CliffsNotes CBEST - BTPS TESTING Ph.D., Jerry Bobrow Ph.D. & 8 more 2021
Question types
The reading section
The level of difficulty and complexity of questions varies among passages, but knowing what types of questions are covered on the CBEST will give you an advantage when preparing for the exam. Fortunately, this study guide is designed to help you focus on key details while using active reading techniques that will help answer questions.
TEST TIP: The selections used for the passages frequently come from a broad spectrum of general-interest topics in social studies, natural sciences, humanities, consumer affairs, health, and literature. You are not expected to be familiar with the subject matter of the passage or with its specific content, and you will not be expected to have any prior outside knowledge of the subject. Everything you need to know will be provided in the passage. All questions can be answered on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage, or information given.
Before we introduce the specific types of questions, remember to ask yourself the following questions when analyzing reading passages.
· What is the main idea of the passage?
· What details support the main idea?
· What is the purpose of the passage?
· What is the context? (to figure out difficult or unusual words in the passage)
Now, let’s review the specific types of questions that you will encounter on the CBEST. Approximately 40 percent of the questions are drawn from critical analysis and evaluation skills, and about 60 percent of the questions require comprehension and context or research and reference skills.
Note: Strategies and practice problems for question types begin on p. 12.
Critical Analysis and Evaluation Questions
Critical analysis and evaluation questions require you to look for details in the passage and use your reasoning skills to find the meaning of the passage. The answer is never vague and is always based on evidence that is directly stated or indirectly presumed from information in the passage. Once you understand what the author is communicating in the passage, your answer should make logical sense. Work actively back and forth between the passage and the question to find the reasonable solution. Remember, do not overthink this type of question; you can always find the answer somewhere in the passage.
The most common types of critical analysis and evaluation questions are illustrated in the following table.
Critical Analysis and Evaluation Questions
|
Question Type |
Example |
Supporting points. Identify reasons, examples, details, or facts that support the author’s main idea. |
Which [specific fact] supports the author’s point of view? |
Facts versus opinion. Distinguish between fact and opinion. |
Which of the following best expresses an opinion, rather than a fact? |
Strengths and weaknesses. Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of the passage. |
Which of the following would most weaken the author’s argument? |
Compare and contrast. Compare and contrast information presented in the passage. |
The writer makes which of the following comparisons in the passage? |
Predictions and assumptions. Make general predictions or logical assumptions. |
Which of the following assumptions most influenced the author’s argument in the passage? |
Author’s point of view. Recognize the author’s underlying attitude, opinion, or viewpoint. |
Details of the passage suggest that the author’s attitude is which of the following? |
Inconsistencies. Identify inconsistencies or differences in points of view in the information presented. |
Which of the following best describes the major difference between ______ and ______? |
Audience. Identify the intended audience of the passage. |
The author of the passage is addressing which of the following audiences? |
Comprehension and Context Questions
Comprehension and context questions are straightforward. These questions are used to determine if you comprehend the passage and its direct meaning. These types of questions ask you to make logical inferences based on what is directly stated in the context of the information presented in the passage.
The most common types of comprehension and context questions are illustrated in the following table.
Comprehension and Context Questions
|
Question Type |
Example |
Main idea. Identify the main purpose of the passage. |
The author’s argument in this passage is addressed mainly to . . . ? |
Facts and details. Identify facts and details of the passage. |
Which of the following details from the passage best supports the author’s ideas about _____? |
General and specific. Identify the relationship between general and specific ideas, people, or events. |
According to the passage, it is reasonable to conclude that the major difference between _____ and _____ is characterized by which of the following? |
Sequence of events. Arrange the events or ideas in the passage in order or in process steps. Arrange the ideas presented in the passage into an outline or diagram. |
Which phrase best organizes the sequence of ideas addressed in the passage? |
Summarize. Paraphrase or summarize the information presented in the passage. |
Which of the following best summarizes the author’s ideas presented in the passage? |
Draw conclusions. Make generalizations from the information in the passage to draw conclusions. |
After reading the passage, which of the following is a reasonable conclusion about the main character’s goal? |
Inferences. Make inferences and recognize implications based on the information in the passage. |
Based on the information contained in the passage, it is reasonable to infer that the word _____ refers to which of the following? |
Word meanings. Identify the meaning of unknown words or phrases using context clues, syntax, and structural analysis (e.g., affixes, prefixes, roots). |
In the second sentence, which of the following is the best meaning of the word _____? |
Language. Determine the meaning of figurative or colloquial language. |
In the first sentence, the author mentions _____ in order to create the feeling of which of the following? |
Transitional words. Identify the function of key transitional words and phrases (e.g., “however,” “by contrast,” and “in conclusion”). |
Which words, if inserted in order into the blank lines, would help connect the author’s main point to the next paragraph? |
Research and Reference Skills Questions
Research and reference skills questions test your ability to effectively organize a passage, locate information, and understand how to read tables and graphs.
The most common types of research and reference skills questions are illustrated in the following table.
Research and Reference Skills Questions
|
Question Type |
Example |
Identify information. Identify the table of contents, index, and headings of a book. |
In which part of the book would information about _____ most likely be found? |
Locate specific information. Identify the place where specific information can be found (e.g., book, chapter, paragraph, article, or report). |
On which pages should one look to find information about _____? |
Organization. Understand how a reading selection is organized. |
Which of the following best organizes the main topics of the passage? |
Tables and graphs. Identify the implied relationships in tables and graphs. |
According to the graph, which of the following best describes the relationship between _____ and _____? |