2015/2016 ASVAB For Dummies®

Published by: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Library of Congress Control Number: 2015937166

ISBN 978-1-119-03833-7 (pbk); ISBN 978-1-119-03834-4 (ebk); ISBN 978-1-119-03835-1 (ebk)

2015/2016 ASVAB For Dummies®

Visit www.dummies.com/cheatsheet/asvab to view this book's cheat sheet.

Table of Contents

Cover

Introduction

About This Book

Foolish Assumptions

Icons Used in This Book

Beyond the Book

Where to Go from Here

Part I: Getting Started with the ASVAB

Chapter 1: Putting the ASVAB under a Microscope

Knowing Which Version You’re Taking

Mapping Out the ASVAB Subtests

Deciphering ASVAB Scores

Do-Over: Retaking the ASVAB

Chapter 2: Knowing What It Takes to Get Your Dream Job

Eyeing How ASVAB Scores Determine Military Training Programs and Jobs

Understanding How Each Branch Computes Line Scores

Chapter 3: Getting Acquainted with Test-Taking and Study Techniques

Taking the Test: Paper or Computerized?

Tackling Multiple-Choice Questions

When You Don’t Know an Answer: Guessing Smart

Studying and Practicing for the ASVAB

Making Last-Minute Preparations: 24 Hours and Counting

Part II: Words to Live By: Communication Skills

Chapter 4: Word Knowledge

Grasping the Importance of Word Knowledge

Checking Out the Word Knowledge Question Format

Building Words from Scratch: Strategies to Help You Decipher Word Meanings

Yin and Yang: Understanding Synonyms and Antonyms

You Are What You Speak: Improving Your Vocabulary, Improving Yourself

Word Knowledge Practice Questions

Answers and Explanations

Chapter 5: Paragraph Comprehension

Understanding the Importance of Paragraph Comprehension for Military Jobs

Eyeing the Physique of the Paragraph Comprehension Subtest

Trying the Four Flavors of Comprehension Questions

Do You Get My Point? Breaking down Paragraphs

Analyzing What You’ve Read: Guessing at What the Writer Really Means

Faster than a Speeding Turtle: Tips for Slow Readers

Test-Taking Tips for Reading and Gleaning

Paragraph Comprehension Practice Questions

Answers and Explanations

Part III: Making the Most of Math: Arithmetic Skills

Chapter 6: Mathematics Knowledge and Operations

Just When You Thought You Were Done with Vocab: Math Terminology

Operations: What You Do to Numbers

Working on Both Sides of the Line: Fractions

A Powerful Shorthand: Writing in Scientific Notation

Getting to the Root of the Problem

An Unknown Quantity: Reviewing Algebra

Looking at Math from a Different Angle: Geometry Review

Test-Taking Techniques for YourMathematical Journey

Math Knowledge Practice Questions

Answers and Explanations

Chapter 7: Arithmetic Reasoning: Math Word Problems

Tackling the Real World of Word Problems

The Guessing Game: Putting Reason in Your Guessing Strategy

Arithmetic Reasoning (Math Word Problems) Practice Questions

Answers and Explanations

Part IV: The Whole Ball of Facts: Technical Skills

Chapter 8: General Science

There’s a Scientific Method to the Madness

Understanding Forms of Measurement

Another Day, Another Science: Scientific Disciplines You Should Know

Uncovering Biology, from Big to Small

Chemistry: Not Blowing Up the Lab

Where Few Have Gone Before: Astronomy

Down to Earth: Rocking Out with Geology and Meteorology

Improving Your Chances on the General Science Subtest

General Science Practice Questions

Answers and Explanations

Chapter 9: Auto & Shop Information

Checking under the Hood

Picking Up the Tools of the Trade

Sticking Materials Together with Fasteners

Building a Better Score

Auto & Shop Information Practice Questions

Answers and Explanations

Chapter 10: Mechanical Comprehension

Understanding the Forces of the Universe

You Call That Work?!

Relying on Machines to Help You Work

Working Your Way to a Better Test Score

Mechanical Comprehension Practice Questions

Answers and Explanations

Chapter 11: Electronics Information

Uncovering the Secrets of Electricity

Switching Things Up with Alternating and Direct Current

Picture It: Decoding Electrical Circuit Codes

Eyeing Some Electronic Information Test Tips

Electronics Information Practice Questions

Answers and Explanations

Chapter 12: Assembling Objects

Getting the Picture about Assembling Objects

Two Types of Questions for the Price of One

Tips for the Assembling Objects Subtest

Assembling Objects Practice Questions

Answers and Explanations

Part V: Practice ASVAB Exams

Chapter 13: Practice Exam 1

Answer Sheet for Practice Exam 1

Subtest 1: General Science

Subtest 2: Arithmetic Reasoning

Subtest 3: Word Knowledge

Subtest 4: Paragraph Comprehension

Subtest 5: Mathematics Knowledge

Subtest 6: Electronics Information

Subtest 7: Auto & Shop Information

Subtest 8: Mechanical Comprehension

Subtest 9: Assembling Objects

Chapter 14: Practice Exam 1: Answers and Explanations

Subtest 1: General Science Answers

Subtest 2: Arithmetic Reasoning Answers

Subtest 3: Word Knowledge Answers

Subtest 4: Paragraph Comprehension Answers

Subtest 5: Mathematics Knowledge Answers

Subtest 6: Electronics Information Answers

Subtest 7: Auto & Shop Information Answers

Subtest 8: Mechanical Comprehension Answers

Subtest 9: Assembling Objects Answers

Chapter 15: Practice Exam 2

Answer Sheet for Practice Exam 2

Subtest 1: General Science

Subtest 2: Arithmetic Reasoning

Subtest 3: Word Knowledge

Subtest 4: Paragraph Comprehension

Subtest 5: Mathematics Knowledge

Subtest 6: Electronics Information

Subtest 7: Auto & Shop Information

Subtest 8: Mechanical Comprehension

Subtest 9: Assembling Objects

Chapter 16: Practice Exam 2: Answers and Explanations

Subtest 1: General Science Answers

Subtest 2: Arithmetic Reasoning Answers

Subtest 3: Word Knowledge Answers

Subtest 4: Paragraph Comprehension Answers

Subtest 5: Mathematics Knowledge Answers

Subtest 6: Electronics Information Answers

Subtest 7: Auto & Shop Information Answers

Subtest 8: Mechanical Comprehension Answers

Subtest 9: Assembling Objects Answers

Chapter 17: Practice Exam 3

Answer Sheet for Practice Exam 3

Subtest 1: General Science

Subtest 2: Arithmetic Reasoning

Subtest 3: Word Knowledge

Subtest 4: Paragraph Comprehension

Subtest 5: Mathematics Knowledge

Subtest 6: Electronics Information

Subtest 7: Auto & Shop Information

Subtest 8: Mechanical Comprehension

Subtest 9: Assembling Objects

Chapter 18: Practice Exam 3: Answers and Explanations

Subtest 1: General Science Answers

Subtest 2: Arithmetic Reasoning Answers

Subtest 3: Word Knowledge Answers

Subtest 4: Paragraph Comprehension Answers

Subtest 5: Mathematics Knowledge Answers

Subtest 6: Electronics Information Answers

Subtest 7: Auto & Shop Information Answers

Subtest 8: Mechanical Comprehension Answers

Subtest 9: Assembling Objects Answers

Chapter 19: AFQT Practice Exam 1

Answer Sheet for AFQT Practice Exam 1

Subtest 1: Arithmetic Reasoning

Subtest 2: Word Knowledge

Subtest 3: Paragraph Comprehension

Subtest 4: Mathematics Knowledge

Chapter 20: AFQT Practice Exam 1: Answers and Explanations

Subtest 1: Arithmetic Reasoning Answers

Subtest 2: Word Knowledge Answers

Subtest 3: Paragraph Comprehension Answers

Subtest 4: Mathematics Knowledge Answers

Chapter 21: AFQT Practice Exam 2

Answer Sheet for AFQT Practice Exam 2

Subtest 1: Arithmetic Reasoning

Subtest 2: Word Knowledge

Subtest 3: Paragraph Comprehension

Subtest 4: Mathematics Knowledge

Chapter 22: AFQT Practice Exam 2: Answers and Explanations

Subtest 1: Arithmetic Reasoning Answers

Subtest 2: Word Knowledge Answers

Subtest 3: Paragraph Comprehension Answers

Subtest 4: Mathematics Knowledge Answers

Part VI: The Part of Tens

Chapter 23: Ten Surefire Ways to Fail the ASVAB

Choosing Not to Study at All

Failing to Realize How Scores Are Used

Studying for Unnecessary Subtests

Losing Focus

Panicking Over Time

Deciding Not to Check the Answers

Making Wild Guesses or Not Guessing at All

Changing Answers

Memorizing the Practice Test Questions

Misunderstanding the Problem

Chapter 24: Ten Tips for Doing Well on the AFQT

As Soon as the Test Starts, Write Down What You're Likely to Forget

Read All the Answer Choices before Deciding

Don’t Expect Perfect Word Matches

Read the Passages before the Questions

Reread to Find Specific Information

Base Conclusions Only on What You Read

Change Percents to Decimals

Understand Inverses

Remember How Ratios, Rates, and Scales Compare

Make Sure Your Answers Are Reasonable

Chapter 25: Ten Ways to Boost Your Math and English Skills

Practice Doing Math Problems

Put Away Your Calculator

Memorize the Order of Operations

Know Your Geometry Formulas

Keep a Word List

Study Latin and Greek

Use Flashcards

Read More, Watch TV Less

Practice Finding Main and Supporting Points

Use a Study Guide

Appendix: Matching ASVAB Scores to Military Jobs

Army Enlisted Jobs

Air Force Enlisted Jobs

Navy Enlisted Jobs

Marine Corps Enlisted Jobs

Coast Guard Enlisted Jobs

About the Author

Cheat Sheet

Advertisement Page

Connect with Dummies

End User License Agreement

Guide

Cover

Table of Contents

Begin Reading

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Introduction

If you’re reading this book, there’s a good chance that you want to join the United States military. Perhaps it’s been your lifelong dream to drive a tank, fire a machine gun, or blow things up (legally). Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to cook for 2,000 people at a time. Possibly you were attracted to the military because of education and training opportunities, the chance of travel, or huge enlistment bonuses. In any event, by now you’ve discovered that you can’t just walk into a recruiter’s office and say, “Hey, I’m here. Sign me up!” These days, you have to pass the ASVAB.

The ASVAB (short for Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is unlike any test you’ve ever taken. It covers standard academic areas, such as math and English, but it also measures your knowledge of mechanics, electronics, science, and assembling objects.

The good news is that you need to do well on some of the subtests but not all of them. The order of importance of the subtests depends on your career goals. In this book, you find out what you need to know to do well on all the subtests and then get the info to determine which subtests are important to you. I include charts and tables to help you figure out the subtest scores that individual military jobs require. You can use this information to ace the subtests that make up the ASVAB and determine which subtests are important for your military-career goals.

About This Book

The paper enlistment version of the ASVAB and the computer version of the test have nine subtests, each of which is covered in its own chapter in this book. This book shows you what to expect on each subtest, offers strategies for studying each subject area, gives you test-taking (and guessing) tips, and provides three full-length sample tests that help you determine your strengths and weaknesses. These sample tests also help you prepare mentally for taking the real test — you can use them to get in the zone. I’ve thrown in two extra tests that cover the four most important subtests of the ASVAB that make up the AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score at no extra cost.

Although much of the material covered on the ASVAB is taught in practically every high school in the country, you may have slept through part of the info or performed a major brain-dump as soon as the ink was dry on your report card. So you also get a basic review of the relevant subject areas to help refresh your memory, as well as some pointers on where to find more information if you need it.

Foolish Assumptions

While writing and revising this book, I made a few assumptions about you — namely, who you are and why you picked up this book. I assume the following:

You’ve come here for test-taking tips and other helpful information. You may be a nervous test-taker.

You want to take a few ASVAB practice tests to measure your current knowledge in various subject areas to help you develop a study plan.

You want the military job of your dreams, and passing the ASVAB (or certain sections of it) is of utmost importance. Or you’re in a high school that takes part in the ASVAB Career Exploration Program, and you want to know what to expect on the test.

Icons Used in This Book

Throughout this book, you find icons that help you use the material in this book. Here’s a rundown of what they mean to you:

tip This icon alerts you to helpful hints regarding the ASVAB. Tips can help you save time and avoid frustration.

Remember This icon reminds you of important information you should read carefully.

warning This icon flags actions and ideas that may prove hazardous to your plans of conquering the ASVAB. Often, this icon accompanies common mistakes or misconceptions people have about the ASVAB or questions on the test.

Technicalstuff This icon points out information that is interesting, enlightening, or in-depth but that isn’t necessary for you to read.

ExampleGRE This icon points out sample test questions that appear in review chapters.

Beyond the Book

In addition to the material in the print or e-book you’re reading right now, this product also comes with some access-anywhere goodies on the web. Check out these features:

Cheat Sheet (www.dummies.com/cheatsheet/asvab): No, this isn’t something you can put under your shirt and sneak into the test room on the big day. This Cheat Sheet gives you quick pointers about what you need to know before taking the ASVAB. You find out how many questions are on the test and how much time you have for each subtest. You also find general test-taking tips, pointers for guessing, and some advice on answering the dreaded Paragraph Comprehension questions.

Dummies.com articles (www.dummies.com/extras/asvab): Each part in this book is supplemented by a relevant online article that provides additional tips and techniques related to the subject of that part. Read helpful articles that reveal even more test-taking tips and hints for some of the subtests.

Where to Go from Here

You don’t have to read this book from cover to cover to score well. I suggest that you begin with Chapters 1 and 2. That way, you can get a feel for how the ASVAB is organized (along with the most up-to-date changes on the test) and which subtests may be important for the military service branch and job of your choice. This plan of attack helps you set up logical and effective goals to maximize your study efforts.

You may want to start by taking one of the practice tests in Part V. By using this method, you can discover which subjects you’re strong in and which subjects you could spend a little more time reviewing. If you choose this technique, you can use the other practice tests to measure your progress after reading through and studying the subject chapters.

If you’re taking the ASVAB for the purpose of enlisting in the U.S. military, you may want to skip entire chapters, depending on your career goals. For example, if the military careers you’re interested in don’t require a score on the General Science subtest, you may want to spend less time studying that topic and concentrate your study time on chapters that are required for your particular job choices.

I wish you luck on taking this test, and if you want to join the military, I hope your journey is successful!

Part I

Getting Started with the ASVAB

WebExtras Visit www.dummies.com for free access to great Dummies content online.

In this part …

Get the details about what topics are covered on the ASVAB, how your score is calculated, and the policies on retaking the test if you didn’t do so well on your first try.

Check out how line scores relate to military jobs and how each branch of the military computes those scores.

Review test-taking strategies and get some last-minute preparation tips.

Chapter 1

Putting the ASVAB under a Microscope

In This Chapter

arrow Checking out the different versions of the ASVAB

arrow Figuring out what each subtest covers

arrow Computing the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score

arrow Taking the ASVAB again

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) consists of nine individual tests (ten for Navy applicants who test at a Military Entrance Processing Station, or MEPS) that cover subjects ranging from general science principles to vocabulary. Your ASVAB test results determine whether you qualify for military service and, if so, which jobs you qualify for. The ASVAB isn’t an IQ test. The military isn’t trying to figure out how smart you are. The ASVAB specifically measures your ability to be trained to do a specific job.

The famous Chinese general Sun Tzu said, “Know your enemy.” To develop an effective plan of study and score well on the ASVAB, it’s important to understand how the ASVAB is organized and how the military uses the scores from the subtests. This chapter describes the different versions of the ASVAB, the organization of the subtests, how the AFQT score is calculated, and the various service policies for retaking the ASVAB.

Knowing Which Version You’re Taking

The ASVAB comes in many flavors, depending on where and why you take it. You’d think that after almost 50 years in existence, the test could’ve been whittled down to a single version by now. But don’t get too confused about the different versions. boils down the choices.

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!

Lesen Sie weiter in der vollständigen Ausgabe!