ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the passage and answer the question. "The speed of sound varies depending on the medium through which it travels. In dry air at 68°F (20°C), sound travels at approximately 767 miles per hour. Sound travels faster in liquids than in gases, and faster still in solids, because particles in denser materials are more tightly packed and can transmit vibrations more quickly." Based on the passage, in which medium does sound travel the FASTEST?
- Dry air at room temperature
- Liquid water
- A solid material (Correct answer)
- A vacuum
Correct answer: A solid material
The passage states sound travels faster in liquids than gases, and faster still in solids due to tightly packed particles.
Question 2: Read the passage and answer the question. "Triage is a process used in emergency medicine and military combat to sort patients by the urgency of their need for treatment. The goal is to do the greatest good for the greatest number of people when resources are limited. Patients are typically categorized as immediate, delayed, minimal, or expectant based on the severity of their condition and likelihood of survival." What is the PRIMARY goal of triage according to the passage?
- To ensure every patient receives treatment at the same time
- To identify patients who require surgical intervention
- To do the greatest good for the greatest number when resources are limited (Correct answer)
- To document injuries for insurance and legal purposes
Correct answer: To do the greatest good for the greatest number when resources are limited
The passage explicitly states the goal of triage is to do the greatest good for the greatest number when resources are limited.
Question 3: Read the passage and answer the question. "Gravity is the force that attracts two objects with mass toward each other. The greater the mass of the objects and the closer they are together, the stronger the gravitational force between them. Earth's gravity keeps the Moon in orbit and prevents the atmosphere from escaping into space." According to the passage, gravitational force between two objects INCREASES when:
- The objects move farther apart from each other
- One of the objects loses mass
- The objects have greater mass and are closer together (Correct answer)
- The temperature of the objects rises
Correct answer: The objects have greater mass and are closer together
The passage states that greater mass and closer proximity both increase the gravitational force between objects.
Question 4: Read the passage and answer the question. "Propaganda is information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a particular political cause or point of view. Throughout history, governments have used propaganda to build public support for wars, policies, and political leaders. Unlike journalism, which aims for objectivity, propaganda is deliberately designed to influence opinion rather than inform." How does the passage distinguish propaganda from journalism?
- Journalism is used only by governments; propaganda is used by private citizens
- Propaganda aims to influence opinion while journalism aims for objectivity (Correct answer)
- Journalism only covers political topics while propaganda covers all subjects
- Propaganda is always delivered through visual media while journalism is written
Correct answer: Propaganda aims to influence opinion while journalism aims for objectivity
The passage directly contrasts journalism's aim for objectivity with propaganda's deliberate design to influence opinion.
Question 5: Read the passage and answer the question. "A chain of command is a hierarchical system of authority and responsibility in an organization. In the military, orders flow from higher-ranking officers down to lower-ranking enlisted personnel. Following the chain of command ensures coordination, accountability, and efficient communication, which are essential in both peacetime operations and combat situations." According to the passage, the chain of command ensures all of the following EXCEPT:
- Coordination within an organization
- Accountability among personnel
- Efficient communication
- Equal rank distribution among all members (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Equal rank distribution among all members
The passage lists coordination, accountability, and efficient communication as benefits of the chain of command—not equal rank distribution.
Question 6: Read the passage and answer the question. "Desalination is the process of removing salt and other dissolved minerals from seawater to make it suitable for drinking or irrigation. While the technology has advanced significantly, desalination remains expensive and energy-intensive compared to treating freshwater sources. Countries with limited freshwater supplies, such as those in the Middle East, rely heavily on desalination plants." What limitation of desalination does the passage mention?
- It produces water with dangerously high mineral content
- It can only be used in tropical climates
- It is expensive and energy-intensive compared to treating freshwater (Correct answer)
- It removes beneficial minerals that the body needs to function
Correct answer: It is expensive and energy-intensive compared to treating freshwater
The passage states desalination remains expensive and energy-intensive compared to treating freshwater sources.
Question 7: Read the passage and answer the question. "The Rule of Law means that no individual or government is above the law, and that all people are equally subject to a set of publicly disclosed legal codes. It stands in contrast to rule by arbitrary power or the will of a single ruler. Democratic nations generally consider the Rule of Law to be a cornerstone of a just and stable society." According to the passage, the Rule of Law means PRIMARILY that:
- Judges have the final say in all government decisions
- No person or government is above the law and all are equally subject to it (Correct answer)
- Laws can only be created with unanimous agreement from all citizens
- The military has the authority to enforce laws when civilian police cannot
Correct answer: No person or government is above the law and all are equally subject to it
The passage defines the Rule of Law as no individual or government being above the law, with all people equally subject to it.
ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension 4
Read the passage and answer the question.
"The speed of sound varies depending on the medium through which it travels.
In dry air at 68°F (20°C), sound travels at approximately 767 miles per hour.
Sound travels faster in liquids than in gases, and faster still in solids, because particles in denser materials are more tightly packed and can transmit vibrations more quickly."
Based on the passage, in which medium does sound travel the FASTEST?