Validation of the Cloze Test as an Overall Measure of English Language Proficiency among Iraqi EFL Learners

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to validate the cloze test among Iraqi EFL university students. To this end, two types of multiple-choice cloze tests were administered to a sample of EFL students along with a number of other tests as criteria. Correlational analyses revealed moderate to strong correlations between the cloze tests and the criterion measures. Principal components analysis resulted in a one-factor solution with the cloze tests highly loading on this single factor. These findings were interpreted as validity evidence for the cloze test. Implication of the study for classroom testing was discussed.