Learning Express - ASVAB

CHAPTER 1 ABOUT THE ASVAB CHAPTER SUMMARY This chapter will introduce the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), describe what is included on the test, and explain how this book can help you prepare and achieve maximum exam success. T he Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude test taken by over one million Americans every year. It is comprised of timed subtests in different subjects that measure the range of aptitudes necessary for military enlistment and job placement. A breakdown of these subtestsby test versionis shown in the table that follows, and a more detailed description of each subtest test appears later in this chapter. The ASVAB, which was created by the United States Department of Defense in 1968 and adopted by all armed services by 1976, is used for two main purposes: As a military recruiting tool. The United States Department of Defense uses the ASVAB to determine the abilities of potential recruits, to gauge what they already know about certain subjects, to measure their general learning and vocational aptitude; and to predict performance in certain academic areas.

As a guide for high school and post-secondary school students. The ASVAB helps students make decisions about their career paths, whether in the military or in some other field. ASVAB: Paper and Pencil vs. CAT Individuals can expect to take a paper and pencil version of the ASVAB at their local high school or a neighboring school offering the test. The student version of the exam (offered to high school juniors and seniors) is often referred to as the institutional version; candidates for military enlistment take the production version. Depending on where an enlistee takes the ASVAB, he or she will take either the computer version of the ASVAB, called the CAT-ASVAB, or the paper-and-pencil version.

Candidates taking the ASVAB at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) will take the com puter version, while candidates for enlistment taking the ASVAB at a reserve center or Mobile Examination Team (MET) site will take the paper-and-pencil version. The paper and pencil version of the ASVAB consists of either eight subtests (if you're a student) or nine subtests (if you're a candidate for enlistment). The majority of military applicants, approximately 70%, take the CAT-ASVAB. The CAT-ASVAB is a computer-adaptive test, which means that the test adapts to your ability level. The computer will give you the first question, and, if you answer correctly, it gives you another question on the same subjectbut one that is a bit harder than the first. The questions get harder as you progress, and after you answer a certain number of questions correctly the computer skips to the next subtest.

The following is additional information about the CAT-ASVAB: It consists of ten subteststhe Auto Information and Shop Information subtests are administered separately. However, the results are combined into one score (labeled AS). The test takes about 1 / hours to complete. Each subtest must be completed within a certain timeframe. Most individuals complete the subtests within the time allotted. Once you have completed a subtest, you do not have to wait for everyone else to finishyou can move on to the next subtest.

As you complete each subtest, the computer displays the number of items and amount of time remaining for that subtest in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. Once an answer has been submitted, you cannot review or change it. Test scores are available as soon as you complete the test. If you choose to take the CAT-ASVAB, you will be trained on answering test questions, using the computer keyboard and mouse, and getting help before starting the exam. The number of subtests, number of questions, and time limits for the CAT-ASVAB differ from the paper-and-pencil version in the following ways:

The ASVAB Subtests The following is a detailed description of each of the sub tests on the ASVAB.

Most sections of the ASVAB depend on your knowledge of the subject as covered in high school courses or other related reading. The two sections that do not depend on knowledge of the subjects in advance are the Paragraph Comprehension and Assembling Objects sections. For the Paragraph Comprehension questions, you will be able to find the answers using the information given in the paragraph provided. The Assembling Objects section tests your natural spatial aptitude skills. Subtest 1: General Science The General Science subtest consists of questions that are designed to measure your ability to recognize, apply, and analyze basic scientific principles in the areas of: life science: botany, zoology, anatomy and physiology, ecology physical science: force and motion, energy, fluids and gases, atomic structure, chemistry earth and space science: astronomy, geology, meteorology, oceanography General Science questions are covered in Chapter 6 of this book. Subtest 2: Arithmetic Reasoning The Arithmetic Reasoning subtest consists of word problems describing everyday life situations, and is designed to measure your reasoning skills and understanding of: operations with whole numbers operations with fractions, decimals, and money ratio and proportion calculating interest and percentage measurement of perimeter, area, volume, time, and temperature Arithmetic Reasoning questions are covered in Chapter 7 of this book.

Subtest 3: Word Knowledge The Word Knowledge subtest consists of questions that ask you to choose the correct definitions of verbs, nouns, adjectives, and adverbs. These questions come in two forms: words presented alone, with no context words presented in the context of a short sentence Word Knowledge questions are covered in Chapter 8 of this book. Subtest 4: Paragraph Comprehension The Paragraph Comprehension subtest consists of questions that are based on several short passages, written on a variety of topics. No prior knowledge of the subject is requiredall the information you need to answer the questions will be found in the passage. The questions in this subtest are designed to test the following abilities: literal comprehension: ability to identify stated facts, reworded facts, and determine sequence of events implicit, inferential, or critical comprehension: ability to draw conclusions, identify the main idea of a paragraph, determine the author's purpose, mood, or tone, and identify style and technique comprehension of main idea or words in context: ability to condense a paragraph into a single main idea, and determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word based on its context or usage Paragraph Comprehension questions are covered in Chapter 9 of this book. Subtest 5: Mathematics Knowledge The Mathematics Knowledge subtest contains questions designed to measure your understanding and ability to recognize and apply mathematical concepts, principles, and procedures.

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