Question 1
According to the passage, the main reason the bridges were covered was to:
ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension
Paragraph Comprehension gives a short passage and asks about it: the main idea, a stated detail, what the passage suggests or what a word means there.
| Computer test | 10 questions in 27 minutes |
|---|---|
| Paper test | 15 questions in 13 minutes |
| Question types | Main idea, detail, inference, word in context |
| Counts toward | The AFQT verbal score |
How to read for the answer
- Main idea: the option that covers every sentence, not just one
- Detail: find the words in the passage that say it
- Inference: it must follow from the passage alone, with no outside facts
Where marks go
- Choosing a true detail when the question asks for the main idea
- Choosing something sensible that the passage never says
- Missing an exception later in the sentence
Try 3 questions
The covered bridge
Many old wooden bridges in New England have roofs and walls. Travelers sometimes say the roofs were built to shelter people from storms, but the main reason was practical. Wood that stays wet rots quickly. A roof kept rain and snow off the bridge's wooden frame, so a covered bridge could last many decades longer than an open one.
Question 2
In the passage, “practical” most nearly means:
Starting a compost pile
A compost pile needs a mix of “greens” and “browns.” Greens, such as vegetable scraps and fresh grass, supply nitrogen. Browns, such as dry leaves and cardboard, supply carbon. A pile with too many greens turns slimy and smells, while a pile with too many browns breaks down very slowly. Turning the pile every week or two lets in air and speeds the process.
Question 3
A gardener's pile smells bad and feels wet. Based on the passage, what should she add?
Next step
Questions people ask
Should I read the question before the passage?
The passages are short. Read the question first so you know what to look for, then read the whole passage once.
Do I need outside knowledge?
No. Every answer comes from the passage. An option that needs outside facts is a trap.