The Cloze Theory is the linguistic and psychological principle underlying the cloze test, a widely used assessment method designed to evaluate an individual's reading comprehension, language proficiency, and ability to infer meaning from context by filling in missing words in a text.
Foundations of Cloze Theory
The concept of the cloze procedure was developed by Wilson Taylor in 1953. Its theoretical roots are firmly planted in Gestalt psychology, specifically the principle of closure. This principle posits that the human mind naturally seeks to complete incomplete patterns and perceive whole forms even when information is missing.
In the context of language, the Cloze Theory suggests that readers do not process words in isolation. Instead, they actively use surrounding contextual clues, their understanding of grammatical structures, vocabulary, and logical reasoning to anticipate and supply missing information. This ability to "close" or complete a partially presented text demonstrates a deep level of language comprehension.
Application in the Cloze Test
The practical application of the Cloze Theory is the cloze test, a versatile tool in language education and assessment. This test evaluates a candidate's ability to integrate various language skills to fully comprehend a passage.
Key Elements Assessed by Cloze Tests:
- Grammar: The ability to understand and apply syntactic rules, ensuring the correct form and placement of words (e.g., verb tenses, prepositions, articles).
- Vocabulary: Knowledge of word meanings and the capacity to choose the most appropriate word based on semantic fit and nuance.
- Logical Reasoning: The skill to infer relationships between ideas, understand cause and effect, and deduce the most sensible word given the overall message.
- Reading Comprehension: The overarching ability to grasp the main ideas, specific details, and the overall meaning of a text.
- Understanding Flow: The capacity to follow the coherence and cohesion of a passage, ensuring that the inserted words maintain the natural progression of thoughts and arguments.
How Cloze Tests Work
A typical cloze test involves a passage where words have been systematically removed, often at regular intervals (e.g., every fifth or seventh word) or sometimes based on specific linguistic criteria (e.g., all nouns or verbs). The test-taker's task is to fill in these blanks with the most appropriate words.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Original Text | A coherent and well-structured passage. |
| Blanks | Spaces where words have been intentionally omitted. |
| Context | The surrounding words and sentences that provide clues. |
| Inference | The process of deducing missing information based on knowledge. |
Benefits and Uses
Cloze tests are highly valued for their ability to provide a holistic assessment of language proficiency, moving beyond mere recognition of isolated grammar rules or vocabulary items.
- Diagnostic Tool: They effectively pinpoint areas where a learner might be struggling, whether it's with specific grammatical structures, vocabulary gaps, or the overall comprehension of connected text.
- Reading Skill Assessment: They are excellent indicators of how well an individual can process and understand written language, including their ability to integrate information across sentences and paragraphs.
- Grammar Improvement: For individuals who find grammar challenging, the cloze method is particularly useful as it necessitates the active application of grammatical rules within a meaningful context, rather than in isolation.
- Integrated Skill Evaluation: Unlike tests that measure discrete language points, cloze tests require test-takers to simultaneously employ their grammar, vocabulary, and logical reasoning skills.
Practical Insights for Cloze Tests:
- Read the Entire Passage: Before attempting to fill any blanks, read the text from start to finish to get a general understanding of its topic and flow.
- Analyze Local Context: For each blank, carefully examine the words immediately before and after it, as these provide crucial grammatical and semantic clues.
- Consider Grammatical Fit: Determine what part of speech is missing (e.g., noun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition) and what form it should take (e.g., singular/plural, tense).
- Think about Logical Coherence: Ensure that the word you choose fits the overall meaning of the sentence and the paragraph, contributing to a logical and cohesive text.
- Review Your Answers: Once you've filled in all the blanks, reread the entire passage with your inserted words to check for naturalness and accuracy.
