Advice

Do your best on the ASVAB (if you can read and/or easily eliminate based on the provided multiple choice answers, you'll do well), and when taking TAPAS, avoid contradictions.

General ASVAB test-taking tips

When taking the ASVAB, being prepared and knowing how to approach the questions can go a long way. Use the following test-taking tips to improve your ASVAB score:

Read the directions carefully.
Know what a question is asking you to do before looking at the answer choices.
Read all of the answer options before selecting one.
Skip questions you don’t know and then go back to them if you have time. Note: Skipping questions isn’t an option if you take the computer-based test, which forces you to answer each question before you can move on to the next one.
Don’t leave any questions blank. The ASVAB doesn’t penalize you for guessing. On the computer-based ASVAB, you can’t leave any questions blank.
If you’re taking the paper-and-pencil test, make sure that you mark each answer on the correct space on your answer sheet.
Never change the answer to a question after you move on to another question unless you’re positive the answer’s wrong. This doesn’t apply for the computerized version — after you submit your answer, you can’t change it.

Pointers for guessing on the ASVAB

No matter how hard you study for the ASVAB, you’ll likely come across a few questions where you don’t have a clue. Guess wisely, and you can score extra points on many ASVAB subtests. If you leave a question blank, you have a zero percent chance of getting it right, but if you guess, you have at least a 25 percent chance.

Here are a few quick pointers on guessing:

Eliminate answers that you know are wrong and then guess among the remaining answers. If you eliminate one answer, your chances of getting the question right go up to 33 percent. Eliminate two, and you’re up to 50/50. Here are some tips on narrowing down your choices:
- Answers that include always or never types of statements are usually wrong.
- If two answer options have opposite meanings, one of them is probably correct.
- If two answer options are very close in meaning, neither of them is probably correct.
Don’t guess based on the frequency of previous answers. Just because the answer to the last ten questions has been (C) doesn’t mean the next answer can’t be (C), too.
If you can’t eliminate any choices, always choose the same letter for your guess. For example, if you have to guess on ten questions, always guess (C). Choosing the same letter every time increases your odds of selecting the right answer for at least one or two of those questions.

ASVAB reading comprehension tips

The paragraph comprehension passages on the ASVAB are usually pretty short. These tips can help you better comprehend the ASVAB reading passages and the questions that follow them:

Understand what the question wants from you. Does it ask for the main point, specific information, or a conclusion based on the information presented?
Reread the paragraph to make sure you answer the question correctly. If you’re a really slow reader, you may not have time to do so. However, if you’re not sure of an answer, quickly read the paragraph again.
Look for key vocabulary words. Paragraph Comprehension questions may test your vocabulary. Use the context — the surrounding words — to help you understand the meaning of a word.

General Science (GS)

General principles of biological and physical sciences

The general principles of biological and physical sciences encompass fundamental concepts and theories that form the basis of our understanding of the natural world. While the specifics may vary across different disciplines within these sciences, here are some overarching principles:

Scientific Method: Both biological and physical sciences rely on the scientific method, a systematic approach to investigating phenomena. This method involves making observations, formulating hypotheses, designing and conducting experiments, collecting data, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions. It emphasizes empirical evidence, objectivity, and reproducibility.
Natural Laws: Biological and physical sciences strive to identify and explain natural laws, which are fundamental principles that describe and predict the behavior of natural phenomena. These laws are often expressed as mathematical equations or statements that capture the relationships between variables.
Cause and Effect: A central principle in science is the understanding of cause and effect relationships. Scientists aim to identify the factors that influence or cause specific outcomes. This involves investigating the mechanisms underlying biological and physical processes and determining how different variables interact.
Conservation Laws: Physical sciences, especially physics, rely on conservation laws. These laws state that certain properties, such as mass, energy, momentum, and charge, are conserved and cannot be created or destroyed but can only be transferred or transformed. Conservation laws provide a fundamental framework for understanding various physical processes.
Theory and Experimentation: Both biological and physical sciences involve the development and testing of theories. Theories are comprehensive frameworks that explain a wide range of observations and have been extensively tested and supported by empirical evidence. Experimental verification is crucial to validate or refute these theories.
Reductionism and Emergence: Reductionism is the approach of breaking down complex systems into simpler components to understand their behavior. It has been successful in many areas of science, particularly in the physical sciences. However, biological sciences also recognize the importance of emergent properties, where the whole system exhibits properties and behaviors that cannot be explained solely by understanding its individual components.
Interdisciplinary Nature: Biological and physical sciences often overlap and interact with each other and other disciplines. Many scientific advancements have emerged from interdisciplinary collaborations. For instance, biophysics combines concepts from physics and biology to study biological processes at the molecular and cellular levels.
Evolution: In biology, the principle of evolution is fundamental. It explains the diversity of life on Earth and how species change over time. Evolutionary theory provides a unifying framework for understanding biological phenomena, such as the adaptation of organisms to their environments and the development of complex biological systems.
Quantification: Both biological and physical sciences rely on quantification and mathematical modeling to describe and understand natural phenomena. Quantitative analysis allows for precise measurements, comparisons, and predictions, facilitating the development of theories and the testing of hypotheses.
Peer Review and Openness: Science operates within a community of researchers who engage in peer review and open sharing of knowledge. Peer review involves the critical evaluation of scientific research by experts in the field before publication. Openness and transparency in sharing data, methods, and findings enable scrutiny, replication, and the advancement of knowledge.

These principles provide a broad framework for understanding the biological and physical sciences and guide scientific inquiry and discovery. However, it's important to note that scientific knowledge is continually evolving, and new principles and theories may emerge as our understanding deepens.

Here are some important terms and definitions related to the general principles of biological and physical sciences:

Biological Sciences:

Cell: The basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms. Cells are capable of self-reproduction and carry out various biochemical processes.
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid): A molecule that carries the genetic information in most living organisms. It contains the instructions for the development, functioning, and reproduction of organisms.
Evolution: The process of change in populations of living organisms over successive generations. It involves genetic variations, natural selection, and adaptation to environmental conditions.
Homeostasis: The ability of an organism or a system to maintain internal stability and balance despite external changes. It involves regulatory mechanisms that maintain optimal conditions for cellular and organismal functions.
Ecosystem: A community of living organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment. It includes both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components.
Photosynthesis: The process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose (a form of stored energy) and oxygen. It is a vital process for the production of food and oxygen in ecosystems.
Genetics: The branch of biology that studies heredity and variation in living organisms. It involves the study of genes, inheritance patterns, and the mechanisms of genetic information transfer.

Physical Sciences:

Physics: The branch of science that deals with the fundamental principles of matter, energy, and their interactions. It encompasses various fields, including mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, optics, and quantum physics.
Energy: The capacity to do work or produce a change. It exists in various forms, such as kinetic energy (energy of motion), potential energy (stored energy), thermal energy (heat), and electromagnetic energy (light).
Laws of Motion: Three fundamental laws formulated by Isaac Newton that describe the motion of objects. They include Newton's first law (inertia), Newton's second law (force and acceleration), and Newton's third law (action and reaction).
Conservation of Energy: The principle that energy cannot be created or destroyed but only converted from one form to another. The total energy of a closed system remains constant over time.
Thermodynamics: The study of energy and its transformations in physical systems, particularly heat and work. It encompasses the laws of energy conservation, entropy, and the behavior of systems in equilibrium and non-equilibrium states.
Electromagnetism: The branch of physics that studies the relationship between electricity and magnetism. It encompasses topics such as electric fields, magnetic fields, electromagnetic waves, and the behavior of charged particles.
Quantum Mechanics: The branch of physics that describes the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels. It involves the principles of wave-particle duality, uncertainty, and the quantization of energy.

These terms and definitions provide a starting point for understanding the key concepts and principles in biological and physical sciences. However, each field within these sciences has its own specific terminology and definitions, reflecting its unique areas of study and research.

Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)

Simple word problems that require simple calculations, examples and definitions

Here are some simple word problems that require basic calculations, along with their definitions and examples:

Definition: Addition is the mathematical operation of combining two or more numbers to find their total or sum.

Example problem: John has 5 apples, and Sarah gives him 3 more apples. How many apples does John have now?

Solution: John has 5 apples + 3 apples = 8 apples.

Definition: Subtraction is the mathematical operation of taking away one number from another to find the difference between them.

Example problem: Lisa has 10 candies, and she gives away 4 candies. How many candies does Lisa have left?

Solution: Lisa has 10 candies - 4 candies = 6 candies.

Definition: Multiplication is the mathematical operation of repeated addition or combining equal groups to find the total quantity.

Example problem: There are 4 friends, and each friend has 3 marbles. How many marbles are there in total?

Solution: 4 friends x 3 marbles = 12 marbles.

Definition: Division is the mathematical operation of sharing or dividing a quantity into equal parts or groups.

Example problem: A baker has 15 cookies, and she wants to divide them equally among 3 children. How many cookies will each child receive?

Solution: 15 cookies ÷ 3 children = 5 cookies per child.

Definition: Percentages are a way of expressing a fraction or a portion of a whole out of 100.

Example problem: Jane scored 85% on her math test. If the total marks were 100, how many marks did she obtain?

Solution: 85% of 100 marks = (85/100) x 100 = 85 marks.

Definition: Ratios express the relationship between two or more quantities in terms of their relative sizes or proportions.

Example problem: A bag contains 4 red balls and 6 blue balls. What is the ratio of red balls to blue balls?

Solution: The ratio of red balls to blue balls is 4:6 or simplified as 2:3.

Definition: Averages, or means, are calculated by summing a set of numbers and dividing by the count of numbers.

Example problem: Mark's test scores were 80, 90, and 95. What is his average score?

Solution: (80 + 90 + 95) ÷ 3 = 88.33 (rounded to two decimal places).

These simple word problems cover basic mathematical operations and concepts like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, ratios, and averages. They provide an opportunity to practice calculations and apply mathematical concepts in real-life scenarios.

Word Knowledge (WK)

Correct meaning of a word; occasionally antonyms (words with opposite meanings)

The Word Knowledge (WK) section of the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) assesses your vocabulary and word comprehension skills. It focuses on your ability to determine the correct meaning of a word and occasionally identify antonyms or words with opposite meanings. Here are some examples that reflect the type of questions you might encounter in the WK section:

Direct Meaning Example 1: Word: Ample A) Sufficient B) Limited C) Scattered D) Temporary

Correct Answer: A) Sufficient Explanation: "Ample" means plentiful or abundant, which is the opposite of "limited."

Antonym Example 2: Word: Acquire A) Lose B) Maintain C) Release D) Decline

Correct Answer: A) Lose Explanation: "Acquire" means to gain or obtain, while "lose" means to misplace or no longer have possession of something.

Antonym Example 3: Word: Diligent A) Sloppy B) Careless C) Idle D) Lazy

Correct Answer: A) Sloppy Explanation: "Diligent" refers to being hardworking, thorough, and showing great attention to detail. Its opposite, "sloppy," implies carelessness or a lack of attention to detail.

Antonym Example 4: Word: Coherent A) Confusing B) Incoherent C) Disjointed D) Muddled

Correct Answer: B) Incoherent Explanation: "Coherent" means logical, clear, and understandable. "Incoherent" is the opposite, indicating something that lacks logical or organized structure.

Antonym Example 5: Word: Benevolent A) Cruel B) Malicious C) Hostile D) Generous

Correct Answer: A) Cruel Explanation: "Benevolent" describes someone who is kind, generous, and well-intentioned. The opposite is "cruel," which implies a lack of compassion or malicious intent.

These examples demonstrate how the Word Knowledge section of the ASVAB tests your ability to determine the correct meaning of words and occasionally identify antonyms or words with opposite meanings. Remember to read the questions carefully and consider the context to select the most appropriate answer.

Paragraph Comprehension (PC)

Questions based on several paragraphs (usually a few hundred words) that you read

I will provide you with a practice question based on a paragraph that you can answer to test your skills in Paragraph Comprehension (PC) for the ASVAB. Please find the paragraph below and the corresponding question:

Paragraph:

"Climate change is a pressing global issue that demands immediate action. Rising global temperatures, caused primarily by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, are leading to detrimental effects on the environment. One of the most significant consequences is the melting of polar ice caps, which contributes to rising sea levels and threatens coastal regions worldwide. Additionally, climate change disrupts ecosystems, leading to the loss of biodiversity and endangering numerous species. To mitigate these impacts, it is crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable sources of energy."

Question:

What are some significant consequences of climate change mentioned in the paragraph?

A) Increase in fossil fuel consumption
B) Decline in global temperatures
C) Loss of biodiversity and species endangerment
D) Promotion of renewable energy sources

Answer Options:

A) A and B
B) B and C
C) C and D
D) A and C

Take your time to read the paragraph and select the most appropriate answer choice based on the information provided.

Once you've chosen your answer, write it below, then I'll provide the correct answer along with an explanation.

Great! You selected answer choice C, which states that the significant consequences of climate change mentioned in the paragraph are the loss of biodiversity and species endangerment.

Now, let's review the correct answer and the explanation:

Correct Answer:

C) Loss of biodiversity and species endangerment

Explanation: The paragraph states that one of the most significant consequences of climate change is the melting of polar ice caps, which contributes to rising sea levels and threatens coastal regions worldwide. Additionally, it mentions that climate change disrupts ecosystems, leading to the loss of biodiversity and endangering numerous species. Therefore, answer choice C, which includes the loss of biodiversity and species endangerment, accurately reflects the significant consequences mentioned in the paragraph.

Mathematics Knowledge (MK)

High-school math, including algebra and geometry

Here are some examples of high-school math problems involving algebra and geometry:

Algebra:

Solve for x: 3x + 5 = 17

Solution: 3x + 5 = 17 Subtract 5 from both sides: 3x = 12 Divide both sides by 3: x = 4

Simplify the expression: 2(x + 3) - 4(2x - 1)

Solution: 2(x + 3) - 4(2x - 1) Distribute the coefficients: 2x + 6 - 8x + 4 Combine like terms: -6x + 10

Geometry:

Find the area of a rectangle with length 8 cm and width 5 cm.

Solution: Area of a rectangle = length x width Area = 8 cm x 5 cm = 40 cm²

Find the circumference of a circle with radius 3.5 cm. (Use π ≈ 3.14)

Solution: Circumference of a circle = 2πr Circumference = 2 x 3.14 x 3.5 cm = 21.98 cm (approximately)

Determine the missing angle in a triangle where two angles measure 45° and 60°.

Solution: In a triangle, the sum of all angles is 180°. Let x be the missing angle. 45° + 60° + x = 180° 105° + x = 180° Subtract 105° from both sides: x = 75°

These examples cover basic algebraic problem-solving, including solving equations and simplifying expressions, as well as basic geometric calculations involving areas, circumferences, and angle measurements. These concepts are commonly taught in high-school mathematics.

Electronics Information (EI)

Electrical principles, basic electronic circuitry, and electronic terminology

Here are some examples of electrical principles, basic electronic circuitry, and electronic terminology:

Electrical Principles:

Ohm's Law: It states that the current flowing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points, and inversely proportional to the resistance of the conductor. The equation representing Ohm's Law is I = V/R, where I is the current, V is the voltage, and R is the resistance.
Power: In electrical systems, power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. It is calculated using the formula P = VI, where P is the power, V is the voltage, and I is the current.

Basic Electronic Circuitry:

Resistor: A resistor is an electronic component that opposes the flow of electric current. It is commonly used to control or limit the amount of current in a circuit.
Capacitor: A capacitor is a passive electronic component that stores and releases electrical energy. It consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material (dielectric).
Diode: A diode is an electronic component that allows current to flow in one direction while blocking it in the opposite direction. It is often used for rectification and switching purposes.
Transistor: A transistor is a semiconductor device that amplifies or switches electronic signals and electrical power. It is a fundamental component in many electronic circuits.

Electronic Terminology:

Voltage: Voltage, also known as electric potential difference, is the measure of electric potential energy per unit charge. It represents the force that pushes electric charges through a conductor.
Current: Current is the flow of electric charge in a circuit. It is measured in amperes (A) and represents the rate at which charges pass through a given point.
Resistance: Resistance is the measure of how much a component or material opposes the flow of electric current. It is measured in ohms (Ω).
Integrated Circuit (IC): An integrated circuit, also known as a microchip or chip, is a miniaturized electronic circuit consisting of interconnected electronic components (transistors, resistors, capacitors, etc.) fabricated on a single piece of semiconductor material.
Printed Circuit Board (PCB): A printed circuit board is a flat board made of non-conductive material (typically fiberglass) that holds and connects electronic components using conductive pathways or traces.

These examples provide a glimpse into electrical principles, basic electronic circuitry, and electronic terminology. They form the foundation of understanding electronic systems and are crucial in various fields, such as electronics engineering and technology.

Auto & Shop Information (AS)

Knowledge of automobiles, shop terminology, and tool use

Here are some examples of knowledge related to automobiles, shop terminology, and tool use for the Auto & Shop Information (AS) section of the ASVAB:

Automobiles:

Transmission: The mechanism in a vehicle that transfers power from the engine to the wheels, enabling the vehicle to change speed and direction.
Carburetor: A device that mixes air and fuel in the correct proportions for combustion in an internal combustion engine.
Suspension: The system of springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connect a vehicle's body to its wheels, providing stability, handling, and a comfortable ride.
Brake System: The system that slows down or stops a vehicle's motion. It typically includes components such as brake pads, rotors, calipers, and hydraulic systems.

Shop Terminology:

Torque: The rotational force applied to a fastener, measured in units like foot-pounds (ft-lb) or Newton-meters (N-m). Torque is crucial for proper tightening of bolts and nuts.
Grease Gun: A tool used to apply lubricating grease to mechanical components such as bearings, joints, and fittings.
Bench Vise: A clamping device mounted on a workbench, used to hold objects securely during various tasks, such as cutting, drilling, or shaping.
Tachometer: An instrument that measures the rotational speed of an engine, typically displayed in revolutions per minute (RPM).

Tool Use:

Socket Wrench: A handheld tool with a socket attached to a handle. It is used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts.
Screwdriver: A tool used for turning screws, typically featuring a handle and a shaft with a tip that fits into the screw head.
Multimeter: A versatile electronic instrument used to measure voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits.
Jack: A device used to lift vehicles off the ground, allowing access to the underside for repairs, tire changes, or maintenance.

These examples provide a glimpse into the knowledge of automobiles, shop terminology, and tool use for the Auto & Shop Information (AS) section of the ASVAB. It is important to familiarize yourself with these concepts and terminologies to perform well on the ASVAB.

Mechanical Comprehension (MC)

Basic mechanical and physical principles

Here are some examples of basic mechanical and physical principles that you can study for the Mechanical Comprehension (MC) test of the ASVAB:

Levers: Levers are simple machines that consist of a rigid bar (lever arm) that rotates around a fixed point called the fulcrum. There are three classes of levers, each with the fulcrum, effort, and load arranged differently. Understanding lever principles, such as mechanical advantage and balance, is important for mechanical comprehension.
Gears: Gears are rotating mechanical components with interlocking teeth that transmit motion and torque between two or more shafts. Understanding gear ratios, gear types (e.g., spur, bevel, worm), and how gears mesh and interact is essential for mechanical comprehension.
Pulleys: Pulleys are devices consisting of a wheel with a grooved rim and a rope or cable that runs around the wheel. They are used to change the direction or magnitude of a force. Understanding pulley systems and the concept of mechanical advantage in pulleys is important for mechanical comprehension.
Fluid Mechanics: Fluid mechanics involves the study of fluids (liquids and gases) and their behavior under various conditions. Key concepts include fluid pressure, buoyancy, Bernoulli's principle, and the effects of fluid flow and viscosity.
Mechanical Advantage: Mechanical advantage refers to the amplification of force or effort achieved by using a simple machine or mechanical system. It is the ratio of the output force or effort to the input force or effort. Understanding mechanical advantage and its calculations for different machines is essential for mechanical comprehension.
Friction: Friction is the resistance that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact. It plays a significant role in mechanical systems and affects the efficiency, stability, and wear of machines. Understanding the types of friction, their effects, and how to reduce or utilize friction is important for mechanical comprehension.
Newton's Laws of Motion: Newton's laws describe the fundamental principles governing the motion of objects. They include Newton's First Law (inertia), Newton's Second Law (force and acceleration), and Newton's Third Law (action and reaction). Understanding these laws and their applications in mechanical systems is crucial for mechanical comprehension.
Work and Energy: Work is the transfer of energy that occurs when a force is applied to an object and it moves in the direction of the force. Understanding work, power, potential energy, kinetic energy, and the principles of energy conservation is important for mechanical comprehension.

These examples cover some basic mechanical and physical principles that are relevant for the Mechanical Comprehension (MC) test of the ASVAB. It's essential to study and understand these principles to perform well on the test.

Assembling Objects (AO)

Spatial orientation

The Assembling Objects (AO) section of the ASVAB assesses your spatial orientation skills and ability to mentally manipulate and assemble objects. Here are some examples of spatial orientation tasks that you may encounter in the AO section:

Example 1: You are given a series of two-dimensional shapes and asked to select the option that shows how these shapes would fit together to form a three-dimensional object. The options may present different orientations or arrangements of the shapes, and you need to visualize how they would fit together.

Example 2: You are provided with a set of geometric shapes or puzzle pieces and a target image showing the final arrangement. Your task is to select the option that correctly shows how the given shapes should be arranged to match the target image. This requires mentally rotating, flipping, or aligning the shapes to fit the desired configuration.

Example 3: You are presented with a picture or diagram of a three-dimensional object that has been disassembled or unfolded. Your task is to select the option that correctly shows how the object should be reassembled or folded back into its original form. This requires understanding the spatial relationships and connections between different parts of the object.

Example 4: You are given a series of objects or shapes and asked to identify the odd one out based on its spatial orientation. The options may include shapes that have been rotated, mirrored, or arranged differently, and you need to identify the one that does not match the others in terms of their spatial relationships.

In the AO section, you will typically encounter multiple-choice questions that require you to analyze spatial relationships, mentally manipulate shapes, and select the option that correctly represents their arrangement. Developing good visualization skills, mental rotation abilities, and an understanding of spatial relationships will help you excel in this section.

Remember to carefully analyze the given shapes, consider their orientations and connections, and mentally simulate their assembly or arrangement to choose the correct option. Practice with sample questions and familiarize yourself with different types of spatial puzzles to enhance your performance in the Assembling Objects section of the ASVAB.

calvinmorett / asvab