west b writing essay topics

WEST-B Practice Test

Prepare for your test with realistic questions.

The Washington Educator Skills Tests–Basic (WEST-B) test is designed to test the knowledge and basic educator skills of prospective teachers in the state of Washington.

Click “Start Test” above to take a free WEST-B practice test!

WEST-B Practice Tests by Subject

If you need some extra practice in a specific subject, click one of the subjects below to get started on a subject-specific WEST-B practice test.

WEST-B Reading Practice Test WEST-B Writing Practice Test

WEST-B Mathematics Practice Test

WEST-B Exam Outline

The WEST-B test is split into three subtests. If you decide to take all three subtests together, you will have 5 hours of testing time to answer 170 multiple-choice questions and two constructed-response questions.

1. Reading (095)

The Reading subtest contains 60 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of 2 hours if you take this subtest by itself.

The questions in this subtest assess your ability to do the following:

• Evaluate a text using critical reasoning skills
• Understand a text’s main idea and supporting details
• Analyze the purpose, point of view, and intent of the author
• Analyze relationships among ideas within one or more texts
• Determine the meaning of words and phrases
• Understand texts, tables, charts, and graphs

2. Writing (096)

The Writing subtest contains 50 multiple-choice questions and two constructed-response questions, and you will be given a time limit of 3 hours if you take this subtest by itself.

• Understand organization, idea development, and fluency within writing
• Apply revision strategies to written texts
• Understand the role of the audience and purpose in written communication
• Recognize the use of standard writing conventions
• Recognize writing that effectively communicates intended messages
• Write a response to instructions pertaining to purpose, audience, and content

3. Mathematics (097)

The Mathematics subtest contains 60 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of 2 hours if you take this subtest by itself.

The questions in this subtest assess the following knowledge and skill areas:

• Concepts and principles of geometry
• Concepts and principles of numbers and operations
• Concepts and procedures of measurement
• Mathematical reasoning
• Communication skills
• Probability and statistics
• Problem-solving
• Concepts and principles of algebra

Check Out Mometrix's WEST-B Study Guide

Get practice questions, video tutorials, and detailed study lessons

WEST-B Exam Registration

When you register for the WEST-B test, you will need to choose whether to take the exam in-person at a testing center or remotely from home.

For the in-person test, you may choose to take all the subtests together, or you may choose to take the subtests individually. The fee for each subtest is $32, while the fee for taking all the subtests together is $96.

For the remote version of the test, each subtest is administered in its own session, so you must pay a fee of $32 for each subtest.

The day of your exam will look slightly different depending on which test-taking method you chose during registration.

In-person Testing

You should arrive at the testing center 15-30 minutes before the scheduled exam appointment. Once you arrive, you will begin the check-in process, which involves checking your ID and potentially taking your photograph for security purposes.

Before you enter the testing room, you will be asked to leave all personal items inside a secure locker outside of the room. This includes items like your cell phone, wallet, keys, hats, bags, and food.

Before the exam begins, you will be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Once the NDA has been signed, the exam will begin.

Remote Testing

You should sign in to your account 15-30 minutes before your scheduled exam time. Once you sign in, you will be asked to provide your ID and sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

After the NDA has been signed, the remote proctor will ask you to scan your surroundings using your webcam. Once the proctor determines you are ready, the exam will begin.

How the WEST-B Exam is Scored

The exam is scored using a scaled scoring system. This system takes your raw score, which is how many questions you answered correctly, and converts it to a number in a range of 100-300 points.

As of April 2019, a specific passing score on the WEST-B test is no longer needed for state certification.

Check Out Mometrix's WEST-B Flashcards

Get complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts

How many questions are on the WEST-B test?

There are 170 multiple-choice questions and 2 constructed-response questions on the exam.

How long is the WEST-B test?

If you take all three subtests in one testing appointment, you will have a time limit of 5 hours.

What is the passing score for the WEST-B test?

Though you must take a basic skills assessment for teacher certification, you are not required to achieve a specific score on this exam.

How much does the WEST-B test cost?

The examination fee is $96 for all subtests taken together, or $32 for each subtest taken individually.

By Eric Richter

Eric is the Product Development Manager responsible for developing and updating the Mometrix Teacher Certification and K-12 products. Eric has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a master’s of education in Teaching ESOL.

Teacher Certifications – Home

by Mometrix Test Preparation | This Page Last Updated: December 26, 2023

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What is the WESTB Test?

The WESTB Test, also known as the WEST-B or WEST B, is the Washington Educator Skills Test of basic skills. The WESTB Test has three sections: reading, writing, and math.

Try the sample WEST B reading practice test below. You may also want to do our math and writing exercises:

Math Practice

Writing Exercises

Sample WEST B Practice Reading Test

Instructions: Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow. Then check your answers in the next section.

Working in a run-down laboratory near Paris, Marie Curie worked around the clock to discover a radioactive element. When she finally captured her quarry in 1902, she named it “radium” after the Latin word meaning ray.

Madame Curie should certainly be an inspiration to scientists today. She had spent the day blending chemical compounds which could be used to destroy unhealthy cells in the body. As she was about to retire to bed that evening, she decided to return to her lab. There she found that the chemical compound had become crystalized in the bowls and was emitting the elusive light that she sought.

Inspired by the French scientist Henri Becquerel, Curie won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1903. Upon winning the prize, she declared that the radioactive element would be used only to treat disease and would not be used for commercial profit.

Today radium provides an effective remedy for certain types of cancer. Radium, now used for a treatment called radiotherapy, works by inundating diseased cells with radioactive particles. Its success lies in the fact that it eradicates malignant cells without any lasting ill effects on the body.

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

A.  a precious commodity

B.  an unknown catalyst

C.  an object that is sought

D.  a chemical compound

E.  a source that emits light

According to the information in the passage, why is radium treatment used as a cancer therapy?

A.  because it is cost effective

B.  because it destroys cancerous cells

C.  because it has no long-term effects

D.  because it emits a glowing light

E.  because it derives from a radioactive element

What is the most appropriate title of the passage?

A.  Madame Curie: An Inventive Chemist

B.  The Discoveries of Madame Curie

C.  The Use of Radium to Treat Cancer

D.  Madame Curie: A Brief Biography

E.  The Discovery and Use of Radium

Which of the following phrases or sentences from the passage expresses an opinion rather than a fact?

A.  Marie Curie worked around the clock to discover a radioactive element.

B.  Madame Curie should certainly be an inspiration to scientists today.

C.  She had spent the day blending chemical compounds which could be used to destroy unhealthy cells in the body.

D.  Upon winning the prize, she declared that the radioactive element would be used only to treat disease and would not be used for commercial profit.

E.  Today radium provides an effective remedy for certain types of cancer.

Answers to the WESTB Practice Reading Test

The correct answer is C. For vocabulary questions like this one, you need to bear in mind that the word provided will have different interpretations, depending on its context. “Quarry” can mean a hole in which one digs for rock. Alternatively, “quarry” can refer to something that is hunted or pursued. Also remember that for vocabulary questions, you need to look for synonyms in the passage. In sentence one, we see the word “discover.” In the last sentence of paragraph two, we see the phrase “the elusive light that she sought.” Therefore, we can surmise that “quarry” is something one wants to discover or an object being sought.

The correct answer is B. Be careful. Questions like this will have distractor answers which will reiterate phrases from the passage, although these phrases do not answer the question. We know that answer B is correct because the final sentence of the passage states: “Its success lies in the fact that it eradicates malignant cells without any lasting ill effects on the body.” You may be tempted to choose answer C. However, answer C is too general since radium has long-term positive effects [i.e., destroying malignant cells] without having any long-term negative effects.

The correct answer is E. For main idea questions, as well as for questions on selecting a title for a selection, you will need to choose an answer that is neither too general nor too specific. Answers A, B, and D are much too general since the passage does not focus on the entire life and work of Madame Curie. Answer C is too specific because cancer treatment is mentioned in only the last paragraph. Therefore, “The Discovery and Use of Radium” is the best title for the passage.

The correct answer is B. For “opinion vs. fact” questions like this, look for modal verbs (should, would, may, might) and superlative adjectives that express opinions (the best, the most, etc). The notion whether someone should be an inspiration to others is a matter of personal opinion, so B is the best answer. You may be tempted to choose answer E. However, the adjective “effective” is factually qualified by the use of the phrase “certain types.”

What is the purpose of the exams?

The exams are designed to assess whether educators have the skills necessary to teach, perform related administrative tasks, and communicate with colleagues and parents.

You will need to pass the test to be eligible to teach in the state of Washington, although there are some waivers for out-of-state teachers.

Official WEST B Website

Note that the WEST exam and the WESTB test are trademarks of NES Inc, which does not endorse or support this webpage.

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Award-Winning WEST-B Test Prep Near Me

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Passing your Washington Educator Skills Test-Basic, or WEST-B, helps you earn your Washington State teaching certificate if you are coming from out-of-state. If you already live in Washington and hope to attend an educator preparation program approved by the state, then a passing score on this exam can show schools you're ready to begin your career. Leave it to Varsity Tutors to connect you with a WEST-B test preparation tutor who can ensure you have the knowledge and confidence to do your best. West-B classes can prepare you for the format of the exam and guide you through the material that will be included.

The WEST-B test prep you receive can help you feel ready for the 5-hour long computerized test you will be taking. If you take each subtest on its own, the time is broken down to two hours for Reading, three hours for Writing, and two hours for Math. WEST-B test prep is necessary if you need to brush up on any of the material or build your confidence so you feel the most prepared.

WEST-B prep can take you through each of the sections included on the exam: Writing, Reading, and Mathematics. There will be a couple of constructed-response questions for the writing portion that may take a considerable portion of your time to complete. Working with your WEST-B class tutor on writing prompts may help you prepare.

The table below describes each of the focuses of the writing portion of the exam that you should become familiar with during your WEST-B preparation.

The focuses of the Writing exam:

• Write on a given topic using language and style appropriate to a specific audience, purpose, and occasion.
• State the main idea and maintaining clear writing organization.
• Explain and defend your stance on a social or political issue.
• Use of effective sentence structure
• Demonstrate standard writing conventions of grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation.

A passing score of 240 must be obtained on each subtest. Your WEST-B prep can continue as long as needed, until you feel confident about your abilities and feel you have the skills and knowledge to earn a passing score. Your WEST-B courses can help guide you through test-taking strategies, practice questions, writing materials, and more, to sufficiently fortify your mind so you are up to the task. Your WEST-B course tutor may offer a practice exam to see how well you do before you take the real test. You can schedule an appointment year-round once you have received enough WEST-B test prep and feel you are ready.

Perhaps you've already taken the WEST-B and need to take it again. You can share your previous score report with your WEST-B prep tutor so they can understand how best to help you improve. The data below details precisely when each subtest score of the WEST-B becomes available.

• Subtests Reading and Math will have results available immediately after testing.
• The Writing Subtest will not be graded immediately and will instead come with your score report
• The score report is released within 2-6 weeks of taking the exam

A multiple-choice, timed test can seem daunting at first, but you can get through it with the help of a tutor. WEST-B prep can help ensure that you understand the structure and content of the test, develop a study plan, and then work through that plan carefully, adjusting it whenever necessary, so that you are always learning what you need to. Test-taking strategies learned during your tutoring sessions for this exam can even be applied to future tests you have to take.

You can improve your knowledge, build your confidence, and earn the score you deserve with the help of WEST-B tutoring. Contact Varsity Tutors to get connected to a WEST-B test prep tutor who can help you gain the ability to reach for your goals.

Prajacta: WEST-B test prep instructor

As an educator, I strive to make sure my students feel a sense of belonging, comfort and care. I do this by creating a learning experiences that cater to the needs of all types of learners. By having a diverse classroom, each student can bring their unique perspective to the classroom and together we can create new ways of problem solving and thinking.

Education & Certification

• The University of Texas at San Antonio - Bachelor in Arts, English
• University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Masters in Education, Higher Education Administration

Subject Expertise

• TExES - Texas Examinations of Educator Standards
• High School Level American Literature
• Middle School English
• +33 subjects

Brian: WEST-B test prep instructor

...the University of Washington Seattle for high school math. I enjoy teaching math to my students, but I mainly like to focus on helping my students develop independent study skills that will support them through life. What this means is building up the analytical skills that they will need to prepare and study for assignments and tests when they're going to go to college. There's only so much one can do in teaching the content...

• University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics
• University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Masters in Education, High School Teaching
• Graduate Test Prep
• +128 subjects

Olivia: WEST-B test prep instructor

I am here to guide you toward your goals and achievements through utilizing what makes you tick. I find the learning style that will assist you to not only meet your goals, but to run pass it with a smile on your face and achievement gleaming in your eye!

• Western Governors University - Bachelor of Education, Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
• +159 subjects

Annalisa: WEST-B test prep instructor

...don't have to excel at everything to succeed in life, and the same goes for school. In fact, mistakes are evidence of trying, and trying helps us discover those unique strengths that give us an edge. Writing is my all-time favorite subject and I love to help my students become confident writers, too. Thesaurus.com and spell check are certainly must haves, but above all else, it's about leveraging our interests, perspectives, and personalities to bring...

• Western Washington University - Bachelor in Arts, Mass Communications
• Western Governors University - Current Grad Student, Elementary School Teaching
• Elementary School Writing
• Study Skills and Organization
• +15 subjects

Contact us today to connect with a top WEST-B instructor

CBEST Writing Samples

Below is a sample response to each of our CBEST Practice Essays . Review these responses for an example of two high-scoring essays. These CBEST sample essays follow the template that’s in our CBEST Writing Guide . Below each example is a short commentary which explains why it is an effective essay and why it would receive a high score.

  Commentary

According to the CBEST Writing Score Scale, essays are given a score ranging from 0–4. This essay would receive a score of a 4. It is a well-written example of a response to a Type 1 Essay Question.

From the beginning, the essay addresses the question with a story about an obstacle the writer has had to overcome, by writing, “We all face obstacles in our lives, but there are no obstacles that are more frustrating than the ones we construct ourselves. The biggest obstacle I have had to overcome in my life is my fear of failure.” The writer chooses to discuss an obstacle that he has constructed for himself, which is a major focus of the entire response. He clearly states his main idea and maintains it throughout the rest of the response.

The following paragraphs explore the moment that the writer learned how to overcome his fear of failure. He begins by explaining (1) how this obstacle has affected him. He then describes (2) the precipitating event that helps him make a change. He finally finishes the story by explaining (3) how things have changed since he has learned to overcome the obstacle. The story is engaging, makes sense, and remains focused on addressing the essay question. The conclusion brings the story back together with the prompt and even discusses how this event will help the writer in the future.

Additionally, the writer’s style is clear, focused, and entertaining. Instead of just dryly responding to the question asked, the writer weaves an entertaining story that proves his point. He spends just the right amount of time telling the story so that it has an impact on the readers without boring them, and effectively concludes in a way that ties the response up nicely and neatly.

According to the CBEST Writing Score Scale, essays are given a score ranging from 0–4. This essay would receive a score of a 4. It is a well-written example of a response to a Type 2 Essay Question.

The introduction to the essay presents a clear thesis, as the writer declares, “I believe that people are more influenced by their environment than by their instinctive human nature.” The writer manages to focus on proving that thesis throughout the rest of the response, using several different examples to support her position.

The examples provided in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th paragraphs remain on topic, and effectively support the writer’s overall thesis. The writer discusses (1) the impact families have on a student’s success, (2) how The Lord of the Flies proves her point by telling the story of children shaped by their environment, and (3) how people are shaped by the cultural beliefs of the people around them. The logic of these examples make sense, and even though some of the analysis the writer makes is arguable, it is still convincing and effective. The conclusion brings all of the writer’s examples together to drive home the writer’s thesis statement.

Additionally, the writer’s response is focused, clear, and well-supported. The writer’s logic is easy-to-follow and convincing, and she does a great job proving her point. There are no real errors in grammar or mechanics either, which helps elevate this response to a high score.

You should now be fully prepared for the CBEST Writing Section. To review how to create high-scoring essays like the samples above, revisit our CBEST Writing Guide . For CBEST Reading and Math practice please visit CBEST Practice Test .