Sections of the ASVAB

The ASVAB contains a total of approximately 200 multiple-choice questions that cover a wide variety of subjects or categories. In fact, the ASVAB contains questions from nine (9) specific categories or sub-tests.

Let's take a look at the nine subjects that you will face on the ASVAB. When you take the ASVAB exam you will be asked to answer multiple-choice questions from each of the following sub-tests:

GENERAL SCIENCE (GS)

General Science tests the ability to answer questions on a variety of science topics drawn from courses taught in most high schools. The life science items cover botany, zoology, anatomy and physiology and ecology. The earth and space science items are based on astronomy, geology, meteorology and oceanography. The physical science items measure force and motion mechanics, energy, fluids, atomic structure and chemistry.

Sample test question:

How many different elements are present in glucose, C₆H₁₂O₆?

A. 3
B. 6
C. 12
D. 24

Explanation of Answer:
C₆H₁₂O₆ contains 3 elements: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

 

ARITHMETIC REASONING (AR)

Arithmetic Reasoning tests the ability to solve basic arithmetic problems encountered in everyday life. One-step and multi-step word problems require addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and choosing the correct order of operations when more than one step is necessary. The items include operations with whole numbers, operations with rational numbers, ratio and proportion, interest, percentage and measurement. Arithmetic Reasoning is one factor that helps characterize mathematics comprehension, and it also assesses logical thinking.

Sample test question:

There are 110 male and 32 females working at a restaurant. What percentage of the restaurant workforce is female?

A. 3%
B. 12%
C. 23%
D. 32%

Explanation of Answer:
Add the number of men and women to get the total number: 142. The number of women, 32, so divide 32 into 142 to get .2253. Then multiply by 100 to convert it to a percentage and you have 23%.

 

WORD KNOWLEDGE (WK)

Word Knowledge tests the ability to understand the meaning of words through synonyms – words having the same or nearly the same meaning as other words. The test is a measure of one component of reading comprehension since vocabulary is one of many factors that characterize reading comprehension.

Sample test question:

Formidable most nearly means

A. Easy
B. Pleasant
C. Threatening
D. Interesting

Explanation of Answer:
To be formidable is to be dreadful, menacing, fearful.

 

PARAGRAPH COMPREHENSION (PC)

Paragraph Comprehension tests the ability to obtain information from written material. Students read different types of passages of varying lengths and respond to questions based on information presented in each passage. Concepts include identifying stated and reworded facts, determining a sequence of events, drawing conclusions, identifying main ideas, determining the author’s purpose and tone and identifying style and technique.

Sample question:

4. Twenty-five percent of all household burglaries can be attributed to unlocked windows or doors. Crime is the result of opportunity plus desire. To prevent crime, it is each individual’s responsibility to:

A. provide the desire
B. provide the opportunity
C. prevent the desire
D. prevent the opportunity

Explanation of Answer:
You cannot reasonably prevent someone's desire to commit a crime, but you can prevent the opportunity.

 

MATHEMATICS KNOWLEDGE (MK)

Mathematics Knowledge tests the ability to solve problems by applying knowledge of mathematical concepts and applications. The problems focus on concepts and algorithms, and involve number theory, numeration, algebraic operations and equations, geometry, measurement and probability. Mathematics knowledge is one factor that characterizes mathematics comprehension; it also assesses logical thinking.

Sample test question:

35 percent of what number is equal to 15?

A. 2
B. 35
C. 43
D. 525

Explanation of Answer:
Divide 15 by 35 and then multiply the answer by 100 to find the percent. (Round to the nearest answer)

 

ELECTRONICS INFORMATION (EI)

Electronics Information tests understanding of electrical current, circuits, devices and systems. Electronics Information topics include electrical circuits, electrical and electronic systems, electrical currents, electrical tools, symbols, devices and materials.

Sample test question:

A properly soldered connection will appear:

A. textured
B. dull
C. shiny
D. smooth

Explanation of Answer:
Shiny joints indicate a properly soldered connection.

 

AUTO AND SHOP INFORMATION (AS)

Auto and Shop Information tests aptitude for automotive maintenance and repair, and wood and metal shop practices. The test covers several areas commonly included in most high school auto and shop courses, such as automotive components, automotive systems, automotive tools, troubleshooting and repair, shop tools, building materials and building and construction procedures.

Sample test question:

Which of the following systems connects directly to the internal combustion engine in an automobile?

A. the suspension system
B. the braking system
C. the airbag system
D. the cooling system

Explanation of Answer:
The cooling system circulates water around the engine to prevent it from overheating. None of the other systems is connected directly to the engine.

 

MECHANICAL COMPREHENSION (MC)

Mechanical Comprehension tests understanding of principles of mechanical devices, structural support and properties of materials. Mechanical comprehension topics include simple machines, compound machines, mechanical motion and fluid dynamics.

Sample test question:

Which principle of mechanical motion is used in the design of a roller coaster?

A. momentum
B. friction
C. acceleration
D. all of the above

Explanation of Answer:
All of the above. Acceleration must be considered in designing the maximum rise of the first hill. Momentum must be considered to ensure the train gets back to the starting point, since it has no motor. Friction must be considered in the design of the braking system.

 

ASSEMBLING OBJECTS (AO)

Assembling Objects tests your ability to determine how objects will appear when parts are put together.

Sample test question:

Which figure best shows how the objects in the left box will appear if they are fit together?

Explanation of Answer:
The correct answer is C.

 

Preparing for the ASVAB

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