CBEST Reading Exam Review 2023 Update

CBEST Reading Exam Review 2023 Update Vocabulary/word meaning - In vocabulary and word usage questions, you will typically asked what a word means as it is used in the passage. Read carefully where and how it is used, and evaluate each of the answer choices, asking "If I substituted this definition for the word in the passage, would it make sense and fit with the author`s intended meaning? Inference - In inference questions, you will be asked to draw some conclusion based on the information presented in a passage. Make sure that all parts of your conclusion can be directly supported by evidence in the passage. Wrong answer choices are sometimes partially correct, but add something that is not supported by the passage. Because of sweeping generalisations. Words like "all, always, none, and never" can sometimes be red flag. Theme - The theme is the main idea -- what a passage is about Thesis Statement - is similar to a theme, but usually applies to argumentative writing. The thesis is the main point the writer is trying to make. Title - on the exam, the key to choosing the best title for a passage is to choose the title that best reflects the central idea of the passage. The title need not be the flashiest choice. Purpose and Intended Audience - When assessing purpose and intended audience, consider the following: 1. subject matter - for whom would this topic be appropriate? 2. style and diction - is the vocabulary simple, high-level, academic, conversational? Is there extensive use of jargon? Is the writing style formal or informal? 3. Tone - what is the author`s view of subject? Passage Organization - When determining how an author has organized a passage, make notes on the prompt regarding what the purpose of each section (sentence or paragraph) is and how section relate to one another. Here are some common organizational pattern: 1. Broad concepts→specific details or examples. 2. Thesis statement→supporting arguments and details→closing summary 3. Chronological order 4. Exposition → enticing incident→rising action→climax→denouement 5. Problem→solution Assumptions - An assumption may be reasonable, and even correct, but is a conclusion for which there is not clear supporting evidence. When identifying an author`s assumption, look for unsupported conclusions. These ideas often underlie, or form part of the foundation of the author`s statements. Do not confuse assumptions with options. Connectives/Defining Connectives - are words (or phrases) that join various ideas together. Different connectives denote different relationships between those ideas. Continues...