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

Test-taking strategies
Introduction to the CBEST: California basic educational skills test

The CBEST is offered in both paper-based and computer-based formats. Although the test question types are identical in both versions, it is helpful to approach the test by using straightforward general test-taking strategies. To be successful on the exam, you must spend time learning about the exam and how best to approach it, study to increase your knowledge, and practice answering simulated questions. This section covers test-taking strategies, information, and approaches to tackle the test questions.

Multiple-Choice Test-Taking Strategies

Instructions for multiple-choice questions will appear on your exam, but here are specific strategies to help you work through the multiple-choice questions quickly, accurately, and efficiently. There is no right or wrong way to answer questions, but there are general strategies that can help you get your best possible score.

· Stick to the CBEST test specifications.

· Read each question carefully.

· Budget your time wisely.

· Use the elimination approach.

· Use the “plus-minus” approach.

· Don’t misread a question.

· Be on alert for EXCEPT and NOT questions.

Stick to the CBEST Test Specifications

The CBEST content can seem overwhelming because there are so many topics and unfamiliar concepts—it is a lot to follow! Take the guesswork out of what to expect on the exam and follow the guidelines in the CBEST test specifications. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing has provided learning targets for each skill factor that can help you focus on what is testable. As you go through the chapter reviews in chapters 1—7, focus on the test specifications.

Read Each Question Carefully

Don’t work so quickly that you make careless errors. Do not make a hasty assumption that you know the correct answer without reading the whole question, graphic images, and all of the answer choices. The hurried test-taker commonly selects an incorrect answer when jumping to a conclusion after reading only one or two of the answer choices in the easy questions. Read actively, take notes, and don’t let the easy questions mislead you. You must look at all of the answer choices in order to select the best answer.

Budget Your Time Wisely

You have 2 hours and 40 minutes to answer 100 multiple-choice questions. You might calculate that you have approximately 1½ minutes per question, but this does not include the time it takes to read questions (and passages). Some questions may take more time, while others may take less time. Students who spend too much time dwelling on a single question don’t get the score they deserve because they leave insufficient time to answer other questions they could get right. With sufficient practice, you will almost automatically know when a question is taking too much time and when you should make an educated guess and move on to the next question. There is no penalty for guessing, so make an educated guess if necessary and make sure you answer every question.

Use the Elimination Approach

The elimination approach is one of the best test-taking strategies to increase your chances of selecting the correct answer. As you eliminate an answer choice from consideration, you are statistically increasing your odds of choosing the correct answer. After you have eliminated answer choices, you can then make an educated guess to choose the correct answer. On the paper-based exam, simply cross out choices with a diagonal line that you know are incorrect and insert question marks (?) next to the choices that may be possible answers. On the computer-based exam, follow the same procedures, but first quickly write the question number and letters of the answer choices. Your test booklet or writing board should resemble the example below.

Use the Plus-Minus Approach

Many people who take the CBEST don’t get their best possible score because they spend too much time on difficult questions, leaving insufficient time to answer the easy questions. Don’t let this happen to you. Since every question is worth the same point value, the plus-minus approach will help you categorize test questions so that you can focus your attention on the ones that you are able to answer quickly.

If you’re taking the paper-based test, mark in your test booklet. If you’re taking the computer-based test, draw two columns on the writing board provided at the test center. Label the top of the first column with a plus symbol (+) and the top of the second column with a minus symbol (—).

Follow the guidelines on the next page to determine which category to use for each question.

Guidelines for Using the Plus-Minus Approach

Paper-based test: Your test booklet should look like this:

Computer-based test: Your writing board should look like this:

TEST TIPS: (1) You are not penalized for wrong answers, so never leave a question blank. (2) Work on one section at a time (reading, writing, or math). This will keep your mind focused on one subject at a time. Do not proceed to the next section without answering all possible questions within each section. DO NOT EXIT THE TEST UNTIL YOU HAVE ANSWERED ALL OF THE QUESTIONS. Once you exit, you cannot return. If you run out of time, at least you will have an answer recorded. (3) Paper-based test-takers do not have to erase the pluses and minuses on the test booklet.

Be on Alert for EXCEPT and NOT Questions

A common mistake is misreading a question that includes except or not. A negative question reverses the meaning of the question and asks for the opposite to be true in order to select the correct answer. Negative questions can initially be confusing and challenge your thinking. It is helpful to write down brief notes to avoid misreading a question (and therefore answering it incorrectly). To help answer a negative question, treat the answer choices as true or false statements, searching for the answer choice that is false. To help you remember, circle or write down the part of the question that is negative. For example,

Don’t Misread the Question

This strategy is helpful for taking either the paper-based test or the computer-based test.

Sometimes a question may have different answers, depending on what is asked. For example:

If 6y + 3x = 14, what is the value of y?

The question may instead have asked

“what is the value of x?”

Here’s another example:

If 3x + x = 20, what is the value of x + 2?

Notice that this question doesn’t ask for the value of x, but rather the value of x + 2.

To avoid misreading a question (and therefore answering it incorrectly), simply circle or write down what you must answer in the question. For example, do you have to find x or x + 2?

And remember, you don’t have to erase the circles you make in your test booklet or on the writing board.