The Cloze Procedure and Its Implication as a Measure of Reading

Abstract

The cloze procedure is no stranger to many classroom teachers and pupils today. It has become increasingly popular as a measure of language skills, in particular of the skill of reading comprehension. Teachers are familiar with the form of cloze but are often left to work out the implications of its use on their own. In view of its popularity, the need to appreciate its relationship to the reading construct has thus become more urgent. An attempt is made here to provide some insights into the use of the cloze procedure as a measure of reading comprehension. With this elucidation, the use of the cloze procedure in the classroom may become more meaningful and be put to greater effect.