ASVAB CampCompare and Contrast flashcards
8 cards with the formulas, rules and traps from this lesson. Answer in your head, then flip to check.
Strategy · 1/8
What is the two-column evidence grid for comparison passages?
One column per subject, one row per feature. Fill a cell only with stated facts. Matching rows are similarities, differing rows are differences, empty cells are unknowns.
Rule · 2/8
A passage gives a feature for subject A but says nothing about subject B. What do you know about B?
Nothing. B's status is unknown; silence is not evidence the feature is missing, so do not treat it as a difference.
Rule · 3/8
What makes a comparison fair?
It lines up the same dimension on both sides (weight with weight, battery life with battery life) and, for changes over time, the same period for each subject.
Term · 4/8
Comparative versus superlative
A comparative ranks one item against another ('faster than the bus'); a superlative ranks one above all in a group ('the fastest'). Accept a superlative only if the passage supports it.
Formula · 5/8
A pass rate rises from 40% to 50%. Percentage points versus percent increase?
It rose 10 percentage points (50 minus 40), but the relative increase is . The two terms are not interchangeable.
Rule · 6/8
What does the word 'only' add to a comparison?
It marks an exclusive feature: 'Only the second shelter has a backup generator' means the others lack one. Without 'only,' generators elsewhere are not ruled out.
Term · 7/8
Trade-off: how should you answer when a passage presents one?
Each option gains something and gives something up (warmer jacket but harder to pack). Avoid choices naming one option better overall; judge 'better' only by a stated criterion.
Common trap · 8/8
What is the attribute-swapping trap?
A choice gives subject A's feature to subject B, e.g. the north well is deeper, but the choice says the south well is. Check each choice against your grid.