Article published In: ITL - International Journal of Applied Linguistics
Vol. 81/82 (1988) ► pp.139–159
The Multiple-Choice Cloze Test as a General Language Proficiency Test
Published online: 1 January 1988
https://doi.org/10.1075/itl.81-82.06joc
https://doi.org/10.1075/itl.81-82.06joc
Abstract
This article presents axsd discusses a number of empirical findings conœroing the validity of multiple-choice cloze tests as tests of general language proficiency. Foreign students of Dutch at Delft University of Technology were given both a series of separate proficiency tests in nstemng, speaking, reading, writing and text comprehension, and a series of multiple-choice cloze tests. Scores on the multiple-choice cloze tests were found to correlate significantly with each of the proficiency tests. In addition, scores made on the multiple-choice cloze tests appeared to form a solid basis for predictions of the total scores for listening, speaking, reading and writing taken together. Finally, a close structural similarity was found to exist between curves of average scores on successive multiple-choice cloze tests and the presupposed growth of vocabulary during the language learning process. Together, these findings tend to show that multiple-choice cloze tests constitute a valid instrument for measuring general language proficiency.
References (16)
Campbeil, D.T. and Stanley, J.C. (1971) : Experimental and quasi-experimental designs for research on teaching. In Gage N.L., editor, Handbook of Research on Teaching (171–246). Chicago : Rand McNally.
Cranney, A. Garr. (1973) : The construction of two types of cloze reading tests for college students. Journal of Reading Behavior, 51, 60–64.
Farhady, H. (1983) : The disjunctive fallacy between discrete-point and integrative tests. In Oller, J.W. (editor), Issues in Language Testing Research (311–322). Rowley, Massachusetts : Newbury House.
HiDüfotis, F.B. and Snow, B.G. (1980) : An alternative cloze testing procedure : multiple-choice format. In Oiler, J.W. and Ferions, K., editors, Research in Language Testing (129–133). Rowley, Massachusetts : Newbury House.
Jochems, W. and Montens, F. (1986) : Hoe toets je taalvaardigheid? [How to test language proficiency]. Meppel : Boom.
Lord, F.M. and Novick, M.R. (1968) : Statistical Theories of Mental Test Scores. Reading, Massachusetts : Addison-Wesley.
(1983) : Evidence for a general language proficiency factor : an expectancy grammar. In Oller, J.W., editor, Issues in Language Testing Research (3–10). Rowley, Massachusetts: Newbury House.
Porter, D. (1976) : Modified cloze procedure : a more valid reading comprehension test. English Language Teaching Journal, 301,151–155.
Sciarone, A.G. (1979) : Woordjes leren in het vreemdetalenonderwijs [Learning words in foreign-language education]. Muiderberg : Coutinho.
Vollmer, H.J. (1983) : The structure of foreign language competence. In Hughes, A. and Porter, D., editors, Current Developments in Language Testing (3–29). London : Academic Press.
Cited by (3)
Cited by three other publications
del Puerto, Francisco Gallardo & María Martínez Adrián
Adrián, María Martínez & Francisco Gallardo del Puerto
2010. L2 English Receptive and Productive Vocabulary in Senior Learners. ITL - International Journal of Applied Linguistics 160 ► pp. 112 ff.
This list is based on CrossRef data as of 30 march 2026. Please note that it may not be complete. Sources presented here have been supplied by the respective publishers. Any errors therein should be reported to them.
