CBEST Writing 2

Question 1

Which sentence uses the comma correctly?

Accepted Answer

She ran quickly, and she finished first.

Answer

A comma before a coordinating conjunction ('and') is correct when joining two independent clauses.

Question 2

A student wants to add a supporting detail to strengthen this claim: 'Daily exercise improves mental health.' Which addition best supports the claim?

Accepted Answer

Studies show that 30 minutes of daily exercise reduces depression symptoms by 40%.

Answer

A specific statistic directly tied to the claim provides the strongest evidence.

Question 3

Which transition word best fills the blank? 'The experiment failed the first time. _______, the team tried a new approach.'

Accepted Answer

Therefore

Answer

'Therefore' signals a logical result or decision that follows from the prior fact.

Question 4

Identify the sentence with a dangling modifier.

Accepted Answer

Running to catch the bus, the bag was dropped.

Answer

In option B, 'running to catch the bus' incorrectly modifies 'the bag,' not a person.

Question 5

Which revision makes the following sentence more concise? 'Due to the fact that it was raining, we cancelled the picnic.'

Accepted Answer

Because it was raining, we cancelled the picnic.

Answer

'Because' replaces the wordy phrase 'due to the fact that,' making the sentence concise.

CBEST - California Basic Educational Skills Test Practice Test