You can use generative AI to create cloze passages related to your class content in order to review and reinforce learning, assess your level of knowledge and help prepare for upcoming assessments. This allows you to actively recall the class content and helps consolidate your understanding and memory of the material.
What are cloze passages?
A reading comprehension exercise is where certain words are removed from a text, and the reader is asked to fill in the blanks with words that complete the context. E.g. "The sun is bright and _____ in the sky." Cloze passages are an interactive way to engage with the content you are attempting to understand by placing it in context.
Note: The following prompt was tested with Microsoft Copilot for Web, but is suitable for most language-based generative AI tools.
Act as an expert tutor for a first year university biology course. I need to study the topics of cell biology, evolution, and genetics. Generate a cloze passage that contains statements that integrate and interleave these topics. Wait for my responses to the cloze passage and then give me feedback on my responses.
This prompt instructs the AI by giving it a role (expert tutor for a first year biology course), task (generate a cloze passage) with requirements (passage must contain statements integrating topics of cell biology, evolution and genetics) and instructions (wait for my responses and then give me feedback). It allows you to interact with the AI as a simulated tutor who can help you understand key concepts and provide feedback when you insert a correct or incorrect answer.
Generating cloze passages also allows for interleaving - where you can mix multiple subjects or topics into the passage to assist with your overall study. This has been shown to enhance understanding and retention of the material.
Make sure to exercise your own judgment and understanding of the class content to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the cloze passage which the AI creates.