What is VE and AR on the ASVAB?
Understanding the various sections of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is crucial for anyone considering joining the military. Two of the most important sections are the Verbal Expression (VE) and Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) tests. Let’s delve into what these sections entail and how they contribute to your overall ASVAB score.
Verbal Expression (VE)
The Verbal Expression section of the ASVAB is designed to measure your ability to understand and use written and spoken English. This section consists of two types of questions: Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension.
| Question Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Word Knowledge | Tests your ability to understand the meanings of words and their relationships to other words. You will be presented with a word and asked to choose the word that is most nearly opposite or similar in meaning. |
| Paragraph Comprehension | Tests your ability to understand and interpret written material. You will read a short passage and then answer questions about the passage’s content, purpose, and structure. |
Scoring in the VE section is based on the number of correct answers. The maximum score you can achieve in this section is 62.
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
The Arithmetic Reasoning section of the ASVAB assesses your ability to solve mathematical problems and understand mathematical concepts. This section consists of three types of questions: Word Problems, Number Series, and Arithmetic Reasoning.
| Question Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Word Problems | Tests your ability to apply mathematical concepts to real-life situations. You will be presented with a word problem and asked to choose the correct answer from among four options. |
| Number Series | Tests your ability to recognize patterns in a series of numbers. You will be presented with a series of numbers and asked to choose the next number in the series. |
| Arithmetic Reasoning | Tests your ability to solve mathematical problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions. You will be presented with a series of problems and asked to choose the correct answer from among four options. |
Scoring in the AR section is also based on the number of correct answers. The maximum score you can achieve in this section is 98.
Importance of VE and AR Scores
Your scores in the VE and AR sections of the ASVAB are crucial for determining your military occupational specialty (MOS). The VE score is used to determine your eligibility for certain MOSs, while the AR score is used to determine your eligibility for others. For example, a high VE score may qualify you for a MOS that requires strong communication skills, while a high AR score may qualify you for an MOS that requires strong mathematical skills.
Preparing for VE and AR
Preparing for the VE and AR sections of the ASVAB involves a combination of studying and practicing. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
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Review basic mathematical concepts and practice solving arithmetic problems.
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Improve your vocabulary by reading a variety of materials and using flashcards.
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Practice reading and understanding passages by reading articles, books, and other written materials.
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Take practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions.
By understanding what the VE and AR sections of the ASVAB are, how they are scored, and how they contribute to your MOS eligibility, you can better prepare for the test and increase your chances of success.
