CSET Tips for All Subjects

Do your strongest subtest first, followed by your next strongest. First, PLAN (don’t write) answers to ALL the constructed response questions. Next, complete all the multiple choice questions, adding to your plans ideas occurring to you or that are stimulated by the multiple choice questions or answers. Finally, organize your responses and write or copy into the correct booklet.

For All Multiple Choice Questions

• THINK all about the question before reading through the answer choices.
• Find the answer you are expecting, work carefully, and reason it out.
• Stay with your original answers and avoid second-guessing yourself.
• There are no trick questions, nor are there penalties for wrong answers.

For All Constructed Response Questions

• Brainstorm and plan well-reasoned concise responses to the prompts.
• Use accurate academic language with well-chosen supporting evidence.
• Write/print in sentences clearly and legibly, filling ALL the available space.
• Respond with what you know, what’s obvious, and guess, if necessary.

For Constructed Responses for SS Science & Mathematics and MS Subtest II: Science; Mathematics

• Define all the terms mentioned in scientific or mathematical terminology.
• Use clear accurate diagrams, tables, or graphs to illustrate your responses.
• Respond to all parts of the prompt in a logical, well-organized manner.
• Use an alternative method or explanation, if you know one.

For MS CSET 1: Reading, Language, and Literature; History and Social Science

• Review grammar, punctuation, teaching reading, and phonemic awareness.
• Prepare for an analysis of poetry or prose and evaluation of students’ spelling.
• Study history including California, Native Americans, women, and immigrants.
• Discuss trends and have general knowledge showing some breadth and depth.

For MS CSET III: Physical Education, Human Development, Visual and Performing Arts

• Know key terms in physical education, art, dance, theater, and music.
• For human development, study Piaget and two other learning theorists.
• Learn to read music, know basic symbols, and the instruments of the orchestra.