Le test de closure: mesure de la lisibilité et de la compréhension

This book describes the cloze test, an instructional tool that has been used in the United States for the past 15 years but has not yet been extensively researched in francophone countries. The first section presents a synthesis of the most important American studies and outlines a theoretical framework for researchers and teachers of French who do not yet use cloze tests. This section includes a definition and history of the cloze test; a description of the test as a comprehension measure, as a diagnostic measure, and as an instrument of linguistic research and instruction; a discussion of the validity of the technique from the theoretical and experimental point of view; and examples of its application. Section 2 reports on exploratory research with Belgian populations ranging in age from 9 to 18. A final section reports that this study confirmed conclusions of American research, i.e., that the cloze test is an economical instrument which provides a valid direct measure of readability and comprehension; and that the test is an important diagnostic, research, and instructional tool. Appendices include the six texts chosen for the test and a test sample. A bibliography completes the volume. (Author/AM)