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

Section III: Writing
Practice Test 1

2 Essays

60 Minutes

Directions: In this section you will plan and write two essays, one for each topic given. Read each topic carefully to make sure that you are properly addressing the issue or situation. You must write on the specified topic. An essay on another topic will not be acceptable. Plan your time wisely. Each essay is weighted equally. Plan to spend the same amount of time on each essay.

The two essay questions are designed to give you an opportunity to write clearly and effectively. Use specific examples whenever appropriate to aid in supporting your ideas. Keep in mind that the quality of your writing is much more important than the quantity.

Write each essay on two sheets of lined paper. Your writing should be neat and legible. Because you have only a limited amount of space in which to write, please do not skip lines, do not write excessively large, and do not leave wide margins. However, it is important that you indent paragraphs so that readers clearly know when a new paragraph begins.

Note: On the actual written exam, you may use the bottom of the topic page in the test booklet to organize and plan your essay before you begin writing. For the computer-administered exam, you may use the writing board to organize and plan your essay.

Topic 1

The twelve years that students spend in elementary and secondary school, plus any time spent in college, provide them with opportunities to learn new material, master social skills, and make lifelong friends.

Assignment: In an essay to be read by an audience of educated adults, identify and describe one of these areas that you personally recall, and discuss how the school setting affected your experience.

Topic 2

One of the current trends in education is the use of computers in the classroom. While proponents cite numerous instructional advantages, opponents cite the disadvantages of overusing computers in the classroom.

Assignment: In an essay to be read by an audience of educated adults, discuss whether you agree or disagree with using computers for classroom instruction. Support your argument with specific examples from your personal experience, readings, or general knowledge.

IF YOU FINISH BEFORE TIME IS CALLED, CHECK YOUR WORK ON THIS SECTION ONLY. DO NOT WORK ON ANY OTHER SECTION IN THE TEST.