After you finish Task 1 of the CPE, you will be given the assignment for Task 2, a separate and distinct part of the exam. You will have one hour to do Task 2. The assignment consists of a set of Directions, a short Reading Selection (usually a few paragraphs) on a particular topic, and two Figures which provide information on the topic in a visual format, usually a chart, and/or a graph, and/or a table. Use critical reading strategies, like those listed below, to analyze the Reading Selection, and then analyze the figures for relevant data. You must then write a response using the points and information you found in your analysis.
        Below are some guidelines for preparing to perform Task 2. You can practice for Task 2 using the sample reading and figures that appear in your test booklet. If you need more help, check the schedule of CPE workshops offered by the Reading/Writing Center, and go to the Mathematics Learning Center for CPE Review in reading charts, graphs, and tables.

1.        Read the Directions carefully. Underline each task you are required to do, and make sure you understand each one.

2.        Read the Reading Selection carefully. Make notes. Identify the "major claims" in the reading. Look for as many as you can find, and identify the ones that involve data (usually statistics).

3.        Analyze each of the charts, graphs, tables, etc. What is the important data it contains? What conclusions, general and specific, can you draw from the data? Write out at least two conclusions for each figure. Pay close attention to the descriptive terms and symbols used in the figures. For example, note whether a chart, graph, or table gives its data in total numbers or percentages; such information makes a big difference.

4.        Look through the data you identified as important and the conclusions you drew. Locate data and conclusions that support one or more of the major claims. Locate any data or conclusions that challenge or contradict one or more of the major claims. Make sure to find more than one piece of data in each figure that you can use in your response. Write a sentence or two explaining how the data, and your conclusions about the data, support and/or refute one or more of the major claims made in the reading selection.

5.        Practice writing a response. It does not have to be a long essay, but it does have to follow the directions fully: "State the major claims made in the Reading Selection and explain how data in the (figures) support or challenge those claims."
        A good way to approach this is to write one paragraph on the major claims of the reading, one paragraph on how the data supports or contradicts one claim, and one paragraph on how the data supports or contradicts another claim. Be sure to include more than one piece of data from each figure. And use transitions to relate the paragraphs to each other.