CBEST Reading Practice Test 3

___________ the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is considered a prestigious honor, the committee has made at least one mistake in granting the award. Antonio Caetano de Abreu Friere Egas Moniz, a Portuguese neurologist, received the award in 1949 for the controversial psychosurgery called lobotomy. Moniz invented the procedure in 1936, as a way to treat people with schizophrenia. The operation caused irreversible brain damage when incisions were made in the prefrontal region that destroyed connections within the brain. According to one medical researcher, Moniz operations did not result in any deaths, and his method was acclaimed as a valid treatment for mentally ill patients in the United States, Brazil, and parts of Western Europe, including Italy. His supporters believed that the possible benefits of severing brain connections, including a decrease in aggressive personalities and behaviors, far outweighed any medical risks. _________ there were not alternative therapies available in the early 20th Century for people with severe mental illness, Moniz was erroneously hailed as a medical genius; with accolades culminating in the unfortunate awarding of medicine’s most prestigious honor.

Which words or phrases, if inserted in order into the blanks in the passage, would help the reader understand the sequence and tone of the writer’s ideas?

___________ the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is considered a prestigious honor, the committee has made at least one mistake in granting the award. Antonio Caetano de Abreu Friere Egas Moniz, a Portuguese neurologist, received the award in 1949 for the controversial psychosurgery called lobotomy. Moniz invented the procedure in 1936, as a way to treat people with schizophrenia. The operation caused irreversible brain damage when incisions were made in the prefrontal region that destroyed connections within the brain. According to one medical researcher, Moniz operations did not result in any deaths, and his method was acclaimed as a valid treatment for mentally ill patients in the United States, Brazil, and parts of Western Europe, including Italy. His supporters believed that the possible benefits of severing brain connections, including a decrease in aggressive personalities and behaviors, far outweighed any medical risks. _________ there were not alternative therapies available in the early 20th Century for people with severe mental illness, Moniz was erroneously hailed as a medical genius; with accolades culminating in the unfortunate awarding of medicine’s most prestigious honor.

Which of the following is the best meaning of the word erroneously as it is used in the passage?

___________ the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is considered a prestigious honor, the committee has made at least one mistake in granting the award. Antonio Caetano de Abreu Friere Egas Moniz, a Portuguese neurologist, received the award in 1949 for the controversial psychosurgery called lobotomy. Moniz invented the procedure in 1936, as a way to treat people with schizophrenia. The operation caused irreversible brain damage when incisions were made in the prefrontal region that destroyed connections within the brain. According to one medical researcher, Moniz operations did not result in any deaths, and his method was acclaimed as a valid treatment for mentally ill patients in the United States, Brazil, and parts of Western Europe, including Italy. His supporters believed that the possible benefits of severing brain connections, including a decrease in aggressive personalities and behaviors, far outweighed any medical risks. _________ there were not alternative therapies available in the early 20th Century for people with severe mental illness, Moniz was erroneously hailed as a medical genius; with accolades culminating in the unfortunate awarding of medicine’s most prestigious honor.

Which of the following would be the most appropriate title for this passage?

___________ the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is considered a prestigious honor, the committee has made at least one mistake in granting the award. Antonio Caetano de Abreu Friere Egas Moniz, a Portuguese neurologist, received the award in 1949 for the controversial psychosurgery called lobotomy. Moniz invented the procedure in 1936, as a way to treat people with schizophrenia. The operation caused irreversible brain damage when incisions were made in the prefrontal region that destroyed connections within the brain. According to one medical researcher, Moniz operations did not result in any deaths, and his method was acclaimed as a valid treatment for mentally ill patients in the United States, Brazil, and parts of Western Europe, including Italy. His supporters believed that the possible benefits of severing brain connections, including a decrease in aggressive personalities and behaviors, far outweighed any medical risks. _________ there were not alternative therapies available in the early 20th Century for people with severe mental illness, Moniz was erroneously hailed as a medical genius; with accolades culminating in the unfortunate awarding of medicine’s most prestigious honor.

Which of the following details from the passage best supports the writer’s main idea that the Nobel Prize “committee has made at least one mistake” in granting the prestigious Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine?

The Great Molasses Flood happened in Boston, Massachusetts on January 15, 1919. Due to a sudden rise in outdoor temperature, a tank containing over 2 million gallons of molasses collapsed at the Purity Distilling Company. With a peak of 25 feet, walls of molasses poured through the streets of Boston, injuring 150 people and tragically killing 21. As the molasses covered Boston in a sticky mess, dozens of horses and dogs were also crushed or drowned.

Which of the following statements does NOT fit into the pattern of logic developed in the passage?

The Great Molasses Flood happened in Boston, Massachusetts on January 15, 1919. Due to a sudden rise in outdoor temperature, a tank containing over 2 million gallons of molasses collapsed at the Purity Distilling Company. With a peak of 25 feet, walls of molasses poured through the streets of Boston, injuring 150 people and tragically killing 21. As the molasses covered Boston in a sticky mess, dozens of horses and dogs were also crushed or drowned.

Which of the following represents a statement of opinion in the passage?

While some parents may be concerned that their children will get hurt, research shows that rough-and-tumble (RT) play is an excellent, high-energy activity that promotes physical, social, and emotional development for children as young as two-years-old. Toddlers can safely chase one another, spin one another around before falling, and dance, Karate chop, and display other assertive physical movements.

Young children who RT play are using dramatic activities and conversations to expand their burgeoning abilities. Children test the limits of their strength, agility, and flexibility as they “lift” one another or wrestle around on the ground. They maneuver their bodies to change position in given spaces. They work through social scripts while taking turns in role playing, negotiating selected activities, and deciding personal boundaries. Children also improve their self-regulation by maintaining positive attitudes while chasing, spinning, and play “fighting” with their peers.

Parents who are concerned whether their children are “just playing” or being too aggressive can look for signs of RT play. Children who are playing often smile and laugh, demonstrating pleasure and excitement. In addition, when children finish RT play, they continue activities together with positive demeanor. If children are frowning, crying, or demonstrating anger through clinched fists and reddening of the face, then they are no longer playing, and parents should intervene to keep children safe.

Which of the following best organizes the major topics addressed in the passage?

A.
I. RT play is safe
II. Developmental benefits of RT play
III. RT play versus aggression

B.
I. Developmental benefits of RT play
II. Types of RT play
III. RT play versus aggression

C.
I. History of RT play
II. Developmental benefits of RT play
III. RT play versus aggression

D.
I. RT play is safe
II. Types of RT play
III. Aggressive play

E.
I. Toddler’s play activities
II. Developmental benefits of RT play
III. RT play versus aggression

While some parents may be concerned that their children will get hurt, research shows that rough-and-tumble (RT) play is an excellent, high-energy activity that promotes physical, social, and emotional development for children as young as two-years-old. Toddlers can safely chase one another, spin one another around before falling, and dance, Karate chop, and display other assertive physical movements.

Young children who RT play are using dramatic activities and conversations to expand their burgeoning abilities. Children test the limits of their strength, agility, and flexibility as they “lift” one another or wrestle around on the ground. They maneuver their bodies to change position in given spaces. They work through social scripts while taking turns in role playing, negotiating selected activities, and deciding personal boundaries. Children also improve their self-regulation by maintaining positive attitudes while chasing, spinning, and play “fighting” with their peers.

Parents who are concerned whether their children are “just playing” or being too aggressive can look for signs of RT play. Children who are playing often smile and laugh, demonstrating pleasure and excitement. In addition, when children finish RT play, they continue activities together with positive demeanor. If children are frowning, crying, or demonstrating anger through clinched fists and reddening of the face, then they are no longer playing, and parents should intervene to keep children safe.

Which of the following is the best assessment of the writer’s opinion of RT play?

While some parents may be concerned that their children will get hurt, research shows that rough-and-tumble (RT) play is an excellent, high-energy activity that promotes physical, social, and emotional development for children as young as two-years-old. Toddlers can safely chase one another, spin one another around before falling, and dance, Karate chop, and display other assertive physical movements.

Young children who RT play are using dramatic activities and conversations to expand their burgeoning abilities. Children test the limits of their strength, agility, and flexibility as they “lift” one another or wrestle around on the ground. They maneuver their bodies to change position in given spaces. They work through social scripts while taking turns in role playing, negotiating selected activities, and deciding personal boundaries. Children also improve their self-regulation by maintaining positive attitudes while chasing, spinning, and play “fighting” with their peers.

Parents who are concerned whether their children are “just playing” or being too aggressive can look for signs of RT play. Children who are playing often smile and laugh, demonstrating pleasure and excitement. In addition, when children finish RT play, they continue activities together with positive demeanor. If children are frowning, crying, or demonstrating anger through clinched fists and reddening of the face, then they are no longer playing, and parents should intervene to keep children safe.

Based on information contained in this passage, it is reasonable to infer that children who engage in RT play:

While some parents may be concerned that their children will get hurt, research shows that rough-and-tumble (RT) play is an excellent, high-energy activity that promotes physical, social, and emotional development for children as young as two-years-old. Toddlers can safely chase one another, spin one another around before falling, and dance, Karate chop, and display other assertive physical movements.

Young children who RT play are using dramatic activities and conversations to expand their burgeoning abilities. Children test the limits of their strength, agility, and flexibility as they “lift” one another or wrestle around on the ground. They maneuver their bodies to change position in given spaces. They work through social scripts while taking turns in role playing, negotiating selected activities, and deciding personal boundaries. Children also improve their self-regulation by maintaining positive attitudes while chasing, spinning, and play “fighting” with their peers.

Parents who are concerned whether their children are “just playing” or being too aggressive can look for signs of RT play. Children who are playing often smile and laugh, demonstrating pleasure and excitement. In addition, when children finish RT play, they continue activities together with positive demeanor. If children are frowning, crying, or demonstrating anger through clinched fists and reddening of the face, then they are no longer playing, and parents should intervene to keep children safe.

Which of the following is the best meaning of the word burgeoning as it is used in the passage?