The Paragraph Comprehension Test (PC) Test – one of the 9 subtests of the ASVAB – measures your ability to obtain and assess specific information that may or may not be stated outright within the reading. In other words, Paragraph Comprehension places more emphasis on assessing your reading comprehension. 

You can perform better and score well on the ASVAB when you have identified your strengths and weaknesses on the ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension Test section. In addition, taking as much practice as you can is one of the best ways to help you prepare well and get ready for the actual test. 

By carefully answering all of the questions on our ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension Sample Questions and reading our extremely detailed explanations to check your answer, your understanding related to ASVAB PC will be sharpened. Let’s get started at present to become eligible for enlistment. 

 

1. Overview of ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension Test

 

Conventionally, there are two types of ASVAB Tests administered. More specifically, if you opt for the Computer Adapted Test (CAT – ASVAB), you must answer 11 questions within 22 minutes. Meanwhile, there are 15 multiple-choice questions that need to be completed in 13 minutes in the paper-and-pencil version. Bear in mind that you can review and make changes to your responses if you have a little time because you are not penalized for guessing. 

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2.  Tips to nail the ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension Practice Test

 

ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension Test
Some effective tips  to help you ace ASVAB PC Practice Test

It is suggested that you should take our ASVAB PC sample questions to gauge your current knowledge so as to improve your weaknesses and solidify your strengths in your ASVAB Test. Here are some effective tips we propose to help you ace these samples. Let’s get started!

 

2.1. Improve your ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension

 

Reading comprehension skill is regarded as the best technique that helps you perform well on the ASVAB. Thus, you need to practice on a regular basis with English paragraphs to enhance your reading skills. 

 

2.2 Watch the time

 

Even if you are taking the test simulation, you should keep track of time as you are sitting for an actual exam since all the PC ASVAB tests have time constraints. Normally, you will have 13 minutes to read through 9 paragraphs in an allotted time. You have enough time to take the test well so you shouldn’t feel pressured and lose your nerves. Furthermore, don’t rush to the questions and be distracted from your exam. 

 

2.3. Make an educated guess

 

If you don’t know the answer, you may take an educated guess by using the process of elimination. On the paper version, you may guess freely at your discretion. However, on the computerized test, you risk receiving a penalty for too many wrong answers at the end of the subtest. If you need to guess, make sure to eliminate as many choices as possible before choosing your answer.

You can use the process of elimination to make an educated guess at your discretion if you don’t know the answer. For the paper and pencil version, you might make guessworks freely because you don’t run the danger of being penalized if you finish the subtest with too many incorrect answers. In contrast, be careful if you guess in your CAT – ASVAB because you might receive a penalty for too many wrong answers at the end of the subtest. If you must hazard a guess, be sure to rule out as many possibilities as you can before making your decision.

 

2.4. Question first, read later

 

Many candidates tend to read the entire paragraph before looking at the questions. Nevertheless, many reading comprehension test specialists advise the opposite, though. Skimming or scanning can save you a ton of time if the question requires you to locate specific facts or identify the paragraph’s primary point. To choose the ideal reading techniques, you should first read the question. 

 

2.5. Take it one question at a time

 

There may be a variety of questions related to a passage, but you should only focus on one question at a time.

 

2.6. Understand each question

 

When taking the PC test, you should ask yourself some questions like “What is the question asking you to do? Are you supposed to find the main point? Are you required to draw a conclusion or find a word that is nearest in meaning?” Make certain you always know what the question is asking before you choose among the answer options. Although this tip may appear too obvious, when you’re in a hurry, you can make mistakes by misunderstanding the questions.

 

2.7. Read each answer option carefully

 

On the Paragraph Comprehension subtest, you might be confused when choosing among “almost right and most right answers”. Keep in mind that you must choose the “most right answer” not the almost right ones. To do that, you have to read all of the options. Don’t just be rushed to select the first answer that seems right. 

 

2.8. Check your baggage at the door

 

Double check your choice and answers to make sure that you answer each question based on the passage, not your own opinions or views on the topic.

 

2.9. Always act with caution about “never”

 

For the most part, you can easily recognize the answer options that are incorrect if it contains some absolute words such as “Never, always”. Furthermore, words like “generally” and “usually” are more likely to be correct.

Related article >>> The Most Effective ASVAB Assembling Objects Sample Questions

 

3. ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension Sample Questions with Keys

 

Below are 10 sample questions that simulate the actual ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension Exam questions. Feel free to visit our homepage right away to challenge yourself with more PC practice questions

 

Question 1: Avalanches, which are natural forms of erosion and often seasonal, are usually classified by their content such as a debris or snow avalanche. Speeds can reach over 200 mi per hr (300 km per hr). They are triggered by such events as earthquake tremors, human-made disturbances, or excessive rainfall on high gradient slopes, often where materials are loosely consolidated or weathered.

From this passage, you can conclude

A. Animal activity can start avalanches.

B. Avalanches are not instigated by man-made activities.

C. Avalanches can contain more than snow.

D. The term “avalanche” is used only for a mass of snow.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

The author specifies in the passage how avalanches can be classified, such as debris or snow avalanche. The other options are incorrect.

 

Question 2: On this date in 1776, rebellious colonials launched the first modern democracy, an experiment in government controlled by the people themselves. America succeeded so well that virtually the entire world later adopted democracy with its guarantee of personal rights.

Which of the following statements about the author’s beliefs is false?

A. America is responsible for worldwide adoption of democracy

B. America is the first modern democracy

C. Democracy guarantees personal rights

D. Democracy is the most noble form of government

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

This question is asking which of these statements is false given what the author states in the paragraph, not whether or not the author is correct or incorrect in those beliefs or what additional beliefs he or she is likely to have. Although you might infer that the author thinks democracy is the most noble form of government that was not specifically mentioned in the article.

 

Question 3: The South Shore Estuary is an estuary located along the south shore of Long Island, between the mainland and the outer barrier islands, in eastern New York state. It stretches for over 70 miles (110 km) from West Bay in Nassau County to the Shinnecock Bay in Suffolk County.

According to this passage, where is the South Shore Estuary located?

A. Eastern New York state

B. Off the coast of Long Island

C. The south shore of Manhattan

D. West Nassau County

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

According to this passage the South Shore Estuary is in eastern New York state.

 

Question 4: A story line consists of the main plot, a sequence of events involving the primary characters. There are also subplots in which the minor characters carry out their roles. The situations of the main and minor/supporting characters intertwine, thereby creating a realistic plot where people’s lives interact, just as they would in real life.

This author is making a comparison between

A. a realistic plot and real life.

B. events and main characters.

C. main and supporting characters.

D. the main plot and the subplots.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

The comparison is evident when the author mentions “…a realistic plot where people’s lives interact, just as they would in real life.”

 

Question 5: George Washington was a remarkable man. He was born in 1732. Shortly before becoming the President of the United States in 1789, Washington was an important leader in the American Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1783. After retiring, he returned to Mount Vernon in 1797. A short time later, John Adams made him commander in chief of the United States Army again. This was done in anticipation that the country might go to war with France.

Almost immediately after serving as a leader in the American Revolutionary War

A. Washington became the commander in chief of the United States Army

B. Washington became the President of the United States

C. Washington decided to go into retirement

D. Washington returned to Mount Vernon

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

The passage states that “Shortly before becoming the President of the United States in 1789, Washington was an important leader in the American Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1783.”

 

Question 6: There wasn’t much difference in the clothing that ancient Greeks wore. The small differences depended on who was wearing it and for what purpose. Both men and women wore a garment called a tunic. The tunics worn by men reached their knees, and the tunics worn by women came to their feet. The tunic would usually be tied at the waist.

According to the passage, both Greek men and women wore a garment called a:

A. bustle

B. toga

C. tunic

D. weskit

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

The author states that both Greek men and women wore a garment called a tunic.

 

Question 7: The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the United States’ most remarkable natural scenery. Located in south-central Oregon, Crater Lake is arguably the most striking site in that part of the country. A caldera lake, Crater Lake is the result of the eruption and collapse of Mount Mazama nearly eight thousand years ago. The lake is known for its brilliant blue water, as well as its depth: an astonishing 1,932 feet.

Crater Lake is located in what state?

A. Idaho

B. Oregon

C. Washington

D. Wyoming

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

The passage clearly states that Crater Lake is located in Oregon.

 

Question 8: People may think of pizza as a snack food. But it is nutritious. The crust, made of a kind of bread, provides carbohydrates. The tomatoes contain Vitamin C and provide fiber. The cheese is a good source of calcium that is needed for healthy bones.

Pizza is healthful because it

A. can be ordered in a restaurant or bought frozen to bake at home.

B. includes a good source of calcium.

C. is a snack food.

D. tastes good.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

It is the only choice that states a fact about why pizza is a nutritious food.

 

Question 9: The Gila monster may be more than just a ghoulish looking creature that frightens people with its appearance. According to scientists, this creature might hold the key to a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease. Although the bite of the Gila monster can be deadly, its saliva contains a chemical that affects memory.

In this context, ghoulish means:

A. cute

B. friendly

C. *horrid

D. silly

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

The first sentence states that this creature frightens people.

 

Question 10: The myth that touching a toad will give you warts is a surprisingly common one, with many people searching Google to ascertain whether there is any truth to it. And the truth is that there is not any truth to it at all. This belief likely stems from the fact that toads have warts and parents want to convince their kids not to touch that gross, slimy animal they just found.

In this passage, what does the word “ascertain” most closely mean?

A. allow

B. determine

C. disprove

D. ink

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

Ascertain is a word that comes from the phrase, “make certain.” The other choices do not mean the same thing.

 

4. Free ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension Practice Test by Estudyme 

 

You can become accustomed to the CAT – ASVAB exam-taking version and boost your readiness and confidence for the real test with the aid of our ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension Practice Test. To ensure that you can review the Paragraph Comprehension sections with the best questions, keep in mind that our ASVAB PC sample questions are frequently updated by our qualified experts. You can take our practice questions as many times as you’d like free of charge, and each time we’ll change the order of the questions to give you a new testing experience.

To make sure you are fully prepared for the ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension exam, visit our homepage and take more ASVAB Practice Test. You can also take our extensive set of questions, which are separated into 9 categories, for free as many times as you’d like. Our ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension Study Guide is always available  to assist you in getting ready for the actual exam.