OAR OAR Reading Comprehension 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read: 'The new sonar array dramatically increased detection range, but its power requirements strained the submarine's electrical system, forcing engineers to choose between stealth and endurance.' What trade-off does the passage describe?
- Speed versus armor plating
- Enhanced detection capability versus electrical system strain (Correct answer)
- Crew size versus automation
- Surface operations versus diving depth
Correct answer: Enhanced detection capability versus electrical system strain
The passage presents a direct trade-off: better sonar performance versus the strain it places on the electrical system.
Question 2: A passage states: 'Protocol requires that distress signals be acknowledged within two minutes; failure to do so constitutes a breach of international maritime law.' If a vessel fails to respond within two minutes, what has occurred?
- A minor procedural error with no legal consequence
- A violation of international maritime law (Correct answer)
- A standard delay permitted in high-traffic areas
- An automatic transfer of rescue duties to coast guard
Correct answer: A violation of international maritime law
The passage explicitly states that failing to acknowledge within two minutes 'constitutes a breach of international maritime law.'
Question 3: Read: 'Tidal patterns near the coast are influenced by the gravitational pull of the moon, the shape of the coastline, and local water depth. Predicting tides requires accounting for all three variables.' Which best states the passage's main point?
- The moon is the sole driver of tidal activity
- Accurate tide prediction requires considering multiple interacting factors (Correct answer)
- Coastal shape has no effect on tidal timing
- Deep water eliminates tidal variation
Correct answer: Accurate tide prediction requires considering multiple interacting factors
The passage emphasizes that three variables all influence tides, and all must be accounted for in predictions.
Question 4: A passage reads: 'The briefing was cursory, covering only the most salient points without elaborating on logistics or contingencies.' The word 'cursory' most nearly means:
- Thorough and detailed
- Hasty and superficial (Correct answer)
- Classified and restricted
- Repetitive and redundant
Correct answer: Hasty and superficial
'Cursory' means done quickly with little attention to detail, consistent with the briefing that skipped logistics and contingencies.
Question 5: Read: 'Aircraft carriers are often described as force multipliers because they project air power far from home shores without relying on host-nation bases.' What does 'force multiplier' imply?
- A ship that carries more crew than standard vessels
- Something that greatly increases overall military capability (Correct answer)
- A vessel designed to multiply its own speed
- A carrier that launches multiple aircraft simultaneously
Correct answer: Something that greatly increases overall military capability
A 'force multiplier' is something that amplifies overall military effectiveness, which the carrier does by projecting power globally without needing land bases.
Question 6: Read: 'The regulation was amended three times before reaching its final form, each revision narrowing the scope of permissible exceptions.' What happened to permissible exceptions over successive revisions?
- They increased in number with each revision
- They decreased as the scope was progressively narrowed (Correct answer)
- They were eliminated entirely after the first revision
- They remained unchanged throughout the amendment process
Correct answer: They decreased as the scope was progressively narrowed
Each revision 'narrowed the scope of permissible exceptions,' meaning fewer exceptions were allowed over time.
Question 7: A passage states: 'Morale aboard a vessel is as critical to mission success as mechanical readiness; a well-maintained ship crewed by dispirited sailors will underperform a less-maintained vessel crewed by motivated ones.' Which claim does the passage support?
- Ship maintenance should always take priority over crew welfare
- Crew morale is a key factor in operational effectiveness (Correct answer)
- Mechanical failures cause most naval mission failures
- Dispirited sailors require replacement before deployment
Correct answer: Crew morale is a key factor in operational effectiveness
The passage directly argues that morale is as critical as mechanical readiness and can determine mission outcome.
OAR OAR Reading Comprehension 4
Read: 'The new sonar array dramatically increased detection range, but its power requirements strained the submarine's electrical system, forcing engineers to choose between stealth and endurance.' What trade-off does the passage describe?