Construct Validity of Multiple-Choice Cloze Test and Cloze-Elide Test in Testing Reading Comprehension among Iranian EFL Learners

Cloze tests have been widely used for measuring reading comprehension, language proficiency and readability. This study is intended to determine and cross-compare the construct validity of multiple-choice cloze tests and cloze elide tests in testing reading comprehension via a differential group design. In this study, two instruments were developed and used: a multiple-choice cloze test and a cloze elide test. The tests were administered to sixty, BA and MA EFL Iranian students. The results indicated that a) multiple-choice cloze tests are valid in testing reading comprehension, b) cloze elide tests are valid in testing reading comprehension, c) BA and MA performances on cloze elide tests were better than BA and MA performances on multiple-choice cloze tests.