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

Directions
The writing section

If you are taking the entire CBEST in one day (reading, math, and writing), spend about 30 minutes on each writing topic because both are weighted equally. On the day of the test, you will be given scratch paper (or a writing board) for prewriting notes. You are urged to use this space to brainstorm and organize your thoughts.

Paper-based test-takers write essay responses on the lined answer sheets provided in the test booklet. You may use the bottom of the topic page in your test booklet to organize and plan your essay before you begin writing. Before you begin writing your essay, look to see how much space is provided to write your essay. Your writing should be neat and legible. If your handwriting is particularly difficult to read, consider taking the computer version of the CBEST. Because you have only a limited amount of space in which to write, do not skip lines, do not write excessively large, and do not leave wide margins. Plan to write 250 to 400 words to adequately answer the question.

Computer-based test-takers write essay responses using a computer. The computer screen appears split horizontally, as pictured below. Your essay topic appears on the top part of the screen, and in the lower part, you have space to type your essay response. You can request scratch paper (or a writing board) for your prewriting activities. Plan to write 250 to 400 words to adequately answer the question.

Sample Computer-Based Question (Analytical Essay)