rather than light, can work in complete darkness but produce less detailed images.' What is the key difference between night vision and thermal imaging devices?
- Night vision amplifies light; thermal imaging detects heat (Correct answer)
- Thermal imaging is always better than night vision
- Night vision only works during daytime
- Thermal imaging amplifies light better than night vision
Correct answer: Night vision amplifies light; thermal imaging detects heat
The passage explains that night vision works by 'amplifying existing light' while thermal imaging 'detect[s] heat rather than light.' This is the fundamental difference between the two technologies.
ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension and Inference 2
Read the passage: 'The Battle of Midway in June 1942 is considered the turning point of the Pacific War.
American codebreakers had intercepted Japanese communications, allowing Admiral Nimitz to anticipate the attack.
Despite being outnumbered, the U.S.
Navy sank four Japanese aircraft carriers while losing only one.
This victory shifted the balance of naval power in the Pacific.' Why was the Battle of Midway significant?