Free CBEST California Teacher Prep #2 Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which words or phrases, if added into the passage's blank lines in the proper order, would aid the reader in understanding the author's ideas in order?

For this reason; Thus
Therefore; Hence
For instance; Yet (Correct answer)
Obviously; So

Correct answer: For instance; Yet

The transition words 'For instance' and 'Yet' are effective for organizing ideas. 'For instance' introduces a specific example to illustrate a broader point, helping the reader understand a concept through a concrete case. 'Yet' then introduces a contrasting or concessive idea, signaling a shift to an opposing or qualifying statement. This combination helps to present an idea, provide evidence, and then introduce a nuance or counterpoint.

Question 2: Given the passage's details, it is fair to deduce that fennecs:

also have oversized eyes
are ferocious hunters
do not have fur on their ears
rest during the daylight hours (Correct answer)

Correct answer: rest during the daylight hours

If fennecs rest during daylight hours, it implies they are primarily active at night, a characteristic known as being nocturnal. This behavior is a common adaptation for animals living in hot desert environments, allowing them to avoid the extreme heat of the day and conserve water. Therefore, deducing that they rest during daylight hours aligns with typical desert animal survival strategies.

Question 3: Which of the following best sums up the passage's organizational structure?

problem-solving format
order of importance
explaining with examples (Correct answer)
spatial order

Correct answer: explaining with examples

An 'explaining with examples' organizational structure means the passage presents a concept or idea and then clarifies it by providing specific instances or illustrations. This method helps readers understand complex information by connecting abstract ideas to concrete situations. It is a highly effective way to convey information, making it accessible and relatable through practical demonstrations.

Question 4: Which sentence would fit the writer's objective and target audience the best if it were substituted for the blank line in the second paragraph?

The answer remains a mystery (Correct answer)
That's one really interesting sort of question.
I don't have a clue myself.
Lots of different people have asked that question over the years.

Correct answer: The answer remains a mystery

The phrase 'The answer remains a mystery' is formal, objective, and directly addresses the lack of a definitive explanation for a phenomenon. This phrasing is appropriate for an informative or academic context, maintaining a professional tone suitable for a broad audience. Other options are too informal, subjective, or less precise in conveying the absence of a solution.

Question 5: Which statement is the least important to the first paragraph's core idea?

Sentence 3
Sentence 2
Sentence 5
Sentence 4 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Sentence 4

Without the passage, it's impossible to definitively identify the least important sentence. However, a sentence is typically least important if it provides tangential information, a minor detail, or a repetitive point that doesn't directly contribute to the main argument or core idea of the paragraph. Such a sentence could be removed without significantly altering the paragraph's primary message.

Question 6: The writer's perspective changes between the first and second paragraphs of the text from:

description to inquiry (Correct answer)
demonstration to analysis
cause to effect
exploration to explanation

Correct answer: description to inquiry

A shift from 'description to inquiry' means the first paragraph likely focuses on presenting facts, characteristics, or observations about a subject. The second paragraph then transitions to posing questions, exploring uncertainties, or investigating the reasons behind those descriptions. This change in perspective moves from simply stating what is, to questioning why it is, or what it means.

Question 7: Which of the following summaries the passage's core ideas the best?

Until airplane travel became common in the Andes, nobody was aware of the extraordinary designs created by the ancient Nazcans.
The strange designs found on the otherwise featureless surface of the Nazca pampas indicate that popular interest in the existence of extraterrestrial forms of life dates back to ancient times.
When seen from the air, the seemingly barren Nazca pampa reveals a striking array of precisely executed designs, the purpose of which is still a subject of speculation. (Correct answer)
Although nobody knows for certain why the ancient Nazcans created the geometrical designs found in their homeland, some people believe they were intended to attract UFOs.

Correct answer: When seen from the air, the seemingly barren Nazca pampa reveals a striking array of precisely executed designs, the purpose of which is still a subject of speculation.

This summary effectively captures the core ideas by highlighting the visual impact of the Nazca designs ('striking array of precisely executed designs'), the unique perspective required to appreciate them ('When seen from the air'), their location ('Nazca pampa'), and the enduring enigma surrounding their purpose ('purpose of which is still a subject of speculation'). It avoids overly speculative claims while encompassing the main points of interest.

Question 8: The primary goal of the passage is to:

describe the influence of African American culture and life on Hughes's poetry. (Correct answer)
explain why Hughes was preoccupied with themes of protest and resistance.
compare Hughes's poetry with the poetry of Keats and Wordsworth.
show how African American music was influenced by Hughes's poems.

Correct answer: describe the influence of African American culture and life on Hughes's poetry.

The primary goal of a passage refers to its main purpose or central theme. If the correct answer is to describe the influence of African American culture and life on Hughes's poetry, the passage would extensively detail how elements like music, folklore, and social experiences from this cultural background shaped his poetic style and content. This indicates that the passage's focus is on the origins and inspirations behind Hughes's artistic expression.

Question 9: Which of the following conclusions is best supported by the information in the passage?

Poetry was the main form of artistic expression in early-twentieth-century African American communities.
Hughes achieved distinction as both a musician and a poet.
Hughes's deepening political convictions prompted him to write poetry
Hughes preferred that his art be closely related to his life experiences. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Hughes preferred that his art be closely related to his life experiences.

This conclusion suggests that Hughes intentionally drew inspiration from his personal journey and the world around him to create his art. The passage would likely provide evidence or examples of how his poetry, themes, or style directly reflected his own experiences, observations, or the social realities he encountered. This preference for connecting art to life is a key aspect of his artistic philosophy.

Question 10: Which of the following persuasive strategies is mostly used by the passage's author?

appealing to emotion
using telling examples
appealing to logic (Correct answer)
anticipating counterarguments

Correct answer: appealing to logic

Appealing to logic, or 'logos,' means the author primarily uses facts, evidence, reasoning, and a structured argument to persuade the reader. Instead of evoking emotions or relying solely on examples, the passage would build its case through a rational, step-by-step presentation of information and deductions. This strategy aims to convince the reader through intellectual understanding rather than sentiment.

Question 11: Which of the following presumptions most strongly influenced the passage's author's argument?

Most people spend too much money meeting their energy needs.
Global warming is the greatest threat facing humankind today
Scientists know much more about the effects than they do about the causes of global warming.
Consumers tend to seek out inexpensive alternatives to expensive products. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Consumers tend to seek out inexpensive alternatives to expensive products.

This presumption indicates that the author's argument is built on the fundamental economic principle of consumer behavior. The passage would likely discuss how the high cost of certain products or services drives consumers to seek out cheaper alternatives. This underlying belief in cost-driven decision-making would shape the author's recommendations or analysis regarding consumer choices.

Question 12: According to the passage's information, it is likely that touching a halogen headlight bulb's glass portion with bare hands will:

cause the bulb to shatter when lit (Correct answer)
cause moisture to form on the inside of the bulb.
decrease the amount of light the bulb will emit.
harm the car's electrical system

Correct answer: cause the bulb to shatter when lit

Halogen headlight bulbs are extremely sensitive to oils and residues from human skin. Touching the glass with bare hands leaves behind these substances, which create 'hot spots' when the bulb is illuminated. This uneven heating causes thermal stress on the glass, leading to a high probability of the bulb shattering prematurely once it's turned on.

Question 13: What is the final stage in the process of changing a headlight bulb, as stated in the passage?

Check the bulb for scratches.
Reattach the electrical connector
Replace the retaining ring (Correct answer)
Test the operation of the lights

Correct answer: Replace the retaining ring

When following instructions for a multi-step process, the final stage is the last action required to complete the task. In the context of changing a headlight bulb, replacing the retaining ring securely fastens the new bulb in its housing. This step ensures the bulb is properly seated and held in place before the electrical connection is reattached and the lights are tested.

Question 14: Most likely, this passage is directed at:

professional mechanics
people who own cars
people who collect cars (Correct answer)
new drivers

Correct answer: people who collect cars

The target audience for a passage is determined by its content, language, and level of detail. If the passage contains specialized information, historical context, or intricate details about car features, maintenance, or models, it is most likely directed at people who have a deep interest in cars beyond basic ownership. Car collectors often seek out such specific knowledge to understand, restore, or appreciate their vehicles.

Question 15: Which of the following premises serves as the main foundation for the author's argument in the passage?

Historians have treated Genghis Khan unfairly (Correct answer)
The Mongol Empire made significant contributions to the development of civilization.
Genghis Khan redirected the course of history.
Genghis Khan's military successes resulted mainly from the superior mobility of Mongol forces.

Correct answer: Historians have treated Genghis Khan unfairly

The main premise of an argument is its foundational belief or assertion. If the author's argument is based on the premise that historians have treated Genghis Khan unfairly, the passage would primarily focus on re-evaluating his historical portrayal. The author would present evidence or alternative interpretations to challenge existing narratives and argue for a more balanced or positive view of his legacy.

Question 16: What did Genghis Khan accomplish initially, based on the information in the passage?

He conquered Iran and southern Russia.
He pacified quarrelsome kin and neighbors. (Correct answer)
He brought peace to northern China and central Asia
He mounted a military offensive against the civilized world.

Correct answer: He pacified quarrelsome kin and neighbors.

Initial accomplishments refer to the first significant actions or successes of an individual. For Genghis Khan, before embarking on widespread conquests, he first had to consolidate power and establish order within his immediate sphere. Pacifying quarrelsome kin and neighbors would have been a crucial early step, unifying his own people and securing his base before expanding his influence further.

Free CBEST California Teacher Prep #2 Questions and Answers

Which words or phrases, if added into the passage's blank lines in the proper order, would aid the reader in understanding the author's ideas in order?