2007 National Entrance Examination for Postgraduate Studies English Cloze Test and Reading Comprehension Matching

Author: Hu Min
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: Cloze tests are a crucial part of the postgraduate entrance examination English paper. Although they account for only 10% of the total score, the level they reflect is directly related to the success or failure of the entire English exam. Generally, those who score high on 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 English exam 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 give it 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 many. We either take them lightly, fear them, rely on luck, or painstakingly pursue them without finding 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 are supposed to study: we memorize words every day, learn grammar constantly, and do reading exercises ceaselessly. To say we don’t prioritize them is hard to justify, and to say we don’t work hard is unfair. Since we’ve already invested time and effort, why aren’t the results satisfactory? The answer must be that our methods are flawed, and our 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. As for efficiency, we must break free from hasty and inconsistent work habits. We should strive for a level of learning where we can generalize from examples and handle difficult tasks with ease, while also mastering analysis, summarization, and active thinking. The writing of this book aims 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 examination tutoring classes, and many of the questions have been widely discussed with students. Their questions and confusion were the driving force behind my in-depth research, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to these students. 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.