CBEST Reading: Information Retrieval 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a reference book, an asterisk (*) next to a word in the text typically signals that:
- The word is a foreign term
- There is a footnote or special note about that word (Correct answer)
- The word is misspelled
- The term is outdated
Correct answer: There is a footnote or special note about that word
An asterisk is a common typographic symbol used to indicate that additional information is provided in a footnote or special note.
Question 2: When using a dictionary, a reader encounters the notation 'n.' after a word. What does this abbreviation indicate?
- The word is a verb
- The word is a noun (Correct answer)
- The word is a negative term
- The word is a proper name
Correct answer: The word is a noun
In dictionaries, 'n.' is the standard abbreviation indicating that the word functions as a noun.
Question 3: A student is researching California history and needs several types of sources. Which source would provide the BROADEST overview to start?
- A primary source diary from 1850
- An encyclopedia article on California history (Correct answer)
- A census data table from 1900
- A newspaper editorial from 1920
Correct answer: An encyclopedia article on California history
An encyclopedia article provides a comprehensive overview of a topic, making it an ideal starting point for research.
Question 4: In a bibliography, the information '(3rd ed.)' following a book title tells a reader:
- The book has three chapters
- It is the third printing of the original text
- It is a revised and updated version of the book (Correct answer)
- Three authors collaborated on the book
Correct answer: It is a revised and updated version of the book
The notation '3rd ed.' (third edition) indicates that the book has been revised and updated from earlier versions.
Question 5: A reader uses an almanac to look up U.S. population data. Which characteristic makes an almanac most useful for this task?
- It provides in-depth analysis of demographic trends
- It contains annually updated statistical data (Correct answer)
- It includes personal accounts from citizens
- It provides dictionary definitions of demographic terms
Correct answer: It contains annually updated statistical data
Almanacs are reference books published annually and are especially useful for current statistical and factual data.
Question 6: A library database search for 'California AND education AND reform' uses which type of search technique?
- Boolean search (Correct answer)
- Proximity search
- Truncation search
- Phrase search
Correct answer: Boolean search
Using AND to combine terms is a Boolean search technique that retrieves results containing all specified terms.
Question 7: When evaluating a website as a research source, which factor is MOST important for assessing credibility?
- The visual design of the website
- Whether the site is free to access
- The qualifications of the author or organization (Correct answer)
- The number of images on the page
Correct answer: The qualifications of the author or organization
The qualifications and authority of the author or sponsoring organization are the most important indicators of a source's credibility.
CBEST Reading: Information Retrieval 2
In a reference book, an asterisk (*) next to a word in the text typically signals that: