ASVAB Practice and Study Tips
A vocabulary that is strong enough to answer the majority of ASVAB Word Knowledge questions can be built with this 5-step strategy.
Step 1:
Learn Common Words Tested on the ASVAB Word Knowledge Section
If you take Word Knowledge Practice Tests that include words that previously appeared on the ASVAB then you are one step closer to improving your test score. The ASVAB vocabulary words for 2015 will be similar to the list we include in the ASVAB Word Knowledge Study pack because the types of words the Department of Defense want you to know remain the same each year.
Step 2:
Study Word Roots, Prefixes and Suffixes
New words are added to the Word Knowledge section each year. Even the best ASVAB practice test word bank will not include these unknown, new words. Learning the definition of common prefixes and suffixes can get you at least part of the way to a correctly answering questions about these unknown words. For example, the prefix “bio” means “life”. Use this knowledge to decode the definition of biography, which is the life story of a person. Common prefixes, suffixes and word roots that should be studied are defined and described in this ASVAB Word Knowledge Online Course.
Step 3:
Identify Words with a Similar Meaning
Instead of studying the dictionary definition of a word, study using the Thesaurus. An online thesaurus can be immensely helpful in finding a list of synonyms for a word. This way you will identify meanings of word by their synonyms. Since the Word Knowledge section is all about testing a person’s knowledge of synonyms (similar words) then you’ll be one step ahead by already knowing a list of similar words. For example, “vague” is similar to the following words: ambiguous, dubious, uncertain, imprecise, etc. If you get the below question on the ASVAB Word Knowledge subtest then you will know the correct answer is (C), imprecise, because you studied the thesaurus instead of the dictionary.
Question: Vague most nearly means
A. harsh
B. obvious
C. imprecise
D. debonair
Step 4:
Pick a Personalized Word Memorization Plan
Some learn really well by creating flash cards. They write a word on the front and synonyms for that word on the back of a 3 x 5 index card. A person can learn a lot through the activity of creating flash cards. After the flash cards are created, the cards can be used until most of the words are memorized.
Others may learn better by creating a vocabulary notebook. Put the words in question in the left-hand column and 2-3 synonym answers for each word in the right hand column. A person can use their hand or a spare piece of paper to cover the portion of the page with the answers to see how many words can be identified by memory.
Step 5:
That Dang Word You Never Remember
There are always a few words that are constantly forgotten during a study session. Instead of getting frustrated, try memorizing the word with a different study approach. It can be helpful to create a visual image, silly sentence or rhyme to build an association between a word and its synonyms.
For example, “ambiguous” means “unclear”. Imagine a visual image of “a big group of us” (sounds like the word “ambiguous”) with everyone’s face covered so they can’t be clearly identified. This type of word association method can help tremendously.
What’s Next?
To start studying for your ASVAB Word Knowledge test today, or other sections of the ASVAB, visit ASVAB Boot Camp’s products page to see packages and individual study materials that are available for immediate access.
ASVAB Boot Camp is an online exam preparation site that helps students quickly prepare for the ASVAB. Leading subject matter and e-learning experts have worked together to analyze every detail of preparing for the test in order to create the best ASVAB practice and study materials available online. Further, well-qualified Instructional Designers created highly illustrated and interactive online modules that are easy to understand.
