CBEST Reading 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read this passage: 'Standardized tests have long been criticized for favoring students from wealthy backgrounds who can afford test preparation courses. Proponents, however, argue that such tests provide an objective measure independent of teacher bias.' What is the author's primary purpose in this passage?
- To persuade readers that standardized tests should be abolished
- To present multiple perspectives on standardized testing (Correct answer)
- To prove that wealthy students always outperform others
- To argue that teacher bias is the biggest problem in education
Correct answer: To present multiple perspectives on standardized testing
The passage presents both criticisms and defenses of standardized tests without taking a personal stance, indicating a balanced, informational purpose.
Question 2: Which of the following is the best example of an inference a reader can make from a text that states: 'The store's shelves were completely bare, and the manager posted a sign saying shipments were delayed'?
- The store had recently gone out of business permanently
- The store was experiencing a temporary shortage due to supply issues (Correct answer)
- Customers had stolen most of the merchandise
- The manager was planning to remodel the store
Correct answer: The store was experiencing a temporary shortage due to supply issues
Empty shelves plus a sign about delayed shipments logically supports the inference of a temporary supply shortage.
Question 3: A passage uses the phrase 'the legislation was far-reaching.' Based on context in a political article, 'far-reaching' most likely means:
- Geographically spreading across distant states
- Having broad and wide-ranging effects or implications (Correct answer)
- Difficult to understand by ordinary citizens
- Requiring a long time to be passed into law
Correct answer: Having broad and wide-ranging effects or implications
'Far-reaching' in political contexts means having extensive effects beyond the immediate or obvious scope.
Question 4: Which of the following is an example of a fact rather than an opinion?
- Shakespeare was the greatest writer in the English language.
- Hamlet was first performed around 1600. (Correct answer)
- The themes in Hamlet are more relevant today than ever.
- Everyone should read at least one Shakespeare play.
Correct answer: Hamlet was first performed around 1600.
The approximate date of Hamlet's first performance is a verifiable historical fact, unlike judgments about greatness or relevance.
Question 5: A student reads a persuasive essay that cites only studies funded by the industry being discussed. This is an example of:
- Strong use of expert testimony
- A potential bias in the sources cited (Correct answer)
- An effective counterargument strategy
- Appropriate use of primary sources
Correct answer: A potential bias in the sources cited
Studies funded by an interested industry may be biased, so relying solely on them is a credibility concern for the argument.
Question 6: What does it mean to identify the 'main idea' of a passage?
- To list every detail the author mentions
- To find the central point the passage is primarily about (Correct answer)
- To identify the longest paragraph in the text
- To summarize the introduction sentence only
Correct answer: To find the central point the passage is primarily about
The main idea is the central, overarching point that the entire passage is organized to convey.
Question 7: A sentence reads: 'The novel's protagonist undergoes a profound metamorphosis by the final chapter.' Based on context, 'metamorphosis' most likely means:
- A physical journey to another place
- A deep and fundamental transformation (Correct answer)
- A conflict with the antagonist
- A realization about a hidden truth
Correct answer: A deep and fundamental transformation
'Metamorphosis' means a significant change or transformation, especially in character or form.
CBEST Reading 5
Read this passage:
'Standardized tests have long been criticized for favoring students from wealthy backgrounds who can afford test preparation courses.
Proponents, however, argue that such tests provide an objective measure independent of teacher bias.'
What is the author's primary purpose in this passage?