General strategies - Introduction to the mathematics section

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

General strategies
Introduction to the mathematics section

Test-taking strategies can accelerate your learning and help you respond to questions quickly and efficiently.

· Scratch work: All scratch work with your notes and computations must be done on the scratch paper or writing board provided by the test administrators.

· Pace your time: If you are taking all three sections of the CBEST on the same day, you should spend about 75 minutes to complete 50 problems. This averages minutes per problem, so keep that in mind as you tackle each problem. If you know that you can work a problem but that it will take you far longer than minutes, skip it and return to it later if you have time. With sufficient practice, you will know, almost automatically, when a problem is taking too much time and when to take an educated guess and move on to the next question. Keep in mind that it’s important to finish all math problems before proceeding to the next section. This will allow you to remain focused on one subject at a time.

· Answer every question: There is no penalty for guessing, so never leave any question blank. If you don’t know the answer to a question, reread the question. The answer may become apparent when you take a second look. If not, take an educated guess by using the elimination strategy described on p. 5. You have nothing to lose and, quite possibly, something to gain.

· Mark the correct answer choice: Paper-based test-takers, be sure that your answers correspond to the numbers on your question sheet. Placing one answer incorrectly on the answer sheet may shift all your answers to the incorrect spots. Also check that the oval you have chosen is completely filled in before proceeding to the next question. And above all, double-check to make sure that you mark your answers to math questions on the Mathematics section of your answer sheet. Computer-based test-takers, check to make sure that you have clicked on the correct oval.