Gap vs. Cloze — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 4, 2024
Gap refers to a space or void between two things, emphasizing separation or absence, while cloze is a specific type of test exercise designed to assess language proficiency by requiring users to fill in blanks within a text.
Difference Between Gap and Cloze
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Gap is a broad term that signifies a space or opening between objects, ideas, or points in time. It highlights a clear separation or an area of emptiness that might need to be filled or bridged. Gaps can be physical, such as the distance between two buildings, or metaphorical, like the gap in understanding between generations. On the other hand, cloze specifically refers to a testing technique used in language learning and assessment. It involves a text with certain words removed, and the task is to fill in these blanks, testing one's understanding of context, vocabulary, and grammar.
While a gap can exist in various contexts and is used to describe a wide range of scenarios, a cloze exercise is a targeted educational tool. For instance, a gap in knowledge indicates a lack of understanding or information, necessitating further education or clarification. In contrast, a cloze test directly addresses such gaps by challenging individuals to apply their knowledge in a practical, context-based manner.
The concept of a gap is also associated with a need for action to bridge or fill it, often implying a problem or deficiency. This could involve physical construction to close a gap between structures or intellectual efforts to bridge gaps in understanding. Whereas, cloze exercises are a method to identify and indirectly work on filling these gaps in language proficiency, providing a clear, measurable way to assess and improve one's language skills.
Gaps can be unintentional and naturally occurring, or they can be deliberately created as part of a strategy or design. For example, a pause in conversation is a natural social gap, while a gap year is a deliberate break taken from academic study. Cloze tests, however, are always intentionally designed with educational purposes in mind, aiming to diagnose or enhance language abilities.
Finally, addressing a gap often requires identifying its cause and nature, which can vary widely from physical distances to ideological differences. In contrast, solving a cloze test requires specific knowledge and skills related to language, including vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension, providing a focused approach to learning and assessment.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A space or void between things.
A test exercise with blanks to fill in a text.
Context
Broad, various scenarios.
Language learning and assessment.
Purpose
To identify separation or absence.
To assess language proficiency.
Method of Addressing
Depends on context (physical, intellectual).
Filling in blanks with correct words or phrases.
Intentionality
Can be unintentional or deliberate.
Always intentional with educational goals.
Compare with Definitions
Gap
A break or interruption in continuity.
There was a significant gap in communication between the teams.
Cloze
An assessment tool for reading comprehension.
Teachers use cloze activities to evaluate students' reading skills.
Gap
A physical space between objects.
The gap between the two buildings was narrow but visible.
Cloze
A practice activity for language learners.
Daily cloze exercises are part of our language learning routine.
Gap
A disparity or difference between groups or individuals.
The wage gap between different sectors is increasing.
Cloze
A language exercise with missing words to complete.
The cloze test was challenging, but it improved my vocabulary.
Gap
An absence of something needed or expected.
There’s a gap in my memory about that night.
Cloze
A method to gauge contextual understanding in language.
Cloze exercises helped me understand sentence structure better.
Gap
A planned break or hiatus.
She took a gap year before starting college.
Cloze
A technique for teaching vocabulary and grammar.
Incorporating cloze tasks in lessons makes learning new words fun.
Gap
An opening in a solid structure or surface; a cleft or breach
Wriggled through a gap in the fence.
A large gap in the wall where the artillery shell had exploded.
Cloze
Based on or being a test of reading comprehension in which the test taker is asked to supply words that have been systematically deleted from a text.
Gap
A break in a line of defense.
Cloze
(education) A form of written examination in which candidates are required to provide words that have been omitted from sentences, thereby demonstrating their knowledge and comprehension of the text.
Gap
An opening through mountains; a pass.
Cloze
Based on or being a test of reading skill using the cloze procedure
Gap
A space between objects or points; an aperture
A gap between his front teeth.
Gap
An interruption of continuity
A nine-minute gap in the recorded conversation.
Needed to fill in the gaps in her knowledge.
Gap
A conspicuous difference or imbalance; a disparity
A gap between revenue and spending.
The widening gap between rich and poor.
Gap
A problematic situation resulting from such a disparity
The budget gap.
The technology gap.
Gap
A spark gap.
Gap
To make an opening or openings in
A wall that was gapped.
Gap
To make or adjust a space between (objects or points) or in (a device)
Gap boards on a deck.
Gap a spark plug.
Gap
To be or become open
Her coat gapped open.
Gap
An opening in anything made by breaking or parting.
He made a gap in the fence by kicking at a weak spot.
Gap
An opening allowing passage or entrance.
We can slip through that gap between the buildings.
Gap
An opening that implies a breach or defect.
There is a gap between the roof and the gutter.
Gap
A vacant space or time.
I have a gap in my schedule next Tuesday.
Gap
A hiatus, a pause in something which is otherwise continuous.
I'm taking a gap.
You must wait for a gap in the traffic before crossing the road.
Gap
A vacancy, deficit, absence, or lack.
Their departure has left a gap in the workforce.
Find words to fill the gaps in an incomplete sentence.
Gap
A mountain or hill pass.
The exploring party went through the high gap in the mountains.
Gap
(Sussex) A sheltered area of coast between two cliffs (mostly restricted to place names).
At Birling Gap we can stop and go have a picnic on the beach.
Gap
(baseball) The regions between the outfielders.
Jones doubled through the gap.
Gap
The shortfall between the amount the medical insurer will pay to the service provider and the scheduled fee for the item.
Gap
(AU) (usually written as "the gap") The disparity between the indigenous and non-indigenous communities with regard to life expectancy, education, health, etc.
Gap
(genetics) An unsequenced region in a sequence alignment.
Gap
(transitive) To notch, as a sword or knife.
Gap
(transitive) To make an opening in; to breach.
Gap
(transitive) To check the size of a gap.
I gapped all the spark plugs in my car, but then realized I had used the wrong manual and had made them too small.
Gap
To leave suddenly.
Gap
An opening in anything made by breaking or parting; as, a gap in a fence; an opening for a passage or entrance; an opening which implies a breach or defect; a vacant space or time; a hiatus; a mountain pass.
Miseries ensued by the opening of that gap.
It would make a great gap in your own honor.
Gap
The vertical distance between two superposed surfaces, esp. in a biplane.
Gap
To notch, as a sword or knife.
Gap
To make an opening in; to breach.
Their masses are gapp'd with our grape.
Gap
A conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures;
Gap between income and outgo
The spread between lending and borrowing costs
Gap
An open or empty space in or between things;
There was a small opening between the trees
The explosion made a gap in the wall
Gap
A narrow opening;
He opened the window a crack
Gap
A pass between mountain peaks
Gap
An act of delaying or interrupting the continuity;
It was presented without commercial breaks
Gap
Make an opening or gap in
Common Curiosities
What is a gap?
A gap is a space or void between things, highlighting separation or absence.
What is a cloze test?
A cloze test is a language exercise where users fill in blanks within a text to assess proficiency.
How are gaps identified?
Gaps are identified through observation, assessment, or when a disparity or absence is noticed.
Can gaps be beneficial?
Yes, certain gaps, like a gap year, are beneficial for personal growth and exploration.
Are cloze exercises only for language learning?
Primarily, yes, cloze exercises are used in language learning and assessment contexts.
What types of gaps are most common in society?
Common societal gaps include those in knowledge, wealth, and social equality.
What skills do cloze tests assess?
Cloze tests assess language proficiency, including vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension.
Is feedback important in cloze exercises?
Yes, feedback is crucial in cloze exercises to help learners understand their errors and improve.
Can gaps exist in digital data?
Yes, gaps can exist in digital data, indicating missing or incomplete information.
How are cloze tests created?
Cloze tests are created by removing words from a text to be filled in, based on the test's language goals.
How do you address a gap?
Addressing a gap requires identifying its cause and implementing strategies to bridge or fill it.
Are cloze tests used for languages other than English?
Yes, cloze tests are used for assessing proficiency in many languages.
What makes cloze tests effective in language learning?
They require the application of various language skills in a context, enhancing learning and retention.
Can technology bridge gaps?
Yes, technology can bridge various gaps, including those in communication, education, and access to information.
What differentiates a gap from a void?
A gap is often a narrower or more specific absence or separation, while a void suggests a larger or more profound emptiness.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
