CSET Home Economics Test Practice Questions

1. Which one of the following types of fabrics is an elastic fiber made from Latex and used along with other fibers to make fabrics like Spandex or foundation clothing?

A) Lastex
B) Nylon
C) Acrylic
D) Acetate

2. Which of the following styles, initiated in the 1600s, features furniture that is large, ornate, veneered, inlaid, gilded and carved?

A) Regency
B) Biedermeier
C) Louis XIV
D) Empire

3. Which product is recommended for getting a ballpoint ink stain out of fabric?

A) Dishwashing detergent
B) Hairspray
C) Vinegar
D) Rubbing alcohol

4. Interfacing is:

A) A layer of fabric put between other layers of fabric in order to give the product more strength or shape.
B) The amount of fabric between the seam and the raw edge.
C) The finished edge along the edge of a roll of fabric that keeps it from raveling.
D) A quarter yard (18" x 22") of fabric created when half of a yard of fabric is cut into two halves.

5. All of the following are ways to prevent food-borne illnesses EXCEPT:

A) Cooking meat, poultry, and eggs
B) Using the same utensil for each different foods being prepared.
C) Washing fruits and vegetables.
D) Putting leftovers in the refrigerator as soon as possible.

CSET Home Economics Test Answers

1. Answer: A

Lastex is the fabric described. This fabric loses its elasticity and breaks down after many cycles of washing and drying. Answer choice B, nylon, is used for the foundation clothing of hosiery, but is not made out of Latex or used to make Spandex. Answer choices C and D are fabrics, but they do not match the description given.

2. Answer: C

The style described is Louis XIV furniture (also known as Baroque). It began in the 1600s. Answer choices A, B, and C are styles from the 1800s. Regency style furniture is elegant, with a foundation of neo-classical designs. The Biedermeier style arose in Germany and was utilitarian and simple. Empire style, which includes veneers and ornamentation, arose during Napoleon's reign and had influences from Rome, Greece, and Egypt.

3. Answer: D

The current method for getting ballpoint ink out is to put the fabric ink-side down on a towel, and then pat (not scrub) rubbing alcohol onto the other side. Answer choice B, hairspray, was used for this purpose in the past, but today's hairspray is not made of the same ingredients that were used then.

4. Answer: A

Answer choice B is the definition for seam allowance. Answer choice C defines selvage. Answer choice C describes a fat quarter.

5. Answer: B

A different, clean utensil should be used for each of the different foods being prepared. Raw meats and poultry should be separated from other foods during the preparation process so that no cross-contamination occurs. Cooked meat should be placed on a clean surface rather than the same surface it was on when it was raw. Another way to prevent cross-contamination is for the cook to wash his or her hands thoroughly after touching raw meat or poultry.