ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension practice

After reading, summarize what the passage says about its subject in one sentence. A topic such as “city parks” is not yet a main idea; “city parks can reduce local heat” is a claim about that topic.

Reject options that focus on only one example or add a broader conclusion. The best main-idea answer should account for the important parts of the whole passage.

For a factual question, return to the relevant sentence. Match who did what, when, and under which conditions. Pay particular attention to comparisons, exceptions and quantities.

“Some,” “most” and “all” are different claims. A statement that a method can work does not establish that it always works or that it is the only method.

An inference combines information in the passage into a supported conclusion. It should not require an invented motive, a new cause or specialist knowledge the passage never supplies.

An answer can be unsupported without being directly contradicted. If two options seem reasonable, identify what evidence each needs and whether the passage actually gives it.

Ask what the author is doing: explaining a process, describing a finding, comparing alternatives or arguing for a change. Then look for wording and structure that support that purpose.

A passage about a disagreement is not automatically persuasive. It might simply explain each side. Judge tone from the actual language rather than from your own reaction to the topic.