ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension Test 3

Question 1

Read the passage: 'Sonar technology works by emitting sound waves that bounce off objects and return to the source. The time it takes for the echo to return, combined with the known speed of sound in water, allows operators to calculate the distance to an object.' What does this passage primarily describe?

A) The history of underwater exploration
B) How sonar calculates the distance to objects
C) Why sound travels faster in water than air
D) The dangers of underwater navigation

Accepted Answer

How sonar calculates the distance to objects

Answer

The passage explains that sonar uses echo return time and the speed of sound to calculate distance.

Question 2

Read the passage: 'A tourniquet should only be applied as a last resort when a wound is bleeding so severely that it cannot be controlled by direct pressure. Improper or unnecessary tourniquet use can cause permanent nerve and tissue damage.' What is the author's main warning?

A) Tourniquets are rarely effective in emergencies
B) Direct pressure should never be used on wounds
C) Tourniquets should be used carefully and only when necessary
D) Nerve damage is the leading cause of battlefield injuries

Accepted Answer

Tourniquets should be used carefully and only when necessary

Answer

The passage warns that tourniquets should be a last resort because misuse causes serious harm.

Question 3

Read the passage: 'The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense. Built during World War II, it is one of the world's largest office buildings, housing approximately 23,000 military and civilian employees.' What can be inferred about why the Pentagon was built when it was?

A) The military needed a smaller, more efficient workspace
B) The large wartime defense workforce required a massive facility
C) Congress wanted to create a monument to American power
D) The existing military offices had been destroyed in a foreign attack

Accepted Answer

The large wartime defense workforce required a massive facility

Answer

Building it during WWII and noting its massive size implies it was needed to house a rapidly expanding wartime workforce.

Question 4

Read the passage: 'Dehydration impairs physical and cognitive performance long before a person feels thirsty. By the time thirst signals appear, the body may already be functioning at a reduced capacity.' What conclusion best follows from this passage?

A) Thirst is a reliable early warning system for dehydration
B) Cognitive performance is more important than physical performance
C) People should drink water before they feel thirsty
D) Dehydration only affects physical tasks, not thinking

Accepted Answer

People should drink water before they feel thirsty

Answer

Since impairment occurs before thirst signals arrive, the logical action is to drink proactively.

Question 5

Read the passage: 'Chain of command refers to the line of authority and responsibility along which orders are passed within a military unit. Maintaining a clear chain of command ensures accountability and prevents confusion during operations.' The word 'accountability' in this passage most nearly means:

A) Speed of communication
B) Responsibility for actions
C) Physical strength required
D) Secrecy of information

Accepted Answer

Responsibility for actions

Answer

In the context of chain of command and authority, accountability means being answerable for one's actions.

ASVAB - Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Practice Test

ASVAB - Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Practice Test

ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension Test 3