Читать книгу 2021 / 2022 ASVAB For Dummies - Angie Papple Johnston - Страница 66

In some cases, it’s okay to guess on the ASVAB — but only if you do it strategically.

You won’t be penalized for guessing on the paper-and-pencil version of the ASVAB (aside from choosing the wrong answers, that is). You can complete each section at your own pace within the time limits, and you’re allowed to review and change your answers in the current section. After time expires and the test proctor tells you to close your booklet, you won’t be permitted to go back to that portion of the test.

You will be penalized for guessing on the CAT-ASVAB (the computerized version of the test) that new recruits take at MEPS. If you look at the clock and start clicking random answers in a rush because you’re almost out of time for that section, your score will go down. You can take the entire CAT-ASVAB at your own pace, but you can’t review or change any answers after you’ve submitted them. You can’t go back to the beginning of the subtest after you start. If you’re running out of time, do not guess! Keep trying to answer each question to the best of your ability, using the test-taking strategies outlined in this chapter.

You’ll have 9 minutes to answer 15 questions if you’re taking the CAT-ASVAB and your subtest has no tryout questions, which leaves you about 36 seconds for each one. If you’re taking the paper-and-pencil version, you’ll have 11 minutes to answer 35 questions. That’s about 18 seconds per question (if you want to check the math, refer to Chapter 6).

If you must guess on the ASVAB, eliminate choices that you know are incorrect first. You have a 25 percent chance of getting each question right without reading it, but you can increase those chances if you eliminate even one incorrect choice. That’s why these test-taking strategies are so important — the better you perform on the Word Knowledge section, the higher your score will be, which opens doors to more desirable jobs and helps you get your military career off to a good start.