OAR Reading Comprehension Flashcards

A passage states: 'The navigator plotted a course using dead reckoning, estimating position based on a known starting point, elapsed time, and speed.' What does 'dead reckoning' rely on?

Answer: Known position plus calculated movement

Dead reckoning uses a known starting point combined with speed, direction, and time to estimate current position.

Read: 'Unlike surface vessels, submarines must manage buoyancy precisely to maintain depth. Too much positive buoyancy causes uncontrolled ascent; too much negative buoyancy causes descent.' Which conclusion is best supported?

Answer: Neutral buoyancy keeps a submarine at a stable depth

The passage implies a balance between positive and negative buoyancy — neutral buoyancy — is needed to maintain depth.

A passage says: 'The officer's report was terse but comprehensive, omitting no relevant detail despite its brevity.' The word 'terse' most nearly means:

Answer: Brief and concise

'Terse' means using few words, and the context confirms this by contrasting it with 'omitting no relevant detail.'

Read: 'Naval exercises are conducted to assess readiness, identify weaknesses, and train personnel under realistic conditions. The results inform future procurement decisions.' What is the PRIMARY purpose of naval exercises according to the passage?

Answer: To assess readiness and improve training

The passage explicitly lists assessing readiness, identifying weaknesses, and training personnel as the purposes of naval exercises.

A passage reads: 'Maritime law distinguishes between flotsam, which is wreckage floating on the sea, and jetsam, goods deliberately thrown overboard.' Based on this, cargo a captain dumps during a storm would be classified as:

Answer: Jetsam

Jetsam is defined as goods deliberately thrown overboard, which matches cargo dumped intentionally by the captain.

Read: 'The commanding officer emphasized that situational awareness — knowing where friendly and enemy forces are at all times — is the most critical skill in naval warfare.' Which title best fits this passage?

Answer: The Primacy of Situational Awareness in Naval Warfare

The passage centers on one argument: situational awareness is the most critical naval skill.

A passage states: 'Passage through the strait was impeded by fog, forcing the fleet to anchor and await improved visibility before proceeding.' What caused the delay?

Answer: Reduced visibility due to fog

The passage directly states that fog forced the fleet to anchor and wait for improved visibility.