CBEST Writing: Analytical Essay 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which organizational strategy is MOST effective for a CBEST analytical essay that must present two opposing perspectives?
- Stream-of-consciousness organization
- Point-by-point or block comparison structure (Correct answer)
- Chronological narrative order
- Order of least to most personal importance
Correct answer: Point-by-point or block comparison structure
Point-by-point or block structure allows clear, logical comparison of two opposing perspectives within a limited time frame.
Question 2: Transitional phrases such as 'furthermore,' 'in contrast,' and 'consequently' serve what function in an analytical essay?
- They replace the need for topic sentences
- They show relationships between ideas and improve coherence (Correct answer)
- They add emotional weight to the argument
- They signal that a new topic unrelated to the thesis is being introduced
Correct answer: They show relationships between ideas and improve coherence
Transitions signal logical relationships between sentences and paragraphs, making the essay easier to follow.
Question 3: A CBEST essay prompt asks you to analyze the causes of a social problem. Which approach is MOST analytical?
- Describing the problem emotionally to engage the reader
- Listing causes and explaining how each contributes to the problem (Correct answer)
- Arguing that the problem does not really exist
- Telling a personal story about experiencing the problem
Correct answer: Listing causes and explaining how each contributes to the problem
Listing and explaining causes with logical reasoning directly fulfills the analytical task of the prompt.
Question 4: When the CBEST prompt says 'discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree,' the writer should:
- Always choose complete agreement to seem decisive
- Avoid taking any position and only present facts
- State a clear position and support it with reasoning and evidence (Correct answer)
- Write about what others believe without sharing a personal view
Correct answer: State a clear position and support it with reasoning and evidence
The prompt requires the writer to take and defend a position, not merely summarize other views.
Question 5: Which of the following BEST describes 'coherence' in an analytical essay?
- Using many long, complex sentences throughout
- Each sentence and paragraph logically connecting to the next (Correct answer)
- Repeating the thesis in every paragraph
- Including as many different topics as possible
Correct answer: Each sentence and paragraph logically connecting to the next
Coherence means ideas flow logically from one to the next, creating a unified and readable argument.
Question 6: Which sentence contains an INAPPROPRIATE shift in person that should be corrected in a formal analytical essay?
- Students who prepare thoroughly tend to perform better on standardized tests.
- When one studies consistently, one improves retention of material.
- If students want to succeed, you must dedicate time to practice. (Correct answer)
- The research suggests that consistent effort improves outcomes.
Correct answer: If students want to succeed, you must dedicate time to practice.
Shifting from 'students' (third person) to 'you' (second person) is an inconsistent point-of-view error.
Question 7: In the context of CBEST essay scoring, 'development' refers to:
- The number of paragraphs in the essay
- The extent to which ideas are elaborated with specific support and explanation (Correct answer)
- Using advanced vocabulary words throughout
- Writing neatly without crossing out words
Correct answer: The extent to which ideas are elaborated with specific support and explanation
Development is scored based on how fully ideas are explained and supported, not on length or vocabulary alone.
CBEST Writing: Analytical Essay 3
Which organizational strategy is MOST effective for a CBEST analytical essay that must present two opposing perspectives?