CBEST Writing 4

Question 1

Which sentence contains an error in parallel structure?

Accepted Answer

They enjoy hiking, to read, and painting.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

It relies on a hasty generalization with no evidence.

Answer

'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.'

Accepted Answer

uninspiring

Answer

'Uninspiring' precisely explains why the speech changed few minds, while 'nice' and 'good' are vague.

Question 4

Which sentence avoids using a double negative?

Accepted Answer

They didn't say anything about the change.

Answer

'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?

Accepted Answer

Chronological / sequential order

Answer

Chronological order is best for explaining a process that unfolds in sequential steps.

CBEST - California Basic Educational Skills Test Practice Test

CBEST - California Basic Educational Skills Test Practice Test

CBEST Writing 4