2007 Graduate Entrance Exam English Cloze Test and Reading Comprehension Matching New Channel

Author: Hu Min
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: Cloze test is a crucial part of the postgraduate entrance examination English paper. Although it only accounts for 10% of the total score, the level it reflects determines the success or failure of the entire English exam. Generally, those who perform well in cloze tests not only have a solid language foundation but also strong practical language skills. This is evident from the fact that cloze tests are also referred to as "English Knowledge Application." From another perspective, the postgraduate entrance exam English has undergone multiple reforms, and the cloze test format has not only been retained but also increased in quantity. This indicates that cloze tests are indeed an important examination format, and we should pay sufficient attention. However, based on historical exam scores, the average score for cloze tests has always been unsatisfactory. This is partly because cloze tests themselves are inherently challenging, and partly because they remain a weak point for us. We either take them lightly, fear them, rely on luck, or strive for them relentlessly yet fail to find the correct learning method. Regardless of the situation, we should understand this principle: failing to master cloze tests significantly reduces the likelihood of postgraduate success. Are cloze tests truly insurmountable? The answer is clearly no, because cloze tests test nothing more than vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension of the passage—exactly the content we study daily: we memorize words every day, learn grammar constantly, and practice reading every moment. To say we don’t prioritize them is hard to justify, and to say we don’t work hard is unfair. Since time and effort have been invested, why are the results still unsatisfactory? The answer must be that our methods are flawed, and efficiency needs improvement.
When it comes to methods, we must abandon superficial and half-hearted learning approaches. We need to develop a fresh understanding of vocabulary and grammar—moving from single meanings and uses to multiple meanings and applications, from individual words and definitions to phrases and usage, from simple sentences to complex ones, and finally from sentences to passages.
Regarding efficiency, we must break free from hasty and inconsistent work habits. We should strive for the ability to generalize from specific examples and handle difficult tasks with ease while mastering the fundamentals. At the same time, we must learn to analyze, summarize, and think actively.
The purpose of writing this book is to provide readers with some ideas and methods, helping them gradually find their way with cloze tests and overcome this challenging section. The book is primarily based on teaching materials used in postgraduate entrance exam tutoring classes, where many questions have been widely discussed with students. The questions and confusion of these students have been the driving force behind my in-depth research, and I would like to express my deepest gratitude to them. I hope this book will not only help future learners but also continue to receive suggestions and feedback from students and peers, making it increasingly practical and perfect in the future.