Word List for ASVAB

What is an ASVAB Word List?

If you are an aspiring candidate, it is essential that you prepare yourself by giving due importance to all the subject areas covered and the subtests included. The subtests that contribute to the AFQT score (Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, and Word Knowledge) should be given critical importance, as this is the score that determines your eligibility into military enlisting. Read on to understand about an essential tool for preparation wordlist- a list of words; and also find useful links to some of the popular vocabulary building resources.

The Word Knowledge (WK) Subtest

ASVAB is a battery of nine (ten in the case of CAT-ASVAB) subtests that help evaluate the examinees’ abilities and skills in various core areas like English, General and Technical Science, and Mathematics. The test battery is used for two distinct purposes – as an enlistment and classification tool by the US military and as a career exploration tool (as a part of the Career Exploration Program) at many US schools (http://official-asvab.com/index.htm; http://asvabprogram.com).

Out of the nine or ten subtests, Paragraph Comprehension (PK) and Word Knowledge (WK) are the two subtests that check the candidates’ expertise and knowledge in the English language usage.  The Word Knowledge subtest focuses on measuring the vocabulary skills – the ability to understand the word meanings, and to use the correct terminology (http://official-asvab.com/subtests_app.htm). When preparing, thus a word list can become an essential tool for success.

ASVAB Word Lists

Word lists or vocabulary lists are compendium of words and terminologies for a specific purpose or in a specific domain or in a specific language; such a list helps users or test takers master the words (often in the given area) and improve their vocabulary (often for a defined purpose like test taking). It is a collection of English words that can help examinees prepare for the Word Knowledge subtest mainly, and also for the Paragraph Comprehension subtest. As the test includes multiple-choice questions only, where each examinee has to identify the meaning of the given word, or choose the appropriate synonym for a word, a word list also focuses on helping the test takers improve their performance in these two areas.

Many types of word lists are available these days; some online, some downloadable, installable, and some in print format. Read on to find some useful online links to word list programs.

List of ASVAB Word List Programs

    • http://dynamo.dictionary.com/28056 – This is a vocabulary building game that you can play online. There are 251 words included in this word list. This website also has other word games like crosswords, matching games, and listening games.
    • http://www.flashcardexchange.com/cards/asvab-vocabulary-404256 – This is a flashcard based study program available online for vocabulary building. The list comprises of 84 words with their meanings. You can also take the help of hints while studying these flashcards. The program also includes a test to check your vocabulary and also a facility that helps you memorize new words and their meanings better.
    • http://www.vocabulary.com/lists/98722 – This is a word list that provides a set of 115 words, with elaborate definitions and meanings for each, along with audio options to listen to the pronunciation. You need to log into the website to learn these words, but it is available free of cost. A spelling bee game is also included.

This is not a comprehensive list. In addition to specific word list programs, you can also make use of online dictionaries, thesauri, etc. for building up your vocabulary for the test. Moreover, as in the case of any other preparation resources, always ensure that you are using materials and programs that fit your specific requirements for the test.