Use a variety of words. Think like a thesaurus when writing.
For the personal experience essay, make sure you include all points the topic included.
Avoid a sentence like the following: "My first reason for believing computers are good in the classroom is they are..."
Change it to a statement avoiding "they are." :
"One reason computers are good in the classroom is that they can..."
Or even the following is an option:
"First, computers are good in the classroom because they may..."
Do you get the picture? You could substitute almost any topic and come up with the first sentence of each paragraph in the body of the essay. (Changing first to second or whatever reason you are on.)
Pay close attention to the directions. If they say to discuss the pros and cons, DO just that! Don't give explanations. And if it says explain, don't give pros and cons.
Read over as many sample topics as you can and be familiar with what you can write on them. Most subjects can crossover to other topics.
Suppose the topic is: Some say computers are useful in classrooms. Others disagree and think computers have no place in education. Pick a side and discuss your reasons. Sample opening paragraph, body, and ending:
Computers have become an important part of life and are now being used virtually everywhere. Education is no different. Some teachers willingly incorporate computers daily, while others refuse or don't know how to use them. I feel computers do indeed have value in today's classroom if used properly.
First, computers can increase learning by....(then state your reason and explain it)
Second, computers can lessen a teachers load by....(again, state your reason and explain it)
Third, (come up with a third reason if you wish, or pad the first and second so they are good paragraphs.)
Finally, computers can indeed be helpful in education. (You would then go on to restate your reasons, and write a summary sentence. A sample summary sentence might be: Computers are a fact of life nowadays and teachers need to be aware of how to use them properly to improve their teaching.)
Making an outline of the above format will be useful.
Key points to passing the writing section:
A. Stick to the topic!
B. Address ALL questions and concerns.
C. Use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
D. Have a good introduction as well as a conclusion.
E. Stick to the topic!
If you do the above, how can you help but pass?
It is best to be familiar with as many sample topics as possible.
Write about a person who:
...you had to apologize to.
...had the biggest influence on you growing up.
...had the biggest influence on you wanting to be a teacher.
...is your hero.
...is the most unforgettable person you ever met.
...is your favorite relative.
Write about a place that:
...you visited that had an impact on you.
...you lived in that influenced you.
...you would like to visit.
Write about an experience that:
...made you want to be a teacher.
...was unforgettable.
...had a major impact on your life.
...you wish had never happened.
...you planned well, but things turned out awful.
...what class have you taken that have influenced you.
And....just about any personal experience topic that could be the subject of an essay.
You may be asked to discuss, analyze, give pros and cons, and your opinion about:
...school vouchers.
...what makes a good teacher.
...standardized test scores.
...charter schools.
...school bussing.
...paying for school construction.
...compters in classrooms.
...good teaching techniques. (if the topic is on a subject you don't teach, remember: good teaching techniques work for ALL subjects!)
...before and after-school programs.
...phonics vs. whole language.
...teacher shortages.
...what makes a good school.
...what makes a good administrator.
...importance of sports programs.
...boys and girls in separate classrooms.
...textbook revision.
...taking a drivers license away for failing classes
And...any other current topic in education you may think of!
CBEST Test Tips - Overall tips to take and pass the CBEST Test.
CBEST Math Tips - Read our tips to pass the math section of the CBEST Test.
Essay Writing Tips for the CBEST - Get our CBEST essay writing guide here.
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