ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the passage and answer the question. "Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Normal body temperature is about 98.6°F (37°C). With hypothermia, core body temperature drops below 95°F (35°C). When this occurs, your heart, nervous system, and other organs can't work normally." According to the passage, hypothermia occurs when:
- The body temperature rises above 98.6°F
- The body loses heat faster than it produces heat (Correct answer)
- The nervous system overheats the body's organs
- The heart rate drops below a normal level
Correct answer: The body loses heat faster than it produces heat
The passage states hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it.
Question 2: Read the passage and answer the question. "The U.S. Marine Corps traces its origins to the Continental Marines, formed on November 10, 1775, to support naval operations during the American Revolutionary War. Marines historically served as shipboard security and sharpshooters. Today, the Marine Corps is a versatile branch capable of rapid deployment in a variety of combat environments." The primary original purpose of Marines was to:
- Lead ground invasions of enemy territory
- Provide security and sharpshooting support for naval operations (Correct answer)
- Fly combat aircraft from aircraft carriers
- Guard military installations on U.S. soil
Correct answer: Provide security and sharpshooting support for naval operations
The passage states Marines historically served as shipboard security and sharpshooters in support of naval operations.
Question 3: Read the passage and answer the question. "Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface by natural processes such as wind or water flow, and then transported and deposited in other locations. While erosion is a natural geological process, human activities such as deforestation and construction have greatly accelerated its rate in many areas." According to the passage, which of the following BEST describes erosion?
- A human-caused process that destroys farmland
- The formation of new rock layers over time
- A natural process of soil and rock removal and redeposition (Correct answer)
- The chemical breakdown of minerals in soil
Correct answer: A natural process of soil and rock removal and redeposition
The passage defines erosion as a natural process where soil and rock are removed and deposited elsewhere.
Question 4: Read the passage and answer the question. "Sleep is essential for good health, yet many Americans don't get enough. Adults need seven to nine hours per night, but surveys suggest that about one-third of U.S. adults sleep fewer than seven hours. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to increased risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and mental health issues." What does the passage suggest about sleep deprivation in the U.S.?
- It affects only people with pre-existing health conditions
- It is a widespread problem with serious health consequences (Correct answer)
- It can be fully corrected by sleeping ten hours on weekends
- It primarily causes mental health issues rather than physical ones
Correct answer: It is a widespread problem with serious health consequences
The passage notes that one-third of adults are sleep-deprived and links it to multiple serious health risks.
Question 5: Read the passage and answer the question. "Camouflage is used by animals to blend into their environment, making them harder to spot by predators or prey. Some animals, like the chameleon, can actively change their color to match their surroundings, while others are born with patterns that already match their typical habitat. Both strategies serve the same fundamental survival purpose." According to the passage, what do active color-changing and fixed natural patterns have in common?
- Both are found only in reptiles
- Both allow animals to change color instantly
- Both serve the same survival purpose (Correct answer)
- Both are equally effective in all environments
Correct answer: Both serve the same survival purpose
The passage states both color-changing and fixed patterns serve the same fundamental survival purpose.
Question 6: Read the passage and answer the question. "Dehydration can impair both physical and mental performance. Even mild dehydration—a body water loss of just one to two percent—can cause fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. During physical activity or in hot weather, the body can lose water rapidly through sweating, making regular fluid intake especially important." The passage implies that staying hydrated is MOST important when:
- Working at a desk job in an air-conditioned office
- Exercising or exposed to high temperatures (Correct answer)
- Consuming a diet high in sodium
- Sleeping more than eight hours per night
Correct answer: Exercising or exposed to high temperatures
The passage states that fluid loss happens rapidly during physical activity or in hot weather, making hydration especially important then.
Question 7: Read the passage and answer the question. "A budget is a financial plan that helps individuals or organizations allocate resources over a specific period. Budgets are used to forecast income and expenses, set spending limits, and track financial progress. Without a budget, it becomes difficult to avoid overspending or to save for future goals." According to the passage, one key consequence of not having a budget is:
- An automatic increase in income
- Difficulty avoiding overspending (Correct answer)
- Being unable to open a bank account
- Receiving lower interest rates on loans
Correct answer: Difficulty avoiding overspending
The passage directly states that without a budget, it becomes difficult to avoid overspending.
ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension 2
Read the passage and answer the question.
"Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing a dangerously low body temperature.
Normal body temperature is about 98.6°F (37°C).
With hypothermia, core body temperature drops below 95°F (35°C).
When this occurs, your heart, nervous system, and other organs can't work normally."
According to the passage, hypothermia occurs when: