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Test Prep CBEST Section 2: Reading Exam
California Basic Educational Skills Test - Reading (Page 3 )

Updated On: 30-Jan-2026
Page 3 of 21
PDF with 100 Questions

A healthy diet with proper nutrition is essential for maintaining good overall health. Since vitamins were discovered earlier in this century, people have routinely been taking vitamin supplements for this purpose. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is a frequently used nutritional standard for maintaining optimal health. The RDA specifies the recommended amount of a number of nutrients for people of both sexes and in many different age groups. The National Research
Councils Committee on Diet and Health has proposed a definition of the RDA to be that amount of a nutrient which meets the needs of 98 percent of the population. The RDA approach __________________. First, it is based on the assumption that it is possible to accurately define nutritional requirements for a given group. However, individual nutritional requirements can vary widely within each group. The efficiency with which a person converts food intake into nutrients can also vary widely. Certain foods when eaten in combination actually prevent the absorption of nutrients. For example, spinach combined with milk reduces the amount of calcium available to the body from the milk. Also, the RDA approach specifies a different dietary requirement for each age and sex; however, it is clearly unrealistic to expect a homemaker to prepare a different menu for each family member. Still, although we cannot rely solely upon RDA to ensure our overall long-term health, it can be a useful guide so long as its limitations are recognized.
On the basis of above passage please answer the following question
With which of the following would the author most likely agree?

  1. The RDA approach should be replaced by a more realistic nutritional guide.
  2. The RDA approach should be supplemented with more specific nutritional guides.
  3. In spite of its flaws, the RDA approach is definitely the best guide to good nutrition.
  4. The RDA approach is most suitable for a large family.
  5. The RDA approach is too complicated for most consumers.

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

Choice b is indicated by the final sentence, which indicates that the RDA approach is useful, but has limitations, implying that a supplemental guide would be a good thing. Choice a is contra-dicted by the final sentence of the passage. Choice c is incorrect because the passage says the RDA approach is a useful guide, but does NOT say it is the best guide to good nutrition. Choice d is contradicted by the next-to-last sentence of the passage. The passage states that the RDA approach is frequently used, which indicates it is not too complicated, as stated in choice e.



A healthy diet with proper nutrition is essential for maintaining good overall health. Since vitamins were discovered earlier in this century, people have routinely been taking vitamin supplements for this purpose. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is a frequently used nutritional standard for maintaining optimal health. The RDA specifies the recommended amount of a number of nutrients for people of both sexes and in many different age groups. The National Research Councils Committee on Diet and Health has proposed a definition of the RDA to be that amount of a nutrient which meets the needs of 98 percent of the population. The RDA approach ___________________. First, it is based on the assumption that it is possible to accurately define nutritional requirements for a given group. However, individual nutritional requirements can vary widely within each group. The efficiency with which a person converts food intake into nutrients can also vary widely. Certain foods when eaten in combination actually prevent the absorption of nutrients. For example, spinach combined with milk reduces the amount of calcium available to the body from the milk. Also, the RDA approach specifies a different dietary requirement for each age and sex; however, it is clearly unrealistic to expect a homemaker to prepare a different menu for each family member. Still, although we cannot rely solely upon RDA to ensure our overall long-term health, it can be a useful guide so long as its limitations are recognized.
On the basis of above passage please answer the following question
Which of the following would best fit in the blank in the first sentence of paragraph two?

  1. is based on studies by respected nutritionists
  2. has a number of shortcomings
  3. has been debunked in the last few years
  4. is full of holes
  5. is constantly being refined

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

The blank is followed by a discussion of the shortcomings of the RDA approach. Choice a is incorrect because it does not lead into the discussion that follows regarding the RDA approachs shortcomings. Choice c is incorrect because it is contradicted by the final sentence of the passage, which states that the RDA approach remains a useful guide. Choice d is incorrect because its slangy style is inconsistent with the style used in the rest of the passage. Choice e is incorrect because it does not lead into the discussion which follows, and there is nothing in the passage to indicate the RDA is changing.



Authentic Dhurrie rugs are hand-woven in India. Today, they are usually made of wool, but they are descendants of cotton floor- and bed-coverings. In fact, the name Dhurrie comes from the Indian word dari, which means threads of cotton. The rugs are noted for their soft colors and their varieties of design and make a stunning focal point for any living room or dining room.
On the basis of above passage please answer the following question
Which of the following is the most likely intended audience for the passage?

  1. people who are planning a trip to India
  2. people studying traditional Indian culture
  3. people who are studying Indian domestic customs
  4. people learning to operate a rug loom
  5. people who enjoy interior decorating

Answer(s): E

Explanation:

Although the people in the other choices might read this passage, it is not directed toward travelers, scholars, or readers (choices a, b, and c), nor is there anything in it about operating a loom (choice d). The last sentence indicates that the passage is directed toward interior decorators.



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
In the context of the passage, which of the following words would best fit in the blank?

  1. loving
  2. just
  3. horrible
  4. imperious
  5. satisfying

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

The word horrible most definitely contrasts to the words exceedingly pleasant, bright, and sweet, and the words formerly and however indicate that the sentence is describing a contrast. The other choices do not necessarily point to a contrast..



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 terms best defines the doctrine of Divine Election as discussed in the passage?

  1. God’s power
  2. the soul’s redemption
  3. eternal damnation
  4. predestined salvation
  5. a state of grace

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

To be elected means to be chosen, and the passage speaks of Gods choosing according to his divine and arbitrary will, whom he would to eternal life (i.e., to salvation). Being rejected is the opposite of being chosen or elected, so someone rejected would be damned (choice c). The other choices do not reflect an element of choice.



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