Discovering Belarus
The use of a cloze text, as demonstrated with the Belarus-themed content, presents several didactic advantages in educational settings. First, it encourages active reading and engagement by requiring students to fill in the blanks with appropriate terms, thus enhancing their vocabulary and comprehension related to the topic. This technique also stimulates critical thinking and memory recall, as learners must understand the context to correctly complete the text. Specifically, for the Belarus text, students gain insights into European geography, culture, and Belarusian society, fostering a global awareness. The inclusion of diverse aspects such as geography, cuisine, wildlife, and cultural practices offers a holistic view of the country, catering to different interests among learners. By focusing on less-known facts about Belarus, the text sparks curiosity and encourages further research, promoting independent learning. Additionally, the cloze text format is versatile, suitable for both individual and group activities, and can be adapted for various teaching phases, from introducing new content to reviewing or assessing knowledge. Finally, it serves as a foundation for interdisciplinary learning, linking geography, history, biology, and cultural studies, thereby enriching the educational experience.