Tips for Taking the CBEST Writing Subtest

1. Your ability to express a clear position or focus.
2. Your ability to write about your topic by using relevant examples or information.
3. Your ability to follow English language rules.
4. How well you did at following a logical pattern of thought.

This section includes two topics that assess your ability to write effectively. One of the topics asks you to analyze a situation or statement; the other asks you to write about a personal experience. You will not be expected to demonstrate any specialized knowledge in your responses.

123
The passing score on each CBEST section is a scaled score of 41. A total score (the sum of Reading, Mathematics, and Writing scaled scores) of 123 is required for passing status. It is possible to pass the CBEST with a scaled score on one or two sections as low as 37, provided that the total score is 123 or higher.

two writing
The writing portion of the CBEST is made up of two writing topic prompts that measure your ability to write effectively. You have 4 hours to complete the CBEST, no matter how many sections you take.

Here is how you should spend the 40 minutes you have allocated for each essay: 5 Minutes — Read Question Prompt. 5 Minutes — Outline your Essay. 25 Minutes — Write your Essay.

If you’re farther out of school, expect to spend 1-2 hours a day for a few weeks refreshing your content knowledge for your specific CBEST or CSET.

20 to 80
To obtain the Writing section score, scores for both essays are summed and converted to the score scale of 20 to 80. Essays that do not meet the passing standard are scored diagnostically after holistic scoring is completed.

A good way to prepare for the CBEST Writing test is to practice writing on these and other prompts and ask a friend or teacher to evaluate them according to the standards given. Then rewrite the essay, improving it in the ways suggested by that person.

Regardless of the option used, once a basic skills examination is passed, the score is valid indefinitely.

In the CBEST Writing test you will be expected to write two essays. You will be presented with two topics. One essay will require you to write an analysis of a given situation or statement. The other essay will ask you to write on a specific personal experience. Neither essay requires you to demonstrate any specialized knowledge.

One of the best ways to prepare for the CBEST is by taking free practice tests. At Test-Guide, we offer numerous free practice tests to help you succeed! How much does a CBEST test cost? The CBEST will cost applicants a total of $102 – $41 for a registration fee and $61 for a computer based test service fee.

The CBEST Exam covers the following areas: The CBEST Math subtest consists of 50 multiple choice questions. The questions are presented as word problems and will ask you to solve mathematical problems. Calculators are not allowed on the CBEST math test. The topics on the math test include:

The CBEST consist of 3 separate subtest: 1 CBEST Reading section – 50 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 85 minutes 2 CBEST Mathematics section – 50 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 85 minutes 3 CBEST Writing section- 2 essay questions.