CBEST Reading: Critical Analysis 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A reader notices that a passage shifts from describing a factory's efficiency to detailing workers' long hours without breaks. What can the reader most reasonably infer?
- The factory produces high-quality goods
- Efficiency gains may come at a cost to workers' well-being (Correct answer)
- The author admires the factory's management
- Workers are satisfied with their schedules
Correct answer: Efficiency gains may come at a cost to workers' well-being
The juxtaposition of productivity and poor working conditions implies a hidden cost behind the factory's success.
Question 2: Which of the following is the best example of an unstated assumption in an argument?
- The report states that sales fell 20% last quarter.
- Since Maria graduated top of her class, she will be an excellent teacher. (Correct answer)
- The author provides three peer-reviewed studies as evidence.
- The conclusion explicitly states the policy should be changed.
Correct answer: Since Maria graduated top of her class, she will be an excellent teacher.
The argument assumes academic excellence automatically transfers to teaching ability, a link that is assumed but never stated or proven.
Question 3: A passage describes an event using mostly long, slow sentences with muted word choices. Then it shifts to short, punchy sentences with urgent verbs. This shift most likely signals:
- A change in the author's point of view
- An increase in narrative tension or urgency (Correct answer)
- A transition to a different topic unrelated to the event
- A summary of what was previously described
Correct answer: An increase in narrative tension or urgency
Short, urgent sentences create a faster pace that typically signals increased tension or a dramatic shift in the narrative.
Question 4: Read this claim: 'Natural remedies are always safer than prescription drugs because they come from nature.' What is the primary flaw in this reasoning?
- It provides too much specific evidence
- It equates 'natural' with 'safe,' ignoring that many natural substances are harmful (Correct answer)
- It relies on expert medical opinion
- It overstates the benefits of prescription drugs
Correct answer: It equates 'natural' with 'safe,' ignoring that many natural substances are harmful
The 'natural = safe' assumption is a false equivalence; many natural substances (e.g., arsenic, hemlock) are toxic.
Question 5: A passage presents two viewpoints on urban farming: one from a city planner and one from a nutritionist. The author does NOT state a personal opinion. The author's purpose is most likely to:
- Persuade the reader to support urban farming
- Inform readers of multiple perspectives without advocating one (Correct answer)
- Argue that the city planner's view is superior
- Entertain readers with an amusing debate
Correct answer: Inform readers of multiple perspectives without advocating one
Presenting multiple expert views without expressing a preference indicates an informational, balanced approach rather than a persuasive one.
Question 6: Which transition word or phrase best signals that the information that follows will contradict what was just stated?
- Furthermore
- In addition
- Nevertheless (Correct answer)
- As a result
Correct answer: Nevertheless
'Nevertheless' is an adversative transition that signals contrast or contradiction with the preceding idea.
Question 7: A writer states: 'Experts widely agree that regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease.' A critical reader should ask:
- Why is heart disease important?
- Who are these experts, and what evidence supports their agreement? (Correct answer)
- Should all people exercise the same amount?
- Does the writer enjoy exercising?
Correct answer: Who are these experts, and what evidence supports their agreement?
Vague appeals to unnamed 'experts' should prompt readers to identify the source and evaluate the quality of the underlying evidence.
CBEST Reading: Critical Analysis 4
A reader notices that a passage shifts from describing a factory's efficiency to detailing workers' long hours without breaks.
What can the reader most reasonably infer?