About Paragraph Comprehension

Paragraph Comprehension evaluates your reading comprehension skills through short passages followed by questions. You will need to identify main ideas, draw conclusions, determine word meaning from context, and understand the author's purpose. On the CAT-ASVAB, you have approximately 22 minutes for 10 questions. Like WK, PC is weighted double in the AFQT formula, making it extremely important for your overall score. The passages are typically 1-4 paragraphs long and cover diverse topics. Strong reading skills developed through regular practice will serve you well on this section.

Topics Covered

Main Idea Identification
Supporting Details
Drawing Conclusions
Making Inferences
Author's Purpose & Tone
Vocabulary in Context
Fact vs. Opinion
Cause and Effect
Sequence of Events
Summarization

Sample Questions

Sample Question 1
Read the passage: 'The immune system protects the body from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. White blood cells are the primary defenders, attacking and destroying foreign substances. When the immune system encounters a new pathogen, it creates antibodies that remember how to fight that specific threat in the future.' What is the main function of antibodies?
  • Attack white blood cells
  • Remember and fight specific pathogens
  • Create new viruses
  • Weaken the immune system
The passage states antibodies 'remember how to fight that specific threat in the future.'
Sample Question 2
Read: 'Exercise improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and boosts mood.' According to the passage, exercise does NOT:
  • Improve heart health
  • Build strength
  • Enhance mood
  • Increase appetite
The passage mentions cardiovascular health, muscles, and mood - but not appetite.
Sample Question 3
Read the passage: 'The company requires all employees to wear safety goggles when operating machinery. This policy was implemented after several minor eye injuries occurred.' Why was the policy implemented?
  • To improve productivity
  • To prevent eye injuries
  • To reduce costs
  • To comply with fashion standards
The passage states the policy came 'after several minor eye injuries occurred' - clearly to prevent such injuries.

Study Tips for Paragraph Comprehension

Read the Questions First

Before reading the passage, quickly scan the questions. This helps you know what to look for while reading, saving valuable time.

Practice Active Reading

As you read each passage, mentally note the main idea, key details, and the author's tone. This makes answering questions faster.

Eliminate Wrong Answers

If you are unsure, use process of elimination. Cross out answers that are clearly wrong or not supported by the passage text.