What is the cloze procedure used for in reading comprehension?

The cloze procedure is an instructional strategy used to assess and improve reading comprehension through the practice of replacing omitted words in a passage. In this technique, certain words are removed from a text, and students are asked to fill in the blanks with words they believe complete the text appropriately. This method serves multiple purposes: it helps identify students' understanding of context, vocabulary, and syntax. Additionally, it encourages active engagement with the text, enabling learners to demonstrate their ability to interpret meaning and make inferences. The cloze procedure highlights how well students can comprehend and interact with written material, making it a valuable tool in the reading comprehension toolkit.