CBEST Reading: Comprehension and Research 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student wants to find the most current statistics on US graduation rates. Which source is MOST appropriate?
- A history textbook published in 2005
- A blog post from an anonymous author
- The National Center for Education Statistics website (Correct answer)
- A novel set in a high school
Correct answer: The National Center for Education Statistics website
The National Center for Education Statistics is a government agency that publishes reliable, current educational data.
Question 2: Read this passage: 'Many experts argue that homework improves academic performance, yet recent studies suggest otherwise.' The author's tone is best described as:
- Dismissive of expert opinion
- Certain that homework is harmful
- Objective and presenting contrasting views (Correct answer)
- Strongly in favor of more homework
Correct answer: Objective and presenting contrasting views
The author presents both a common view ('many experts argue') and a challenge to it ('recent studies suggest otherwise') without taking a side.
Question 3: Which of the following is an example of a FACT rather than an opinion?
- Shakespeare was the greatest writer in history.
- Romeo and Juliet is the most tragic of Shakespeare's plays.
- Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564. (Correct answer)
- Shakespeare's works are more important than modern literature.
Correct answer: Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564.
Birth dates and places are verifiable facts, while claims about greatness or importance are subjective opinions.
Question 4: In a table of contents, Chapter 4 is titled 'Economic Impacts of Climate Change.' A reader looking for information about how drought affects farming would MOST likely find it in:
- The preface of the book
- Chapter 4
- The glossary
- The index under 'drought' (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The index under 'drought'
The index provides page references for specific topics, making it the quickest way to locate 'drought' within any relevant chapter.
Question 5: A passage uses the phrase 'it goes without saying' before making a claim. This phrase signals that the author:
- Is uncertain about the claim that follows
- Assumes the reader already accepts the following point as obvious (Correct answer)
- Wants the reader to research the claim independently
- Is introducing a controversial new idea
Correct answer: Assumes the reader already accepts the following point as obvious
'It goes without saying' is an idiom suggesting the author considers the following statement self-evident or widely accepted.
Question 6: Which transition word BEST indicates a contrast between two ideas?
- Furthermore
- Therefore
- However (Correct answer)
- Consequently
Correct answer: However
'However' signals a shift or contrast between two statements, while the others signal addition or result.
Question 7: A passage describes events in the order they happened. This structure is called:
- Spatial order
- Order of importance
- Chronological order (Correct answer)
- Logical order
Correct answer: Chronological order
Chronological order organizes information by time sequence, from earliest to latest events.
CBEST Reading: Comprehension and Research 3
A student wants to find the most current statistics on US graduation rates.
Which source is MOST appropriate?