This lesson plan provides guidance on preparing for the writing section of the CBEST exam. It outlines the two types of writing prompts - expository essays which require analyzing a statement, and personal essays involving a personal experience. Sample essay structures and topics are presented for both prompt types. Practice writing questions are included covering various topics to help familiarize test-takers with the style of questions. Online resources with additional sample essays, guides and practice tests are referenced for further exam preparation.

1. Lesson Plan
Preparing for the CBEST - Writing Section
The Writing section of the CBEST assesses basic skills and concepts that are important in
performing the job of an educator in California. 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 - http://bit.ly/1bKwoAj

2. Expository Essays
● For expository essays, exam candidates will be given
a statement. The candidates are then asked to
evaluate or analyze that statement in their written
essays.
● For example, prompts for expository essays might ask:
"It is often said that every cloud has a silver lining.
State whether you agree or disagree with this
statement, giving logical reasons and detailed
examples."
● Expository essays are also referred to as analytical
essays or argumentative essays.
● Use the third person when writing expository essays -
or in other words, avoid using the word "you."
Personal Essays
● For the personal experience type of essay, you will be asked
to reflect and write on something specific from your past.
● For example, one common topic for writing the personal
essay is to write about a teacher that has helped or
influenced you.
● Another common topic on the CBEST test for writing is to
describe a time when you overcame a personal adversity.
❖ Here are some writing tips for the personal essay:
● Before you begin writing, take a few moments to think about
your writing topic.
● Make notes or an outline before you start writing.
● Your writing should be in the first person ("I").
● Your writing should be neat and legible.
● You should write in pencil.
● Remember to check your writing after you have finished
2 Types of Writing Test Questions

3. Expository Essays
Suggested Essay Structure
Begin with your opinion or viewpoint:
Thesis begins the essay
Expand on your initial viewpoint,
with examples for and against
your prevailing argument
Conclusion should restate your
viewpoint, & summarize your body
Body
Intro
Conclusion

4. Personal Essays
Suggested Essay Structure
Intro Paragraph starts broad, or
very general, and narrows down
to a thesis or declaration
regarding the intended argumentThesis
Body Body paragraphs back up the Thesis
with relevant examples
Conclusion
1st sentence of conclusion, restate
thesis, summarize your body
paragraph points & conclusion
sentence to summarize the entire
document.

5. Writing Practice
• It can be difficult to prepare for tests like this. Thinking about the types of
questions you’re most likely to encounter and creating outlines for how you
might answer them is one way you can begin practicing on your arguments
and viewpoints.
• Find a few practice writing questions on the next two slides to give yourself
an idea of the types of things you may want to start thinking about.
• Note: These questions were retrieved from the: www.stephencarr.com
website, & referenced on the last slide of this document.

6. Practice Questions 1
● Technology is very much a part of modern life. Many people see technology as a force that has escaped from
human control. Others feel that technology has improved the quality of life. Do you think that the contribution
technology has made to modern life has been positive or negative? State your position on this issue and support
it with appropriate examples.
● Imagine that you could have made one change in your college experience. Explain what change you would have
made and what difference it would have made.
● Many childhood experiences leave lifelong impressions on people. Write an essay in which you describe a
memorable childhood experience and explain its effect on your life.
● "The U.S. is becoming a nation of spectators--people who prefer to sit back and observe rather than a nation of
doers. " Explain why you agree or disagree with the quotation above. Support your position with examples from
your readings, observations, or experiences.
● Think of one course taken in either high school or college that has had particular significance for you and explain
why this course has had such an impact.

7. Practice Questions 2
● Wanting something and not getting it can be very disappointing, but wanting something and then getting it can be
disappointing too. Have you ever wanted something, gotten it, and then were disappointed? Describe these
disappointments.
● In American sports, there have recently developed two philosophies. One philosophy is win at any cost. The
other philosophy is fair play or sportsmanship. Choose the philosophy you feel is prevalent in America today and
give reasons why you feel that philosophy is prevalent.
● Throughout your school life you may have taken a particular course about which you had certain expectations
which may not have been met. Describe your expectations and how that course did not satisfy those
expectations.
● Some students can look back on their years in school and pinpoint one particular course or one particular
teacher most instrumental in shaping their lives. Reflect on your own school years and focus on one such
instructor or course. Describe the conditions or qualities that made that particular experience or teacher special.
● A recent movement in education has been called "Back to Basics." Its proponents argue that the curriculum
should concentrate only on reading, writing and mathematics skills and completely ignore such courses as
sociology, art appreciation, and drama. Imagine that you are a school principal faced with the task of making
policy for your school. Present your argument(s) either for or against "Back to Basics."

8. Sample Test Link
Find a sample test at the link below. There are two questions on this pdf.
Before answering, consider scrolling to the bottom of the PDF first - to observe
how answers are scored and calculated. Once you have determined the
variation in essay complexity between 1-4 points, go ahead and try a few rough
drafts for these 2 questions.
http://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com/PDF/CBEST_OPT_Writing.pdf

9. Assisted Online Resources & Links
❖ Please find a few online resources below to prepare for your CBEST:
● CBEST Essays: Sample Essays & Essay Guide for the CBEST:
http://bit.ly/1IuVeCQ
● CBEST Test Practice 1: http://bit.ly/1zUew1c
● CBEST Test Practice 2: http://bit.ly/1KYMBOW
● CSU CBEST Writing Guide & Tips: http://bit.ly/1zUelmy
● CBEST Writing Examples: http://bit.ly/1EmARB7
● CBEST-Practice-Test: http://bit.ly/1cLF6Qk
● The CBEST Essay: Passing the Essy the First Time - WyzAnt Resources:
http://bit.ly/1bKwwQq

11. References
• CBEST Essays - Sample Essays and Essay Guide for the CBEST. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2015,
from http://www.cbest-practice-test.com/cbest-essays.htm
• CBEST Test Practice. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2015, from http://www.stephencarr.com/cbest-
writing-tips.html
• CBEST Test Practice. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2015, from http://www.stephencarr.com/cbest-
writing-tips-2.html
• CBEST Writing. (n.d.). Retrieved May 17, 2015, from https://www4.csudh.edu/Assets/CSUDH-
Sites/TLC/docs/cbest-writing.pdf
• Examples for the Writing Section of CBEST. (n.d.). Retrieved May 20, 2015, from
http://www.testpreppractice.net/CBEST/cbest-writing-examples.html
• CBEST Writing - Writing Samples and Writing Guide for the CBEST. (n.d.). Retrieved May 20,
2015, from http://www.cbest-practice-test.com/cbest-writing.htm
• The CBEST Essay: Passing the Essay the First Time. (n.d.). Retrieved May 21, 2015, from
http://www.wyzant.com/resources/blogs/233406/the_cbest_essay_passing_the_essay_the_first_ti
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