Cloze and dictation
Answer
- An example of a compromise between subjective and objective evaluation:
- Correct Answer: a. cloze
- Explanation: Cloze tests combine elements of both subjective and objective evaluation by assessing language proficiency through context-based word deletion, making them versatile in gauging understanding.
- Method ensuring random selection in cloze tests:
- Correct Answer: d. systematic
- Explanation: The systematic method is designed to ensure that word deletions are made in a structured manner, providing a fair and random selection process.
- The more the number of words deleted from a cloze test, the .......... it will be:
- Correct Answer: a. harder
- Explanation: Increasing the number of deletions raises the difficulty level, as it requires more extensive knowledge and inference skills from the test-taker.
- The most serious problem leveled against cloze tests is that ...........:
- Correct Answer: b. they lack naturalness
- Explanation: Critics argue that cloze tests may not accurately reflect real-life language use, thus lacking naturalness compared to other forms of assessment.
- Which one of the following statements is NOT true as far as cloze tests are concerned?:
- Correct Answer: d. In clozes, reliability formulas are applied to determine the appropriate difficulty of the passage.
- Explanation: This statement is incorrect because cloze tests focus on comprehension rather than applying reliability formulas to assess difficulty directly.
- The more the number of words deleted from a cloze test, the more it may be ……….:
- Correct Answer: c. reliable
- Explanation: A higher number of deletions can enhance the reliability of the test by providing a broader context for assessing language skills.
- If the number of words deleted from a cloze test increases, its ····· will also increase:
- Correct Answer: c. difficulty level
- Explanation: As more words are removed, the task becomes increasingly challenging for examinees, affecting their performance.
- All of the following are alternative forms of cloze EXCEPT.......... .:
- Correct Answer: b. multiple-choice
- Explanation: Multiple-choice formats differ fundamentally from traditional cloze tests, which typically require open-ended responses.
- One of the disadvantages of the standard cloze test is that ..........:
- Correct Answer: d. fixed-ratio deletion does not cover all parts of speech
- Explanation: Fixed-ratio deletion methods may overlook certain grammatical structures, limiting their effectiveness in comprehensive language assessment.
- The C-Test is a variety of cloze that ..........:
- Correct Answer: b. deleting the second half of every second word
- Explanation: The C-test format specifically targets parts of words for assessment, differing from standard cloze tests.
- In the C-test every .......... word in a text is partially deleted:
- Correct Answer: d. second
- Explanation: The C-test involves selectively deleting parts from every second word to evaluate language proficiency.
- Gestalt psychology is associated with all of the following tests EXCEPT ...........:
- Correct Answer: b. analytical
- Explanation: Gestalt psychology emphasizes holistic approaches, while analytical methods focus on breaking down components separately.
- As a dictation-type test, dicto-comp ...........:
- Correct Answer: c. includes a passage presented in both oral and written forms
- Explanation: Dicto-comp involves presenting material in multiple formats to assess comprehension and retention effectively.
- Cloze tests are based on the assumption that ..........:
- Correct Answer: a. language proficiency is indivisible
- Explanation: Cloze tests operate under the premise that language skills are interconnected rather than isolated.
- Considering ease of construction, administration, and scoring, which one of the following cases is most practical?
- Correct Answer: c. Standard dictation
- Explanation: Standard dictation offers straightforward procedures for construction and scoring compared to other methods.
- Which of the following varieties of cloze test does not follow the naturalness phenomenon?
- Correct Answer: c. fixed-ratio deletion
- Explanation: Fixed-ratio deletion lacks naturalness as it follows a rigid pattern rather than adapting to contextual needs.
- The elicited imitation form of dictation is quite effective with ..........
- Correct Answer: d. preliterate adults
- Explanation: Elicited imitation techniques cater effectively to learners who may not yet have developed literacy skills.
- In scoring a cloze test, acceptable word method ..........
- Correct Answer: d. would be more suitable for second language situations
- Explanation: The acceptable word method accommodates variations in language use among second language learners.
- In pseudo-random deletion, the magnitude of "n" ....... .
- Correct Answer: c. is not based on an established criterion
- Explanation: Pseudo-random deletion lacks a consistent criterion for determining which words to delete.
- Cloze and dictation ........ .
- Correct Answer: b. have items which are contextually dependent on one another
- Explanation: Both assessment types rely on contextual relationships between items to gauge understanding effectively.
- If a passage selected for a cloze test consists of 220 words, then one might usually expect about .............. blanks.
- Correct Answer:** c. 20**
- Explanation:** Typically, around 10% of words are deleted in standard cloze tests, leading to approximately 20 blanks in a 220-word passage.
- A test such as dictation requires both ……….
- Correct Answer:** c. perception and production**
- Explanation:** Dictation involves listening (perception) and writing (production), making it essential for assessing both skills simultaneously.
- Cloze tests can be considered as an example of ..........tests.
- Correct Answer:** c. integrative**
- Explanation:** Integrative tests assess multiple language skills simultaneously; thus, cloze tests fit this category well due to their comprehensive nature.
- Traditionally, dictation was considered as being an .......... testing device.
- Correct Answer:** c.economical but imprecise**
- Explanation:** While dictation is cost-effective for assessing language skills, it may lack precision due to variability in scoring and interpretation.
25.Dictation tests are usually ...........
- Correct Answer:** c.difficult to use for diagnostic purposes**
- Explanation:** Dictation primarily assesses listening and writing but may not provide detailed insights into specific language deficits or strengths.
26.One way of helping to provide the required unity for a dictation taken from a longer passage is to ...........
- Correct Answer:** b.write an introductory sentence or two**
- Explanation:** An introductory sentence can help contextualize the material being dictated and provide coherence for test-takers.
27.The best way to score a dictation test is to ...........
- Correct Answer:** d.penalize only the omitted or added words**
- Explanation:** Focusing on significant errors allows for more accurate assessment while minimizing penalties for minor mistakes that do not affect overall comprehension.
28.Deliberate deletion of grammar points in a cloze test makes it a rather .......... test.
- Correct Answer:** c.discrete-point**
- Explanation:** By isolating specific grammar points through deletion, this approach emphasizes discrete aspects of language knowledge rather than integrative skills.
29.The exact word method and the acceptable word method are two possible ways used for scoring .......... tests.
- Correct Answer:** a.cloze**
- Explanation:** These scoring methods apply specifically to cloze tests where responses can vary in acceptability based on context and usage.
30.The .......... test is an example of a compromise between subjective and objective evaluation.
- Correct Answer:** a.cloze**
- Explanation:** The design of cloze tests allows them to blend subjective interpretation with objective scoring criteria effectively.
31.The principle of cloze testing is based on the ...........
- Correct Answer:** c.Gestalt theory of closure**
- Explanation:** This theory posits that individuals tend to perceive incomplete shapes or patterns as complete; similarly, learners fill in gaps in text based on context clues.
32.In a cloze test, the more blanks contained in the text, the ..........the test will generally prove.
- Correct Answer:** b.less practical**
- Explanation:** While more blanks can increase difficulty, they may also complicate administration and scoring processes without enhancing validity significantly.
33.Research studies have shown that performance on cloze tests correlates highly with the .......... abilities.
- Correct Answer:** c.reading, writing, and listening**
- Explanation:** Cloze tests assess integrated language skills; thus performance often reflects overall proficiency across these areas.
34.The types of knowledge required to perform successfully on a cloze test are .......... knowledge.
- Correct Answer:** b.linguistic, textual, and world**
- Explanation:** Successful completion relies on understanding language structure (linguistic), context (textual), and background information (world knowledge).
35.A regular cloze test cannot be used as a(n) .......... test.
- Correct Answer:** c.diagnostic**
- Explanation:** Regular cloze tests primarily measure comprehension rather than providing detailed diagnostic insights into specific learning needs or issues.
36.The most frequently used deletion rate for cloze tests is one in ..........
- Correct Answer:** b.eight**
- Explanation:** This ratio strikes an effective balance between challenge and manageability for examinees during assessments.
37.The more the number of words deleted from a cloze test, the more .......... it will be.
- Correct Answer:** d.difficult**
- Explanation:** Increased deletions elevate complexity since they demand greater recall and inference capabilities from participants.
38.The cloze test was originally intended to measure the ...........
- Correct Answer:** b.students' textual and linguistic knowledge**
- Explanation:** Its primary goal was assessing how well students understood text structure and vocabulary within given passages.
39.It is suggested to have .......... blanks in a cloze passage consisting if 350 words.
- Correct Answer:** d.60**
- Explanation:** Generally aiming for around 15% deletions leads to approximately 60 blanks in this length passage for effective assessment without overwhelming participants.
40.In selecting an appropriate passage for preparing a cloze test, the length depends on the ...........
- Correct Answer:** b.number of blanks you plan to have**
- Explanation:** The desired number of deletions influences how lengthy or concise passages should be when constructing effective assessments tailored toward specific goals or levels.
41. In taking a cloze test, students can normally do better if...
- c. they look over the whole passage first.
- Explanation: Reading the entire passage before attempting to fill in the blanks provides context and helps students understand the overall meaning and flow of the text. This aids in predicting the missing words and making informed choices.
42. In order to measure the general grammatical ability by means of a cloze test, only .......... should be taken out of the passage.
- b. function words.
- Explanation: Function words (e.g., prepositions, articles, conjunctions) play a crucial role in the grammatical structure of a sentence. Deleting these words forces students to rely on their grammatical knowledge to determine the correct word to fill in the blank.
43. Certain kinds of selected deletion cloze can best measure ...........
- b. integrative language skills.
- Explanation: Selected deletion cloze tests, where specific word types or grammatical structures are targeted for deletion, can effectively assess how well students integrate various language skills such as vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension.
44. In preparing a dictation test, it is recommended to avoid a passage ..........
- b. full of names, dates, and numbers.
- Explanation: Passages with numerous proper nouns, dates, and numbers can make the dictation test difficult and may not accurately assess language skills. The focus should be on testing language proficiency, not memory for specific details.
45. The complex task of scoring a written composition is the only thing that matches the challenge of scoring a .......... test.
- c. speaking
- Explanation: Both speaking and writing assessments require subjective evaluation of complex skills such as fluency, coherence, accuracy, and appropriateness. Scoring these tasks involves human judgment and can be quite challenging.
46. The cloze procedure was originally developed to determine the ...........
- b. readability level of texts.
- Explanation: The cloze procedure was initially developed to assess the readability of texts by measuring how easily readers could fill in the blanks.
47. A standard test of dictation does NOT measure ...........
- a. communicative competence.
- Explanation: While dictation assesses listening comprehension, auditory memory, and some aspects of language knowledge, it does not directly measure communicative competence, which involves the ability to use language effectively and appropriately in real-life situations.
48. Which of the following is NOT one of the steps in preparing a cloze test?
- c. Making a list of the words to be deleted.
- Explanation: While determining the deletion rate is crucial, creating an explicit list of words to be deleted is generally not a step in the cloze test preparation process. The deletion method (e.g., fixed-ratio, random) is typically used instead.
49. One limitation of using cloze tests in testing reading comprehension is that they measure ...........
- c. reading and writing skills simultaneously.
- Explanation: Cloze tests require students to both read the passage and produce the missing words, making it difficult to isolate and assess reading comprehension independently of writing skills.
50. The "editing" test is a kind of .......... test in reverse.
- b. cloze
- Explanation: In an editing test, students are presented with a text containing errors. This is essentially the reverse of a cloze test, where students need to fill in the blanks.
51. The "fixed-ratio" method is one of the methods used for .......... in order to construct a cloze test.
- a. word deletion
- Explanation: The fixed-ratio method involves deleting every nth word in the passage, creating a consistent and systematic pattern for word deletion.
52. Research has shown that optimal reliability is obtained when there are . . . . . . items (blanks) in a cloze test.
- b. 30
- Explanation: Studies have indicated that cloze tests with around 30 blanks typically exhibit the highest reliability.
53. To achieve both high reliability and high validity, a cloze test should have ... ... blanks.
- a. 33-40
- Explanation: A range of 33-40 blanks is generally recommended to ensure both reliable and valid results in a cloze test.
54. The length of a cloze passage should be somewhere between.... .. words.
- b. 245-280
- Explanation: This range is commonly considered appropriate for the length of a cloze passage.
55. Which one of the following statements is true regarding the omission of words in a cloze test?
- b. The first and the last sentences should remain intact.
- Explanation: This is generally recommended to maintain the context and coherence of the passage.
56. To develop a cloze test, a suitable passage for non-natives is a passage with the readability level of . . . . . . standard deviation(s) above or below the average readability of the passages they have studied during a course.
- b. 0.5
- Explanation: A readability level within half a standard deviation of the students' familiar materials is considered appropriate to ensure the test is neither too easy nor too difficult.
57. Which one of the following statements is NOT true regarding multiple-choice cloze tests?
- c. They are easier than the open-ended cloze tests.
- Explanation: While multiple-choice cloze tests may offer some support to students, they can also be more challenging as they may require deeper understanding and critical thinking to choose the correct option from a set of distractors.
58. In the discussion of the cloze procedure, "pseudo-random" deletion refers to the. . . . . . . procedure.
- d. fixed ratio
- Explanation: Fixed-ratio deletion, while creating a consistent pattern, can be considered "pseudo-random" as it systematically deletes every nth word.
59. Cloze tasks are different from cloze tests in that . . . . . . . .
- d. we can make decisions on the basis of the scores obtained from such tasks
- Explanation: Cloze tasks are often used for instructional purposes, while cloze tests are primarily used for assessment. Therefore, decisions about instruction or curriculum modifications can be made based on the results of cloze tasks.
60. Which one of the following statements is true regarding the scoring of cloze tests?
- a. The acceptable-word scoring method allows any. response which is acceptable to non-native speakers.
- Explanation: The acceptable-word method is more flexible and allows for synonyms, paraphrases, and other appropriate responses, making it more suitable for assessing language proficiency in non-native speakers.
61. As regards the length of the standard dictation, most scholars agree that the passage should have at least . . . . . . words in order to provide possibilities for measuring the testees' performance in connected discourse.
- c. 150
- Explanation: A passage length of at least 150 words is generally considered necessary to assess language skills in connected discourse.
62. The length of the passage in standard dictation should be between....... words.
- b. 125-200
- Explanation: This range is commonly recommended for the length of passages in standard dictation tests.
Certainly, let's analyze the multiple-choice questions regarding dictation and cloze tests:
63. To avoid any human flaws, and achieve consistency for the reader in dictation, the recommended technique is . . .
- (b) to tape the passage by a native speaker
- Explanation: Recording the passage ensures consistent delivery in terms of speed, pronunciation, and intonation. This eliminates variations that might occur with human readers, such as changes in pace or emphasis.
64. The passage in standard dictation should be read. . . . . . .
- (c) three times
- Explanation: The standard procedure for dictation involves three readings:
- First reading: At a normal speed for students to get a general idea.
- Second reading: At a slightly slower pace, allowing students to write down key words and phrases.
- Third reading: At a normal speed, enabling students to check and complete their work.
65. Regarding the three readings of a standard dictation, it is to be noted that. . . . .. should be at a normal rate of speech.
- (d) all three readings
- Explanation: While the second reading might be slightly slower, the overall aim is to present the dictation at a natural speed to simulate real-life listening situations.
66. In. ..... , a passage with some deletions is given to the testees, but read in complete form.
- (b) partial dictation
- Explanation: Partial dictation involves presenting a passage with gaps, while the reader reads the entire text aloud. This challenges students to fill in the missing parts based on their listening comprehension.
67. We can make a partial dictation more difficult by increasing ...........
- (a) the length of the deleted parts and the speed with which the passage is read
- Explanation: Longer gaps and faster reading speeds increase the cognitive load on the students, making the task more challenging.
68. In . . . . . . . , the testees are required to imitate or repeat what they hear.
- (d) elicited imitation
- Explanation: Elicited imitation focuses on accurate pronunciation and intonation by having students repeat phrases or sentences immediately after hearing them.
69. In. . . . . . .the testees should write down the materials, presented to them as a whole rather than chunk by chunk.
- (c) dicto-comp
- Explanation: Dicto-comp presents a longer text that students listen to once or twice and then reconstruct in their own words, emphasizing overall comprehension and language production.
70. Which one of the following is NOT a factor influencing the degree of difficulty in a dictation-type test?
- (c) The number of times the materials are presented.
- Explanation: Generally, multiple readings are provided to assist students, not to increase difficulty. Factors like speed, length, and complexity of the text are more significant in determining difficulty.
71. Which one of the following dictation-type tests is more appropriate for advanced-level students?
- (a) Dicto-comp
- Explanation: Dicto-comp demands higher-level skills like summarizing, paraphrasing, and organizing information, making it suitable for advanced learners.
72. According to Farhady, et al. , the reliability of cloze and dictation type tests is under question because it is assessed through such methods as. . . . . . , while these tests violate the assumption of the independence of items.
- (b) split-half
- Explanation: Split-half reliability involves dividing the test into two halves and correlating the scores. However, in cloze and dictation, adjacent items are often interrelated, violating the assumption of independence required for split-half reliability.
73. According to the Gestalt psychology,. . . . ..
- (a) the whole is different from the sum of its parts
- Explanation: Gestalt psychology emphasizes that perception is more than just the sum of individual sensory inputs. The whole is perceived as a unified entity with properties that cannot be understood by analyzing its individual parts.
74. The "cloze procedure" is defined as "any passage of appropriate length and difficulty with every. . . . . . . word deleted. "
- (c) nth
- Explanation: The cloze procedure involves systematically deleting every "nth" word from a passage, creating gaps that students must fill.
75. Cloze tests with every . . . . . . . word deleted are known as standard cloze tests.
- (c) 5th
- Explanation: Standard cloze tests typically involve deleting every fifth word from the passage.
76. In scoring a cloze test, the acceptable word method is ..........than the exact word method.
- (a) more suitable for EFL situations
- Explanation: The acceptable word method allows for synonyms or semantically equivalent words, which is often more appropriate in EFL contexts where learners may not always produce the exact target word.
77. In scoring a cloze test, the exact word method is .......... than the acceptable word method.
- (a) more reliable
- Explanation: The exact word method is considered more objective and reliable as it strictly adheres to the specific target word, reducing subjectivity in scoring.
78. A test where every “nth” word is removed from a passage and the students have to fill in the resulting blanks is called a .......... test.
- (d) cloze
- Explanation: As explained earlier, the cloze procedure involves systematically deleting words from a passage.
79. Which of the following best tests students’ general proficiency?
- (a) Cloze
- Explanation: Cloze tests assess a wide range of linguistic skills, including vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and overall language proficiency.
80. In scoring a cloze test, Madsen has recommended that ...........
- (d) full credit can be given to equivalent words in special situations
- Explanation: Madsen suggests that while the exact word method is generally preferred, credit can be given for synonyms or equivalent words in certain cases.
81. The most important step in preparing a cloze test is to ...........
- (d) select an appropriate passage on the right level
- Explanation: Choosing a passage that is suitable for the students' language level is crucial for the validity and reliability of the test.
82. There is no chance of cheating in a .......... test when it is conducted in the classroom and under supervision.
- (b) dictation
- Explanation: In a well-supervised dictation, cheating is more difficult compared to other formats like multiple-choice where copying answers is easier.
83. In scoring a cloze test, acceptable word method ...........
- (b) would be more suitable of foreign language situations
- Explanation: As discussed earlier, the acceptable word method is generally more suitable in EFL contexts due to the wider range of acceptable responses.
84. The elicited imitation form of dictation is quite effective with ...........
- (b) elementary level
- Explanation: Elicited imitation is particularly useful for younger learners or beginners as it focuses on pronunciation and basic repetition.
85. Which of the following varieties of cloze does NOT follow the naturalness phenomenon?
- (b) Random deletion
- Explanation: Random deletion disrupts the natural flow and readability of the text, unlike other methods like function word deletion or stratified random deletion, which aim to maintain the text's coherence.