CBEST Reading Practice Test 2025 [Timed]

Analyze the index below. Then answer the two questions that follow.

Which of the following best describes the organizational pattern used in the section of the book dealing with Shakespeare?

Read the passage below. Then answer the three questions that follow.

Despite years of publicity about the problem, the percentage of college students who binge drink, that is, consume five or more drinks in one sitting, has declined only from 44 percent to 43 percent. Further, half of all students who binge drink do so regularly—at least three times within a two- week period. Finally, 33 percent more students admit that they drink just to get drunk. Dangerous drinking is at its worst in fraternities and sororities, where four out of five members acknowledge that they binge.

Public pressure has shown some previous influence regarding students’ drinking habits. A University of Michigan researcher says the percentage of drinkers who binged dropped through the late 1980s and early 1990s, largely because of the widespread publicity about the dangers of drunken driving. _______________________ _____________________________________________________________ _________________________.

• Which of the following sentences best summarizes the overall message of the passage?

Read the passage below. Then answer the three questions that follow.

Despite years of publicity about the problem, the percentage of college students who binge drink, that is, consume five or more drinks in one sitting, has declined only from 44 percent to 43 percent. Further, half of all students who binge drink do so regularly—at least three times within a two- week period. Finally, 33 percent more students admit that they drink just to get drunk. Dangerous drinking is at its worst in fraternities and sororities, where four out of five members acknowledge that they binge.

Public pressure has shown some previous influence regarding students’ drinking habits. A University of Michigan researcher says the percentage of drinkers who binged dropped through the late 1980s and early 1990s, largely because of the widespread publicity about the dangers of drunken driving. _______________________ _____________________________________________________________ _________________________.

• Which of the following sentences, if inserted into the blank, would best complete the passage?

Read the passage below. Then answer the three questions that follow.

Despite years of publicity about the problem, the percentage of college students who binge drink, that is, consume five or more drinks in one sitting, has declined only from 44 percent to 43 percent. Further, half of all students who binge drink do so regularly—at least three times within a two- week period. Finally, 33 percent more students admit that they drink just to get drunk. Dangerous drinking is at its worst in fraternities and sororities, where four out of five members acknowledge that they binge.

Public pressure has shown some previous influence regarding students’ drinking habits. A University of Michigan researcher says the percentage of drinkers who binged dropped through the late 1980s and early 1990s, largely because of the widespread publicity about the dangers of drunken driving. _______________________ _____________________________________________________________ _________________________.

• Which of the following statements, if true, would weaken the claim that publicity efforts helped to curb binge drinking in the late 1980s?

Read the passage below. Then answer the question that follows.

Zinc lozenges have gained great popularity among adults as a means to reduce the duration and severity of colds. Unfortunately, the lozenges do not work for children. _____________________________________________________________ ________________. Even if they knew and could alter the medicine, children may not be too excited about taking them. Children complain about the taste of the lozenges; many children vomit if taking one on an empty stomach.

• Which of the following sentences would best complete the passage when inserted into the blank above?

Read the passage below. Then answer the five questions that follow.

The United States is currently home to an unprecedented 4,000 nonnative plant species and 2,300 alien animal species. These plants and animals arrive by air and by sea from other continents, often in the bilge water of tankers and as stowaways on aircrafts. Previously, very little was done to stop this transport of alien plants and animals. But now, aliens are so out of control that they are threatening the very existence of America’s native species. Of the 1,900 imperiled American species, 49 percent are being endangered by aliens. Aliens are currently the leading threat to species populations, next to habitat destruction. In some locations, the influence of aliens is already as bad as it can be. In Hawaii, more than 95 percent of the 282 imperiled plants and birds are threatened by aliens.

In general, a plant or animal is kept in check by species that compete with it, eat it, or sicken it. On new grounds, though, aliens often have no such constraints. Many foreign creatures have flourished in delicate ecosystems. Our environment cannot quickly adapt to a new plant species.

A crucial preventative measure is to outlaw the release of ballast water in ports. Some ports, like the port in San Francisco Bay, are populated by almost 99 percent alien species. Yet, limiting the inclusion of alien species will not be easy. Many new species enter undetected. Further, some alien species provide great help to our environment. America’s economy thrives on many of our immigrants—soybeans, wheat, cotton, rye, and fruiting trees all originated on other continents and were brought over by colonists. Without any data or observations, it is difficult to predict if an alien species will be beneficial or harmful to our environment.

• Which of the following is the best summary of the passage?

Read the passage below. Then answer the five questions that follow.

The United States is currently home to an unprecedented 4,000 nonnative plant species and 2,300 alien animal species. These plants and animals arrive by air and by sea from other continents, often in the bilge water of tankers and as stowaways on aircrafts. Previously, very little was done to stop this transport of alien plants and animals. But now, aliens are so out of control that they are threatening the very existence of America’s native species. Of the 1,900 imperiled American species, 49 percent are being endangered by aliens. Aliens are currently the leading threat to species populations, next to habitat destruction. In some locations, the influence of aliens is already as bad as it can be. In Hawaii, more than 95 percent of the 282 imperiled plants and birds are threatened by aliens.

In general, a plant or animal is kept in check by species that compete with it, eat it, or sicken it. On new grounds, though, aliens often have no such constraints. Many foreign creatures have flourished in delicate ecosystems. Our environment cannot quickly adapt to a new plant species.

A crucial preventative measure is to outlaw the release of ballast water in ports. Some ports, like the port in San Francisco Bay, are populated by almost 99 percent alien species. Yet, limiting the inclusion of alien species will not be easy. Many new species enter undetected. Further, some alien species provide great help to our environment. America’s economy thrives on many of our immigrants—soybeans, wheat, cotton, rye, and fruiting trees all originated on other continents and were brought over by colonists. Without any data or observations, it is difficult to predict if an alien species will be beneficial or harmful to our environment.

• The author specifically mentions the state of Hawaii in the passage because it has:

Read the passage below. Then answer the five questions that follow.

The United States is currently home to an unprecedented 4,000 nonnative plant species and 2,300 alien animal species. These plants and animals arrive by air and by sea from other continents, often in the bilge water of tankers and as stowaways on aircrafts. Previously, very little was done to stop this transport of alien plants and animals. But now, aliens are so out of control that they are threatening the very existence of America’s native species. Of the 1,900 imperiled American species, 49 percent are being endangered by aliens. Aliens are currently the leading threat to species populations, next to habitat destruction. In some locations, the influence of aliens is already as bad as it can be. In Hawaii, more than 95 percent of the 282 imperiled plants and birds are threatened by aliens.

In general, a plant or animal is kept in check by species that compete with it, eat it, or sicken it. On new grounds, though, aliens often have no such constraints. Many foreign creatures have flourished in delicate ecosystems. Our environment cannot quickly adapt to a new plant species.

A crucial preventative measure is to outlaw the release of ballast water in ports. Some ports, like the port in San Francisco Bay, are populated by almost 99 percent alien species. Yet, limiting the inclusion of alien species will not be easy. Many new species enter undetected. Further, some alien species provide great help to our environment. America’s economy thrives on many of our immigrants—soybeans, wheat, cotton, rye, and fruiting trees all originated on other continents and were brought over by colonists. Without any data or observations, it is difficult to predict if an alien species will be beneficial or harmful to our environment.

• Why does the author suggest outlawing the release of ballast water in ports?

Read the passage below. Then answer the five questions that follow.

The United States is currently home to an unprecedented 4,000 nonnative plant species and 2,300 alien animal species. These plants and animals arrive by air and by sea from other continents, often in the bilge water of tankers and as stowaways on aircrafts. Previously, very little was done to stop this transport of alien plants and animals. But now, aliens are so out of control that they are threatening the very existence of America’s native species. Of the 1,900 imperiled American species, 49 percent are being endangered by aliens. Aliens are currently the leading threat to species populations, next to habitat destruction. In some locations, the influence of aliens is already as bad as it can be. In Hawaii, more than 95 percent of the 282 imperiled plants and birds are threatened by aliens.

In general, a plant or animal is kept in check by species that compete with it, eat it, or sicken it. On new grounds, though, aliens often have no such constraints. Many foreign creatures have flourished in delicate ecosystems. Our environment cannot quickly adapt to a new plant species.

A crucial preventative measure is to outlaw the release of ballast water in ports. Some ports, like the port in San Francisco Bay, are populated by almost 99 percent alien species. Yet, limiting the inclusion of alien species will not be easy. Many new species enter undetected. Further, some alien species provide great help to our environment. America’s economy thrives on many of our immigrants—soybeans, wheat, cotton, rye, and fruiting trees all originated on other continents and were brought over by colonists. Without any data or observations, it is difficult to predict if an alien species will be beneficial or harmful to our environment.

• Why do scientists fear aliens entering our ecosystems?

Read the passage below. Then answer the five questions that follow.

The United States is currently home to an unprecedented 4,000 nonnative plant species and 2,300 alien animal species. These plants and animals arrive by air and by sea from other continents, often in the bilge water of tankers and as stowaways on aircrafts. Previously, very little was done to stop this transport of alien plants and animals. But now, aliens are so out of control that they are threatening the very existence of America’s native species. Of the 1,900 imperiled American species, 49 percent are being endangered by aliens. Aliens are currently the leading threat to species populations, next to habitat destruction. In some locations, the influence of aliens is already as bad as it can be. In Hawaii, more than 95 percent of the 282 imperiled plants and birds are threatened by aliens.

In general, a plant or animal is kept in check by species that compete with it, eat it, or sicken it. On new grounds, though, aliens often have no such constraints. Many foreign creatures have flourished in delicate ecosystems. Our environment cannot quickly adapt to a new plant species.

A crucial preventative measure is to outlaw the release of ballast water in ports. Some ports, like the port in San Francisco Bay, are populated by almost 99 percent alien species. Yet, limiting the inclusion of alien species will not be easy. Many new species enter undetected. Further, some alien species provide great help to our environment. America’s economy thrives on many of our immigrants—soybeans, wheat, cotton, rye, and fruiting trees all originated on other continents and were brought over by colonists. Without any data or observations, it is difficult to predict if an alien species will be beneficial or harmful to our environment.

• What would be an appropriate title for the previous passage?

Read the passage below. Then answer the three questions that follow.

Mounting evidence suggests that any musical stimulus, from Beethoven to the Spice Girls, can have therapeutic effects. Whether you’ve had heart surgery or a bad day at the office, some soothing sounds may help to lessen stress and promote well-being. Music therapy isn’t mainstream health care, but recent studies suggest it can have a wide range of benefits. Most studies have been done with patients recovering from various illnesses, such as a stroke and Parkinson’s disease.

No one really knows how music helps the body. We do know that listening to music can directly influence pulse, the electrical activity of muscles, and lower blood pressure. Neuroscientists suspect that music can actually help build and strengthen connections among nerve cells. This is probably why listening to Mozart before an IQ test boosts scores by roughly nine points.

• Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit to listening to music?

Read the passage below. Then answer the three questions that follow.

Mounting evidence suggests that any musical stimulus, from Beethoven to the Spice Girls, can have therapeutic effects. Whether you’ve had heart surgery or a bad day at the office, some soothing sounds may help to lessen stress and promote well-being. Music therapy isn’t mainstream health care, but recent studies suggest it can have a wide range of benefits. Most studies have been done with patients recovering from various illnesses, such as a stroke and Parkinson’s disease.

No one really knows how music helps the body. We do know that listening to music can directly influence pulse, the electrical activity of muscles, and lower blood pressure. Neuroscientists suspect that music can actually help build and strengthen connections among nerve cells. This is probably why listening to Mozart before an IQ test boosts scores by roughly nine points.

• Which of the following best summarizes the content of the passage?

Read the passage below. Then answer the three questions that follow.

Mounting evidence suggests that any musical stimulus, from Beethoven to the Spice Girls, can have therapeutic effects. Whether you’ve had heart surgery or a bad day at the office, some soothing sounds may help to lessen stress and promote well-being. Music therapy isn’t mainstream health care, but recent studies suggest it can have a wide range of benefits. Most studies have been done with patients recovering from various illnesses, such as a stroke and Parkinson’s disease.

No one really knows how music helps the body. We do know that listening to music can directly influence pulse, the electrical activity of muscles, and lower blood pressure. Neuroscientists suspect that music can actually help build and strengthen connections among nerve cells. This is probably why listening to Mozart before an IQ test boosts scores by roughly nine points.

• The author’s use of the word “mainstream” in the first paragraph means:

Read the passage below. Then answer the three questions that follow.

Insulin is a critical hormone that allows individuals to absorb simple sugars (like glucose and fructose) from their food as it is digested. Most individuals produce the right amount of insulin. In fact, most individuals are not aware of the presence of insulin in the bloodstream.

Recently, nutritionists have discovered that foods known as complex carbohydrates—potatoes, carrots, and pasta among them—break down into simple sugars. Sometimes, this breakdown into sugars occurs so rapidly that the sugars may trigger a strong insulin response. This can be a problem, since a high level of insulin will inhibit the breakdown of fatty deposits. Therefore, eating too many carbohydrates leads to too much insulin, which in turn promotes the accumulation of fat. If you want to watch your weight, be sure to watch the number of complex carbohydrates you consume.

• Which of the following statements, if true, would weaken the argument in the author’s last sentence?

Read the passage below. Then answer the three questions that follow.

Insulin is a critical hormone that allows individuals to absorb simple sugars (like glucose and fructose) from their food as it is digested. Most individuals produce the right amount of insulin. In fact, most individuals are not aware of the presence of insulin in the bloodstream.

Recently, nutritionists have discovered that foods known as complex carbohydrates—potatoes, carrots, and pasta among them—break down into simple sugars. Sometimes, this breakdown into sugars occurs so rapidly that the sugars may trigger a strong insulin response. This can be a problem, since a high level of insulin will inhibit the breakdown of fatty deposits. Therefore, eating too many carbohydrates leads to too much insulin, which in turn promotes the accumulation of fat. If you want to watch your weight, be sure to watch the number of complex carbohydrates you consume.

• What is the best definition for the author’s use of the word “trigger” in the second paragraph?

Read the passage below. Then answer the three questions that follow.

Insulin is a critical hormone that allows individuals to absorb simple sugars (like glucose and fructose) from their food as it is digested. Most individuals produce the right amount of insulin. In fact, most individuals are not aware of the presence of insulin in the bloodstream.

Recently, nutritionists have discovered that foods known as complex carbohydrates—potatoes, carrots, and pasta among them—break down into simple sugars. Sometimes, this breakdown into sugars occurs so rapidly that the sugars may trigger a strong insulin response. This can be a problem, since a high level of insulin will inhibit the breakdown of fatty deposits. Therefore, eating too many carbohydrates leads to too much insulin, which in turn promotes the accumulation of fat. If you want to watch your weight, be sure to watch the number of complex carbohydrates you consume.

• According to the passage, high levels of insulin may promote weight gain by:

Read the passage below. Then answer the four questions that follow.

The koala is one of the most misunderstood animals. Although it is sometimes called a koala bear, or Australian bear, and is somewhat bear- like in appearance, it is not related to true bears. Once abundant, it is now found in much-reduced numbers in Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales. It has thick, grayish fur, a tailless body 2 to 2 1/2 ft (60−75 cm) long; a protuberant, curved, black nose; and large, furry ears. The five sharply clawed toes on each foot enable it to grasp and climb. A slow- moving, nocturnal animal, the koala has perhaps the most specialized diet of any living mammal. It feeds on leaves and shoots of a particular species of eucalyptus at a specific stage of maturation. The single cub is about 3/4 in (1.9 cm) long at birth and is nursed in the mother’s pouch, from which it emerges for the first time at about six months old. Until it is approximately eight months old a koala continues to ride in the pouch, and until about one year of age it is carried on its mother’s back or in her arms. The harmless and defenseless koala has been ruthlessly hunted, chiefly for fur but also for food. Disease and the clearing of the eucalyptus forests have also taken a heavy toll. Protective measures have been adopted to prevent the extinction of the koala.

• An appropriate title for this passage would be:

Read the passage below. Then answer the four questions that follow.

The koala is one of the most misunderstood animals. Although it is sometimes called a koala bear, or Australian bear, and is somewhat bear- like in appearance, it is not related to true bears. Once abundant, it is now found in much-reduced numbers in Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales. It has thick, grayish fur, a tailless body 2 to 2 1/2 ft (60−75 cm) long; a protuberant, curved, black nose; and large, furry ears. The five sharply clawed toes on each foot enable it to grasp and climb. A slow- moving, nocturnal animal, the koala has perhaps the most specialized diet of any living mammal. It feeds on leaves and shoots of a particular species of eucalyptus at a specific stage of maturation. The single cub is about 3/4 in (1.9 cm) long at birth and is nursed in the mother’s pouch, from which it emerges for the first time at about six months old. Until it is approximately eight months old a koala continues to ride in the pouch, and until about one year of age it is carried on its mother’s back or in her arms. The harmless and defenseless koala has been ruthlessly hunted, chiefly for fur but also for food. Disease and the clearing of the eucalyptus forests have also taken a heavy toll. Protective measures have been adopted to prevent the extinction of the koala.

• The following passage would most likely be located in:

Read the passage below. Then answer the four questions that follow.

The koala is one of the most misunderstood animals. Although it is sometimes called a koala bear, or Australian bear, and is somewhat bear- like in appearance, it is not related to true bears. Once abundant, it is now found in much-reduced numbers in Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales. It has thick, grayish fur, a tailless body 2 to 2 1/2 ft (60−75 cm) long; a protuberant, curved, black nose; and large, furry ears. The five sharply clawed toes on each foot enable it to grasp and climb. A slow- moving, nocturnal animal, the koala has perhaps the most specialized diet of any living mammal. It feeds on leaves and shoots of a particular species of eucalyptus at a specific stage of maturation. The single cub is about 3/4 in (1.9 cm) long at birth and is nursed in the mother’s pouch, from which it emerges for the first time at about six months old. Until it is approximately eight months old a koala continues to ride in the pouch, and until about one year of age it is carried on its mother’s back or in her arms. The harmless and defenseless koala has been ruthlessly hunted, chiefly for fur but also for food. Disease and the clearing of the eucalyptus forests have also taken a heavy toll. Protective measures have been adopted to prevent the extinction of the koala.

• Which of the following is NOT one of the reasons the koala is facing extinction?

Read the passage below. Then answer the four questions that follow.

The koala is one of the most misunderstood animals. Although it is sometimes called a koala bear, or Australian bear, and is somewhat bear- like in appearance, it is not related to true bears. Once abundant, it is now found in much-reduced numbers in Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales. It has thick, grayish fur, a tailless body 2 to 2 1/2 ft (60−75 cm) long; a protuberant, curved, black nose; and large, furry ears. The five sharply clawed toes on each foot enable it to grasp and climb. A slow- moving, nocturnal animal, the koala has perhaps the most specialized diet of any living mammal. It feeds on leaves and shoots of a particular species of eucalyptus at a specific stage of maturation. The single cub is about 3/4 in (1.9 cm) long at birth and is nursed in the mother’s pouch, from which it emerges for the first time at about six months old. Until it is approximately eight months old a koala continues to ride in the pouch, and until about one year of age it is carried on its mother’s back or in her arms. The harmless and defenseless koala has been ruthlessly hunted, chiefly for fur but also for food. Disease and the clearing of the eucalyptus forests have also taken a heavy toll. Protective measures have been adopted to prevent the extinction of the koala.

• Why does the author believe that the koalas are often linked to bears?

Read the passage below. Then answer the three questions that follow.

One effect of a moist, warmer-than-usual spring is the increase in the number of ticks. Ticks, no larger than the size of a pinhead, are reason for concern since they can transmit Lyme disease. Lyme disease is spread by ticks that usually live on mice and deer. However, ticks can also attach themselves to other creatures, including people. If a tick bites someone, a large rash will usually appear at the site of the bite within a month. In addition, many will suffer from chills, fever, headache, and mild conditions of arthritis shortly after a rash appears. Untreated, Lyme disease can cause severe arthritis, and an irregular heartbeat.

Antibiotics used to be the only treatment for Lyme disease. Now, recent advances have led to the creation of a vaccine. In order for the vaccine to work, individuals must take three shots over a period of twelve months. Most individuals may find this treatment difficult to administer. A dose of tick-repellent should help the casual outdoor-bound individual avoid the danger of ticks.

• According to the passage, what is the first sign of a tick bite on humans

Read the passage below. Then answer the three questions that follow.

One effect of a moist, warmer-than-usual spring is the increase in the number of ticks. Ticks, no larger than the size of a pinhead, are reason for concern since they can transmit Lyme disease. Lyme disease is spread by ticks that usually live on mice and deer. However, ticks can also attach themselves to other creatures, including people. If a tick bites someone, a large rash will usually appear at the site of the bite within a month. In addition, many will suffer from chills, fever, headache, and mild conditions of arthritis shortly after a rash appears. Untreated, Lyme disease can cause severe arthritis, and an irregular heartbeat.

Antibiotics used to be the only treatment for Lyme disease. Now, recent advances have led to the creation of a vaccine. In order for the vaccine to work, individuals must take three shots over a period of twelve months. Most individuals may find this treatment difficult to administer. A dose of tick-repellent should help the casual outdoor-bound individual avoid the danger of ticks.

• Which of the following is the best definition for the word “treatment,” used in the second paragraph of the passage?

Read the passage below. Then answer the three questions that follow.

One effect of a moist, warmer-than-usual spring is the increase in the number of ticks. Ticks, no larger than the size of a pinhead, are reason for concern since they can transmit Lyme disease. Lyme disease is spread by ticks that usually live on mice and deer. However, ticks can also attach themselves to other creatures, including people. If a tick bites someone, a large rash will usually appear at the site of the bite within a month. In addition, many will suffer from chills, fever, headache, and mild conditions of arthritis shortly after a rash appears. Untreated, Lyme disease can cause severe arthritis, and an irregular heartbeat.

Antibiotics used to be the only treatment for Lyme disease. Now, recent advances have led to the creation of a vaccine. In order for the vaccine to work, individuals must take three shots over a period of twelve months. Most individuals may find this treatment difficult to administer. A dose of tick-repellent should help the casual outdoor-bound individual avoid the danger of ticks.

• According to the passage, the vaccine against Lyme disease is appropriate only for those who:

Analyze the table of contents below. Then answer the two questions that follow.

• On what page would you look to find information on how to create a mail merge document?

Analyze the table of contents below. Then answer the two questions that follow.

• In what way is the table of contents arranged