CliffsNotes CBEST - BTPS TESTING Ph.D., Jerry Bobrow Ph.D. & 8 more 2021
General strategies
The reading section
Reading is an interactive process that is the basis for all questions on the CBEST. Good reading skills develop through consistent practice that helps you to construct meaning from the context of the written passages. You will not be expected to understand every detail presented in the passages, but you must be able to read purposefully, not casually, to keep your mind engaged in the reading process. How do you keep your mind engaged? The technique of reading actively will help you focus your concentration so that you can read the passages and accurately respond to the questions.
Before we walk you through the four-step approach to improve reading comprehension skills, let’s review general strategies and test-taking tips.
· Use your time wisely! You have 80 minutes to complete 50 reading questions. Do not spend too much time on any one question because all of the questions have equal value. If you are taking the entire three sections of the CBEST in one day (reading, writing, and math), you have about a minute and a half to answer each question. This includes the time required to read, mark, or write down information from the passage. If you’re stuck on a question, mark it (or write it down) and move on. There is no penalty for wrong answers because your score is based on your number of correct responses. If a question takes you more than a minute and a half to answer, use the elimination strategy described in the Introduction on p. 5 and move on.
· Use only the information that is directly provided in the passage. Do not use outside information or previous knowledge to answer the questions, even if it seems more accurate than the information in the passage. All questions are drawn from the information that is stated or implied in the passage.
· Develop good reading habits. Good reading habits develop with time and practice. Spend about 15 to 20 minutes per day, at least 6 weeks before the exam, reading faster than your normal reading speed. As you read, pay special attention to key words, transitional words, and negative words. This process will help strengthen your cognitive reading development. Developing good reading habits is similar to going to the gym to build and strengthen your muscles. You must practice reading skills frequently and consistently to build and strengthen your “brain muscles.”
How do you strengthen reading skills? Read articles (magazines, newspapers, scholarly journals, etc.), editorials, book excerpts, or Internet news to practice what you have learned. For example, read the article and then write down what you remember about the author’s main point and supporting points. Then compare your written notes to the article itself. Don’t get hooked into reading only interesting, thought-provoking articles. Try to stretch your reading level by reading material that you might not normally read because you have no interest in the topic. Most likely, the passages on the CBEST will be ones that you may not normally choose to read.
· Focus on the main point. Do not try to memorize the passage. Instead, think of each paragraph as a “thought unit,” and try to move your eyes rapidly down the passage while taking notes. Write down main points, key words (names, definitions, places, and numbers), or any other items you feel are important.
· Eliminate incorrect answer choices. If you don’t know the answer, try to eliminate some of the obvious wrong choices as soon as you recognize them. Use the elimination strategy discussed on p. 5. If you get stuck on any one question, take an educated guess by eliminating as many of the choices as you can and proceed to the next question. Try to answer every question because there is no penalty for incorrect answers. Remember: You can mark questions for review and go back to them later if there’s time.