Ben Jonson's Impact on English Literature
Cloze texts like the one created about Ben Jonson are highly beneficial in educational settings, particularly when introducing students to significant historical figures and literary contexts. They encourage active engagement with the material as students need to fill in the blanks with appropriate terms, which helps deepen their understanding and retention of key concepts. This method also allows for a focus on specific vocabulary related to the topic, aiding in language acquisition.
Using a cloze text in different phases of learning can be particularly effective. During initial learning, it can serve as a diagnostic tool to assess what students already know. In the development phase, it can be used to reinforce newly learned information. Finally, in the review phase, cloze texts can help confirm students' knowledge and highlight areas that need further revision.
Furthermore, the focus on Ben Jonson—a lesser-known figure compared to Shakespeare—provides a unique angle on the English Renaissance, encouraging students to explore a wider array of literary works and historical figures. This can inspire independent research and critical thinking, as students compare different authors and their contributions to literature and society.