1,001 ASVAB AFQT Practice Questions For Dummies®
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ISBN 978-1-119-29148-0 (pbk); ISBN 978-1-119-29149-7 (ebk); ISBN 978-1-119-29150-3 (ebk)
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery — affectionately called the ASVAB by military personnel — is the test that military recruiters use to determine whether you’re eligible for service in the U.S. Armed Forces. Don’t let that scare you, though. With the right preparation (and this book), you’ll be well-prepared to take the test and join the military branch of your choice.
Four sections of the ASVAB determine your Armed Forces Qualification Test score, or AFQT: Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Mathematics Knowledge, and Arithmetic Reasoning. The military calculates your score on these four subtests to find out whether you qualify for service. Your recruiter will use your AFQT score and your scores on the other five subtests (which are all covered in ASVAB For Dummies) to zero in on the jobs you’re most qualified to perform in the Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy, or Coast Guard.
This book gives you 1,001 carefully crafted practice questions to help you prepare for the ASVAB AFQT. The questions are similar to those you’ll see on the actual ASVAB, so by the time you’re finished working your way through them, you’ll be confident in your ability to ace the AFQT portion of the test … and you’ll be well on your way to becoming the military’s latest and greatest recruit.
The first four chapters of this book cover all the essentials of the AFQT. There are 250 of each question type, except Arithmetic Reasoning. (There are 251 Arithmetic Reasoning questions, because who hasn’t wished for just one more math word problem?) Here’s what each subtest covers:
After you’ve answered as many questions as you can stand for one sitting, flip to Chapter 5 to check your answers. Every answer includes a complete explanation. The math problems include steps for reaching the correct solutions. That way, you can see exactly where you went wrong — or guessed right! The vocabulary and reading questions include definitions and the reasoning behind the correct answers. Make sure to spend some time studying the answer explanations because doing so can help you better understand the questions you struggle with.
In addition to the book you’re reading right now, be sure to check out the free Cheat Sheet for a set of quick reference notes on general test-taking tips for the ASVAB and specific hints for each of the AFQT subtests. To get this Cheat Sheet, simply go to www.dummies.com and search for “1,001 ASVAB AFQT Practice Questions For Dummies Cheat Sheet” in the Search box.
The online practice that comes free with this book contains the same 1,001 ASVAB AFQT practice questions and answers that appear in the book. The beauty of the online questions is that you can customize your online practice to focus on the areas that give you the most trouble. So if you need help with Paragraph Comprehension questions or Arithmetic Reasoning problems, just select those question types online and start practicing. Or if you’re short on time but want to get a mixed bag of a limited number of questions, you can specify the number of questions you want to practice. Whether you practice a few hundred questions in one sitting or a couple dozen, and whether you focus on a few types of questions or practice every type, the online program keeps track of the questions you get right and wrong so you can monitor your progress and spend time studying exactly what you need.
To gain access to the online practice, all you have to do is register. Just follow these simple steps:
www.dummies.com/go/getaccess.If you do not receive this email within two hours, please check your spam folder before contacting us through our Technical Support website at http://support.wiley.com or by phone at 877-762-2974.
Now you’re ready to go! You can come back to the practice material as often as you want — simply log on with the username and password you created during your initial login. No need to enter the access code a second time.
Your registration is good for one year from the day you activate your PIN.
This book gives you 1,001 practice questions to help you ace the AFQT portion of the ASVAB. It’s designed to help you zero in on the areas you need to improve, but if you find that you need more help, head to www.dummies.com to find books and articles that can give you an extra push in the right direction.
You can use this book to simulate your ASVAB test-taking experience, but if you need more in-depth study of the AFQT or the other sections of the test, you can pick up the following For Dummies products:
Part 1
IN THIS PART …
Find out just how big your vocabulary is with Word Knowledge questions.
Test your understanding of what you read with Paragraph Comprehension questions.
Review fractions, percentages, scientific notation, algebra, and geometry problems with Mathematics Knowledge questions.
Practice converting math word problems into solvable equations with Arithmetic Reasoning questions.
Chapter 1
The Word Knowledge subtest on the ASVAB measures your ability to communicate by gauging your vocabulary level. To do well on this subtest, you don’t have to be a walking dictionary. However, you do need a good grasp on the English language, which means having a solid knowledge of words and their meanings. You also need to be able to determine what words mean based on their context within a sentence.
When you’re working through these 250 practice questions, you may encounter words you use every day, words you hear occasionally, and words you’ve never seen before. When you come across a word you don’t know, give it your best guess — sometimes your knowledge of other, similar words will kick in and you’ll get it right. (You can use that strategy on test day, too, when you have 8 minutes to answer 16 Word Knowledge questions on the computerized version of the ASVAB or 11 minutes to answer 35 questions on the paper version.)
You find three types of questions on the Word Knowledge subtest:
English isn’t exactly known for being the easiest language in the world, which means you may have to implement some strategies as you prepare for the Word Knowledge subtest. Keep these tips in mind:
1. Accord most nearly means
(A) agreement.
(B) theory.
(C) judgment.
(D) attempt.
2. Establish most nearly means
(A) set up.
(B) foundation.
(C) give.
(D) receive.
3. Obtain most nearly means
(A) hold.
(B) work.
(C) get.
(D) top.
4. Brazen most nearly means
(A) dim.
(B) obnoxious.
(C) timid.
(D) bold.
5. Vain most nearly means
(A) vessel.
(B) useless.
(C) nice.
(D) condescending.
6. Fortitude most nearly means
(A) strength.
(B) bravado.
(C) inconsistency.
(D) difficulty.
7. Plausible most nearly means
(A) deceptive.
(B) believable.
(C) ignorant.
(D) lagging.
8. Persuade most nearly means
(A) deter.
(B) encourage.
(C) lead.
(D) convince.
9. Dialogue most nearly means
(A) leader.
(B) text.
(C) conversation.
(D) soliloquy.
10. Exempt most nearly means
(A) underprivileged.
(B) excused.
(C) untenable.
(D) taxable.
11. Buttress most nearly means
(A) support.
(B) arch.
(C) matriarch.
(D) object.
12. Bizarre most nearly means
(A) strange.
(B) extreme.
(C) fierce.
(D) futuristic.
13. Liable most nearly means
(A) typical.
(B) slander.
(C) immune.
(D) responsible.
14. Optimistic most nearly means
(A) short-sighted.
(B) preferential.
(C) hopeful.
(D) likely.
15. Affect most nearly means
(A) result.
(B) change.
(C) signify.
(D) define.
16. Labyrinth most nearly means
(A) system.
(B) path.
(C) maze.
(D) connector.
17. Blatant most nearly means
(A) subtle.
(B) obvious.
(C) unclear.
(D) noisy.
18. Maneuver most nearly means
(A) movement.
(B) achievement.
(C) reach.
(D) simulation.
19. Disclose most nearly means
(A) tell.
(B) hide.
(C) shut.
(D) teach.
20. Quarantine most nearly means
(A) annotate.
(B) identify.
(C) insinuate.
(D) isolate.
21. Adept most nearly means
(A) considerate.
(B) careful.
(C) thoughtless.
(D) skilled.
22. Recede most nearly means
(A) move.
(B) compel.
(C) retreat.
(D) wax.
23. Volatile most nearly means
(A) changeable.
(B) confusing.
(C) sickened.
(D) broken.
24. Intrepid most nearly means
(A) nervous.
(B) clever.
(C) fearful.
(D) brave.
25. Wrath most nearly means
(A) revenge.
(B) anger.
(C) expulsion.
(D) flux.
26. Proliferate most nearly means
(A) create.
(B) grow.
(C) generate.
(D) decline.
27. Vacate most nearly means
(A) keep.
(B) relax.
(C) abandon.
(D) inform.
28. Pathetic most nearly means
(A) pitiful.
(B) hopeless.
(C) disgusting.
(D) terrible.
29. Refuge most nearly means
(A) entrance.
(B) chamber.
(C) dwelling.
(D) sanctuary.
30. Scour most nearly means
(A) detour.
(B) scrub.
(C) frown.
(D) petrify.
31. Aversion most nearly means
(A) opposition.
(B) advocate.
(C) dislike.
(D) animosity.
32. Strife most nearly means
(A) conflict.
(B) suffering.
(C) attack.
(D) accordance.
33. Nourish most nearly means
(A) administer.
(B) entrust.
(C) sustain.
(D) proffer.
34. Tread most nearly means
(A) step on.
(B) steer.
(C) try.
(D) hurry.
35. Console most nearly means
(A) ascend.
(B) rejuvenate.
(C) bolster.
(D) comfort.
36. Banter most nearly means
(A) taunt.
(B) repartee.
(C) ridicule.
(D) reproach.
37. Credible most nearly means
(A) believable.
(B) secretive.
(C) annoyed.
(D) unlikely.
38. Erode most nearly means
(A) chop.
(B) deteriorate.
(C) scrub.
(D) repair.
39. Generate most nearly means
(A) consider.
(B) create.
(C) boil over.
(D) take.
40. Mode most nearly means
(A) resource.
(B) alone.
(C) octave.
(D) way.
41. Foil most nearly means
(A) wrapping.
(B) confer.
(C) aggravate.
(D) prevent.
42. Chamber most nearly means
(A) enclosed space.
(B) passageway.
(C) trough.
(D) shelf.
43. Aide most nearly means
(A) abet.
(B) teacher.
(C) creator.
(D) helper.
44. Stump most nearly means
(A) confuse.
(B) chop.
(C) pound.
(D) clarify.
45. Insist most nearly means
(A) continue.
(B) assert.
(C) wish.
(D) demand.
46. Bland most nearly means
(A) uninteresting.
(B) tiny.
(C) dramatic.
(D) rough.
47. Sentinel most nearly means
(A) aggressor.
(B) lookout.
(C) coward.
(D) reveler.
48. Repeal most nearly means
(A) yell.
(B) hold.
(C) ignore.
(D) cancel.
49. Labor most nearly means
(A) think.
(B) illuminate.
(C) market.
(D) work.
50. Aberration most nearly means
(A) anomaly.
(B) commonplace.
(C) disgusting.
(D) revered.
51. Winsome most nearly means
(A) hardy.
(B) difficult.
(C) windy.
(D) charming.
52. Initial most nearly means
(A) first.
(B) exception.
(C) new.
(D) tragic.
53. Rabid most nearly means
(A) generous.
(B) sickly.
(C) fanatical.
(D) deepen.
54. Mobile most nearly means
(A) movable.
(B) fixed.
(C) cellular.
(D) turning.
55. Solicit most nearly means
(A) decry.
(B) evoke.
(C) drag.
(D) request.
56. Fallacy most nearly means
(A) misnomer.
(B) misconception.
(C) truth.
(D) ersatz.
57. External most nearly means
(A) during the night.
(B) after the fact.
(C) outer surface.
(D) transcendental.
58. Vociferous most nearly means
(A) noisome.
(B) vehement.
(C) plant-like.
(D) strong.
59. Convert most nearly means
(A) change.
(B) prevail.
(C) belie.
(D) track.
60. Consider most nearly means
(A) tarry.
(B) dawdle.
(C) defy.
(D) think.
61. Prompt most nearly means
(A) arrogant.
(B) slow.
(C) fast.
(D) bright.
62. Turpitude most nearly means
(A) depravity.
(B) strength.
(C) justice.
(D) piousness.
63. Makeshift most nearly means
(A) permanent.
(B) adversarial.
(C) substitute.
(D) difficult.
64. Comprise most nearly means
(A) create.
(B) is composed of.
(C) track.
(D) herald.
65. Spurious most nearly means
(A) prickly.
(B) dangerous.
(C) nonsense.
(D) bogus.
66. Expanse most nearly means
(A) cost.
(B) growth.
(C) area.
(D) beat.
67. Fearsome most nearly means
(A) menacing.
(B) calming.
(C) noxious.
(D) teary-eyed.
68. Sophomoric most nearly means
(A) afraid.
(B) pretentious.
(C) emotional.
(D) defiant.
69. Exasperate most nearly means
(A) infer.
(B) confuse.
(C) drag out.
(D) infuriate.
70. Scarcity most nearly means
(A) majority.
(B) shortage.
(C) surplus.
(D) abundance.
71. Resist most nearly means
(A) withstand.
(B) hold.
(C) divide.
(D) conduct.
72. Ersatz most nearly means
(A) fake.
(B) genuine.
(C) authentic.
(D) green.
73. Portend most nearly means
(A) surprise.
(B) contrast.
(C) vicissitude.
(D) be a warning.
74. Lucid most nearly means
(A) relaxed.
(B) incoherent.
(C) understandable.
(D) confused.
75. Ostracized most nearly means
(A) brought in.
(B) excluded.
(C) parted.
(D) captivated.
76. Allure most nearly means
(A) tempt.
(B) trick.
(C) tease.
(D) sneak.
77. Gleeful most nearly means
(A) delirious.
(B) joyful.
(C) displeased.
(D) derisive.
78. Tranquilize most nearly means
(A) sedate.
(B) trick.
(C) deride.
(D) overdose.
79. Oppose most nearly means
(A) irk.
(B) cooperate.
(C) resist.
(D) argue.
80. Mores most nearly means
(A) customs.
(B) types.
(C) anomalies.
(D) data.
81. Chap most nearly means
(A) tangle.
(B) expose.
(C) irate.
(D) become chafed.
82. Overbearing most nearly means
(A) overwhelming.
(B) bossy.
(C) grouchy.
(D) tough.
83. Equity most nearly means
(A) fairness.
(B) devaluation.
(C) privacy.
(D) earnings.
84. Subtle most nearly means
(A) understated.
(B) conspicuous.
(C) suggestive.
(D) harsh.
85. Pecuniary most nearly means
(A) strange.
(B) out of place.
(C) economic.
(D) disjointed.
86. Temporary most nearly means
(A) permanent.
(B) impermanent.
(C) drafted.
(D) sticky.
87. Insightful most nearly means
(A) blind.
(B) ignorant.
(C) dull.
(D) perceptive.
88. Superficial most nearly means
(A) without depth.
(B) thorough.
(C) genuine.
(D) sensible.
89. Render most nearly means
(A) fail.
(B) win.
(C) deliver.
(D) hold.
90. Constant most nearly means
(A) intermittent.
(B) unchanging.
(C) dreadful.
(D) periodic.
91. Commission most nearly means
(A) delegation.
(B) force.
(C) recreation.
(D) assignor.
92. Venture most nearly means
(A) cower.
(B) inaction.
(C) endeavor.
(D) persevere.
93. Range most nearly means
(A) part.
(B) end.
(C) movement.
(D) vary.
94. Scheme most nearly means
(A) plan.
(B) schedule.
(C) suggestion.
(D) theory.
95. Plea most nearly means
(A) demand.
(B) answer.
(C) request.
(D) offer.
96. Stake most nearly means
(A) meat.
(B) post.
(C) steal.
(D) embellish.
97. Attribute most nearly means
(A) guilt.
(B) characteristic.
(C) thing.
(D) roast.
98. Awesome most nearly means
(A) extreme.
(B) radical.
(C) impressive.
(D) tricky.
99. Provoke most nearly means
(A) ignore.
(B) curtail.
(C) emulate.
(D) annoy.
100. Cite most nearly means
(A) earmark.
(B) quote.
(C) target.
(D) place.
101. Mrs. Jenkins turned and addressed the class.
(A) lectured
(B) divided
(C) embarrassed
(D) interrogated
102. Shelly wanted to analyze the results from the tests on her own.
(A) combine
(B) determine
(C) synthesize
(D) examine
103. The cacophony was almost unbearable for the adults, but the baby slept through it.
(A) silence
(B) music
(C) racket
(D) hissing
104. A good press release needs to include quotes from industry professionals.
(A) place
(B) contain
(C) share
(D) subordinate
105. The advertising team took the concept to the company president, who gave her approval.
(A) idea
(B) create
(C) storyboard
(D) drawing
106. Designing a new solution can be difficult, but it’s usually worth the effort.
(A) words
(B) answer
(C) chart
(D) breach
107. The pearls on the strand seemed to glitter in the sunlight.
(A) satchel
(B) bucket
(C) hair
(D) thread
108. Renee put together a coherent argument that convinced the entire jury.
(A) logical
(B) ordinary
(C) jumbled
(D) confusing
109. Jackie made her selection based on the options offered on the cafeteria menu.
(A) position
(B) choice
(C) population
(D) semantic
110. The photos the squad submitted didn’t match their commander’s narrative.
(A) confession
(B) ilk
(C) imposture
(D) commentary
111. Nothing the woman said was relevant to the incident police were investigating.
(A) pertinent
(B) acceptable
(C) apt
(D) timed
112. The boys went to the rally together.
(A) restaurant
(B) store
(C) activation
(D) assembly
113. The generals followed a divide and conquer strategy.
(A) separate
(B) tool
(C) classify
(D) fight
114. The meteor’s velocity dropped after it entered the atmosphere.
(A) temperature
(B) speed
(C) resistance
(D) girth
115. It was always hard to differentiate among the triplets.
(A) generalize
(B) relate
(C) change
(D) distinguish
116. The man pulled the sleeping bag over his head when he felt the draft.
(A) drawing
(B) current
(C) text
(D) drive
117. If the president takes the time to call you, he probably has something significant to say.
(A) distracting
(B) obvious
(C) important
(D) loud
118. She told me not to put so much emphasis on the last syllable.
(A) stress
(B) weakness
(C) focus
(D) stroke
119. Cherise made more than one error that ultimately led to her poor grade.
(A) correction
(B) perfection
(C) truth
(D) mistake
120. The excerpt detailed what it was like growing up in Germany on an American military base.
(A) passage
(B) pieces
(C) exception
(D) entirety
121. Preheat the oven before you combine the ingredients.
(A) cook
(B) bond
(C) mix
(D) dissolve
122. The kids were extremely resourceful when the teacher asked them to find solutions.
(A) prompt
(B) skillful
(C) inept
(D) aspiring
123. Julia proceeded to enumerate all the reasons she wanted to join the Army instead of the Air Force.
(A) acquiesce
(B) concede
(C) tell
(D) itemize
124. The doctor determined the underlying cause of the man’s symptoms.
(A) foundational
(B) critical
(C) necessary
(D) transient
125. You can refer to the chart for the latest statistics.
(A) appearance
(B) data
(C) finish
(D) ideas
126. Many people find it difficult to assimilate in a new culture.
(A) unlearn
(B) misinterpret
(C) conform
(D) correspond
127. It is crucial that you understand the directions before you begin.
(A) dire
(B) superior
(C) essential
(D) significant
128. New laws come about with the emergence of new nations.
(A) materialization
(B) classification
(C) opening
(D) stoppage
129. Psychologists are attempting to understand the genesis of human instincts and how they have evolved.
(A) finality
(B) beginning
(C) explanation
(D) causation
130. Maher decided to have a simple breakfast comprising only oatmeal.
(A) small
(B) delicious
(C) foolish
(D) uncomplicated
131. Ulices valued Marta’s counsel, so he did what she told him to do.
(A) negligence
(B) foresight
(C) advice
(D) reprimand
132. The investigators found that Jimmy was able to corroborate Justin’s story.
(A) eviscerate
(B) establish
(C) authenticate
(D) disprove
133. Katie told Lilly she could achieve results if she worked a half hour every day.
(A) obtain
(B) negotiate
(C) perform
(D) stop
134. Doug told Trenton he’d reimburse him for the damage.
(A) penalize
(B) compensate
(C) collect
(D) convert
135. In a caste system, it’s rare for people to move from one milieu to another.
(A) condition
(B) element
(C) environment
(D) ambience
136. Mallory said she would prefer someone with egalitarian beliefs in the Oval Office.
(A) unbiased
(B) dispassionate
(C) distinctive
(D) nondiscriminatory
137. Ty followed the narrow river to its end.
(A) thin
(B) wide
(C) slow
(D) bubbling
138. Yoli gathered her meager belongings and left.
(A) insufficient
(B) many
(C) adequate
(D) wealthy
139. Forty-three people had adverse reactions to the medication.
(A) opposite
(B) auspicious
(C) unfavorable
(D) dignified
140. For many parents, saying, “We’ll see” is tantamount to saying, “No.”
(A) proportionate
(B) oppositional
(C) paramount
(D) equivalent
141. The military is always attempting to retain good service members.
(A) teach
(B) keep
(C) discover
(D) pay
142. Please convey my gratitude to everyone who brought gifts.
(A) release
(B) deny
(C) carry
(D) communicate
143. Fani told her dad that he should approximate the time.
(A) believe
(B) estimate
(C) replicate
(D) change
144. The colonel asked the contractor to submit his proposal.
(A) credentials
(B) plan
(C) refusal
(D) demands
145. Employers are not supposed to have a bias against elderly job applicants.
(A) impression
(B) influence
(C) prejudice
(D) investigation
146. Brandon watched the creature slither away.
(A) slide
(B) wobble
(C) move
(D) lag
147. Although Penny said it was a moot point, Daniel didn’t want to argue.
(A) debatable
(B) useful
(C) obvious
(D) indisputable
148. Everything the instructor covered was irrelevant to the test.
(A) applicable
(B) unrelated
(C) pertinent
(D) evidentiary
149. The editor made six amendments to the story before approving it for publication.
(A) changes
(B) retentions
(C) corrections
(D) conditions
150. The candidate handled the insults with equanimity.
(A) nervousness
(B) aplomb
(C) confusion
(D) brashness
151. When the kids weren’t fighting, Mom couldn’t help but enjoy the accord.
(A) peace
(B) sound
(C) discussion
(D) freedom
152. Your lawyer will advocate for you in court.
(A) discuss
(B) argue
(C) question
(D) cry
153. The training teaches you what to do when disaster strikes.
(A) catastrophe
(B) setback
(C) danger
(D) difficulty
154. “I don’t have any money, but maybe we could barter,” Rob said.
(A) joke
(B) tease
(C) go
(D) trade
155. The archaeologists used a key to decipher the ancient text.
(A) unlock
(B) decode
(C) obscure
(D) obfuscate
156. Micki is an ardent student of language, and she’s always ready to learn something new.
(A) angry
(B) cheerful
(C) enthusiastic
(D) apathetic
157. All the students admired their teacher.
(A) respected
(B) feared
(C) despised
(D) liked
158. All Raven could see was a mile of desolate desert stretching out before him.
(A) apologetic
(B) plain
(C) sandy
(D) deserted
159. Jon is a bit eccentric, but that’s never stopped him from fitting in.
(A) strange
(B) fanatical
(C) boorish
(D) creative
160. Most people know the article is satire, but those who don’t come up with hilarious responses.
(A) parody
(B) factual
(C) complimentary
(D) odd
161. Three people made the same suggestion.
(A) proposition
(B) hint
(C) definition
(D) alliance
162. Jackson was incredibly conscientious, which made him popular among his superior officers.
(A) inattentive
(B) careful
(C) friendly
(D) dapper
163. There’s no ambiguity; the First Amendment protects free speech.
(A) failure
(B) uncertainty
(C) alternative
(D) opacity
164. I tell you this with the caveat that you’ll keep it a secret.
(A) threat
(B) apparition
(C) probability
(D) condition
165. There has been a dramatic decrease in homelessness.
(A) significant
(B) moderate
(C) unsettling
(D) dangerous
166. Tana never had reason to doubt JoAnn’s integrity.
(A) turpitude
(B) tenacity
(C) honesty
(D) sweetness
167. They haven’t been able to buy anything modern since the embargo.
(A) trade ban
(B) disagreement
(C) war
(D) blockade
168. The playground bully mocked the smaller kids every day.
(A) scared
(B) teased
(C) terrorized
(D) punched
169. You must give your testimony so the court can hear your side of the story.
(A) consultation
(B) recording
(C) statement
(D) attorney
170. You’ll get used to military jargon by the time you graduate Basic Combat Training.
(A) language
(B) photography
(C) spotlight
(D) exercise
171. The hero was always ensuring that justice was served.
(A) judge
(B) capriciousness
(C) fairness
(D) honesty
172. Kathy and Bonnie walked down the broad staircase together.
(A) narrow
(B) rickety
(C) dangerous
(D) wide
173. As the slowest player, she was often the object of her teammates’ scorn.
(A) anger
(B) teasing
(C) contempt
(D) laughter
174. David knew hiring Cheryl would prove advantageous to the company.
(A) thrilling
(B) ideal
(C) powerful
(D) beneficial
175. Heather put her climbing hook into the crevice.
(A) door
(B) narrow
(C) container
(D) crack
176. Jamie was an enigma, and his brother could never figure out why he was friendly one minute and confrontational the next.
(A) mystery
(B) conundrum
(C) bipolar
(D) elusive
177. Only the most gullible people believe that nonsense.
(A) feeble
(B) credulous
(C) confused
(D) difficult
178. “We can bring you as long as you promise not to be a hindrance,” Jesse told the girl.
(A) interface
(B) impediment
(C) enigma
(D) traitor
179. Tim was fortunate enough to have a gift for woodworking.
(A) lucky
(B) happy
(C) comforted
(D) strained
180. The general was a formidable man.
(A) meticulous
(B) intimidating
(C) mean
(D) deadly
181. Tina was anxious about the outcome of the trial.
(A) calm
(B) content
(C) transfixed
(D) worried
182. Nothing could deter Sadie from her goal of becoming a psychologist.
(A) discourage
(B) flip
(C) admonish
(D) persuade
183. Jill removed the obstruction so Traci and Donna could get on the stage.
(A) hazard
(B) barrier
(C) cone
(D) danger
184. The puppy ate with zeal.
(A) sluggishness
(B) hunger
(C) lethargy
(D) enthusiasm
185. You must be careful not to alienate your supporters.
(A) evacuate
(B) evict
(C) estrange
(D) confuse
186. The commander told the first sergeant to reprimand the soldiers.
(A) fire
(B) scold
(C) teach
(D) imprison
187. Pili never worried about trivial details.
(A) unimportant
(B) dangerous
(C) large
(D) corresponding
188. Simon could distinguish Spanish from English at an early age.
(A) put out
(B) speak
(C) understand
(D) differentiate
189. Paloma is adept at winning over strangers.
(A) poor
(B) skilled
(C) invigorated
(D) encouraging
190. A strident voice interrupted the rally to demand answers about the candidate’s tax returns.
(A) hushed
(B) strained
(C) loud
(D) hoarse
191. Beto could no longer abide the homeowners’ association’s “No Parking” rules.
(A) tolerate
(B) acknowledge
(C) read
(D) extend
192. The antique vase was authentic.
(A) fake
(B) replicated
(C) disputed
(D) genuine
193. Andrew was prepared to face the consequences of supporting a losing candidate.
(A) concerns
(B) results
(C) punishments
(D) orders
194. Jesse’s speech was concise.
(A) lengthy
(B) succinct
(C) expressive
(D) sharp
195. Shanna couldn’t shake her trepidation as she walked down the narrow stairs.
(A) disquiet
(B) tremors
(C) trestle
(D) umbrage
196. Krista supplemented her income by taking a job at the local paper.
(A) drained
(B) increased
(C) tracked
(D) used
197. “The onus is on you,” Matt said to the prosecutor.
(A) idea
(B) consequences
(C) responsibility
(D) assignation
198. The lavish décor made the boys feel out of place.
(A) modern
(B) frugal
(C) opulent
(D) disgusting
199. I pledge allegiance to the flag.
(A) life
(B) subordination
(C) loyalty
(D) individuality
200. The child had a voracious appetite for sweets.
(A) careful
(B) insatiable
(C) dangerous
(D) satisfactory
201. The word most opposite in meaning to construct is
(A) fabricate.
(B) raise.
(C) destroy.
(D) organize.
202. The word most opposite in meaning to deficiency is
(A) surplus.
(B) fault.
(C) paucity.
(D) shortage.
203. The word most opposite in meaning to vilify is
(A) slander.
(B) traduce.
(C) approve.
(D) serve.
204. The word most opposite in meaning to barren is
(A) infecund.
(B) fruitful.
(C) fallow.
(D) parched.
205. The word most opposite in meaning to fascinate is
(A) tantalize.
(B) bore.
(C) transport.
(D) charm.
206. The word most opposite in meaning to dissect is
(A) slice.
(B) contribute.
(C) combine.
(D) bring.
207. The word most opposite in meaning to quantify is
(A) appraise.
(B) measure.
(C) guess.
(D) rank.
208. The word most opposite in meaning to vacant is
(A) unengaged.
(B) empty.
(C) overflowing.
(D) taken.
209. The word most opposite in meaning to abdicate is
(A) keep.
(B) exercise.
(C) relinquish.
(D) surrender.
210. The word most opposite in meaning to delay is
(A) rescind.
(B) problem.
(C) rush.
(D) stop.
211. The word most opposite in meaning to sanction is
(A) deny.
(B) allow.
(C) confirm.
(D) recommend.
212. The word most opposite in meaning to worthy is
(A) valueless.
(B) admirable.
(C) horrible.
(D) exemplary.
213. The word most opposite in meaning to energetic is
(A) brisk.
(B) lazy.
(C) spirited.
(D) vivacious.
214. The word most opposite in meaning to pinnacle is
(A) obelisk.
(B) apex.
(C) pyramid.
(D) bottom.
215. The word most opposite in meaning to approve is
(A) esteem.
(B) condemn.
(C) respect.
(D) admire.
216. The word most opposite in meaning to confidence is
(A) doubt.
(B) impudence.
(C) morale.
(D) tenacity.
217. The word most opposite in meaning to ungainly is
(A) adroit.
(B) uncouth.
(C) ponderous.
(D) blundering.
218. The word most opposite in meaning to twirl is
(A) twist.
(B) revolve.
(C) gyrate.
(D) straighten.
219. The word most opposite in meaning to strife is
(A) warfare.
(B) animosity.
(C) accord.
(D) dispute.
220. The word most opposite in meaning to revolt is
(A) rebel.
(B) displease.
(C) mutiny.
(D) obey.
221. The word most opposite in meaning to align is
(A) adjust.
(B) disorganize.
(C) range.
(D) order.
222. The word most opposite in meaning to furor is
(A) calm.
(B) outcry.
(C) agitation.
(D) calamity.
223. The word most opposite in meaning to bewilder is
(A) mystify.
(B) enlighten.
(C) muddle.
(D) domesticate.
224. The word most opposite in meaning to detriment is
(A) liability.
(B) prejudice.
(C) handicap.
(D) advantage.
225. The word most opposite in meaning to miniature is
(A) diminutive.
(B) large.
(C) reduced.
(D) miniscule.
226. The word most opposite in meaning to depreciate is
(A) downgrade.
(B) diminish.
(C) abate.
(D) enlarge.
227. The word most opposite in meaning to clique is
(A) barrage.
(B) cabal.
(C) individual.
(D) crew.
228. The word most opposite in meaning to dejected is
(A) elated.
(B) crestfallen.
(C) doleful.
(D) abject.
229. The word most opposite in meaning to cowardice is
(A) weakness.
(B) mettle.
(C) timidity.
(D) diffidence.
230. The word most opposite in meaning to mend is
(A) rejuvenate.
(B) recondition.
(C) amend.
(D) destroy.
231. The word most opposite in meaning to peal is
(A) blast.
(B) eeriness.
(C) quiet.
(D) clamor.
232. The word most opposite in meaning to cognizance is
(A) jurisdiction.
(B) bearing.
(C) ignorance.
(D) thoughtlessness.
233. The word most opposite in meaning to tact is
(A) coarseness.
(B) rhythm.
(C) felicity.
(D) style.
234. The word most opposite in meaning to criticize is
(A) approve.
(B) censure.
(C) chide.
(D) blame.
235. The word most opposite in meaning to germane is
(A) apropos.
(B) pertinent.
(C) irrelevant.
(D) cognate.
236. The word most opposite in meaning to renowned is
(A) acclaimed.
(B) distinguished.
(C) noted.
(D) common.
237. The word most opposite in meaning to fluke is
(A) incident.
(B) plan.
(C) fortuitous.
(D) break.
238. The word most opposite in meaning to incongruous is
(A) consistent.
(B) discordant.
(C) irregular.
(D) incoherent.
239. The word most opposite in meaning to bulky is
(A) airy.
(B) unwieldy.
(C) awkward.
(D) substantial.
240. The word most opposite in meaning to drench is
(A) submerge.
(B) teem.
(C) dehydrate.
(D) cover.
241. The word most opposite in meaning to stubborn is
(A) intractable.
(B) flexible.
(C) adamant.
(D) persistent.
242. The word most opposite in meaning to adolescence is
(A) youth.
(B) juvenility.
(C) boyhood.
(D) adulthood.
243. The word most opposite in meaning to ordinary is
(A) abnormal.
(B) abysmal.
(C) general.
(D) natural.
244. The word most opposite in meaning to lucrative is
(A) fruitful.
(B) lucid.
(C) remunerative.
(D) unprofitable.
245. The word most opposite in meaning to impregnable is
(A) fortified.
(B) questionable.
(C) invincible.
(D) breakable.
246. The word most opposite in meaning to introduction is
(A) induction.
(B) conclusion.
(C) preliminary.
(D) inauguration.
247. The word most opposite in meaning to apathy is
(A) indifference.
(B) lethargy.
(C) interest.
(D) lassitude.
248. The word most opposite in meaning to enduring is
(A) temporary.
(B) permanent.
(C) abiding.
(D) continual.
249. The word most opposite in meaning to ersatz is
(A) counterfeit.
(B) synthetic.
(C) genuine.
(D) bogus.
250. The word most opposite in meaning to ravenous is
(A) satisfied.
(B) greedy.
(C) insatiable.
(D) voracious.
Chapter 2
The Paragraph Comprehension subtest on the ASVAB is an important part of the Armed Forces Qualification Test, or AFQT. That’s because the military wants to know whether you can understand what you’ve read so you can implement it or pass it on to others — both of which are key components of successful military service.
To do well on this subtest, you need to have strong reading comprehension skills. You also have to be able to draw your own conclusions from what you’ve read. The questions on this part of the ASVAB are random excerpts and passages that cover several topics (this is one more way the military can tell that you’re versatile and resilient!). You’ll have 22 minutes to answer 11 Paragraph Comprehension questions on the computerized ASVAB or 13 minutes to answer 15 questions on the paper version.
The questions on the Paragraph Comprehension subtest ask you to do the following:
When you’re answering the Paragraph Comprehension questions in this chapter, keep these tips in mind: