CBEST TEST SECTIONS
CBEST comprises of three sections Reading, Writing and Mathematics.
Reading section will have fifty multiple-choice questions, which assess the candidate’s ability to comprehend written passages, graphs and tables. The content material in the passages will vary in the level of complexity and difficulty and are drawn from various fields. The question do not require any outside knowledge and all the questions will be related to a specific passage, which can be answered based on the matter in the passage. The reading section questions assess two main skill areas critical analysis and evaluation and comprehension and research skills with 60 percent from comprehension and 40 percent from critical analysis.
Mathematics section will have fifty multiple-choice questions presented mostly as word problems, and the candidates are required to solve the problems. The section has three major skill areas computation and problem solving (35% questions), estimation, measurement and statistical principles (30% questions), graphic and numerical relationships (35% questions).
The writing section will consist of two essay topics that assess the ability of the candidate in effective writing. The candidate is required to attempt both the topics. While one topic requires analysis of a given statement or situation, the other requires writing about a specific personal experience. However, demonstration of any specialized knowledge is not required in the responses.