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Test Prep CBEST Section 2: Reading Exam
California Basic Educational Skills Test - Reading (Page 11 )

Updated On: 30-Jan-2026
Page 4 of 21
PDF with 100 Questions

In Ralph Waldo Emersons view, although individual consciousness will eventually be lost, every living thing is part of the blessed Unity, part of the transcendent "over-soul" which is the universe. And so, in the main body of his philosophy, Emerson accepts the indifference of Nature to the individual life, and does not struggle against it. His acceptance of Nature as tending toward overall unity and good in spite of her indifference to the individual is curiously and ironically akin to the Puritan acceptance of the doctrine of Divine Election. In his "Personal Narrative" Jonathan Edwards writes that he finally has "a delightful conviction" of the doctrine of God’s sovereignty, of God’s choosing according to His divine and arbitrary will, "whom he would to eternal life, and rejecting whom he pleased . . . ."He writes that the doctrine had formerly seemed ___________ to him; however, it had finally come to seem "exceedingly pleasant, bright, and sweet." In "Fate,"
Emerson writes that "Nature will not mind drowning a man or a woman, but swallows your ship like a grain of dust," but that "the central intention of Nature [is] harmony and joy. Let us build altars to the Beautiful Necessity. . . ."
On the basis of above passage please answer the following question
Which of the following best describes the main idea of the passage?

  1. As philosophers reflecting on the nature of the universe, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Jonathan Edwards are ironically akin to one another.
  2. Ralph Waldo Emerson believes that nature is indifferent to individuals; on the other hand, Jonathan Edwards believes God makes decisions about individuals, but based on His desires.
  3. Ralph Waldo Emerson believes in a world ruled by the transcendent oversoul of Nature, whereas Jonathan Edwards believes in a world ruled by a sovereign God.
  4. Ralph Waldo Emerson believes that individual consciousness will be lost after death, whereas Jonathan Edwards believes that the soul will go to heaven or hell.
  5. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s acceptance of Nature’s indifference to the individual is ironically similar to Jonathan Edwards’ acceptance of the doctrine of Divine

Answer(s): E

Explanation:

This choice say show the reflections of Emerson and Edwards are alike (that is, their acceptance of the arbitrary nature of Nature and God) and also speaks of the irony of the similarity between Emerson and Edwards, which is mentioned in the passage. Choice a is true, but is too general, since it does not say exactly how the two philosophers are alike. Choices b, c, and d are incorrect because they emphasize differences between the two world views, whereas the passage emphasizes similarities.



In Ralph Waldo Emersons view, although individual consciousness will eventually be lost, every living thing is part of the blessed Unity, part of the transcendent "over-soul" which is the universe. And so, in the main body of his philosophy, Emerson accepts the indifference of Nature to the individual life, and does not struggle against it. His acceptance of Nature as tending toward overall unity and good in spite of her indifference to the individual is curiously and ironically akin to the Puritan acceptance of the doctrine of Divine Election. In his "Personal Narrative" Jonathan Edwards writes that he finally has "a delightful conviction" of the doctrine of God’s sovereignty, of God’s choosing according to His divine and arbitrary will, "whom he would to eternal life, and rejecting whom he pleased . . . ."He writes that the doctrine had formerly seemed ___________ to him; however, it had finally come to seem "exceedingly pleasant, bright, and sweet." In "Fate,"
Emerson writes that "Nature will not mind drowning a man or a woman, but swallows your ship like a grain of dust," but that "the central intention of Nature [is] harmony and joy. Let us build altars to the Beautiful Necessity. . . ."
On the basis of above passage please answer the following question
Which of the following statements would LEAST effectively support the view of both Emerson and Edwards toward the nature of the universe?

  1. God notices the fall of a sparrow.
  2. God is all-powerful and all-wise.
  3. The universe is a harmonious place.
  4. Nature is beautiful and good.
  5. One should accept the universal plan.

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

The final sentence states that Nature will not mind drowning a man or a woman, and sentence4 speaks of Edwards approval of Gods arbitrary will; neither Nature nor God, as described in the passage, would notice the fall of a sparrow. Choice b is incorrect because Edwards has a delightful conviction in Gods sovereignty (authority or power), which indicates that he believes Gods judgment, no matter how arbitrary, is wise. Choice s canddare incorrect because Emerson speaks of Natures intention as harmony and joy. Choice is incorrect; both Emerson and Edwards believe God makes decisions about individuals based on the need of nature as a whole.



The city has distributed standardized recycling containers to all households; the containers are marked with directions that read: "We would prefer that you use this new container as your primary recycling container. Additional recycling containers may be purchased from the city."
On the basis of above passage please answer the following question
According to the directions, which of the following is true about the new containers?

  1. The new containers are better than other containers.
  2. Households may use only the new containers for recyclable items.
  3. The new containers hold more than the old containers did.
  4. Households may use other containers besides the new ones if they wish.
  5. Additional containers can be delivered at no charge.

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

The directions state the city would like households to use the new containers as their primary containers; this means other containers are allowed.



The city has distributed standardized recycling containers to all households; the containers are marked with directions that read: "We would prefer that you use this new container as your primary recycling container. Additional recycling containers may be purchased from the city."
On the basis of above passage please answer the following question
According to the directions, each household

  1. may only use one recycling container.
  2. must use the new recycling container.
  3. should use the new recycling container.
  4. must buy a new recycling container.
  5. should pick up the new recycling container.

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

The directions indicate that the city prefers, but does not require, use of the new container. In addition, it appears the city only charges residents for additional containers.



An ecosystem is a group of animals and plants living in a specific region and interacting with one another and with their physical environment. Ecosystems include physical and chemical components, such as soils, water, and nutrients, that support the organisms living there. These organisms may range from large animals to microscopic bacteria. Ecosystems also can be thought of as the interactions among all organisms in a given habitat; for instance, one species may serve as food for another. People are part of the ecosystems where they live and work. Human activities can harm or destroy local ecosystems unless actions such as land development for housing or businesses are carefully planned to conserve and sustain the ecology of the area. An important part of ecosystem management involves finding ways to protect and enhance economic and social well-being while protecting local ecosystems.
On the basis of above passage please answer the following question
An ecosystem can most accurately be defined as a

  1. geographical area.
  2. community.
  3. habitat.
  4. protected environment.
  5. region.

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

This is the only choice that reflects the idea of interaction among all members of the group mentioned in the first sentence. The other choices are only physical settings.



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