ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension Test â Questions and Answers
Question 1: The metal porch swing virtually sizzled on the old wooden front porch today. But we sat there anyway. Gramma wouldnât hear of anything else. I suggested a walk through the forest, hoping to entertain a breeze or two and to take advantage of the shade. Gramma shook her head. You were supposed to sit on the porch after supper, and thatâs what we were going to do. This author implies that
- Gramma cooked supper.
- Gramma didnât like the forest.
- Gramma didnât change her routine. (Correct answer)
- Gramma couldnât hear very well.
Correct answer: Gramma didnât change her routine.
The passage explicitly states that Gramma 'wouldn't hear of anything else' and insisted, 'You were supposed to sit on the porch after supper, and thatâs what we were going to do,' despite the heat and a suggestion for a walk. This demonstrates her strong adherence to a fixed routine and her unwillingness to deviate from it. Therefore, the author implies that Gramma didn't change her routine.
Question 2: A lambâs thick winter coat keeps it warm during the cold winter months. When the summer brings sunny days, the sheep doesnât need its thick coat and the sheepâs wool is sheared. That wool is made into yarn, further processed, and then transformed into sweaters, socks, pants, skirts, and blankets. The verb âtransformedâ referred to in the passage suggests that the wool changes by
- magic
- metamorphosis
- computer input and output.
- mechanical or chemical operations. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: mechanical or chemical operations.
The passage describes wool being 'made into yarn, further processed, and then transformed into sweaters, socks, pants, skirts, and blankets.' This transformation from raw wool to finished products involves industrial processes like spinning, weaving, dyeing, and tailoring. These are all examples of mechanical and potentially chemical operations, rather than magic or biological metamorphosis.
Question 3: DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. It has proteins attached to it and exists in the form of chromosomes. DNA in chromosomes contains the information that determines all of the physical characteristics that were inherited from the previous generation. Although some features of DNA are different from species to species, there are many things that are the same about DNA, regardless of the parent organism. Strawberries, for example, have DNA. This author implies that
- species are subdivisions of a genus.
- strawberries are organisms. (Correct answer)
- DNA is only found in the organismâs parents.
- all species have similar physical characteristics.
Correct answer: strawberries are organisms.
The passage discusses DNA as containing inherited information and notes that 'Strawberries, for example, have DNA' in the context of DNA being present in various 'species' and 'parent organisms.' By including strawberries as an example of something that possesses DNA, the author implicitly categorizes them as a living organism, which is consistent with the biological definition of DNA's presence.
Question 4: The Mississippi River is key to New Orleansâ flavor and pizzazz. The seafood, the steamboat cruise, the swamp tours, and the historyâitâs all there. And the jazz? There are those who would swear that the uncanny beat of the music comes from the intrepid rhythm of the Mississippiâs waters. According to the passage, some people believe that the atmosphere and reputation of New Orleans is derived primarily from
- jazz music.
- its unique food.
- the Mississippi River. (Correct answer)
- the history of its swamp.
Correct answer: the Mississippi River.
The passage explicitly states, 'The Mississippi River is key to New Orleansâ flavor and pizzazz.' It then elaborates on how various elements like seafood, steamboat cruises, swamp tours, history, and even the rhythm of jazz music are all connected to or derived from the river. This clearly indicates that, according to the passage, the Mississippi River is the primary source of New Orleans' atmosphere and reputation.
Question 5: A story line is comprised 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 peopleâs lives interact, just as they would in real life. This author is making a comparison between
- events and main characters.
- a realistic plot and real life. (Correct answer)
- main and supporting characters.
- the main plot and the subplots.
Correct answer: a realistic plot and real life.
The final sentence of the passage explicitly states that the intertwining of main and minor characters creates 'a realistic plot where peopleâs lives interact, just as they would in real life.' This direct comparison clearly indicates the author is drawing a parallel between the dynamics of a well-constructed story plot and the interactions found in actual life.
Question 6: In general, most people think of a culture as a set of behaviors belonging to a group sharing common values, history, and traditions. This group may call itself a community, but this does not mean that those in a common culture necessarily live in the same neighborhood, or even nearby. But, it does mean that they share norms for what is expected in their culture. According to the passage, people in a community will
- live in the same neighborhood.
- speak the same language.
- share the same religious beliefs.
- follow the same standards of social behavior. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: follow the same standards of social behavior.
The passage explicitly states that people in a common culture 'share norms for what is expected in their culture.' These 'norms' are essentially the shared rules, customs, and expectations that guide behavior within a group. Therefore, this directly translates to following the same standards of social behavior.
Question 7: American Sign Language (ASL) is a conceptual language, and the way those concepts are put together is called syntax. In ASL, a statement usually begins with the main idea and then the details follow. Very different from English, ASL syntax is based on what is most important to the person signing. This author implies that
- English can never be conceptual.
- every language should have the same syntax.
- American Sign Language has incorrect syntax.
- English does not always begin with what is most important. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: English does not always begin with what is most important.
The passage highlights a key difference between ASL and English syntax, stating that 'Very different from English, ASL syntax is based on what is most important to the person signing.' This direct contrast implies that, unlike ASL, English syntax does not consistently prioritize beginning a statement with what is most important to the speaker.
Question 8: While some playwrights are known for writing essays defending their own work or criticizing the work of competing writers, Arthur Millerâs essays are simply about theater. While we may discover politics and favoritism when we comb through Millerâs essays looking for such things, in doing so, we may risk missing the point of the worksâMiller only wants for us to benefit from his years of experience. Even his earliest essays read as virtual how-to manuals for new playwrights and directors. These works ring with clarity and forthrightness, and are filled with thoughtful and often provocative opinions. These essays teach us what the theater is, what it might be, and how to make it so. The author suggests that Miller's essays differ from other playwrights' essays in that
- Millerâs essays are more recent than other playwrightsâ.
- Millerâs essays are not self-serving. (Correct answer)
- Millerâs essays have had more influence.
- Miller wrote essays about European theater.
Correct answer: Millerâs essays are not self-serving.
The passage contrasts Arthur Miller's essays with those of other playwrights, noting that others write to 'defend their own work or criticizing the work of competing writers.' In contrast, Miller's essays are described as 'simply about theater' and intended for readers to 'benefit from his years of experience.' This distinction implies that Miller's essays are not written for personal gain or defense, but rather for the broader good of the theater, making them not self-serving.
Question 9: Although much about dolphin communication remains a mystery, scientists have discovered three distinct sounds that dolphins frequently make: chirps, clicks, and whistles. Scientists have learned that dolphins use clicks to create a sonar map, which allows them to navigate and hunt. But, apart from possibly transmitting location, the clicks do not appear to serve any communication purpose. Rather, research indicates that dolphins communicate with each other by whistling. This discovery has necessitated further investigation, as scientists are not yet sure whether the whistles comprise a complex system of linguistic communication or a simple set of sonic cues, like the ones used by other animal species. According to the passage, the whistles are significant in part because they
- show that dolphins are capable of expressing emotion
- prompt questions about the complexity of dolphin communication (Correct answer)
- aid dolphins in navigating and hunting
- continue to spur research into their unknown purpose
Correct answer: prompt questions about the complexity of dolphin communication
The passage states that dolphins communicate via whistling, but scientists are 'not yet sure whether the whistles comprise a complex system of linguistic communication or a simple set of sonic cues.' This uncertainty directly highlights that the whistles are significant because they raise crucial questions about the sophistication and nature of dolphin communication, necessitating further investigation into their complexity.
Question 10: Although much about dolphin communication remains a mystery, scientists have discovered three distinct sounds that dolphins frequently make: chirps, clicks, and whistles. Scientists have learned that dolphins use clicks to create a sonar map, which allows them to navigate and hunt. But, apart from possibly transmitting location, the clicks do not appear to serve any communication purpose. Rather, research indicates that dolphins communicate with each other by whistling. This discovery has necessitated further investigation, as scientists are not yet sure whether the whistles comprise a complex system of linguistic communication or a simple set of sonic cues, like the ones used by other animal species. Based on the passage, the most reasonable inference is that
- dolphins are not the only animals species that communicates vocally (Correct answer)
- dolphins never use clicks for communication
- dolphins are more intelligent than other animal species
- dolphins frequently communicate their locations to each other
Correct answer: dolphins are not the only animals species that communicates vocally
The passage mentions that scientists are investigating whether dolphin whistles are a complex language or 'a simple set of sonic cues, like the ones used by other animal species.' The comparison to 'other animal species' using 'sonic cues' strongly implies that vocal communication, even if simple, is not unique to dolphins and is also employed by other animals.
Question 11: Marvin Freemanâs groundbreaking new study of the plays of Henrik Ibsen will alter the course of Ibsen scholarship forever. Previously, scholars limited the areas of their studies to a particular phase of Ibsenâs career, since a different scholarly approach seemed to fit each of the phases. Freeman has instead taken on the entirety of Ibsenâs work. Happily, this breadth of scholarship does not diminish the depth with which Freeman explores each work. The career of Ibsen is now liberated from arbitrary divisions and stands before us as a complete picture. It will be years before we can fully appreciate the service that Freeman has rendered. What is the main point of the paragraph?
- Freeman has triumphed over obstacles.
- Additional scholarship is needed to clarify Freemanâs intent.
- Freemanâs book is overly complicated, despite its scholastic value.
- Freemanâs book will have lasting importance. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Freemanâs book will have lasting importance.
The passage highlights the profound and enduring impact of Freeman's study, stating it 'will alter the course of Ibsen scholarship forever' and that 'It will be years before we can fully appreciate the service that Freeman has rendered.' These phrases collectively emphasize that Freeman's book is groundbreaking and will have significant, lasting importance in its field.
Question 12: Decades before you experienced websites which create custom radio stations by tailoring your musical selections according to your likes and dislikes, a pioneering researcher had the same concept. Although he is known now primarily among music historians, it is entirely possible that such sophisticated computer programs would not exist without the work of Alan Lomax. What is the best title for this passage?
- Alan Lomax: A Pioneer in Music (Correct answer)
- Things You Should Know About World Music
- The Origin of "Custom" Radio Stations
- How Radios are Made
Correct answer: Alan Lomax: A Pioneer in Music
The passage centers on Alan Lomax, describing him as a 'pioneering researcher' whose early concepts were foundational to modern custom radio stations. It emphasizes his crucial, though often unacknowledged, contribution to this field. Therefore, 'Alan Lomax: A Pioneer in Music' best captures the main subject and significance of the passage.
Question 13: Because blues musicians were likely playing their music for years before it occurred to anyone to study it, it's impossible to know just where and when it began. Different parts of the South claim to be the birthplace of the blues, but many music historians agree that it emerged from the Mississippi Deltaâthat the broad plain stretching from Memphis down to Vicksburg was uniquely suited to produce music that spoke of hard times and deals with the devil. According to the passage, the blues originated where?
- New Orleans
- New York City
- Mississippi Delta (Correct answer)
- Florida
Correct answer: Mississippi Delta
The passage explicitly states that 'many music historians agree that [the blues] emerged from the Mississippi Delta.' It further describes this region as 'the broad plain stretching from Memphis down to Vicksburg,' indicating it was uniquely suited for the blues' development. Therefore, according to the passage, the blues originated in the Mississippi Delta.
Question 14: 1963 was one of the most eventful years in the civil rights movement. Throughout the year, Americans watched in shock as police in Birmingham turned fire hoses and German Shepherd police dogs on marchers. In late summer, Alabama governor George Wallace made his infamous "stand in the schoolhouse door," an attempt to prevent African American students from entering the University of Alabama. According to the passage, who attempted to prevent African American students from entering the University of Alabama?
- Ross Barnett
- Bull Connor
- John Kennedy
- George Wallace (Correct answer)
Correct answer: George Wallace
The passage explicitly states that 'Alabama governor George Wallace made his infamous 'stand in the schoolhouse door,' an attempt to prevent African American students from entering the University of Alabama.' This sentence directly identifies George Wallace as the individual responsible for that action.
Question 15: Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce was one of the most noble leaders in Native American history. His given tribal name was Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekt, or Thunder Rolling Down the Mountain. But he was widely known as Joseph, which was also his father's name. He was born in Oregon in 1840. Which of the following is NOT true regarding Chief Joseph?
- He was born in Oregon in 1840
- He belonged to the Nez Perce tribe
- He was born in Idaho in 1856 (Correct answer)
- His name meant Thunder Rolling Down the Mountain
Correct answer: He was born in Idaho in 1856
The passage explicitly states that Chief Joseph 'was born in Oregon in 1840.' Option C claims he was born in Idaho in 1856, which directly contradicts the information provided in the text. Therefore, the statement that he was born in Idaho in 1856 is not true according to the passage.
Question 16: While only a teenager, Maria moved to New York City, in the hopes of finding a spot with a major ballet company. It was in New York City that Maria was advised not to take the name Maria Tallchief. Russian ballerinas were very much admired at the time, and many American dancers took Russian stage names. Maria, however, was very proud of her Native American heritage. She refused to change her name. According to the passage, why did Maria keep the name Tallchief?
- Her parents pressured her to keep it
- She was proud of her heritage (Correct answer)
- Her husband pressured her to keep it
- She felt a Russian name would be too difficult to pronounce
Correct answer: She was proud of her heritage
The passage explicitly states, 'Maria, however, was very proud of her Native American heritage. She refused to change her name.' This directly answers the question, indicating her pride in her heritage was the reason she kept the name Tallchief despite advice to change it.
Question 17: 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?
- Wyoming
- Washington
- Idaho
- Oregon (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Oregon
The passage clearly states the location of Crater Lake: 'Located in south-central Oregon, Crater Lake is arguably the most striking site in that part of the country.' This sentence directly identifies Oregon as the state where Crater Lake is found.
Question 18: Without question, the greatest appeal for most visitors to Bandhavgarh is its wildlife. The former hunting preserve of the maharajahs, the park is now home to an important tiger preserve, with perhaps the greatest density of Bengal tigers in the world. Visitors to the park can view the tigers via either jeep or elephant safari, although making the tour by elephant is recommended. The tigers are accustomed to tourists, but visitors are understandably encouraged to avoid sudden movements. In addition to Bengal tigers, Bandhavgarh is also home to numerous other animal species, as well as more than 250 species of birds. What type of publication would this passage be most appropriate for?
- A history textbook
- A travel guide for visitors to Bandhavgarh (Correct answer)
- A newspaper editorial about tigers
- An advertisement explaining the dangers of tigers
Correct answer: A travel guide for visitors to Bandhavgarh
The passage describes Bandhavgarh's wildlife, mentions it as a tiger preserve, and details how visitors can view the tigers (jeep or elephant safari), even offering advice to avoid sudden movements. This practical information about attractions and visitor activities makes the passage most appropriate for a travel guide aimed at tourists.
ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension Test
The metal porch swing virtually sizzled on the old wooden front porch today.
But we sat there anyway.
Gramma wouldnât hear of anything else.
I suggested a walk through the forest, hoping to entertain a breeze or two and to take advantage of the shade.
Gramma shook her head.
You were supposed to sit on the porch after supper, and thatâs what we were going to do.
This author implies that