CBEST Writing 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence contains an error in parallel structure?
- She likes swimming, running, and cycling.
- He wants to travel, to learn, and to grow.
- They enjoy hiking, to read, and painting. (Correct answer)
- The plan is simple, effective, and affordable.
Correct answer: They enjoy hiking, to read, and painting.
Mixing 'hiking' (gerund), 'to read' (infinitive), and 'painting' (gerund) breaks parallel structure.
Question 2: A writer includes the following sentence in a persuasive essay: 'Everyone knows that homework is harmful.' What is the main weakness of this sentence?
- It is too short.
- It relies on a hasty generalization with no evidence. (Correct answer)
- It uses the wrong verb tense.
- It lacks a transition word.
Correct answer: It relies on a hasty generalization with no evidence.
'Everyone knows' is an unsupported claim that relies on generalization rather than evidence.
Question 3: Which word choice makes the following sentence most precise? 'The politician gave a _______ speech that changed few minds.'
- nice
- good
- uninspiring (Correct answer)
- big
Correct answer: uninspiring
'Uninspiring' precisely explains why the speech changed few minds, while 'nice' and 'good' are vague.
Question 4: Which sentence avoids using a double negative?
- She doesn't have no time to waste.
- He couldn't find nothing in the drawer.
- They didn't say anything about the change. (Correct answer)
- I haven't never been to New York.
Correct answer: They didn't say anything about the change.
'They didn't say anything' correctly uses one negative; 'nothing' with a negative verb creates a double negative.
Question 5: In an expository essay, which organizational pattern is most appropriate for explaining how a bill becomes a law?
- Compare and contrast
- Cause and effect
- Chronological / sequential order (Correct answer)
- Order of importance
Correct answer: Chronological / sequential order
Chronological order is best for explaining a process that unfolds in sequential steps.
Question 6: Which sentence correctly uses 'its' versus 'it's'?
- The cat licked it's paw.
- It's collar was red.
- The dog wagged its tail. (Correct answer)
- Its going to rain tonight.
Correct answer: The dog wagged its tail.
'Its' (possessive) shows the tail belongs to the dog; 'it's' is a contraction of 'it is.'
Question 7: A student's essay has three body paragraphs that each begin with 'Another reason is...' What is the best way to improve the essay's style?
- Delete two of the body paragraphs.
- Vary the transition phrases using words like 'Furthermore,' 'In addition,' and 'A compelling factor.' (Correct answer)
- Use bullet points instead of paragraphs.
- Begin each paragraph with a question.
Correct answer: Vary the transition phrases using words like 'Furthermore,' 'In addition,' and 'A compelling factor.'
Varying transition phrases improves flow and demonstrates stronger command of language.
CBEST Writing 4
Which sentence contains an error in parallel structure?