CliffsNotes CBEST - BTPS TESTING Ph.D., Jerry Bobrow Ph.D. & 8 more 2021

A four-step approach to reading comprehension
The reading section

Now, let’s walk through the specific step-by-step approach to improve your reading skills. CBEST candidates who become comfortable using these strategies tend to score higher on the reading section than readers who do not use these strategies.

Step 1: Preread the Question

One of the most important strategies in reading comprehension is that you must stay focused on the question and address all parts of the question. Computer-based test-takers can quickly preread questions by using the next and previous icons on the computer while taking notes on the writing board that is provided. Write down key words that stand out in the question so that you will know what to look for in the passage. If a question asks you to locate specific facts, write down those specific facts. For example, if the question reads “What is the meaning of the word remedy as it is used in the passage?” write down the word “remedy.”

To save time, remember to abbreviate words when possible. For example, if asked to make an inference or to draw a conclusion, write down an abbreviated word for inference or conclusion (e.g., “INF” or “CON”) to remind you what to look for as you read the passage. Make mental notes of the main points and key words in the question so that you can find the answer in the passage.

Step 2: Read Actively

Active reading is not about moving your eyes across a page more quickly. Active reading is about mentally engaging in the written material, forming a visual picture, and making mental connections to what you are reading. Start by gathering clues from the context of the passage and using the techniques of note-taking, paraphrasing, predicting, and practicing.

TEST TIP: To keep your mind focused, try to answer all questions relating to one passage before moving on to the next passage.

· Take notes. As you read the passage, remember to write down key words, phrases, or details to keep your mind engaged in the topic. All test-takers have different learning styles, but taking notes helps you center on the passage’s main ideas and avoid distractions during the exam. Your written notes from the passage will often trigger your memory and enable you to make mental associations that clarify the content of the passage. Do not over-mark or over-write! Just give yourself a few brief reminders.

Some passages are difficult to understand, but the answer to every question is always stated directly or can be reasonably inferred from the information in the passage. You may be surprised at the information you can recall when writing down just a few trigger words to link to the context of the reading passage. Taking notes is also useful if you come across a word, phrase, or concept that you don’t understand. Just write a quick note to yourself as a reminder to seek further clarification. Often, the answer to your question may appear later in the passage.

Longer passages may not fit on the computer screen, so you may need to scroll down to read the entire passage. Remember that you can move forward to the next question and back to a previous question at any time, but you should answer all the questions for one passage before moving on to the next passage. This helps you stay focused on one topic.

· Paraphrase. In your mind, always restate the main point and the supporting points of the passage in your own words. This cognitive strategy helps you to form mental representations of the written passage. For example, ask yourself, “What is the author’s main point?” or “How can I summarize the passage in my own words?”

· Predict. Make predictions about the passage so that your mind is continuously guessing at or anticipating what is going to come next. For example, in a passage that introduces “complex carbohydrates” in the first sentence, you might immediately predict that the passage will be a nutrition-based science topic.

· Practice. Repeated and consistent practice is the key to reading success. As you practice reading techniques and hone your skills, you will find that you will become more proficient at note-taking, paraphrasing, and predicting.

Step 3: Reread the Question

Clarify your notes and quickly reread the question before answering the question. Do not make the hasty assumption that you know the correct answer without rereading the entire question and answer choices.

Step 4: Answer the Question

After you have quickly preread the question and actively read through the passage, it’s time to answer the question. Be sure that you understand exactly what you are being asked. Some questions on the CBEST may have more than one answer choice that is true. These answer choices are intended to distract you from the correct choice. Just because an answer choice is true does not mean that it is the correct choice. Always look for the best answer choice and make sure that you read all of the choices before making your final selection.

Reading the questions too quickly can result in choosing the wrong answer(s)—a common mistake made by test-takers. Always make sure that the answer you choose agrees with the information contained in the passage and that it answers the specific question being asked.

Use the incorrect answer choices to help guide you toward the correct answer. For example, if you narrow down the choices by eliminating the wrong answer choices, you are statistically increasing your odds of selecting the correct answer choice (see the elimination strategy on p. 5). If you get stuck on any one question, make an educated guess by eliminating as many of the choices as you can and then proceed to the next question. Note: Remember to take notes so that you can quickly review the choices that are eliminated.