The academic paper titled "The Gaps That Speak for Themselves or How to Create a Cloze (T)..." by Mihăiță Horezeanu focuses on the cloze test as a language assessment tool. The primary research question investigates the effectiveness and application of the cloze test, particularly the rational-deletion approach compared to the traditional fixed-ratio method.
The purpose of the study is to explore how cloze tests can be effectively used as both testing instruments and teaching tools for students of English as a foreign language. The paper examines different types of cloze tests, their origins, and their advantages and disadvantages. The specific aspect investigated is the rational-deletion approach, which allows for more targeted assessment by selectively deleting words based on their relevance to the testing objectives, as opposed to the random deletion used in fixed-ratio cloze tests.
The methodology involves a detailed analysis of cloze tests created by the author for classroom use, particularly focusing on the rational-deletion approach. This approach is contrasted with the traditional fixed-ratio method by creating a cloze test using both methods and comparing their effectiveness in assessing language proficiency.
Key findings highlight that the rational-deletion cloze test provides greater flexibility and relevance in testing, allowing for a more precise assessment of language skills, particularly at the discourse level. The study finds that the rational-deletion method can assess higher-order skills, such as understanding cohesion and coherence in a text, which are often overlooked in fixed-ratio tests.
The study concludes that the rational-deletion approach is superior to the fixed-ratio method in creating cloze tests, as it allows the test writer to tailor the assessment to specific educational objectives. The findings suggest that while cloze tests can measure overall language proficiency, their effectiveness is significantly enhanced when the test design aligns with the specific teaching and assessment goals. The study emphasizes the importance of teacher autonomy in designing cloze tests that meet the unique needs of their students and instructional contexts.