CBEST Writing Exam Recent Update

CBEST Writing Exam Recent Update CBEST content specification - ability to 1. write with clarity (i.e. the reader can comprehend immediately what is meant) 2. keep the writing focused (i.e. the reader is kept on the track) 3. develop the ideas in the writing through support or illustration 4. use the conventions of standard written English 5. maintain a line of thought essentially free of non sequiturs, internal contradictions, unwarranted conclusions, and confusion of fact and opinion. Expressive essay - about a remembered experience. Expository/referential essay - analytical/argumentative in nature Basic Format for the Expository/Referential Essay - 1. Hook 2. These Statement (whether you agree or disagree with prompt) and short summary of the two or three main points that support your thesis 3. Restate of supporting point 1 (details and examples that demonstrate why supporting point 1 is true) 4. Restatement of supporting point 2 (detail and examples that demonstrate why support point 2 is true) 5. Conclusion that summarises your supporting points and restates your thesis Tip 1 for Expository/Referential Essay - Beware of logical fallacies such as sweeping generalisations, pst hoc ergo propter hoc, weak analogies, straw ma attacks, slippery slope, etc Tip 2 for Expository/Referential Essay - If you have trouble coming up with more than one supporting idea for your argument, try splitting that broad argument into two more specific, related arguments. Basic format for the Expressive Essay - 1. Hook/Exposition (set the stage) 2. Inciting indent - what is the goal? 3. First effort - describe what you did 4. Second effort - describe what you did 5. Climax - What did you do that did achieve the goal? 6. Resolution - What did you learn/ how did you change? Continues...