CBEST Reading: Comprehension and Research 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passage states: 'While solar panels have high upfront costs, they reduce electricity bills significantly over time.' What is the author's primary purpose?
- To discourage solar panel purchases
- To present a balanced view of solar panel economics (Correct answer)
- To argue that electricity is too expensive
- To promote fossil fuels as an alternative
Correct answer: To present a balanced view of solar panel economics
The passage acknowledges a drawback (high cost) and a benefit (savings), presenting a balanced economic perspective.
Question 2: In a research article, the section labeled 'Methodology' most likely contains:
- The author's conclusions and recommendations
- An explanation of how the study was conducted (Correct answer)
- A summary of previous research on the topic
- The statistical results of the experiment
Correct answer: An explanation of how the study was conducted
The Methodology section describes the procedures, tools, and processes used to carry out the research.
Question 3: Read this sentence: 'The committee, despite strong opposition from several members, unanimously approved the budget.' What can be inferred?
- Every member voted in favor after discussion (Correct answer)
- The budget was rejected by the committee
- Several members were absent during the vote
- The opposition members left before voting
Correct answer: Every member voted in favor after discussion
'Unanimously' means all members voted yes, so those who opposed must have changed their minds or voted yes anyway.
Question 4: Which of the following is the BEST definition of a 'primary source' in research?
- A textbook that summarizes historical events
- An encyclopedia entry written by an expert
- An original document or firsthand account of an event (Correct answer)
- A magazine article that analyzes a study
Correct answer: An original document or firsthand account of an event
Primary sources are original materials such as diaries, speeches, or original research data, not interpretations of them.
Question 5: A graph shows rainfall increasing steadily from January to June, then dropping sharply in July. What is the MOST accurate description?
- Rainfall was highest in January
- Rainfall increased throughout the entire year
- Rainfall peaked before July, then declined (Correct answer)
- Rainfall was consistent across all months
Correct answer: Rainfall peaked before July, then declined
The data shows a rise from January to June followed by a sharp drop in July, indicating a peak before July.
Question 6: The word 'ambiguous' as used in 'The contract language was ambiguous, causing confusion among all parties' most nearly means:
- Clear and precise
- Open to more than one interpretation (Correct answer)
- Legally binding
- Intentionally deceptive
Correct answer: Open to more than one interpretation
Ambiguous means unclear or having multiple possible meanings, which is why it caused confusion.
Question 7: Which organizational pattern is used in a passage that describes a problem and then proposes solutions?
- Chronological order
- Compare and contrast
- Problem-solution (Correct answer)
- Cause and effect
Correct answer: Problem-solution
A problem-solution pattern presents an issue and then discusses ways to address or resolve it.
CBEST Reading: Comprehension and Research 2
A passage states: 'While solar panels have high upfront costs, they reduce electricity bills significantly over time.' What is the author's primary purpose?