AFQT Paragraph Comprehension Strategies

Question 1

A passage states: 'The M16 rifle has been the standard-issue service rifle for the US military since the 1960s, though variants have been introduced over the decades.' What can be inferred from this sentence?

Accepted Answer

The M16 has undergone modifications while remaining the foundational weapon platform

Answer

The phrase 'variants have been introduced' implies that while the basic M16 platform remains standard, updated versions have been developed, indicating evolution without complete replacement.

Question 2

When reading a passage on the AFQT, what is the best strategy for answering 'main idea' questions?

Accepted Answer

Read the entire passage, identify what most sentences are about, and find the answer that captures the central theme

Answer

The main idea encompasses the central theme of the entire passage, not just one part. Reading the full passage and identifying what the majority of content supports is the most reliable approach.

Question 3

In the context of reading comprehension, what does 'context clues' mean?

Accepted Answer

Words and phrases surrounding an unfamiliar term that help determine its meaning

Answer

Context clues are the words, phrases, and sentences surrounding an unknown word that provide hints about its meaning through definitions, examples, synonyms, antonyms, or general sense of the passage.

Question 4

A passage states: 'Unlike conventional warfare, counterinsurgency requires winning the support of the local population.' What type of relationship does the word 'unlike' establish?

Accepted Answer

A contrast between two different approaches to military operations

Answer

The word 'unlike' is a contrast signal word that indicates the author is highlighting differences between conventional warfare and counterinsurgency approaches.

Question 5

What is the purpose of scanning a passage before reading it carefully on a timed test?

Accepted Answer

To get a quick overview of the topic, structure, and key terms before detailed reading

Answer

Scanning provides a mental framework before detailed reading, helping you understand the passage's structure, identify key concepts, and read more efficiently under time constraints.

(AFQT) Armed Forces Qualification Test Practice Test

(AFQT) Armed Forces Qualification Test Practice Test

AFQT Paragraph Comprehension Strategies