Cloze and Essay Test

Cloze Test

The cloze is a procedure in which the reader attempts to anticipate meaning from the context
and to accurately supply the deleted words from the message (Romero et al 1995).

Characteristics of Cloze Test

1. It consists of words deleted from the text allowing a few sentences of introduction.
2. The deletion rate is mechanically set, usually between every 5 th and 8th.
3. Candidates have to fill each gap by supplying the words they think has been deleted (Weir
1990; 46)

Varieties/ Types of Cloze Test

1. Fixed-Ration Method
 Every nth word is indiscriminately omitted. N is its frequency that determines the
number of deletions.
 The interval deletion of cloze test is between 3rd to the 11th words.
 The mostly widely favored for deletion: 5th, 6th and 7th.
2. Variable-Ratio Method
 Omits only certain kinds of words which the constructor thinks of the importance for
certain purposes such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, etc.
3. Modified Fixed-Ratio Method
 Words are deleted on a regular counting basis, but certain items are skipped. These
items include names of persons, places, objects, dates, months, etc.

Strengths

1. Easy to construct and easy to score if the exact-word scoring is applied.

2. With the 5th word deletion, a large number of items can be taken on a relatively short text.
3. It is claimed as a valid measure for reading comprehension test.

Weakness

1. Exact answers are generally expected in a cloze test thus it is difficult to determine whether a
certain word is appropriate to the text or not. This results to longer period to be allotted in
checking. However, this is sometimes subjected to the discretion of the teacher.

Essay

Essay questions require students to produce their own answers freely. They measure the
ability of the students to organize, integrate, and express ideas which could not be assessed by
selection-type items.

Rules for Preparing/ Administering Essay Questions

1. State questions that require clear, specific, and narrow task or topic to be performed.
 Some sample terms to use that make the task clear and specific are as follows:
compare, describe, explain, summarize, relate, differentiate, criticize, and appraise.
 Thus an essay question can be generated like this:

Describe how old magazine and newspapers can be recycled at home.

2. Give enough time limit for answering each essay question.

3. Require all students to answer all items

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 Cloze and Essay Test

4. Make it clear to all students if spelling, punctuations, content, clarity, and style are to be
considered in scoring the essay questions. When these criteria are clear and specific to
students, the item becomes valid.
5. Grade each essay question by the point method, using well-defined criteria.
 By using certain criteria as guide, scoring essay questions becomes less subjective and
more objective. Examples of criteria to use in scoring an essay question are given
below
a. Completeness of ideas presented
b. Clarity of expression used
c. Organization of ideas evident

Score Description
5 Complete ideas presented; clarity of expressions used; organization of
ideas evident with the use of outline
4 Complete ideas presented; clarity of expressions used; organization of
some ideas not evident
3 Lack of some important ideas; clarity of expressions used; organization of
some ideas not evident
2 Lack some important ideas; some expressions are vague; organization of
some ideas not evident
1 Lack most of important ideas; most expressions are vague; organization
of some ideas not evident
6. Evaluate all the students’ responses to one question before going to the next question.
7. Evaluate answers to essay without identifying the student.
8. If possible, two or more correctors must be employed to ensure reliable results.

References:

ASAAD, Abubakar S., Hailaya, Wilham M. 2004. Measurement and Evaluation Concepts and
Principles. Rex Printing Company Inc.

GUTIERREZ, Danilo S., 2007. Assessment of Learning Outcomes (Cognitive Domain). Andy and Vita
Printing Services

ROMERO, Angelita D., Romero, Rene C. 1995. Developmental Reading, A Skill Text for College
Students. Rex Printing Company Inc.

Wikipedia.com

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