BTPS Testing - CliffsNotes CBEST, 8th Edition

CliffsNotes CBEST , 8th Edition

Copyright 2021 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

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Library of Congress Control Number: 2020952691

ISBN: 978-0-358-24431-8 (pbk)
eISBN: 978-0-358-23997-0
v1.0521

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CliffsNotes CBEST is an easy-to-follow study guide that will prepare you to do your best on the California Basic Educational Skills Test! This book is not meant to be a substitute for formal classroom instruction, but it will give you important learning tools to improve your reading, writing, and math skills.

The skills and concepts presented in this study guide will not only help you pass the CBEST, but will reintroduce some basic skills and knowledge that you may not have used in many years. If you have moments of self-doubt, keep reminding yourself that even though the material may be challenging, it is manageable. Take a deep breath, and know that you can do this by studying the content, strategies, and practice questions offered in this guide. Because there are many pathways to learning that make use of different learning styles, we have included hundreds of sample and practice problems with step-by-step explanations that are designed to enrich your learning style. Four full-length practice tests (found in chapters 811) are followed by analysis charts to assist you in evaluating your progress.

In keeping with the fine tradition of CliffsNotes, leading educators in the field of test and college entrance exam preparation developed this guide. For over 40 years, the authors of this text have been successfully teaching thousands of credential candidates to prepare for and perform well on standardized teacher examinations. The materials, strategies, and techniques presented in this guide have been researched, tested, and evaluated in teacher-preparation classes at leading California universities, school districts, and county offices of education.

As you work through each chapter, follow the recommended sequence of topics and take detailed notes on the pages of the book to highlight important facts and concepts. Most people find it useful to start by learning general principles and skills before progressing to the memorization of important facts and concepts. For example, you should start your general math review with basic arithmetic (fractions, percents, decimals, and so on), and then move to a specific plan to tackle certain types of basic arithmetic problems (mixed fractions, converting percents to decimals, and so on). Remember to start with general information and then move to more specific problems and concepts.

Each chapter presents subject matter in a structured format to enhance your learning.

• Introduction to the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) The Introduction is a general description of the CBEST exam, covering test format, content areas, question types, scoring, frequently asked questions, and general strategies.

• Chapter 1: The Reading Section reviews the types of reading comprehension passages, question types, the basic skills and concepts tested, directions, and suggested strategies with samples.

• Chapter 2: The Writing Section focuses on written essays. It contains important strategies to improve your writing skills and will assist you in planning and writing well-organized essays on two assigned topics: descriptive essay and analytical essay.

• Chapter 3: Introduction to the Mathematics Section contains the test format, question types, skills and concepts tested, general strategies, and specific math strategies.

• Chapter 4: Arithmetic Review includes an arithmetic diagnostic test, arithmetic review, example questions, and explanations.

• Chapter 5: Algebra Review includes an algebra diagnostic test, algebra review, example questions, and explanations.

• Chapter 6: Statistics and Probability Review includes a statistics and probability diagnostic test, statistics and probability review, example questions, and explanations.

• Chapter 7: Math Reasoning Problems includes review of measurement problems, word problems, and graph interpretation problems, along with example questions and explanations.

Chapters 811 each contain a full-length model practice test with detailed answer explanations.

The calendar below details a two-month action plan to help you prepare for the CBEST.