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 10 scored questions with a 27-minute official subtest limit. PC combines with WK to derive Verbal Expression (VE), which is weighted in the AFQT composite, making reading comprehension important for overall AFQT performance. 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
Sample Questions
Sample Question 1
Read the passage: 'The new aircraft carrier can accommodate over 5,000 personnel and carry up to 75 aircraft. Its nuclear reactors can power the ship for over 20 years without refueling.' What is the ship's power source?
- Diesel engines
- Solar panels
- Nuclear reactors
- Coal
The passage explicitly mentions 'nuclear reactors' that 'can power the ship for over 20 years.'
Sample Question 2
Read the passage: 'GPS technology has revolutionized navigation. These systems use satellites to determine precise location anywhere on Earth. However, GPS signals can be blocked by dense foliage, urban canyons, or intentional jamming.' What can interfere with GPS?
- Sunlight
- Dense foliage, buildings, or jamming
- Water
- Wind
The passage mentions 'dense foliage, urban canyons, or intentional jamming.'
Sample Question 3
Read the passage: 'The global positioning system (GPS) relies on a network of satellites orbiting Earth. These satellites continuously broadcast signals containing their location and precise time. A GPS receiver calculates its position by measuring the time it takes for signals from multiple satellites to arrive.' How does a GPS receiver determine location?
- By sending signals to satellites
- By measuring signal travel time from multiple satellites
- By connecting to the internet
- By using magnetic fields
The passage explains that a GPS receiver 'calculates its position by measuring the time it takes for signals from multiple satellites to arrive.'
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.