ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension Answers and Explanations
1. A: The passage states: "During interphase, all of the genetic material within the cell is replicated. Then, the strands that contain the genetic material, which are known as chromatin, become compacted and condensed." According to the passage, the material in the cell is copied (replicated) before the chromatin becomes compacted into strands.
2. B: The conclusion that many people do not practice healthy eating can be made based on two points in the passage. First, we are told that many people are obese. Second, it is stated that healthy eating is more important to maintaining a healthy weight than exercise activity. Therefore, if a large number of people are overweight, and eating unhealthy foods is the major contributor to obesity, it can be concluded that many people do not practice healthy eating.
3. B: The author is relying on experiences that were reported by others. This is evident through the use of such phrases as "he said that he was later told" and "she says the job went to a less qualified applicant."
4. D: The work is important because "it is often viewed as the first significant work of English literature."
5. B: The purpose of the passage is to convince the reader that cats are better pets than dogs. This is stated in the opening sentence when the author states "Cats are by far a superior pet compared to dogs." Also, the remainder of the passage describes the advantages of cats as pets. Any time cats are compared to dogs, cats are described as superior pets.
6. A: After the malaria parasites infect the red blood cells, symptoms like fever occur. The passage states that "There, they multiply, and soon they infect red blood cells. Malaria symptoms like fever will begin to be experienced at this point."
7. D: The main idea in this passage is that water sports don't have to be dangerous. The passage states "Many people feel that summer time water sports are dangerous. While accidents do occur, the vast majority are preventable." Also, the rest of the passage focuses on outlining what precautions can be taken to ensure that water sports are less risky.
8. D: This can be concluded based on the section of the passage that states "Today, with blogs, virtually anybody can put their work out there for others to view. It's as easy as setting up your blog, naming it, and posting anything you want."
9. D: Many people still do not buy organic food because it is too expensive. The passage states "the price of organic foods still prevents many people from eating them on a regular basis."
10. A: It is reasonable to conclude that the author mentioned Cindy because it would strengthen the argument that birth order affects personality traits. The passage states that oldest children are more responsible and perform better in school. Since Cindy was on the Dean's list (good academic performance) and did her chores as a child (a sign of responsibility), it is reasonable to assume that Cindy was an oldest child.
11. D: The main idea discussed in the passage is that weddings are expensive. The author states that the expense of a wedding is a major source of stress. Then, the author discusses many of the expenses involved, finally providing an example of the high cost of a simple wedding.
12. B: A supplier should reduce the price of a good if they want to sell more of it because, according to the passage, "consumers will demand less of a good if the price is higher and more if it is lower."
13. B: According to the passage, many people are in debt in North America because they borrowed money they could not afford to repay. The passage states that "much of the blame lies with the companies who actually granted the credit to consumers. This debt crisis wouldn't have happened if loans were not granted to people who could not afford them."
14. A: The person's airway should be opened before checking whether they are breathing. The passage advises the rescuer to "open their airway by raising the chin. After this, but before beginning mouth to mouth, spend a few moments to determine whether they are breathing." Mouth to mouth and chest compressions are only done if the person is not breathing.
15. A: The main idea of the passage is that fur is an unnecessary material good. The author provides two statements to support the main theme. First, the author notes that there are synthetic materials which can keep people warm, so fur is no longer necessary. Second, the author states that fur is used to produce luxury items which are not really needed by anyone.
