CBEST Writing 5

Question 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'fewer' versus 'less'?

Accepted Answer

She made fewer mistakes on this test than on the last.

Answer

'Fewer' is used with countable nouns ('mistakes'); 'less' is used with uncountable nouns.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a thesis statement?

Accepted Answer

To present a debatable claim that the essay will support

Answer

A thesis statement presents the writer's central, arguable claim that the body of the essay will develop and support.

Question 3

Choose the sentence free of wordiness.

Accepted Answer

We need to decide now.

Answer

'We need to decide now' conveys the full meaning in the fewest words without redundancy.

Question 4

A writer wants to appeal to readers' emotions in a persuasive piece about hunger in schools. Which sentence best achieves this?

Accepted Answer

Seven-year-old Maya stares at an empty lunch tray, unable to concentrate on her afternoon math lesson.

Answer

A specific, concrete narrative detail about a child creates an emotional connection that abstract statements cannot.

Question 5

Which sentence correctly uses an apostrophe to show plural possession?

Accepted Answer

The students' lockers were inspected.

Answer

For plural nouns ending in 's,' add only an apostrophe after the 's' to show possession.

CBEST - California Basic Educational Skills Test Practice Test