In the reading comprehension section, what types of texts are used?

The correct answer indicates that the reading comprehension section of the Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) utilizes artificial or constructed foreign language texts. These kinds of texts are specifically designed to assess the ability to derive meaning and understand language structure within a context that may not follow conventional norms of any particular language. This approach allows the test to evaluate a test-taker's capacity to grasp linguistic principles and patterns rather than relying solely on familiarity with a specific language or standard literary form.

By using constructed foreign texts, the DLAB can effectively measure an individual's aptitude for learning new languages, as it simulates the learning process without the bias of pre-existing knowledge in a real language. The focus is on comprehension and analytical skills in language, which are critical for language acquisition. Other types of texts, such as standard literary works or academic articles, could inadvertently favor those already proficient in established languages, thus not reflecting true language learning potential. Simple children’s stories may not provide the complexity required for evaluating higher cognitive skills needed for language learning.