Cloze test

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A cloze test (also cloze deletion test) is an exercise, test, or assessment
consisting of a portion of text with certain words removed (cloze text), where the
participant is asked to replace the missing words. Cloze tests require the ability to
understand context and vocabulary in order to identify the correct words or type
of words that belong in the deleted passages of a text. This exercise is commonly
administered for the assessment of native and second language learning and
instruction.
The word cloze is derived from closure in Gestalt theory.[1] The exercise was first
described by W.L. Taylor in 1953.[2]
Contents [hide]
1 Task design
2 Example
3 Assessment
4 Implementation
5 See also
6 References
7 External links
Task design[edit]

Words may be deleted from the text in question either mechanically (every nth
word) or selectively, depending on exactly what aspect it is intended to test for.
The methodology is the subject of an extensive academic literature;[3]
nonetheless, teachers commonly devise ad hoc tests.
Example[edit]

A language teacher may give the following passage to students:

Today, I went to the ________ and bought some milk and eggs. I knew it was
going to rain, but I forgot to take my ________, and ended up getting wet on the
way ________.

Students would then be required to fill in the blanks with words that would best
complete the passage. Context in language and content terms is essential in
most, if not all, cloze tests. The first blank is preceded by "the"; therefore, a noun,

an adjective or an adverb must follow. However, a conjunction follows the blank;

the sentence would not be grammatically correct if anything other than a noun
were in the blank. The words "milk and eggs" are important for deciding which
noun to put in the blank; "supermarket" is a possible answer; depending on the
student, however, the first blank could either be store, supermarket, shop or
market while umbrella or raincoat fit the second.
Assessment[edit]

The definition of success in a given cloze test varies, depending on the broader
goals behind the exercise. Assessment may depend on whether the exercise is
objective (i.e. students are given a list of words to use in a cloze) or subjective
(i.e. students are to fill in a cloze with words that would make a given sentence
grammatically correct).

I saw a man lay his jacket on a puddle for a woman crossing the street. I
thought that was very ______.
Given the above passage, students' answers may then vary depending on their
vocabulary skills and their personal opinions. However, the placement of the
blank at the end of the sentence restricts the possible words that may complete
the sentence; following an adverb and finishing the sentence, the word is most
likely an adjective. Romantic, chivalrous or gallant may, for example, occupy the
blank, as well as foolish or cheesy. Using those answers, a teacher may ask
students to reflect on the opinions drawn from the given cloze.
Implementation[edit]

In addition to use in testing, cloze deletion can be used in learning, particularly

language learning, but also learning facts. This may be done manually for
example, by covering sections of a text with paper, or highlighting sections of
text with a highlighter, then covering the line with a colored ruler in the
complementary color (say, a red ruler for green highlighter) so the highlighted
text disappears; this is popular in Japan, for instance. Cloze deletion can also be
used as part of spaced repetition software, for example the SuperMemo and Anki
applications feature semi-automated creation of cloze tests.
See also[edit]

Language learning
English language learning and teaching
Communicative competence
Form letter

References[edit]

^ Collins English Dictionary

^ Taylor, W.L. (1953). "Cloze procedure: A new tool for measuring readability."
Journalism Quarterly, 30, 415433.
^ J. Sachs, P. Tung, R. Lam, "How to Construct a Cloze Test: Lessons from Testing
Measurement Theory Models" Perspectives (City University of Hong Kong) Vol. 9
(1997 Spring)
External links[edit]

create a cloze test online

Examples of cloze exercises with Spanish music
The Fifth Dimension: The Cloze Test
EnglishLearner.com reading test
VLC: Cloze Tests