A cloze test (also known as a cloze passage) is a type of exercise used in language proficiency assessments, including English language exams. It involves a passage with certain words removed and replaced with blanks. The task of the test-taker is to fill in these blanks with appropriate words to complete the passage coherently and meaningfully.

Example of a Cloze Test

Below is an example of a cloze test:

Original Passage: "The importance of regular physical exercise cannot be overstated. It helps in maintaining a healthy body, boosting mental well-being, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases."

Cloze Passage: "The importance of regular physical ______ (1) cannot be ______ (2). It helps in maintaining a healthy ______ (3), boosting mental ______ (4), and reducing the risk of ______ (5) diseases."

How to Answer

To complete the cloze test, the test-taker must understand the context of the passage and use their vocabulary knowledge to fill in the blanks. Here’s how the passage could be completed:

1. exercise
2. overstated
3. body
4. well-being
5. chronic

Practice Cloze Test

Passage: "Technology has ______ (1) the way we live and work. The internet, in particular, has had a ______ (2) impact on communication and ______ (3). It allows us to connect with people ______ (4) the world instantly and access information ______ (5)."

• Answers:

Tips for Completing Cloze Tests

1. Context Clues: Pay attention to the words and sentences around the blanks. They often provide hints about what the missing word should be.
2. Grammar and Syntax: Ensure that the word you choose fits grammatically with the rest of the sentence.
3. Vocabulary Knowledge: A strong vocabulary helps in choosing the most appropriate word.