CMAS CMAS Test Format and Preparation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a key strategy for managing time during the CMAS computer-based test?
- Skip all hard questions and never return
- Answer every question in order and never flag any
- Flag difficult questions and return to them after completing easier ones (Correct answer)
- Spend equal time on every question regardless of difficulty
Correct answer: Flag difficult questions and return to them after completing easier ones
Flagging difficult questions to revisit after finishing easier ones is an effective time management strategy.
Question 2: When reading an extended text passage on CMAS, which approach is most effective?
- Read only the questions first and ignore the passage
- Skim just the first sentence of each paragraph
- Read the passage actively, noting main ideas and key details (Correct answer)
- Memorize the passage word for word
Correct answer: Read the passage actively, noting main ideas and key details
Active reading with attention to main ideas and key details helps students answer comprehension questions accurately.
Question 3: On a CMAS math performance task, what should a student do if they are unsure of the final answer?
- Leave the response blank
- Show all work and reasoning for partial credit consideration (Correct answer)
- Guess randomly
- Write only the final number without any steps
Correct answer: Show all work and reasoning for partial credit consideration
Showing work and reasoning on performance tasks can earn partial credit even if the final answer is incorrect.
Question 4: Which type of question requires students to drag and drop items, highlight text, or complete a table on CMAS?
- Multiple choice questions
- Technology-enhanced questions (Correct answer)
- Essay questions
- True or false questions
Correct answer: Technology-enhanced questions
Technology-enhanced questions (TEIs) use the computer interface for interactive responses like dragging, highlighting, or filling tables.
Question 5: What is a CMAS 'performance task'?
- A physical activity graded by a teacher
- A multi-part, in-depth task requiring research, analysis, and extended writing (Correct answer)
- A timed memorization drill
- A short multiple-choice quiz
Correct answer: A multi-part, in-depth task requiring research, analysis, and extended writing
Performance tasks are multi-part assignments where students analyze sources and produce extended written responses.
Question 6: What should a student do immediately before beginning a CMAS testing session on the computer?
- Install new software on the device
- Read and follow all testing directions and verify the device is working (Correct answer)
- Turn off the device and wait
- Share login credentials with a classmate
Correct answer: Read and follow all testing directions and verify the device is working
Reading directions and verifying the device is functioning properly ensures a smooth start to the testing session.
CMAS CMAS Test Format and Preparation 2
What is a key strategy for managing time during the CMAS computer-based test?