Cloze Test (Fill in the Blanks) Test Name

A Cloze Test (also known as a Cloze Deletion Test or Occlusion Test) is a specific type of fill-in-the-blank assessment where a person is asked to replace words that have been removed from a passage of text. 

Common Names and Variations

• Cloze Deletion Test: The formal name for tests where words are omitted systematically (e.g., every 5th word).
• Open Cloze: A version where no word options are provided, and the test-taker must supply the word themselves based on context.
• Multiple-Choice Cloze: A version where students select the correct answer from a provided list for each blank.
• C-Test: A variation where the second half of every second word is deleted, often considered a more objective alternative.
• Gap-fill Exercise: A broader term often used in classroom settings to describe any task where students fill in missing information. 

Origins and Purpose

• Origin: The term "cloze" is derived from the Gestalt theory of "closure," which suggests the human mind naturally seeks to complete unfinished patterns or "close the gaps".
• Development: It was first described by Wilson L. Taylor in 1953 as a way to measure the readability of texts and language proficiency.
• Primary Use: These tests are widely used in language learning software like Duolingo or Clozemaster and in competitive exams (e.g., SSC CGL, SAT, or IBPS) to assess vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension.