In a connector problem, what do the labels A and B represent?

Points on each shape where a line connects them. In connector problems, A and B are labels marking specific points on two separate shapes. The answer choices show the shapes connected by a line running from point A on one shape to point B on the other. The shapes may be rotated, but the connection points must match.

What is the best first step when solving a jigsaw-type Assembling Objects question?

Count the pieces and identify distinctive features. The best first step is to count the pieces and identify distinctive features like unique curves, angles, or proportions. This helps you quickly eliminate answers that don't use all pieces or have mismatched edges. Distinctive features serve as anchors for mental assembly.

Why are shapes sometimes rotated in the answer choices of connector problems?

Because rotation doesn't change the fundamental shape or connection point location. Shapes may be rotated in answers because rotation doesn't change the fundamental shape or relative position of connection points. You must recognize that a rotated triangle is still the same triangle. This tests your ability to identify shapes regardless of orientation.

Approximately how much time should you spend on each Assembling Objects question?

1 minute. With 16 questions in 16 minutes, you have exactly 1 minute per question. If you can't solve a question in about 45-50 seconds, eliminate what you can, make your best guess, and move on. Spending too long on difficult questions hurts your overall score.

Assembling Objects

Quick Answer: The Assembling Objects (AO) subtest has 16 questions in 16 minutes on CAT-ASVAB only. It tests spatial visualization through connector problems and jigsaw puzzles. This subtest does not appear on the paper-and-pencil version.

Overview

Assembling Objects tests your ability to visualize how separate pieces fit together. This skill is important for mechanical, technical, and some medical military occupations.

Question Format

Problem Type	What You See	What You Do
Connector	Two shapes with labeled connection points (A, B)	Find answer showing shapes correctly connected
Jigsaw	Separate pieces of a broken shape	Find answer showing pieces correctly assembled

Connector Problems

Connector problems show two shapes, each with a labeled point (typically "A" and "B"). A line in the answer choices connects point A on one shape to point B on the other.

How Connector Problems Work

Problem shows:

Shape 1 with point A marked
Shape 2 with point B marked
A line with endpoints labeled A and B

Answer shows:

Both shapes with the line connecting them
The line goes from point A on Shape 1 to point B on Shape 2
Shapes may be rotated or reflected

Connector Strategy

Identify the shapes - Note each shape's distinctive features
Locate connection points - Find exactly where A and B are marked
Check each answer - Verify both shape identity and point locations
Watch for rotations - Shapes may be turned but proportions remain same
Eliminate impossibles - Rule out answers with wrong shapes or point locations

Common Connector Tricks

Trap	How to Avoid
Wrong point location	Verify EXACTLY where the line attaches on each shape
Similar shapes	Focus on distinctive features (corners, curves)
Mirror images	Check if shape is flipped vs. rotated
Wrong shape entirely	Confirm both shapes match the problem

Jigsaw Problems

Jigsaw problems show individual pieces that, when put together, form a complete shape. The answer choices show different arrangements of those pieces.

How Jigsaw Problems Work

Problem shows:

Several separate pieces
May include irregular shapes, curved edges, or geometric figures

Answer shows:

Four options of assembled shapes
Only one correctly uses all pieces without gaps or overlaps

Jigsaw Strategy

Count the pieces - Make sure answer uses all pieces shown
Identify distinctive edges - Look for unique curves, angles, or proportions
Find corner pieces - Corners are easiest to place mentally
Check edge matching - Curves must fit together, angles must align
Verify no gaps/overlaps - Pieces should fit snugly

Visualization Technique: Anchor Piece

Pick the most distinctive piece as your "anchor"
Find that piece in each answer choice
Check if surrounding pieces match what you expect
Eliminate answers where the anchor doesn't fit

Spatial Reasoning Strategies

Mental Rotation Tips

Technique	How to Apply
Fixed feature	Pick one feature and track it through rotation
Clockwise check	Mentally rotate 90 degrees at a time
Proportion awareness	Width-to-height ratio stays constant in rotation
Asymmetry anchor	Asymmetric features help identify orientation

Pattern Recognition

What to Notice	Why It Helps
Acute vs. obtuse angles	Angle types don't change with rotation
Curved vs. straight edges	Easy to distinguish even when rotated
Relative proportions	Long vs. short sides identify pieces
Unique features	Notches, bumps, or irregular edges are distinctive

Common Question Types

Type 1: Simple Connector

Two basic shapes (triangles, rectangles, circles)
Clear point labels
Limited rotation in answers
Focus on point placement accuracy

Type 2: Complex Connector

Irregular shapes with multiple features
Points may be on edges or inside shapes
Significant rotation/reflection in answers
Requires careful shape identification

Type 3: Basic Jigsaw

3-4 geometric pieces
Simple edges (straight lines, basic curves)
Resulting shape is regular (square, rectangle)
Focus on edge matching

Type 4: Advanced Jigsaw

4-5 irregular pieces
Complex curves and angles
Resulting shape may be irregular
Requires detailed piece comparison

Time Management

With 16 questions in 16 minutes, you have exactly 1 minute per question.

Pacing Tips

Time	Action
0-15 seconds	Understand the problem, identify shapes/pieces
15-40 seconds	Analyze answers, eliminate obvious wrong choices
40-50 seconds	Verify best answer, check connection points or piece fit
50-60 seconds	Make final selection, move on

When to Guess

If you can't visualize the answer in 30 seconds, eliminate what you can and guess
Don't spend more than 75 seconds on any single question
Your first instinct is often correct for spatial problems

Practice Exercises

Building Spatial Skills

Tangram puzzles - Classic shape assembly practice
Jigsaw puzzles - Physical or digital
Block building - Mental 3D visualization
Origami - Folding requires spatial reasoning
Map reading - Rotation and orientation practice

Mental Practice

Visualize rotating objects in your mind
Practice mentally assembling simple shapes
Look at objects from different angles
Play spatial video games (Tetris, puzzle games)

Test-Taking Tips

Do	Don't
Study the problem before looking at answers	Jump to answers immediately
Use process of elimination	Try to verify every detail of every answer
Trust your spatial instincts	Second-guess your first impression
Keep moving if stuck	Spend excessive time on one question
Check distinctive features	Get lost in minor details

Remember: This subtest tests innate spatial ability, but you can improve through practice. Even 15-20 minutes daily of spatial puzzles can enhance your performance.

ASVAB

1Introduction

2Verbal Domain (WK + PC)

3Mathematics Domain (AR + MK)

4Science & Technical Domain (GS + EI + MC)

5Technical Skills Domain (AI + SI + AO)

Key Takeaways