How to Study for the Word Knowledge ASVAB

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) multiple-choice test is conducted by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command to determine whether an individual is qualified to enter the United States armed forces.

Completing the ASVAB assessment reveals which army jobs, or Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), would suit you best. You cannot technically fail the exam, but you need to score at least a 31 to be considered for enlistment. Typically, people finish the exam within 3 hours or less.

An administrator will give you instructions and tell you how long you have to finish each of the subtests. Before you begin, you will get to answer practice questions and ask any of your own questions as well. 

Here’s some more information about the structure of the ASVAB:

ASVAB Structure

There are two different types of the ASVAB test: computer administered and pencil/paper. The ASVAB has 10 separate subtests. If you take the test at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), you will get to take the computer administered version. Here are the subtests you’ll have to complete:

·     Arithmetic reasoning

·     Word knowledge

·     Paragraph comprehension

·     Mathematics knowledge

·     General science

·     Electronics information

·     Auto information

·     Shop information

·     Mechanical comprehension

·     Assembling objects

On the pencil and paper version of the test, you will take the same subtests but there will be more questions in each subtest. The pencil and paper version is administered at a satellite location called a Military Entrance Test (MET) site.

To improve your vocabulary, use these helpful tips and strategies before taking the ASVAB:

Learn Common Words from the ASVAB Word Knowledge Section

Taking Word Knowledge Practice Tests is a great way to secure a higher test score. Words from previous years are likely to be similar to updated versions of the test. This is because the Department of Defense wants you to know the same types of words each year.

Here are some examples of ASVAB vocabulary words that frequently appear in the Word Knowledge section of the test:

·     Acute: ending in a sharp point

·     Ambiguous: having several meanings

·     Abhorrent: offensive to the mind

·     Carcass: the dead body of an animal, usually one that has been slaughtered

·     Debonair: being charming

·     Competent: qualified, capable, efficient

·     Vague: unclear or not distinct

·     Slander: false statements that damage the reputation of someone

Study Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots

Each year, new words are added to the Word Knowledge section. You’ll rarely find these new words in practice test banks. To prepare for these words, you should learn the definition of common prefixes and suffixes. 

For example, “bio” is a prefix which means “life.” You can use your understanding of prefixes to uncover the meanings of words. A biography is someone’s life story. The prefix clues you into this. 

Identify Words that Have Similar Meanings

Another helpful way to study for the ASVAB is to use an online thesaurus. This will help you identify words using their synonyms. The Word Knowledge is all about testing a person’s knowledge of synonyms, which are words that have similar meanings. For example, the word “severe” is similar to the word “intense.”

Customize Your Learning Experience

Not everyone learns in the same way, so it’s important to figure out what learning style is most effective for you and use that method when studying the ASVAB. 

One method of studying that many people benefit from is using flash cards. Flash cards are effective studying tools that work in a number of ways. Writing and organizing the flash cards is like studying in and of itself.  Once they’re created, you can study them repeatedly until you’ve memorized the words. 

Another way to learn is to create a vocabulary notebook. To do this, put the words in question in a column to the left and then put 2 to 3 synonyms for each word in the right column. You can use your hand or a piece of paper to cover the part of the page that has the answers.

Studying Words that You Can’t Seem to Remember

Studying isn’t always a breeze. Most of the time, people struggle to remember at least a few words. Instead of being frustrated, change your study method for those specific words.

One method you can use is to create visual image or rhyme that relates to that word. Creating associations is a tried and true method of studying that helps many people.

We offer a wide variety of ASVAB online courses that effectively teach you the material you need to get a high score on the test. Take an online course on the Word Knowledge subtest if you find it helpful to study using an organized course structure.

Our ASVAB Word Knowledge course is 1-hour long and features engaging interactions throughout the course that help you retain as much information as possible. It goes through what the subtest looks like and how to answer the questions properly, so you get a great score.

The course [can be watched in whatever order you prefer. You can review the online class as many times as you want within your 60-day access period.

First, you’ll cover an introduction to word knowledge. Then you’ll cover prefixes, suffixes, and root words. Lastly, you’ll get to study synonyms and antonyms, and be given word knowledge test insider tips. You can purchase instant access to the course for $8.99 by clicking here. 

Aside from our word knowledge ASVAB questions, we also have other ASVAB study guides, online courses, word knowledge practice tests, and study bundle deals. We truly believe that our coursework can help you adequately prepare for the exam and secure a high score.

We strive to help people who are interested in enlisting in the army to understand all the elements of the test and prepare for it using effective studying methods. You can contact us by visiting the “Have an Advisor Call You” section of our website to learn more about our word knowledge for ASVAB study guide.