epdf.pub_cbest-cliffs-test-prep13a9b242c7cb4125e6cca92d00a73d5a41681

THE WRITING SECTION
Introduction
The Writing section of the CBEST contains two essay questions — usually one
Descriptive/Narrative and one Analytical/Expository. You are asked to draw upon
your personal experience and observations for information, examples, and generalizations
to use in your writing.
Each essay is rated from 1 to 4 by two readers. These readers generate a raw score
for the Writing section that ranges from 4 to 16, which converts to a scaled score
of approximately 20 to 80.
Ability Tested
This section of CBEST tests your ability to read a topic carefully, to organize your
ideas before you write, and to write with clarity and precision.
Basic Skills Necessary
This section requires a basic college-level writing background. Papers are scored
on the writer’s ability to demonstrate the following:
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Development and organization of ideas with supporting evidence or
specific details
Understanding of the essay’s intended audience (for example, a speech
urging members of the Board of Education to vote a certain way)
Comprehension of the assigned task
Skillful use of language; correctness of mechanics, usage, and paragraphing
Directions
In this section, you plan and write two essays, one for each topic given. Read each
topic carefully to make sure that you are properly addressing the issue or situation.
You must write on the specified topic. An essay on another topic will not
be acceptable.
Plan your time wisely. Each essay is equally weighted. Plan to spend the same
amount of time on each.
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