CBEST Writing: Analytical Essay 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When analyzing an argument in a CBEST analytical essay, what should the writer do FIRST after reading the prompt?
- Begin writing the introduction immediately
- Identify the central claim or issue presented (Correct answer)
- List as many supporting details as possible
- Choose the most emotional angle to argue
Correct answer: Identify the central claim or issue presented
Identifying the central claim or issue first ensures the entire essay stays focused and on-topic.
Question 2: Which type of evidence is MOST appropriate to support analytical points in a CBEST essay?
- Personal anecdotes only
- Vague generalizations
- Specific examples, facts, or logical reasoning (Correct answer)
- Emotional appeals without supporting detail
Correct answer: Specific examples, facts, or logical reasoning
Specific examples, facts, and logical reasoning provide concrete support that strengthens analytical claims.
Question 3: A well-developed body paragraph in an analytical essay should contain which of the following?
- A topic sentence, evidence, and analysis of that evidence (Correct answer)
- Only a topic sentence and a concluding sentence
- Multiple unrelated points to show breadth of knowledge
- A restatement of the thesis and nothing else
Correct answer: A topic sentence, evidence, and analysis of that evidence
Effective body paragraphs include a topic sentence, supporting evidence, and analysis connecting the evidence to the thesis.
Question 4: What is the PRIMARY purpose of the conclusion in a CBEST analytical essay?
- To introduce new evidence not mentioned in the body
- To restate the introduction word for word
- To summarize the argument and reinforce the thesis (Correct answer)
- To ask the reader a series of rhetorical questions
Correct answer: To summarize the argument and reinforce the thesis
The conclusion synthesizes the essay's argument and reinforces the thesis without simply repeating the introduction.
Question 5: Which sentence is an example of a strong analytical thesis for a CBEST essay?
- This essay will discuss the topic of social media.
- Social media has both pros and cons for teenagers.
- While social media fosters connection, its addictive design undermines adolescent mental health more than it helps. (Correct answer)
- Many people use social media every day around the world.
Correct answer: While social media fosters connection, its addictive design undermines adolescent mental health more than it helps.
A strong thesis takes a clear, specific position and signals the analytical direction of the essay.
Question 6: In an analytical essay, the term 'counterargument' refers to:
- A second thesis statement that replaces the first
- An opposing viewpoint that the writer then addresses or refutes (Correct answer)
- Evidence that directly supports the writer's main claim
- A paragraph that summarizes the essay's conclusions
Correct answer: An opposing viewpoint that the writer then addresses or refutes
Acknowledging and then rebutting a counterargument demonstrates critical thinking and strengthens the writer's position.
Question 7: Which revision BEST improves the vague sentence: 'The policy has some good effects on people'?
- The policy is helpful to everyone.
- The policy has effects.
- The policy reduces unemployment rates by incentivizing small business hiring. (Correct answer)
- There are good and bad effects from this policy.
Correct answer: The policy reduces unemployment rates by incentivizing small business hiring.
Replacing vague language with specific, concrete detail makes analytical writing far more persuasive and credible.
CBEST Writing: Analytical Essay 2
When analyzing an argument in a CBEST analytical essay, what should the writer do FIRST after reading the prompt?