CAST Test Design and Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A CAST Reading question asks for the 'main idea' of a passage. The main idea is best described as:
- The first sentence only
- The overall point the passage supports (Correct answer)
- A single supporting detail
- An unrelated fact
Correct answer: The overall point the passage supports
The main idea is the central point that the supporting details collectively reinforce.
Question 2: When eliminating answer choices on a multiple-choice CAST item, which is the strongest reason to rule out an option?
- It is the longest answer
- It contradicts information given in the question (Correct answer)
- It contains a number
- It appears first
Correct answer: It contradicts information given in the question
An option that conflicts with the given information can be safely eliminated.
Question 3: In a Mechanical Concepts image showing two gears meshed together, the gears will:
- Rotate in the same direction
- Rotate in opposite directions (Correct answer)
- Both stop
- Spin at random
Correct answer: Rotate in opposite directions
Two directly meshed gears always turn in opposite directions.
Question 4: A Graphic Arithmetic problem gives dimensions on a drawing. Before calculating, you should first:
- Ignore the units shown
- Confirm which measurements the question actually needs (Correct answer)
- Add every number on the page
- Assume all values are in feet
Correct answer: Confirm which measurements the question actually needs
Identifying the relevant measurements prevents using unneeded values or wrong units.
Question 5: For Mathematical Usage, converting 3/4 of an hour to minutes gives:
- 30 minutes
- 40 minutes
- 45 minutes (Correct answer)
- 75 minutes
Correct answer: 45 minutes
Three-fourths of 60 minutes equals 45 minutes.
Question 6: Which test-taking error most commonly lowers CAST scores under time pressure?
- Reading too carefully
- Misreading what the question asks (Correct answer)
- Using scratch paper
- Double-checking math
Correct answer: Misreading what the question asks
Misreading the question wastes time and leads to confidently wrong answers.
Question 7: The CAST is used primarily to select candidates for which type of roles?
- Clerical office jobs
- Skilled construction and trade/craft positions (Correct answer)
- Retail sales
- Software engineering
Correct answer: Skilled construction and trade/craft positions
The CAST assesses aptitude for construction and skilled-trade craft worker roles.
CAST Test Design and Techniques 3
A CAST Reading question asks for the 'main idea' of a passage.
The main idea is best described as: