Comprehensive preparation for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
Understanding vocabulary and word meanings
The Word Knowledge (WK) section tests your understanding of vocabulary and word meanings. This section evaluates your ability to recognize the meaning of words in context and your overall vocabulary knowledge.
Identify words with similar meanings:
Example: "TRIVIAL most nearly means"
Options: A) unimportant, B) complex, C) essential, D) obvious
Determine meaning from sentence context:
Example: "The commander's TERSE response indicated displeasure."
Options: A) lengthy, B) angry, C) brief, D) thoughtful
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Meaning directly provided | "The incessant, or continuous, rain..." |
| Synonym | Similar word used nearby | "The obdurate judge was stubborn..." |
| Antonym | Opposite word used nearby | "Unlike his gregarious brother, Tim was quiet..." |
| Example | Examples illustrate meaning | "Nocturnal animals, such as owls..." |
Word: CONCEAL
Options: A) reveal, B) hide, C) discover, D) expose
Solution: B) hide
Explanation: "Conceal" means to hide or keep something secret. Options A, C, and D are antonyms.
Sentence: "Despite her RETICENT nature, Sarah gave an impressive speech."
Options: A) outgoing, B) nervous, C) reserved, D) intelligent
Solution: C) reserved
Explanation: The word "despite" indicates contrast between Sarah's nature and her speech. "Reticent" means reluctant to speak.
Word: CHRONOLOGY
Analysis: "Chron" (time) + "-ology" (study of)
Meaning: Arrangement of events in order of occurrence
Scenario: Choose the correct word: "The weather will ________ our plans."
Options: A) affect, B) effect
Solution: A) affect (verb meaning to influence)
Memory Aid: "A" for Action (verb), "E" for End result (noun)
Word: RECONNAISSANCE
Definition: Military observation to locate enemy positions
Context: "The team conducted reconnaissance before planning their approach."
| Concept | Memory Aid |
|---|---|
| Prefix: un- | "UN-do what's been done" (not) |
| Suffix: -less | "CARE-LESS means without care" |
| principal/principle | "Principal is your pal" (person) |
| stationary/stationery | "stationEry has E for Envelope" |
This practice test contains 5 sample questions. On the actual ASVAB, you'll have 15 questions in 9 minutes (CAT-ASVAB) or 35 questions in 11 minutes (P&P-ASVAB).
TRIVIAL most nearly means:
Correct Answer: unimportant
"Trivial" means of little value or importance. Something trivial is minor or insignificant.
The commander's TERSE response indicated his displeasure with the situation.
Correct Answer: brief
"Terse" means sparing in the use of words; abrupt. The context suggests the response was short, indicating displeasure.
What does the prefix "inter-" mean in "international"?
Correct Answer: between
The prefix "inter-" means between or among. "International" refers to things between nations.
Choose the correct word: The weather will ________ our plans for the picnic.
Correct Answer: affect
"Affect" is a verb meaning to influence. "Effect" is typically a noun meaning a result or consequence.
The soldier showed VALOR by risking his life to save his wounded comrade.
Correct Answer: courage
"Valor" means great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle.
Review the explanations for each question to understand the correct answers.