AFQT Paragraph Comprehension Test — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to the passage, conversations are a valuable part of learning a new language because
- words used in dialogue are more advanced
- sentence structure is learned through speaking
- children can ask questions and practicing speaking (Correct answer)
- children learn more quickly than adults
Correct answer: children can ask questions and practicing speaking
Conversations are a valuable part of language learning because they provide active engagement. Children can ask questions to clarify understanding and practice speaking, which directly applies learned vocabulary and grammar in a real-time context. This interactive process is crucial for developing fluency and confidence in a new language.
Question 2: The three most impactful threats to the Great Barrier Reef are
- oil spills, ship wrecks and hurricanes.
- surfing, inappropriate fishing practices and snorkeling.
- hurricanes, pollution and scuba diving.
- climate change, pollution and inappropriate fishing practices. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: climate change, pollution and inappropriate fishing practices.
Based on common environmental knowledge and typical passages about the Great Barrier Reef, climate change (leading to coral bleaching), pollution (from land-based runoff), and unsustainable fishing practices are widely recognized as the most significant threats. These factors directly impact the health and survival of the reef ecosystem. The other options list less impactful or incorrect threats.
Question 3: The word terrain in the passage most nearly means
- rocks
- trees
- ground (Correct answer)
- lakes
Correct answer: ground
The word "terrain" refers to a stretch of land, especially with regard to its physical features. It encompasses the natural characteristics of an area, such as its hills, valleys, and surface. Therefore, "ground" is the most accurate and general synonym for terrain, representing the physical surface of the earth.
Question 4: After the strawberries, lemon juice, and pectin begin to boil, you should
- remove the pan from the heat
- add the sugar (Correct answer)
- scoop the jam into jars
- process the jam in the canner
Correct answer: add the sugar
In most jam-making recipes, after the fruit and pectin mixture comes to a rolling boil, sugar is added next. The sugar is crucial for the jam's setting and preservation, and it's typically introduced at this stage to dissolve properly and reach the gelling point. This sequence is standard for achieving the correct jam consistency.
Question 5: According to the passage, which one of the following statements is most accurate?
- The blood in the arteries is at its lowest pressure during retraction. (Correct answer)
- Diastolic pressure measures the pressure of the blood in the arteries when the heart is contracting.
- Your blood pressure is determined by dividing the systolic number by the diastolic number.
- Pulse pressure is another term for blood pressure.
Correct answer: The blood in the arteries is at its lowest pressure during retraction.
This statement accurately describes diastolic pressure. "Retraction" in this context refers to the diastolic phase, when the heart relaxes between beats and refills with blood. During this relaxation phase, the pressure in the arteries is at its lowest point, which is what the diastolic blood pressure measurement reflects.
Question 6: The paragraph best supports the statement that:
- not being able to write a proper letter can impact employment (Correct answer)
- schools are required to find jobs for their students
- employability is dependent on a student’s level of education
- teachers should write application letters for their students
Correct answer: not being able to write a proper letter can impact employment
A paragraph discussing the importance of proper letter writing likely emphasizes its role in professional communication, such as job applications or cover letters. If one cannot write a proper letter, it can create a poor impression or fail to convey necessary information, directly hindering opportunities for employment. This highlights the practical impact of communication skills on career prospects.
Question 7: According to the passage, all of the following statements are true EXCEPT:
- The plastic version of the hula hoop was introduced in the 1950’s
- Before the 1950’s, hula hoops were made of grapevines and stiff grasses
- early precursors to the Hula Hoop were only used by children (Correct answer)
- the term hula in hula hoop came from Hawaii
Correct answer: early precursors to the Hula Hoop were only used by children
Historical accounts of the Hula Hoop often indicate that early precursors or similar devices were used by both children and adults across various cultures for exercise, play, or even ritualistic purposes. Therefore, the statement that they were *only* used by children is likely inaccurate, making it the exception among true statements.
Question 8: The last resort for curing insomnia is
- consuming less caffeine
- sleeping during the night
- prescribed medication (Correct answer)
- reducing stress
Correct answer: prescribed medication
Medical approaches to insomnia typically prioritize non-pharmacological interventions first, such as improving sleep hygiene, reducing caffeine intake, and stress management. If these lifestyle and behavioral changes are insufficient, then prescribed medication is generally considered as a last resort due to potential side effects, dependency, or the need for careful medical supervision.
AFQT Paragraph Comprehension Test
According to the passage, conversations are a valuable part of learning a new language because