ASVAB Word Knowledge
Word Knowledge is one of the four tests that make up your AFQT score. It is all about vocabulary.
What Word Knowledge measures
Word Knowledge measures your "ability to select the correct meaning of words presented in context and to identify the best synonym for a given word." A synonym is a word that means the same, or nearly the same, as another word.
Questions and time
| Test | Questions | Time limit |
|---|---|---|
| Word Knowledge (CAT-ASVAB) | 15 | 9 minutes |
These counts do not include tryout questions. Some test takers get extra tryout questions with more time.
How to study Word Knowledge
- Learn word parts. Many words are built from parts. If you know "spect" means to look, you can guess at words like inspect and circumspect.
- Match the part of speech. If the word describes something, the answer should describe something too. Cross out choices that are a different kind of word.
- Use the sentence. When a word appears in a sentence, read the whole sentence. The words around it often point to its meaning.
- Say your own meaning first. Before you look at the choices, put the word in your own words. Then pick the choice that matches best.
- Study a little every day. Vocabulary grows with short, regular practice. A few new words a day adds up.
Sample questions
1. CANDID most nearly means
- A. secretive about one's opinions
- B. frank and open in speech
- C. a photograph taken without warning
- D. honesty
Show the answer
Answer: B. A candid person says plainly what he or she thinks. C uses another meaning of the word, and D is a noun, not a describing word.
2. Which option is closest in meaning to CALIBRATE?
- A. adjust
- B. measure
- C. thermometer
- D. adjustment
Show the answer
Answer: A. To calibrate something is to adjust it so it matches a known standard. "Adjustment" is close, but it is a noun, not an action word.
3. The prefix circum means around, and the root spect means to look. Using these word parts as clues, the word circumspect most nearly means
- A. turning the head all the way around to look behind
- B. able to inspect one small sample closely
- C. careful to look at what could go wrong before acting
- D. a careful look around a room
Show the answer
Answer: C. Looking all around before you move suggests caution. A circumspect person thinks about possible risks before acting.
How SPARK helps with Word Knowledge
SPARK's diagnostic shows how your vocabulary compares with your other sections. If Word Knowledge is one of your weakest areas, your study plan puts it first. You can ask the AI tutor about any word you miss.
FAQ
- How many questions are on ASVAB Word Knowledge?
- On the computer ASVAB, Word Knowledge has 15 scored questions with a 9 minute time limit. Some test takers also get extra tryout questions with more time.
- Does Word Knowledge count toward the AFQT?
- Yes. Word Knowledge is one of the four ASVAB tests used to compute the AFQT score, along with Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension.
- What kinds of questions are on ASVAB Word Knowledge?
- ASVAB Word Knowledge asks you to pick the correct meaning of words shown in context and to find the best synonym for a given word.
- What is the fastest way to study for ASVAB Word Knowledge?
- For ASVAB Word Knowledge, learning common word parts like prefixes and roots helps you figure out many words you have never seen. Short daily practice with new words also helps.
Find out where you stand, free.
SPARK starts with a diagnostic and builds your study plan around the sections pulling your score down.
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