If any or all of the three subjects covered in the minicourse are especially tough for you, you may want to consider doing some further reading. Following is a list of particularly useful books for preparing for the skills tested on the CBEST.
Reading
- 501 Reading Comprehension Questions, 3rd edition (LearningExpress)
Fast, focused practice to help you improve your skills.
- Read Better, Remember More, 2nd edition by Elizabeth Chesla (LearningExpress)
A self-study book that helps you learn at your own pace, with varied exercises that make learning easy.
- Reading Comprehension Success in 20 Minutes a Day, 3rd edition (LearningExpress)
A 20-step book that covers all the basics of reading well; especially useful for those preparing for exams like the CBEST.
- Visual Communication by Ned Racine (LearningExpress)
Visual literacy is a growing area of assessment on standardized tests—find out here how to read maps, charts, diagrams, and schematics. Learn how to use and make use of visual communication!
Book List
The best way to improve your reading skills is to read as often as you can. Here is a list of well-known books that may interest you:
Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt (Autobiography)
Black Boy by Richard Wright (Autobiography)
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (Coming of Age)
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson (Horror)
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (Science Fiction)
Hiroshima by John Hershey (War)
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (Fantasy)
Jurassic Park; The Lost World by Michael Crichton (Science Fiction)
The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper (Historical)
The Lives of a Cell by Lewis Thomas (Science/Medicine)
Moonlight Becomes You and other novels by Mary Higgins Clark (Suspense)
Schindler's List by Thomas Keneally (Historical)
A Separate Peace by John Knowles (Coming of Age)
The Stand and other novels by Stephen King (Horror)
A Time to Kill; The Client by John Grisham (Thriller)
Math
- Algebra the Easy Way, 4th edition by Douglas Downing (Barron's)
Covers all the basics of algebra; uses a continuous story to help make learning fun.
- Algebra Success in 20 Minutes a Day, 3rd edition (LearningExpress)
Equations, inequalities, powers, and roots—master algebra now!
- All the Math You'll Ever Need by Steve Slavin (Wiley)
A friendly guide for those seeking to brush up on mathematics and elementary algebra.
- Essential Math: Basic Math for Everyday Use by Edward Williams and Robert A. Atkins (Barron's)
Emphasizes math applications in selected career areas.
- Everyday Math for Dummies by Charles Seiter (IDG)
Like other books in the For Dummies series, this one features a fun presentation that will help you conquer math anxiety.
- Geometry Success in 20 Minutes a Day, 2nd edition (LearningExpress)
- Math Builder (LearningExpress)
- Math the Easy Way, 4th edition by Anthony Prindle and Katie Prindle (Barron's)
Covers basic arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percents,word problems, and introduces algebra and geometry.
- Math Essentials, 3rd edition (LearningExpress)
If you have trouble with fractions, decimals, or percents, this book offers an easy, step-by-step review.
- Mathematics Made Simple, 6th edition by Tom Cusick (Made Simple)
Targets students and others who want to improve their practical math skills.
- 1001 Math Problems (LearningExpress)
Fast, focused practice to help you improve your math skills!
- Practical Math Success in 20 Minutes a Day, 3rd edition (LearningExpress)
Provides review of basic math skills and easy-tofollow examples with opportunities for practice.
- Seeing Numbers (LearningExpress)
Specifically designed for the visual learner, this book explores shapes from many different perspectives.
- 501 Algebra Questions, 2nd edition (LearningExpress)
Covers basic to advanced algebra skills.
- 501 Geometry Questions and Answers (LearningExpress)
Focused practice helps refine geometry skills.
Writing
- 1001 Pitfalls in English Grammar (Barron's)
Problem-solving approach to writing and grammar; very useful for nonnative speakers of English
- Thirty Days to Better English by Norman Lewis (Dell)
Useful for general information; suited to both native and nonnative speakers of English.
- Better Writing Right Now! by Francine Galko (LearningExpress)
Know the benchmarks that professionals use—learn how to make words work for you!
- Grammar Essentials, 3rd edition (LearningExpress)
Gives a thorough review of all the rules of basic grammar; lots of exercises and examples make for a painless, and even fun, learning experience.
- English Made Simple by Arthur Waldhorn and Arthur Zieger (Made Simple Books)
Designed for nonnative speakers of English; also good for native speakers with little training in grammar.
- Errors in English and Ways to Correct Them by Harry Shaw (HarperCollins)
Addresses specific problems in both writing and grammar; useful for nonnative speakers of English
- 501 Grammar and Writing Questions, 3rd edition (LearningExpress)
Learn how to spot common grammar mistakes; compose correct sentences; organize clear, concise paragraphs; and much more!
- Grammar: A Student's Guide by James R. Hurford (Cambridge University Press)
Thorough coverage of parts of speech, sentence structure, usage, punctuation, and mechanics; especially good for nonnative speakers of English.
- The Handbook of Good English by Edward D. Johnson (Washington Square Press)
Well-organized, comprehensive handbook for both grammar and writing.
- Smart English by Annette Francis (Signet)
Thorough general-purpose handbook for both writing and grammar; good for nonnative speakers of English.
- Write Better Essays in Just 20 Minutes a Day, 2nd edition (LearningExpress)
Your guide to top test scores, this book teaches the mechanics of good essay writing. It's like having a personal tutor!
- Writing Skills Success in 20 Minutes a Day, 3rd edition (LearningExpress)
Covers all the basics of writing through step-by-step instruction and exercises; especially useful for those preparing for exams such as the CBEST.
- Writing Smart by Marcia Lerner (Princeton Review)
Good for general writing skills; well organized so information is easy to find.
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From CEBEST: California Basic Education Skills Test. Copyright © 2008 by LearningExpress, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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