ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension Practice Test

Updated October 27, 2026

1. "Proper hydration is critical during physical training. Even mild dehydration can reduce endurance, slow reaction times and increase the risk of heat injury. Trainees are encouraged to drink water before, during and after exercise." What is the main idea?
   A.Heat injuries are commonB.Staying hydrated is important for performance and safety during trainingC.Reaction times slow with ageD.Trainees should exercise less
2. "The new radio system replaces equipment that was more than twenty years old. It is lighter, its batteries last twice as long, and it can encrypt messages." According to the passage, how long do the new batteries last compared with the old ones?
   A.Half as longB.The sameC.Twice as longD.Twenty years
3. "Although the storm had passed, the commander delayed the exercise until engineers inspected the bridge." What can be inferred?
   A.The bridge might have been damaged by the stormB.The exercise was canceled permanentlyC.The engineers caused the stormD.The commander disliked the exercise
4. "Camouflage works by breaking up an object's outline and matching the colors of its surroundings, making it harder for the eye to detect." The purpose of camouflage is to:
   A.Make objects look largerB.Make objects harder to seeC.Change an object's weightD.Protect objects from rain
5. "Many volunteers found the training arduous, but those who completed it said it was worth the effort." As used here, "arduous" most nearly means:
   A.EasyB.EnjoyableC.ShortD.Difficult and tiring
6. "Before a long march, soldiers inspect their boots and socks. Worn soles and damp socks are leading causes of blisters, which can slow an entire unit." According to the passage, why do soldiers check their boots and socks?
   A.To meet uniform standardsB.To prevent blisters that can slow the unitC.To replace them every weekD.To choose a new route
7. "The base library extended its hours after a survey showed that most service members could visit only in the evening." Why did the library extend its hours?
   A.A survey showed most people could only come in the eveningB.The library got new booksC.The staff asked to work longerD.The base commander closed the gym
8. "Although satellite navigation is accurate, pilots still learn to navigate with maps and compasses in case electronic systems fail." What can be inferred?
   A.Satellite navigation is never accurateB.Maps are more accurate than satellitesC.Backup skills are valued because technology can failD.Pilots no longer use satellites
9. "Night vision devices amplify small amounts of available light, such as starlight. In complete darkness, with no light to amplify, they work poorly unless an infrared light source is added." According to the passage, when do night vision devices work poorly?
   A.In bright sunlightB.In complete darkness with no added infrared lightC.Under starlightD.When used by pilots
10. "The cook prepared the meals early so the trucks could leave at dawn." The word "dawn" most nearly means:
    A.NoonB.SunsetC.MidnightD.Sunrise
11. "Physical fitness tests measure strength, endurance and flexibility. A high score in one area does not make up for a failing score in another." What does the passage suggest about passing the test?
    A.Only strength mattersB.A candidate must meet the standard in each areaC.Flexibility is not testedD.One high score guarantees passing
12. "Regular maintenance prevents most vehicle breakdowns. Checking fluids, tire pressure and belts takes minutes but can save hours of repair later." What is the author's main point?
    A.Repairs take hoursB.Tire pressure is the most important checkC.Short, regular maintenance prevents bigger problemsD.Vehicles always break down
13. "Volunteers sorted donated clothing, packed food boxes and drove deliveries to families in need." What did the volunteers NOT do, according to the passage?
    A.Sort clothingB.Pack food boxesC.Drive deliveriesD.Collect donations door to door
14. "The parade was postponed because of the heavy rain, not because of the low turnout that some had predicted." Why was the parade postponed?
    A.Heavy rainB.Low turnoutC.A broken floatD.A scheduling conflict
15. "Some recruits arrive at basic training already in excellent shape, while others need extra coaching. Drill instructors adjust their approach to each recruit's starting point." The passage mainly describes:
    A.How recruits are chosenB.How instructors adapt training to different recruitsC.Why recruits leave trainingD.The history of basic training