This work aimed at investigating the adequacy of Cloze technique to reading comprehension assessment and development. The first step was performed with 314 elementary school students attending from 2nd to 4th grades and the results indicated that the instrument showed appropriate psychometric parameters. In the following steps, two intervention programs were performed, the first one involving 85 and the second involving 73 3rd and 4th grades students, separated in experimental group (EG) and control group (CG), who took validated Cloze tests, as pre- and post-tests. The experimental groups participated of sessions, in which variations of Cloze techniques were presented, in order to increase reading comprehension. Analyses indicated an advantage of EG upon CG on post-test situation only in the second intervention program. Accomplishment of new studies is suggested in order to test the possibility of generalization of the research results.
Cloze Test; Reading comprehension; Elementary school; Reading
