CBEST Writing Exam Questions and
Answers
CBEST content specification - Correct Answers -ability to 1. write with clarity (i.e. the
reader can comprehend immediately what is meant) 2. keep the writing focused (i.e. the
reader is kept on the track) 3. develop the ideas in the writing through support or
illustration 4. use the conventions of standard written English 5. maintain a line of
thought essentially free of non sequiturs, internal contradictions, unwarranted
conclusions, and confusion of fact and opinion.
Expressive essay - Correct Answers -about a remembered experience.
Expository/referential essay - Correct Answers -analytical/argumentative in nature
Basic Format for the Expository/Referential Essay - Correct Answers -1. Hook
2. These Statement (whether you agree or disagree with prompt) and short summary of
the two or three main points that support your thesis
3. Restate of supporting point 1 (details and examples that demonstrate why supporting
point 1 is true)
4. Restatement of supporting point 2 (detail and examples that demonstrate why
support point 2 is true)
5. Conclusion that summarises your supporting points and restates your thesis
Tip 1 for Expository/Referential Essay - Correct Answers -Beware of logical fallacies
such as sweeping generalisations, pst hoc ergo propter hoc, weak analogies, straw ma
attacks, slippery slope, etc
Tip 2 for Expository/Referential Essay - Correct Answers -If you have trouble coming up
with more than one supporting idea for your argument, try splitting that broad argument
into two more specific, related arguments.
Basic format for the Expressive Essay - Correct Answers -1. Hook/Exposition (set the
stage)
2. Inciting indent - what is the goal?
3. First effort - describe what you did
4. Second effort - describe what you did
5. Climax - What did you do that did achieve the goal?
6. Resolution - What did you learn/ how did you change?
Answers
CBEST content specification - Correct Answers -ability to 1. write with clarity (i.e. the
reader can comprehend immediately what is meant) 2. keep the writing focused (i.e. the
reader is kept on the track) 3. develop the ideas in the writing through support or
illustration 4. use the conventions of standard written English 5. maintain a line of
thought essentially free of non sequiturs, internal contradictions, unwarranted
conclusions, and confusion of fact and opinion.
Expressive essay - Correct Answers -about a remembered experience.
Expository/referential essay - Correct Answers -analytical/argumentative in nature
Basic Format for the Expository/Referential Essay - Correct Answers -1. Hook
2. These Statement (whether you agree or disagree with prompt) and short summary of
the two or three main points that support your thesis
3. Restate of supporting point 1 (details and examples that demonstrate why supporting
point 1 is true)
4. Restatement of supporting point 2 (detail and examples that demonstrate why
support point 2 is true)
5. Conclusion that summarises your supporting points and restates your thesis
Tip 1 for Expository/Referential Essay - Correct Answers -Beware of logical fallacies
such as sweeping generalisations, pst hoc ergo propter hoc, weak analogies, straw ma
attacks, slippery slope, etc
Tip 2 for Expository/Referential Essay - Correct Answers -If you have trouble coming up
with more than one supporting idea for your argument, try splitting that broad argument
into two more specific, related arguments.
Basic format for the Expressive Essay - Correct Answers -1. Hook/Exposition (set the
stage)
2. Inciting indent - what is the goal?
3. First effort - describe what you did
4. Second effort - describe what you did
5. Climax - What did you do that did achieve the goal?
6. Resolution - What did you learn/ how did you change?
