Elacst

CST Prep Grades 9-11
ELA

GENERAL TIPS

Read the questions first: underline any key words
Dont waste your time, or your brain! If you do not
know an answer, mark it for later and come back.
Up your odds! You may not know what is right, but
you know what is wrong! Cross out the answers you
know are wrong, then concentrate on the options for
the right answer.
Trust yourself! Your first instinct is usually right. If you
want to change an answer, make sure you have a good
reason for doing so!
DIFFERENT TYPES OF READING
PASSAGES
There are several different types of non-fiction
reading passages you will read on the CST,
these include:
Business Letters
Instruction Manuals
Expository Essays

Business Letters
Excerpt:
To: Director of Operations, Greensboro Hospital From:
Worldwide Express (WW-EX)Date: September 3, 20041
(1) We are writing to inform you that our company, Worldwide Express
(WW-EX), now provides the innovative Medical Express Solutions
system, a state-of-the-art packaging and delivery service customized
especially for the pharmaceutical, research, and healthcare industries.
The transport of materials can be costly, but our service can offer your
hospital a safe, inexpensive, technologically advanced method for
shipping your healthcare materials. Worldwide Express, already a
trusted name in packaging and delivery, can assure you that you can
place your confidence in our new Medical Express Solutions.
Sample Question
Paragraph 1 of Document A serves to introduce which
information to the reader?
A the addition of a new service from WW-EX
B the qualifications for opening an account with WW-EX
C the technology of WW-EXs packaging methods
D the processes of WW-EXs delivery chain
Sample Question
Paragraph 1 of Document A serves to introduce which
information to the reader?
B the qualifications for opening an account with WW-EX
C the technology of WW-EXs packaging methods
D the processes of WW-EXs delivery chain
Clues:
To: Director of Operations, Greensboro Hospital From:
Worldwide Express (WW-EX)Date: September 3, 20041
(1) We are writing to inform you that our company, Worldwide
Express (WW-EX), now provides the innovative Medical Express
Solutions system, a state-of-the-art packaging and delivery service
customized especially for the pharmaceutical, research, and
healthcare industries. The transport of materials can be costly, but
our service can offer your hospital a safe, inexpensive,
technologically advanced method for shipping your healthcare
materials. Worldwide Express, already a trusted name in
packaging and delivery, can assure you that you can place your
confidence in our new Medical Express Solutions.

Clues:
We are writing to inform you that our company,
Worldwide Express (WW-EX), now provides the
innovative Medical Express Solutions system

Key Words:
now provides
Best Matches The Question:

Instruction Manuals
Excerpt:
Fitquest 2000 5-Year Limited Warranty
If your Fitquest fails structurally during normal usage we will
repair or replace it without charge to you. Parts, cables and
labor are included. This warranty is not transferable and
does not cover the failure of Fitquest 2000 machines used
commercially or for institutional purposes. The warranty
excludes failure due to unreasonable or abusive use and
improper assembly due to deviation from assembly
instructions or failure to follow basic care and maintenance
instructions.

Sample Question
According to Document C, the FitQuest warranty
does not include

A machines which have a manufacturing defect.
B machines that fail structurally during normal usage.
C failures caused by unreasonable or abusive use.
D parts, cables, or labor costs for repairs.
Sample Question
According to Document C, the FitQuest warranty
does not include

A machines which have a manufacturing defect.
B machines that fail structurally during normal usage.
C failures caused by unreasonable or abusive use.
D parts, cables, or labor costs for repairs.
Clues
Fitquest 2000 5-Year Limited Warranty
If your fitquest fails structurally during normal usage
we will repair or replace it without charge to you.
Parts, cables and labor are included. This warranty is
not transferable and does not cover the failure of
Fitquest 2000 machines used commercially or for
institutional purposes. The warranty excludes failure
due to unreasonable or abusive use and improper
assembly due to deviation from assembly instructions
or failure to follow basic care and maintenance
instructions.

Clues
The warranty excludes failure due to
unreasonable or abusive use and improper
assembly
Key Words
excludes
Unreasonable or abusive use
Best Matches
C failures caused by unreasonable or abusive
use.

Instruction Manuals:
Excerpt

5. The Destination Location window should appear. This is
the location to which the Escape from Treasure Mountain II
files will be copied. To choose a custom location, click
Browse, select the location, and then click Next. To use the
default location, simply click Next.

6. Choose the folder in the Start>Programs menu from
which you want to run Escape from Treasure Mountain II
and click Next. Just click Next to accept the default folder.
The game files will be copied onto your hard drive.

Sample Question:
Steps 5 and 6 of the instructions (Document C) for installing
Escape from Treasure Mountain II assume that the user

A has played Escape from Treasure Mountain I.
B owns a computer with at least 1.2 GB hard drive space.
C has some familiarity with basic computer terms.
D will want to know about new games from Madcap Studios.
Sample Question:
Steps 5 and 6 of the instructions (Document C) for installing
Escape from Treasure Mountain II assume that the user

A has played Escape from Treasure Mountain I.
B owns a computer with at least 1.2 GB hard drive space.
C has some familiarity with basic computer terms.
D will want to know about new games from Madcap Studios.
Clues
5. The Destination Location window should appear.
This is the location to which the Escape from Treasure
Mountain II files will be copied. To choose a custom
location, click Browse, select the location, and then
click Next. To use the default location, simply click
Next.

6. Choose the folder in the Start>Programs menu from
which you want to run Escape from Treasure Mountain
II and click Next. Just click Next to accept the default
folder. The game files will be copied onto your hard
drive.

Clues
C has some familiarity with basic computer
terms.
Key Words
The Destination Location window
default location
Best Matches
C has some familiarity with basic computer
terms.

Expository Essays
Excerpt:
Today the sun is outonly a few clouds billowing. In
the east, where the sheep have started off without
me, the benchland tilts up in a series of eroded red-
earthed mesas, planed flat on top by a million years
of water; behind them, a bold line of muscular scarps
rears up ten thousand feet to become the Big Horn
Mountains. A tidal pattern is engraved into the
ground, as if left by the sea that once covered this
state. Canyons curve down like galaxies to meet the
oncoming rush of flat land.
Sample Question
Read this excerpt from paragraph 4 of the passage

. . . . planed flat on top by a million years of water . . .

The word planed is from the Latin root plan, which means

A level
B broad
C faded
D polished
Sample Question
Read this excerpt from paragraph 4 of the passage

. . . . planed flat on top by a million years of water . . .

The word planed is from the Latin root plan, which means

A level
B broad
C faded
D polished
Clues
Today the sun is outonly a few clouds billowing. In
the east, where the sheep have started off without
me, the benchland tilts up in a series of eroded red-
earthed mesas, planed flat on top by a million years
of water; behind them, a bold line of muscular scarps
rears up ten thousand feet to become the Big Horn
Mountains. A tidal pattern is engraved into the
ground, as if left by the sea that once covered this
state. Canyons curve down like galaxies to meet the
oncoming rush of flat land.

Clues
planed flat on top by a million years of water
oncoming rush of flat land
Key Words
Planed flat
Flat Land
Best Matches
A level

Expository Essay:
Excerpt
Carrying messages could be a dangerous job.
Some pigeons performed with such bravery that
they became famous and were even awarded
medals, such as Englands Dicken Medal of
Gallantry. In a few cases, pigeons even became
prisoners of war. In 1918 American forces
captured a pigeon named The Kaiser, which had
been trained to fly special missions for Germany,
during battle. He was taken to America, where he
lived to the age of 32.
Sample Question:
Which of the following statements from the passage
supports the authors conclusion that carrier pigeons
sometimes had a dangerous job?
A In 1815 an English banker named Nathan Rothschild made
his fortune by relying on messages sent to him by carrier
pigeons.
B Since they could easily be released from airplanes or ships,
every branch of the armed services used the birds.
C On his last mission, though wounded, he carried a message
that saved the lives of 194 American soldiers.
D Many people find carrier pigeons ugly because of their big
wattle, a knobby buildup of skin on the beak.
Sample Question:
Which of the following statements from the passage
supports the authors conclusion that carrier pigeons
sometimes had a dangerous job?
A In 1815 an English banker named Nathan Rothschild made
his fortune by relying on messages sent to him by carrier
pigeons.
B Since they could easily be released from airplanes or ships,
every branch of the armed services used the birds.
C On his last mission, though wounded, he carried a message
that saved the lives of 194 American soldiers.
D Many people find carrier pigeons ugly because of their big
wattle, a knobby buildup of skin on the beak.
Clues:
Carrying messages could be a dangerous job.
Some pigeons performed with such bravery that
they became famous and were even awarded
medals, such as Englands Dicken Medal of
Gallantry. In a few cases, pigeons even became
prisoners of war. In 1918 American forces
captured a pigeon named The Kaiser, which had
been trained to fly special missions for Germany,
during battle. He was taken to America, where he
lived to the age of 32.

Clues
Which of the following statements from the passage supports the
authors conclusion that carrier pigeons sometimes had a dangerous job?

Key Words
Wounded
Saved the Lives
Best Matches
C On his last mission, though wounded, he carried a message that saved
the lives of 194 American soldiers.
Remember! For this particular question, you did not necessarily need to
read the passage in order to answer the question. The reading provided
clues, but it is possible to answer the questions just by reading the
choices and looking for the option that connotes the most danger!

Words of Wisdom
From Gilda Gibson, 12
th
grader:

Take the CST seriously! Colleges can and
will see your scores. Do the best you
can and do not treat the CST as a joke!
Different Types of Reading Passages
There are several different types of fiction
reading passages you will read on the CST,
these include:
Prose (stories)
Poetry
Dialogue (plays)

Prose Sample
Excerpt:
Lily had no mind for the vagabond life of the poor
relation, and to adapt herself to Mrs. Peniston she
had, to some degree, to assume that ladys passive
attitude. She had fancied at first that it would be easy
to draw her aunt into the whirl of her own activities,
but there was a static force in Mrs. Peniston against
which her nieces efforts spent themselves in vain. To
attempt to bring her into active relation with life was
like tugging at a piece of furniture which has been
bolted to the floor.
Sample Question
In paragraph 4, what does the reader learn
about Lily?
A She did not dislike traveling to see her aunt.
B She did not particularly care for her aunt.
C She did not wish to behave in the same manner as her
aunt but felt the need to conform.
D She did not approve of her aunts expensive country home
but stayed anyway.
Sample Question
In paragraph 4, what does the reader learn
about Lily?
A She did not dislike traveling to see her aunt.
B She did not particularly care for her aunt.
D She did not approve of her aunts expensive country home
but stayed anyway.
Clues
Lily had no mind for the vagabond life of the poor
relation, and to adapt herself to Mrs. Peniston she
had, to some degree, to assume that ladys passive
attitude. She had fancied at first that it would be easy
to draw her aunt into the whirl of her own activities,
but there was a static force in Mrs. Peniston against
which her nieces efforts spent themselves in vain. To
attempt to bring her into active relation with life was
like tugging at a piece of furniture which has been
bolted to the floor.

Clues
assume that ladys passive attitude
static force
tugging at a piece of furniture which has been
bolted to the floor
Key Words
Assume, Passive, Static
Best Matches

Poetry
Excerpt
Someone who lived in turning to fresh
tasks Could so forget his handiwork on
which He spent himself, the labour of
his axe, And leave it there far from a
useful fireplace To warm the frozen
swamp as best it could
With the slow smokeless burning of
decay.
Sample Question
In line 35, when the poet mentions Someone
who lived in turning to fresh tasks, he is
referring to a person who

A likes things to be organized.
B rarely completes his projects.
C dislikes hard work.
D feels at home in the outdoors.
Sample Question
In line 35, when the poet mentions Someone
who lived in turning to fresh tasks, he is
referring to a person who

A likes things to be organized.
C dislikes hard work.
D feels at home in the outdoors.
Clues
Someone who lived in turning to fresh tasks
Could so forget his handiwork on which He
spent himself, the labour of his axe, And
leave it there far from a useful fireplace To
warm the frozen swamp as best it could
With the slow smokeless burning of decay.
Clues
Could so forget his handiwork
leave it there far from a useful fireplace
Key Words
Forget
Leave
Best Matches

Plays
Excerpt
MORE: Mm . . . (He takes him by the arm and walks with him) And
. . . who recommended you to read Signor Machiavelli?
1
(RICH
breaks away laughinga fraction too long. MORE smiles) No,
who? (More laughter) . . . Mm?
RICH: Master Cromwell.MORE: Oh . . . Hes a very able man.
RICH: And so he is!
MORE: Yes, I say he is. Hes very able.
RICH: And he will do something for me, he says.
MORE: I didnt know you knew him.RICH: Pardon me, Sir Thomas,
but how much do you know about me?
Sample Question

Which factor does not indicate that this excerpt comes
from a play?

A Characters emotions are described in parentheses
B Speakers name appears before the line of dialogue
C Stage directions are given in parentheses
D Two characters are engaged in conversation

Sample Question

Which factor does not indicate that this excerpt comes
from a play?

A Characters emotions are described in parentheses
B Speakers name appears before the line of dialogue
C Stage directions are given in parentheses

Clues
Which factor does not indicate that this
excerpt comes from a play?

It is important to remember that clues come
from the question as well as the reading
excerpt!

Clues
Which factor does not indicate that this
excerpt comes from a play?
Key Words
does not indicate
Best Matches
Remember! The clue can come from the question as well as
the reading!

Words of Wisdom
From Brenda Hernandez, 12
th
grader:

Take the CST seriously! Your scores on the
CST can determine what classes you take the
next year! If you do not do your best, you
may end up in a class that is too easy for you,
because your test scores are low. Do your
best and dont joke around!
More Tips
Defining Words in Context
Finding the best or most likely answer
Spotting the Literary Terms
Spotting the Figurative Language
Grammatical Questions
This type of question will give you a sentence or short
paragraph and ask you to define a word based on how it is
used.
Example:
The student was ecstatic when the teacher gave him $200 and
an A on his report card.
What does the word ecstatic mean in this sentence?
A. Bored
B. Sad
C. Happy
D. Annoyed

The student was ecstatic when the teacher gave
him $200 and an A on his report card.
What does the word ecstatic mean in this
sentence?
A. Bored
B. Sad
C. Happy
D. Annoyed
Tips
DEFINING WORDS IN CONTEXT

A. Silently, read the sentence to yourself, replacing the
word with each of the answers.
B. Think about what the author was trying to say, what is
the easiest interpretation of the sentence.
C. You dont have to know exactly what the word,
means, you just have to be able to make a good guess
at its meaning.

My teacher talks way too much, I wish she was more
laconic.
What does Laconic mean?

A. Nicer
B. More Fair
C. Easier to understand
D. More to the point, didnt talk as much

My teacher talks way too much, I wish she was more
laconic.
What does Laconic mean?

A. Nicer
B. More Fair
C. Easier to understand
D. More to the point, didnt talk as much

I drove my car over the rusty nails and they
perforated my tire.
What does Perforated mean?

A. Made my tire dirty
B. Put holes in my tire
C. Made my tire slip
D. Completely destroyed my tire
I drove my car over the rusty nails and they
perforated my tire.
What does Perforated mean?

A. Made my tire dirty
B. Put holes in my tire
C. Made my tire slip
D. Completely destroyed my tire
That guy only talks to me when he wants to
borrow money, hes such a parasite.
What does Parasite mean?

A. Wonderful
B. Someone who takes a lot from his friends but
always makes up for it somehow
C. Someone who takes without giving back in
return
D. A person that you cannot trust

That guy only talks to me when he wants to
borrow money, hes such a parasite.
What does Parasite mean?

A. Wonderful
B. Someone who takes a lot from his friends but
always makes up for it somehow
C. Someone who takes without giving back in
return
D. A person that you cannot trust

Words of Advice
From Daniel Aguilar: 12
th
Grade:

Dont stress out! Do your best, but dont get
stressed, if you stress out, you wont do as
well. Focus and answer all the questions as
well as you can.
Finding the Best or Most Likely Answer
This type of question will ask you what is the most
likely or best answer to the question.
Example:
What is the most likely reason that the car
wouldnt start?
A. It is on fire
B. It is out of gas
C. It has no engine
D. It has no tires

This type of question will ask you what is the most
likely or best answer to the question.
Example:
What is the most likely reason that the car
wouldnt start?
A. It is on fire
B. It is out of gas
C. It has no engine
D. It has no tires

FINDING THE MOST LIKELY OR BEST ANSWER

A. Usually, the question will be attached to a reading
selection, read the question first, review the answers
and then read the selection
B. Think about what the most obvious, or easiest
explanation is.
C. Eliminate the wrong answers, you can cross them out
in your test booklet, only focus on the answers that
you think might be correct.

We must not let those people in back of us down; we must
have courage; we must not succumb to fears of any kind; and we
must live up to the things that we believe in and see that justice is
done to the people under the Constitution, whether they belong
to minority groups or not
In this excerpt of a speech by Eleanor Roosevelt, she is most likely
trying to tell the audience
A. Not to be afraid of minorities
B. Everyone deserves justice regardless of who they are
C. The Constitution is about justice
D. Dont give up on your goals

We must not let those people in back of us down; we must
have courage; we must not succumb to fears of any kind; and we
must live up to the things that we believe in and see that justice is
done to the people under the Constitution, whether they belong
to minority groups or not
In this excerpt of a speech by Eleanor Roosevelt, she is most likely
trying to tell the audience
A. Not to be afraid of minorities
B. Everyone deserves justice regardless of who they are
C. The Constitution is about justice
D. Dont give up on your goals

Sundays too my father got up early and put his clothes on in the
blueblack cold, then with cracked hands that ached from labor in
the weekday weather made 5 banked fires blaze. No one ever
thanked him.

In this excerpt from a poem, the best way to describe the mood is:
A. Depressing
B. Angry
C. Happy
D. Confused
Sundays too my father got up early and put his clothes on in the
blueblack cold, then with cracked hands that ached from labor in
the weekday weather made 5 banked fires blaze. No one ever
thanked him.

In this excerpt from a poem, the best way to describe the mood is:
A. Depressing
B. Angry
C. Happy
D. Confused
Id wake and hear the cold splintering, breaking.
When the rooms were warm, hed call, and slowly I
would rise and dress, fearing the chronic angers of
that house
In this excerpt from the same poem, the author is
most likely trying to convey to the reader that
A. She did not like to wake up early
B. Her house was really cold
C. Growing up in her house was difficult
D. She had a terrible childhood
Id wake and hear the cold splintering, breaking.
When the rooms were warm, hed call, and slowly I
would rise and dress, fearing the chronic angers of
that house
In this excerpt from the same poem, the author is
most likely trying to convey to the reader that
A. She did not like to wake up early
B. Her house was really cold
C. Growing up in her house was difficult
D. She had a terrible childhood
Words of Advice
From Jairo Chavez: 12
th
Grade:

Remember what you know! You have
already been taught everything that is on the
CST. If you are in 9
th
grade, you just have to
remember what you were taught in 8
th
grade,
if you are in 10
th
and 11
th
, remember what
you already learned.
SPOTTING THE LITERARY TERMS
This type of question will ask you to identify an
example of a specific literary term
Example:
Which describes the atmosphere of the story?
A. Los Angeles, CA
B. Romantic
A. 75 degrees and slightly cloudy
B. 10:20 am
SPOTTING THE LITERARY TERMS
example of a specific literary term
Example:
Which describes the atmosphere of the story?
A. Los Angeles, CA
B. Romantic
C. 75 degrees and slightly cloudy
D. 10:20 am
TIPS
SPOTTING THE LITERARY TERM

and then read the selection if necessary, you may be
able to answer the question without ever reading the
story.
B. You will need to memorize some basic literary terms,
no way around it.
TONE/MOOD/ATMOSPHERE
Tone
The authors attitude, stated or implied, toward a
subject. Some possible attitudes are pessimism,
optimism, earnestness, seriousness, bitterness,
humorous, and joyful.

Mood/Atmosphere
The climate or feeling in a literary work. The choice of
setting, objects, details, images, and words all
contribute towards creating a specific mood
Spotting The Literary Terms
READ THE SENTENCE AND ANSWER THE QUESTION BELOW

. I dont care what your excuse is! I want your homework
assignment right now! Sit down and be quiet! Now!
What is the tone of the sentence?

A. Happiness
B. Understanding
C. Anger
D. Uneasiness


. I dont care what your excuse is! I want your homework
assignment right now! Sit down and be quiet! Now!
What is the tone of the sentence?

A. Happiness
B. Understanding
C. Anger
D. Uneasiness


. The girl looked out the window and wished that she wasnt
alone, a tear rolled down her cheek.
What is the mood of the sentence?

A. Mad
B. Sad
C. Happy
D. Confused


. The girl looked out the window and wished that she wasnt
alone, a tear rolled down her cheek.
What is the mood of the sentence?

A. Mad
B. Sad
C. Happy
D. Confused

PROTAGONIST/FOIL/ANTAGONIST
Protagonist
The main character in the story

Foil
A character who provides a contrast to the
protagonist.

Antagonist
The character or force that opposes the
protagonist.

Sara sat in class, staring at the clock, desperately waiting for
the bell to ring. She could hardly pay attention to the
teachers lesson.
Who is the protagonist in this sentence?

A. The bell
B. The teacher
C. Sara
D. The lesson


Sara sat in class, staring at the clock, desperately waiting for
the bell to ring. She could hardly pay attention to the
teachers lesson.
Who is the protagonist in this sentence?

A. The bell
B. The teacher
C. Sara
D. The lesson


. The bell rang but teacher stood in the doorway, blocking
Saras escape.

What is the foil in this sentence?

A. Sara
B. The door
C. The teacher
D. The bell


. The bell rang but teacher stood in the doorway, blocking
Saras escape.

What is the foil in this sentence?

A. Sara
B. The door
C. The teacher
D. The bell


. Sara came to class everyday, turned in all her homework and
received As on all her tests. Still, her teacher gave her an F on her
report card.

Who is the antagonist in this sentence?

A. The teacher
B. The homework
C. The report card
D. Sara


. Sara came to class everyday, turned in all her homework and
received As on all her tests. Still, her teacher gave her an F on her
report card.

Who is the antagonist in this sentence?

A. The teacher
B. The homework
C. The report card
D. Sara

THEME/PLOT
Theme
The main idea or underlying meaning of a
literary work. A theme may be stated or
implied..

Plot
The events that occur in the story

What is the theme of Romeo and Juliet?

A. Verona, Italy
B. True Love
C. Two young people fall in love even though their families
dont get along and will do anything to be together.
D. Dont sneak into parties because you might fall in love with
the wrong person.


What is the theme of Romeo and Juliet?

A. Verona, Italy
B. True Love
the wrong person.


What is the plot of Romeo and Juliet?

A. Verona, Italy
B. True Love
the wrong person.


What is the plot of Romeo and Juliet?

A. Verona, Italy
B. True Love
the wrong person.

IRONY
Irony is the contrast between what is expected or
what appears to be and what actually is.
Verbal Irony
The contrast between what is said and what is actually
meant.
Irony of Situation
This refers to a happening that is the opposite of what
is expected or intended.
Dramatic Irony
This occurs when the audience or reader knows more
than the characters know.


Sara walked into her class and saw that she had a ten-
page essay to write, a pop-quiz and a presentation to
give to her class. Great, thats just great. she
muttered to herself.

This is an example of what kind of irony?

A. Dramatic Irony
B. Verbal Irony
C. Situational Irony
D. None of the above


Sara walked into her class and saw that she had a ten-
page essay to write, a pop-quiz and a presentation to
give to her class. Great, thats just great. she
muttered to herself.


A. Dramatic Irony
B. Verbal Irony


Sara laughed as the teacher tripped over the chair and almost
fell. As Sara got up to give her presentation, she slipped on a
banana peel and fell down.
A. Dramatic Irony
B. Verbal Irony


Sara laughed as the teacher tripped over the chair and almost
fell. As Sara got up to give her presentation, she slipped on a
banana peel and fell down.
A. Dramatic Irony
B. Verbal Irony


Sara was always sad when she read Romeo and Juliet, she
knew that no matter how happy they were at the beginning,
that it just wasnt going to work out for them at the end.
A. Dramatic Irony
B. Verbal Irony


Sara was always sad when she read Romeo and Juliet, she
knew that no matter how happy they were at the beginning,
that it just wasnt going to work out for them at the end.
A. Dramatic Irony
B. Verbal Irony

EXPOSITION/FORESHADOWING
Exposition
The introductory material which gives the
setting, creates the tone, presents the
characters, and presents other facts necessary
to understanding the story.
Foreshadowing
The use of hints or clues to suggest what will
happen later in the story.

Sara sat down to take her final exam, at the same time a storm
started rolling in, the sky turned dark and thunder rumbled in the
distance.
Based on the foreshadowing in this sentence, how do you think Sara
will do on her final exam?

A. Really well
B. Terrible
C. Okay
D. She wont even take the final exam


Sara sat down to take her final exam, at the same time a storm
started rolling in, the sky turned dark and thunder rumbled in the
distance.
Based on the foreshadowing in this sentence, how do you think Sara
will do on her final exam?

A. Really well
B. Terrible
C. Okay
D. She wont even take the final exam

Which of the following sentences is an example of exposition?

A. As the exam ended, Sara sunk down in her seat. She knew she
should have studied harder.
B. Sara stared at the second essay question, she tried to focus on
the exam but her mind was blank.
C. As Sara tried to answer #23, her pencil broke and the lead flew
across the room, hitting the teacher in the nose.
D. Sara entered the room slowly, it was 8am, but it felt much earlier,
she had to take a final exam today and wasnt looking forward to
it.

Which of the following sentences is an example of exposition?

A. As the exam ended, Sara sunk down in her seat. She knew she
should have studied harder.
B. Sara stared at the second essay question, she tried to focus on
the exam but her mind was blank.
C. As Sara tried to answer #23, her pencil broke and the lead flew
across the room, hitting the teacher in the nose.
D. Sara entered the room slowly, it was 8am, but it felt much earlier,
she had to take a final exam today and wasnt looking forward to
it.

INCITING FORCE/CONFLICT/RISING
ACTION
Inciting Force
The event or character that triggers the conflict.
Conflict
The essence of fiction. It creates plot. The conflicts we
encounter can usually be identified as one of four
kinds. (Man versusMan, Nature, Society, or Self)
Rising Action
A series of events that builds from the conflict. It
begins with the inciting force and ends with the climax.


As Sara struggled on her final exam, the lightning outside
struck the electrical pole and the lights went out, a siren
started to wail in the distance and Sara jumped out of her
seat.
What would be the inciting force in this sentence?
A. The final exam
B. Sara
C. The lightning
D. The lights going out


As Sara struggled on her final exam, the lightning outside
struck the electrical pole and the lights went out, a siren
started to wail in the distance and Sara jumped out of her
seat.
What would be the inciting force in this sentence?
A. The final exam
B. Sara
C. The lightning
D. The lights going out


Sara ran out the classroom door in a panic, the lightning
flashed all around her and she was soaked from the rain.
Behind her, she could hear the teacher calling for her to
come back and calm down.
What type of conflict is demonstrated in this sentence?
A. Person vs. Person
B. Person vs. Nature
C. Person vs. Society
D. Person vs. Self


Sara ran out the classroom door in a panic, the lightning
flashed all around her and she was soaked from the rain.
Behind her, she could hear the teacher calling for her to
come back and calm down.
What type of conflict is demonstrated in this sentence?
A. Person vs. Person
B. Person vs. Nature
C. Person vs. Society
D. Person vs. Self


Which of the following sentences is an example of rising action?
A. Sara sat in her desk and looked around nervously, the sky was
starting to get dark and and she could hear thunder in the
distance.
B. Sara entered the room and sat down, it was 8am but it felt much
earlier.
C. Sara ran through the rain screaming loudly, she felt someone
grab her and pull her back into the classroom.
D. Sara dried her hair with the towel that the teacher had given her,
she felt embarrassed that she had flipped out because of the
storm.


Which of the following sentences is an example of rising action?
distance.
earlier.
storm.

CRISIS/CLIMAX
Crisis
The conflict reaches a turning point. At this point the
opposing forces in the story meet and the conflict
becomes most intense. The crisis occurs before or at
the same time as the climax.
Climax
The climax is the result of the crisis. It is the high point
of the story for the reader. Frequently, it is the moment
of the highest interest and greatest emotion. The point
at which the outcome of the conflict can be predicted.


Which of the following sentences is an example of climax?
distance.
earlier.
storm.


Which of the following sentences is an example of climax?
distance.
earlier.
storm.


Based on the previous sentences, what would be an example of
crisis?

A. The teacher
B. The final exam
C. The lightning and thunder
D. Sara running out into the storm in panic


Based on the previous sentences, what would be an example of
crisis?

A. The teacher
B. The final exam
C. The lightning and thunder
D. Sara running out into the storm in panic

FALLING ACTION/RESOLUTION
Falling Action
The events after the climax which close the
story.

Resolution (Denouement)
Rounds out and concludes the action.


Which of the following sentences is an example of falling action?
distance.
earlier.
storm.


Which of the following sentences is an example of falling action?
distance.
earlier.
storm.


Which of the following sentences is an example of resolution?
A. Sara sat in her desk and looked around nervously, the sky was starting
to get dark and and she could hear thunder in the distance.
B. Sara walked home from school as the sky cleared and the storm got
further and further away. Her hair was almost dry and she felt calm,
but still a little embarrassed.
C. Sara ran through the rain screaming loudly, she felt someone grab her
and pull her back into the classroom.
D. Sara dried her hair with the towel that the teacher had given her, she
felt embarrassed that she had flipped out because of the storm.


Which of the following sentences is an example of resolution?
A. Sara sat in her desk and looked around nervously, the sky was starting
to get dark and and she could hear thunder in the distance.
B. Sara walked home from school as the sky cleared and the storm got
further and further away. Her hair was almost dry and she felt calm,
but still a little embarrassed.
C. Sara ran through the rain screaming loudly, she felt someone grab her
and pull her back into the classroom.
D. Sara dried her hair with the towel that the teacher had given her, she
felt embarrassed that she had flipped out because of the storm.

Words of Advice
From Billy Hernandez: 12
th
Grade:

Take the test seriously, but dont stress
yourself out. At the end of the day, it is just a
test and you want to do well on it. But, if you
get stressed out and nervous, you will forget
things.
SPOTTING THE FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
example of figurative language.
Example:
Which of the following is a metaphor?
A. Love is like a rose
B. Life is a highway
A. Zap
B. Love is the best thing ever
example of figurative language.
Example:
Which of the following is a metaphor?
A. Love is like a rose
B. Life is a highway
C. Zap
D. Love is the best thing ever
TIPS

and then read the selection if necessary, you may be
able to answer the question without ever reading the
story.
B. You will need to memorize some basic types of
figurative language, no way around it.
SIMILE/METAPHOR
Simile
A figure of speech which involves a direct comparison
between two unlike things, usually with the words like
or as. Example: The muscles on his brawny arms are
strong as iron bands.
Metaphor
A figure of speech which involves an implied
comparison between two relatively unlike things using
a form of be. The comparison is not announced by like
or as. Example: The road was a ribbon of moonlight.

Spotting The Figurative Language

Which of the following excerpts from Edgar Allan Poes The Raven is
an example of a simile?

A. The silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
B. And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon that is dreaming.
C. On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before
D. And each separate, dying ember wrought its ghost upon the
floor.


an example of a simile?

floor.


an example of a metaphor?

D. Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December.


an example of a metaphor?

D. Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December.

ALLITERATION/PERSONIFICATION
Alliteration
Repeated consonant sounds occurring at the
beginning of words or within words.

Personification
A figure of speech which gives the qualities of
a person to an animal, an object, or an idea.


an example of alliteration?

floor.


an example of alliteration?

floor.


an example of personification?

B. Quoth the raven, Nevermore.
D. Thrilled me - filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before

an example of personification?

B. Quoth the raven, Nevermore.
D. Thrilled me - filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before

ONOMATOPOEIA/HYPERBOLE
Onomatopoeia
The use of words that mimic sounds. They
appeal to our sense of hearing and they help
bring a description to life

Hyperbole
An exaggerated statement used to heighten
effect. It is not used to mislead the reader, but
to emphasize a point.

an example of onomotopoeia?

C. What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yore,
meant in croaking Nevermore.
floor.


an example of onomatopoeia?

C. What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yore,
meant in croaking Nevermore.
floor.


Which of the following excerpts from Edgar Allan Poes The Raven is an
example of a hyperbole?

A. It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore clasp a
rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore.
C. What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yore, meant
in croaking Nevermore.
D. And each separate, dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.


Which of the following excerpts from Edgar Allan Poes The Raven is an
example of a hyperbole?

A. It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore clasp a
rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore.
C. What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yore, meant
in croaking Nevermore.
D. And each separate, dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.

Words of Advice
From Cesar Zambrano: 11
th
Grade:

Bring something to eat, dont take the CST
when you are hungry or distracted. You
need to focus and do your best. If you are
hungry, you wont be thinking about the CST.
FIX THE GRAMMATICAL ERROR
This type of question will ask you to fix a grammatical error to to
choose the correct word or phrase to complete a sentence.
Example:
My backpack is the one over _______.

A. Their
B. There
A. Theyre
B. Their

This type of question will ask you to fix a grammatical error to to
choose the correct word or phrase to complete a sentence.
Example:
My backpack is the one over _______.

A. Their
B. There
C. Theyre
D. Their

TIPS

A. Silently, read the sentence to yourself, replacing the
blank with each of the answers.
B. Eliminate the wrong answers first, you can cross them
out on your answer sheet and only focus on the
possible right answers.
C. Read the questions before the reading selection. You
may be able to correctly answer the question without
even reading the selection.
Fix The Grammatical Error

Raphael thought that this was the _______ math test that
he had ever taken.

A. Difficultest
B. More difficult
C. Most difficult
D. Difficulter

Raphael thought that this was the _______ math test that
he had ever taken.

A. Difficultest
B. More difficult
C. Most difficult
D. Difficulter

The pond was covered with snow, and we could not tell if it
________ overnight.

A. Freezed
B. Had freezed
C. Frozed
D. Had frozen

The pond was covered with snow, and we could not tell if it
________ overnight.

A. Freezed
B. Had freezed
C. Frozed
D. Had frozen

This semester I am taking Algebra, English, ___________.

A. Social Studies and Chemistry
B. Social Studies, and, Chemistry
C. Social Studies, and Chemistry
D. Social Studies and, Chemistry

This semester I am taking Algebra, English, ___________.

A. Social Studies and Chemistry
B. Social Studies, and, Chemistry
C. Social Studies, and Chemistry
D. Social Studies and, Chemistry

Which of these two students is _______? asked Mr. Smith.

A. More taller
B. Taller
C. Tallest
D. Most tallest

Which of these two students is _______? asked Mr. Smith.

A. More taller
B. Taller
C. Tallest
D. Most tallest

A mouse frightened Maha as she _______ through the field.

A. Walked
B. Had walked
C. Walk
D. Will have walked

A mouse frightened Maha as she _______ through the field.

A. Walked
B. Had walked
C. Walk
D. Will have walked

The professor and his class ________ an interesting topic.

A. Would have discussing
B. Were discussed
C. Was discussing
D. Were discussing

The professor and his class ________ an interesting topic.

A. Would have discussing
B. Were discussed
C. Was discussing
D. Were discussing
Most Important Tip
The best thing you can do to prepare
for the CST examination is to take
care of yourself, sleep the night
before, eat a good breakfast and
come to school ready to work hard
and do your best.

Elacst

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CST Prep Grades 9-11

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