Test-Takers’ Cognitive Processes during a Listen-To-Summarize Cloze Task

Abstract

Listen-to-summarize cloze (LSC) tasks are not rare in high-stakes language tests; however, we know little about what test-takers do during the tasks. In our study, we examined 16 students’ think-aloud protocols (TAPs) which were recorded while they were completing two LSC tasks. The analysis of the 16 TAPs indicated iterative cognitive processes of LSC task completion. Simultaneously, the different gap types in the LSC tasks required different levels of cognitive processes. We also discussed the possible cognitive depth to which LSC tasks can target and the challenges in designing appropriate gap types to assess different levels of cognitive processes.

Keywords:

• listen-to-summarize cloze (LSC)
• cognitive processes
• think-aloud protocol (TAP)
• academic lectures
• listening comprehension