ASVAB: Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (Exam Cram)

IntroductionIntroduction\ Welcome to the ASVAB Exam Cram. In the pages of this book you will find tips and essential information you will need to score your absolute best on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).\ You might be taking the ASVAB to explore your aptitude for a variety of civilian careers, or to begin the process of enlistment in the armed forces. Either way, you want your performance on the ASVAB to showcase what you already know and demonstrate your readiness to achieve proficiency in the vital skill sets called for by the modern military and civilian workplaces. Simply put, the better you perform on the ASVAB, the greater your career opportunities will be.\ The goal of the ASVAB is straightforward. It is not designed to trip you up or screen you out. It is basically a tool you can use to introduce yourself to your prospective employer and take control of your own future.\ Much like military service itself, success on the ASVAB requires disciplined, targeted preparation. A soldier heading into battle carries only the essential equipment for survival in the field and victory in combat. Your ASVAB Exam Cram preparation is your "combat gear" for an assault on the ASVAB. Our goal is not to try to teach you all the material you need to know about every topic. Instead, we will provide you with focused review materials and key tactical insights for overcoming potential problem areas. We leave out all the fluff to keep your pack light and all your energies focused on the objective.\ Let's get started!Taking the ASVAB\ The ASVAB is administered by the Department of Defense (DoD) and is free of charge. It comesin several forms; however, the tests themselves (and the preparation techniques required) are not all that different. The ASVAB tests are as follows:\ \ \ ASVAB 18/19—Administered in over half of all U.S. high schools as part of the "Career Exploration Program," this version is used as a tool for students and guidance counselors to assess career aptitude (both civilian and military). This test comes in a paper version and consists of eight sections. See your guidance counselor for more information, or visit http://www. asvabprogram.com.\ \ \ Paper Version ASVAB—Administered by recruiters for use in direct enlistment into the armed forces it contains eight subject area sections (see Table 0.1 below) and may also contain a ninth section called "Assembling Objects." Contact a recruiter from the service branch of your choice to schedule the test.\ \ \ CAT ASVAB—The Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) is also administered by recruiters for use in direct enlistment into the armed forces. This version is becoming more common, is given only at Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS), and, in some areas, may be the only version available. The main difference between the CAT and paper version is that the CAT adapts (or adjusts on the fly) to determine your level of ability. The better you do on the early questions, the higher the level of difficulty you can reach, and the higher you can score. The downside is that you don't have the option to skip over and return later to a tough question that has you bogged down. The CAT ASVAB contains nine or ten sections ("Shop" and "Auto Information" sections may be separated), including the "Assembling Objects" section. Contact a recruiter from the service branch of your choice to schedule the test.\ \ \ \ Caution - If you are taking the ASVAB through a recruiter, he or she may accompany you to the test site and wait for you to complete the test. You may even be offered a ride to and from the test location. Do not allow yourself to feel pressured to hurry through the test so that you don't inconvenience the recruiter. They are just doing their job. Yours is to focus on the test and do your best.\ \ When you add up the time required for each section of the test (see Table 1) and throw in extra time for administration, the ASVAB takes about three hours to complete. In between sections of the CAT-ASVAB, you may take a short break before moving on. If you take longer than two minutes before advancing to the next screen, your computer terminal will lock up on you. This will require the proctor to come to your terminal and key in the password to resume testing. There is no penalty for locking up your terminal in this way, but it can be distracting to the other test takers.Table 1 ASVAB Test Sections\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ Order\ \ \ Section\ \ \ Number of Questions\ \ \ Time Allowed\ \ \ \ \ 1\ \ \ General Science\ \ \ 25\ \ \ 11 minutes\ \ \ \ \ 2\ \ \ Arithmetic Reasoning\ \ \ 30\ \ \ 36 minutes\ \ \ \ \ 3\ \ \ Word Knowledge\ \ \ 35\ \ \ 11 minutes\ \ \ \ \ 4\ \ \ Paragraph Comprehension\ \ \ 15\ \ \ 13 minutes\ \ \ \ \ 5\ \ \ Mathematics Knowledge\ \ \ 25\ \ \ 24 minutes\ \ \ \ \ 6\ \ \ Electronics Information\ \ \ 20\ \ \ 9 minutes\ \ \ \ \ 7\ \ \ Mechanical Comprehension\ \ \ 25\ \ \ 19 minutes\ \ \ \ \ 8\ \ \ Shop and Automotive Information\ \ \ 25\ \ \ 11 minutes\ \ \ \ \ 9\ \ \ Assembling Objects\ \ \ 16\ \ \ 9 minutes\ \ \ \ \ Taking the ASVAB in no way obligates you to join the military, but it is an excellent way to begin a conversation with a recruiter to help you gather information about possible career fields and job opportunities that might be open for you. You also can use the Internet to research military occupations. Each branch of the armed forces has its own website, as listed here:\ \ \ Army—http://www.army.mil\ \ \ Air Force—http://www.af.mil\ \ \ Navy—http://www.navy.mil\ \ \ Marine Corps—http://www.usmc.mil\ \ \ Coast Guard—http://www.uscg.mil\ \ \ As an alternative, you can visit http://www.careersinthemilitary.com or http://www.military.com to get an overview of each branch.Arriving at the Exam Site\ After you have studied the material, taken the practice tests, and reviewed your weak areas, you are academically ready to take the ASVAB. But your preparation doesn't end there. To ensure your readiness you need to be well rested, on time (which, as for any professional appointment, means that you should arrive 10–15 minutes early) and comfortably, but appropriately dressed. Essentially this means that you should wear casual, but professional, clothes and shoes. Don't waste the recruiter's time by missing or being late to your appointment and don't waste your time by pulling an all-nighter before the test that prevents you from being at your sharpest. Along with being well rested, make sure you have eaten a good meal before test time; you'll need your energy. Once the test starts, the proctor may excuse you momentarily to use the restroom, however, it is best to take care of that need before the test begins. Here's what you'll need to take with you to the test site:\ \ \ A picture ID (such as driver's license)\ \ \ A completed Form 680 (the equivalent of an admissions ticket, your recruiter will have this form and help you fill it out)\ \ \ Scratch paper and pencils will be provided at the test site In the Exam Room\ Chances are good that you will not be the only test-taker in the exam room on the day of your ASVAB. Whether there are only a few or as many as 20 others, remember that everyone works at his or her own pace. Just because someone else may zoom through the test and finish ahead of you, doesn't mean that you are falling behind or need to pick up the pace. Work at your own pace, being mindful of the time limits for each test section, in the same way that you practiced when working through the sample tests in this book.\ The test environment will be professional and quiet. There will be a proctor to help you with any questions, provide you with extra pencils and scratch paper if you need, and to unlock your computer terminal if you take too long to answer a question or read the sample question instructions; both situations will cause your screen to "lock up," thus preventing you from proceeding without assistance.\ Answer sheets for the paper version of the ASVAB resemble any other standardized testing form. You must completely and neatly fill in the bubble corresponding to your answer choice. The CAT ASVAB instructions and questions appear in white lettering on a blue screen background. You may also have a specially labeled keyboard on which you can only select from the keys A, B, C, D, E, Enter, Spacebar, or HELP. Don't skip over the instructions. Read them carefully and follow them throughout the test.\ When you complete each section of the test you will be notified on screen and then can move on to the instructions and examples for the next section. At the end of all sections, you will be expected to check out with the proctor and to turn in your pencils and all scratch paper (used and blank). Nothing leaves the testing room. For the CAT ASVAB your recruiter will likely be able to give you your score the next day.Study and Exam Preparation\ Regardless of the testing format you are taking, the old saying that "practice makes perfect" applies. The more effort you put into reviewing and practicing (under test-like conditions) the type of questions you'll be facing, the better you will do.About This Book\ Each Exam Cram chapter follows a regular structure and contains graphical cues about important or useful information. Here is the structure of a typical chapter, including special features that may be used to highlight key points:\ \ \ Opening Hotlists—Found on the first page of each chapter, these lists highlight terms, concepts, and information you will need to become familiar with throughout the chapter.\ \ \ Topical Coverage—The heart of the chapter, this is a summary of the subject matter vital to success on that subject area of the exam.\ \ \ Notes and Tips—These are useful pieces of information, shortcuts, or more efficient ways to tackle a type of exam question.\ \ \ Exam Alerts—Here is your "heads up" for items you can be certain will show up on the exam.\ \ \ Exam Prep Practice Questions—Each chapter contains a set of 10–15 practice questions to help you solidify your understanding of the material covered. The correct answer is given along with an explanation of why it is correct and why the other choices are not. Use these questions to pick out weak areas you should review before taking the Sample Exams at the back of the book.\ \ \ Need to Know More?—Found only on the CD-ROM, this is a listing of other sources of information to hone your skills in a particular way.\ \ \ Using This Book\ You may use this book according to your own needs. Everyone should begin with the Self Assessment to gauge his or her particular strengths and weaknesses and to get a feel for the ASVAB. Treat all practice exams as though they were the real thing. Find a quiet place, use a timer, and don't allow yourself to be interrupted until the time is up.\ After you've completed the Self Assessment, review your personal objectives in taking the ASVAB. Everyone should focus effort on preparing for the four sections that comprise the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT). You must achieve a minimum score on the AFQT for the different branches of the service. The sections that make up the AFQT are: Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning, and Mathematics Knowledge.\ If you find yourself short of time before your ASVAB test date, study the areas of weakness identified in your Self Assessment and be sure to at least skim every chapter to absorb the Tips, Exam Alerts, and Cautions.\ Ideally, you will take the time to move steadily through each chapter, taking note of areas in which you need to do additional study. This will prepare you to take the Practice Exams found at the end of the book. Treat this book like a study outline and don't hesitate to mark it up, highlight key information, and fold down the corners of important pages for future reference. Also note that at the very end of this book are answer sheets you can use for your practice exams.\ We hope you enjoy using this Exam Cram book and that as a result of your focused preparation you will be well on your way toward a rewarding career.\ \ © Copyright Pearson Education. All rights reserved.

Introduction. Self-Assessment. Chapter 1: General Science. Physical Sciences  Scientific Method: Observation and Measurement  Chemistry  Physics  Life Sciences  Biology  Human Anatomy and Physiology  Ecology   Earth and Space Sciences  Geology  Meteorology  Astronomy  Exam Prep Questions  Exam Prep Answers  Chapter 2: Arithmetic Reasoning. Arithmetic: A Review  Arithmetic Operations  Fractions  Decimals  Putting Fractions and Decimals to Use on the ASVAB  Reasoning: Using Arithmetic to Solve Your Problems  Word Problems  Series  Exam Prep Questions  Exam Prep Answers  Chapter 3: Word Knowledge. Building Your Vocabulary  Understanding Context  Experience Clues  Definition or Paraphrase Clues  Example Clues  Comparison and Contrast Clues  Synonyms and Homonyms  Words and Their Synonyms  Using a Thesaurus  Confusing Homonyms  Understanding Denotation and Connotation  Denotation  Connotation  Finding Word Meaning Through Structure  Root Words  Prefixes  Suffixes  Exam Prep Questions  Exam Prep Answers  Chapter 4: Paragraph Comprehension. Reading for Details  Reading for Comprehension  Subject Matter  Main Character  Setting  Point of View  Action and Plot  Grouping Sequences  Reading for Content, Comprehension, and Context  Readingfor Content–The Literal Level  Reading for Context–The Interpretive Level  Reading at the Applied Level  Developing a Summary  Improving Your Reading Abilities  Improving Your Comprehension  Improving Your Reading Speed  Tips for Increasing Your Reading Rate  Adjusting Your Reading Rate  Tips for Success on the Reading Comprehension Battery  Exam Prep Questions  Exam Prep Answers  Chapter 5: Mathematics Knowledge. Taking the Mathematics Knowledge Test  More Fun with Numbers  Factors and Multiples  The Factorial (!)  Exponents and Roots  Operations with Negative Numbers  Order of Operations  Algebra  Algebraic Equations  Performing Operations with Algebraic Expressions  Factoring Algebraic Expressions  Inequalities  Geometry  Lines  Angles  Triangles  Quadrilaterals  Circles  Volume  Exam Prep Questions   Exam Prep Answers  Chapter 6: Electronics Information. Schematics  Principles of Electricity  Current  Electromotive Force and Voltage  Resistance and Impedance  Ohm’s Law  Power  Electrical Components and Properties  Batteries  Wiring  Resistors  Transistors  Conductors and Conductivity  Capacitors, Capacitance, and Capacitive Reactance  Switches  Insulators  Magnets and Electromagnets  Inductors, Inductance, and Inductive Reactance  Transformers  Rectifiers and Inverters  Electrical Safety  Discharging a Capacitor  Electrical Fires  Exam Prep Questions  Exam Prep Answers  Chapter 7: Mechanical Comprehension. Mechanical Principles  Work and Mechanical Energy  Mechanical Advantage  Friction  Calculating Efficiency  Principle of Moments and Torque  Mechanical Motion  Forces of Motion  Motion and Mechanical Laws  Simple and Compound Machines  Levers  Wheel and Axle  Pulleys  Inclined Planes  Wedges  Screws  Gears and Other Simple Machines  Structural Support  Structure Types  Load Types  Mechanical and Structural Properties  Stress  Strain  Modulus of Elasticity   Properties of Materials  Metals  Ceramics  Organics  Synthetics and Polymers  Fluid Dynamics  Specific Gravity  Pressure  Archimedes and Fluid Displacement  Bernoulli and Fluid Movement  Exam Prep Questions  Exam Prep Answers  Chapter 8: Shop Information. Tools  Measuring Tools  Cutting and Shaping Tools  Drilling Tools  Fastening Tools and Fasteners  Shop Processes  Welding   Soldering  Brazing  Machining  Shop Project Planning  Exam Prep Questions  Exam Prep Answers  Chapter 9: Automotive Information. A Look Under the Hood  A Word on Safety  Tools of the Trade  Hand Tools  Power Tools  Cleaning Equipment  Metalworking Tools  Measuring Systems and Tools  Fasteners  Engine Classifications  Combustion Types  Cylinder Number and Arrangement  Valve Arrangement  Cycling  Combustion Chamber Shape  Engine Types  Rotary Engine  Piston Engines  Engine Systems  Lubrication System  Cooling System  Fuel System  The Drive Train  Manual Transmissions  Automatic Transaxle and Transmission  Drive Line Arrangements  Drive Train Components  Electrical Systems  Charging System  Battery  Starting System  Ignition System  Ignition Classifications  Lighting and Accessory System  The Chassis Systems  Tires and Wheels  Emission Systems  Exam Prep Questions  Exam Prep Answers  Chapter 10: Assembling Objects. Puzzle Piece Assembly   Labeled Part Connections  Exam Prep Questions  Exam Prep Answers  Chapter 11: Practice Exam 1. Word Knowledge  Paragraph Comprehension  Electronics Information  Automotive Information  Mechanical Comprehension  Chapter 12: Answers to Practice Test 1. Word Knowledge  Paragraph Comprehension  Electronics Information  Automotive Information  Mechanical Comprehension  Chapter 13: Practice Exam 2. General Science  Arithmetic Reasoning  Mathematics Knowledge  Shop Information  Assembling Objects  Chapter 14: Answers to Practice Exam 2. Answers to General Science  Answer Explanations for General Science  Answers to Arithmetic Reasoning  Answer Explanations for Arithmetic Reasoning  Answers to Mathematics Knowledge  Answer Explanations for Mathematics Knowledge  Answers to Shop Information  Answer Explanations for Shop Information  Answers to Assembling Objects  Answer Explanations for Assembling Objects  Appendix A: CD Contents and Installation Instructions. The CramMaster Engine  Multiple Test Modes  Pretest Mode  Adaptive Drill Mode  Simulated Exam Mode  Istalling CramMaster for the ASVAB Exam  Using CramMaster for the ASVAB Exam  Customer Support  Appendix B: Need to Know More? - 403 (on the CD). Glossary. Index.