🧾 1. What is a Cloze
Test?
A Cloze Test is a passage with blanks (usually
5–10) where each blank must be filled with the most appropriate word
based on grammar, vocabulary, and context.
Asked in:
- SSC
CGL, CHSL, CPO
- IBPS
PO/Clerk, SBI PO/Clerk, RBI Grade B, etc.
🧠 2. Skills Tested
- Grammar
(prepositions, conjunctions, tenses)
- Vocabulary
(synonyms, antonyms, collocations)
- Comprehension
- Logical
flow of ideas
📌 3. Types of Cloze Tests
|
Type |
Description |
|
Contextual/Vocabulary-based |
Select the word that best fits the meaning of the passage. |
|
Grammar-based |
Choose correct prepositions, articles, verb forms, etc. |
|
Theme-based |
All blanks revolve around a central idea or tone. |
|
Logical Connector-based |
Focuses on sentence connectors, linkers, transitions. |
🧠 4. Tips and Tricks
- Read
the entire passage first to understand tone and theme.
- Eliminate
options that are grammatically or contextually incorrect.
- Use
collocation knowledge (e.g., “strong tea” not “powerful tea”).
- Maintain
consistency in tense and tone.
- Don’t
guess based on one line only—consider the full context.
💡 5. Example with
Explanation
🔍 Passage:
While the internet has (1) ____ the way we communicate, it
has also raised concerns about privacy. The ease with which data can be (2)
____ and shared has made personal information vulnerable to misuse. Companies
often (3) ____ on users' data without consent, prompting calls for stricter (4)
____. It is high time individuals are made aware of their (5) ____.
✍️ Options:
(1)
a) revolution
b) revolutionized
c) revolving
d) revamp
✅ Answer: (1) b)
revolutionized
Only a verb in past perfect fits the sentence grammatically and contextually.
(2)
a) accessed
b) rejected
c) provoked
d) enlightened
✅ Answer: (2) a) accessed
"Data can be accessed" is a collocation that fits meaningfully.
(3)
a) reflect
b) spy
c) capitalize
d) intrude
✅ Answer: (3) d) intrude
"Intrude on users’ data" is appropriate in context.
(4)
a) regulations
b) movements
c) consultations
d) interventions
✅ Answer: (4) a) regulations
"Calls for stricter regulations" makes logical sense.
(5)
a) reputations
b) revenues
c) rights
d) objectives
✅ Answer: (5) c) rights
In context of privacy, "rights" fits best.
📝 6. Practice Questions
✅ Format:
Each passage includes 5 blanks with 4 options each. Answers follow
📘 Passage 1 (Q1–Q5)
The rising cost of living has (1) ____ many households,
making it difficult to (2) ____ even the most basic needs. The government has
announced a set of (3) ____ to help citizens (4) ____ the pressure. However,
some believe these measures are merely a (5) ____ solution.
a) elevated
b) relieved
c) burdened
d) enriched
a) ignore
b) afford
c) desire
d) reject
a) subsidies
b) reductions
c) penalties
d) legislations
a) ease
b) construct
c) survive
d) expand
a) strategic
b) partial
c) permanent
d) temporary
Answers:
- c)
burdened – "Cost of living" increases burden.
- b)
afford – Basic needs must be “afforded.”
- a)
subsidies – Common financial relief measure.
- a)
ease – Common collocation: "ease the pressure."
- d)
temporary – Matches the idea of skepticism.
📘 Passage 2 (Q6–Q10)
The manager’s speech was (6) ____ with optimism and hope. He
(7) ____ the team on their efforts and encouraged them to (8) ____ ahead with
the same zeal. His words were not only (9) ____ but also deeply (10) ____.
a) filled
b) faded
c) mingled
d) lacking
a) condemned
b) ridiculed
c) praised
d) accused
a) fall
b) move
c) drop
d) dismiss
a) critical
b) inspiring
c) harming
d) forgetting
a) demotivating
b) touching
c) dreadful
d) meaningless
Answers:
6. a) filled – “Filled with optimism” is a strong collocation.
7. c) praised – Matches the positive tone.
8. b) move – “Move ahead” is idiomatic.
9. b) inspiring – Matches tone of praise.
10. b) touching – Inspiring + touching = emotional impact.
📘 Passage 3 (Q11–Q15)
With the increase in urban population, cities are finding it
difficult to (11) ____ the growing demand for housing and infrastructure. The
situation is further (12) ____ by inadequate planning and (13) ____ governance.
Experts suggest that smart city initiatives may (14) ____ the gap, but
implementation remains a major (15) ____.
a) solve
b) meet
c) ruin
d) fail
a) improved
b) worsened
c) neutralized
d) maintained
a) effective
b) efficient
c) weak
d) strong
a) bridge
b) open
c) widen
d) finalize
a) solution
b) breakthrough
c) challenge
d) recommendation
Answers:
11. b) meet – “Meet the demand” is idiomatic.
12. b) worsened – Fits the negative context.
13. c) weak – “Weak governance” is critical.
14. a) bridge – Common phrase: “bridge the gap.”
15. c) challenge – Implementation as a challenge fits best.
📘 Passage 4 (Q16–Q20)
Technology is rapidly (16) ____ the way we live and work.
From smartphones to smart homes, innovation has become an (17) ____ part of our
daily lives. However, this rapid change also brings (18) ____ like job
displacement and privacy concerns. It is important to (19) ____ the benefits
and (20) ____ of technology carefully.
a) delaying
b) transforming
c) erasing
d) controlling
a) optional
b) insignificant
c) integral
d) avoidable
a) threats
b) conclusions
c) dreams
d) celebrations
a) ignore
b) analyze
c) criticize
d) underestimate
a) limitations
b) fears
c) shortages
d) failures
Answers:
16. b) transforming
17. c) integral
18. a) threats
19. b) analyze
20. a) limitations
📘 Passage 5 (Q21–Q25)
Climate change is no longer a distant (21) ____. It is a
present-day reality that is (22) ____ lives and livelihoods. Rising
temperatures, melting glaciers, and erratic weather patterns are all (23) ____
of a planet in distress. If immediate steps are not (24) ____, the damage may
become (25) ____.
a) imagination
b) possibility
c) danger
d) fiction
a) altering
b) protecting
c) encouraging
d) defending
a) symbols
b) proof
c) indicators
d) actions
a) taken
b) forgotten
c) lost
d) removed
a) reversible
b) mild
c) permanent
d) changeable
Answers:
21. b) possibility
22. a) altering
23. c) indicators
24. a) taken
25. c) permanent
📘 Passage 6 (Q26–Q30)
Reading habits among young people have (26) ____ drastically
over the past decade. With the rise of digital entertainment, many prefer
quick, visual content over (27) ____ reading. Libraries and bookstores have
reported a (28) ____ in footfall. Experts suggest that schools should (29) ____
reading habits early on to (30) ____ this decline.
a) improved
b) changed
c) developed
d) declined
a) lengthy
b) interactive
c) formal
d) fictional
a) growth
b) reduction
c) peak
d) gain
a) neglect
b) ignore
c) nurture
d) minimize
a) reverse
b) continue
c) ignore
d) accelerate
Answers:
26. d) declined
27. a) lengthy
28. b) reduction
29. c) nurture
30. a) reverse
📘 Passage 7 (Q31–Q35)
The success of any democratic system lies in the (31) ____
participation of its citizens. Voting is not just a right but a (32) ____ that
every eligible individual must perform. Apathy and ignorance can (33) ____ the
essence of democracy. It is important to (34) ____ people about their rights
and encourage them to (35) ____ responsibly.
a) minimal
b) widespread
c) shallow
d) indirect
a) punishment
b) ceremony
c) duty
d) luxury
a) preserve
b) weaken
c) build
d) restore
a) punish
b) inform
c) elect
d) prevent
a) vote
b) sleep
c) fight
d) ignore
Answers:
31. b) widespread
32. c) duty
33. b) weaken
34. b) inform
35. a) vote
📘 Passage 8 (Q36–Q40)
In a competitive job market, having strong communication
skills can (36) ____ a candidate from the rest. It’s not just what you say, but
how you say it that (37) ____. Recruiters often (38) ____ candidates who can
articulate their thoughts clearly and (39) ____. Communication is, therefore, a
(40) ____ skill in today’s professional environment.
a) remove
b) exclude
c) distinguish
d) reduce
a) matters
b) fails
c) confuses
d) ends
a) avoid
b) reject
c) prefer
d) ignore
a) shyly
b) confidently
c) rarely
d) vaguely
a) minor
b) soft
c) critical
d) past
Answers:
36. c) distinguish
37. a) matters
38. c) prefer
39. b) confidently
40. c) critical
📘 Passage 9 (Q41–Q45)
During the pandemic, many people turned to cooking as a way
to (41) ____ time at home. With restaurants closed, home-cooked meals became
the new (42) ____. Social media platforms were (43) ____ with food pictures,
recipes, and cooking tips. This trend not only (44) ____ creativity but also
(45) ____ healthier eating habits.
a) spend
b) waste
c) damage
d) skip
a) punishment
b) normal
c) luxury
d) entertainment
a) clean
b) flooded
c) emptied
d) locked
a) destroyed
b) reduced
c) encouraged
d) banned
a) postponed
b) delayed
c) promoted
d) confused
Answers:
41. a) spend
42. c) luxury
43. b) flooded
44. c) encouraged
45. c) promoted
📘 Passage 10 (Q46–Q50)
Good leaders are those who can (46) ____ a team during tough
times. They do not just lead by authority but by (47) ____ and inspiration.
Trust, empathy, and vision are key (48) ____ of strong leadership. Instead of
blaming others, a good leader (49) ____ responsibility and finds ways to (50)
____ the situation.
a) abandon
b) support
c) punish
d) mislead
a) command
b) control
c) example
d) orders
a) failures
b) traits
c) causes
d) options
a) accepts
b) denies
c) avoids
d) escapes
a) worsen
b) escape
c) handle
d) complain
Answers:
46. b) support
47. c) example
48. b) traits
49. a) accepts
50. c) handle
The Prime Minister addressed (51) ____ nation last night. He
spoke about the government's efforts to curb inflation and (52) ____ rise in
fuel prices. He urged citizens to remain calm and (53) ____ faith in the
system. He concluded by saying that (54) ____ collective responsibility is
required to ensure stability and (55) ____ growth.
a) the
b) a
c) an
d) that
a) a
b) the
c) some
d) much
a) keep
b) maintained
c) to keep
d) keeping
a) the
b) a
c) one
d) their
a) economic
b) economy
c) economical
d) economics
Answers:
51. a) the – Specific nation is referred to.
52. b) the – Specific known issue.
53. a) keep – Infinitive used after “to.”
54. a) the – Refers to a known shared idea.
55. a) economic – Correct adjective for “growth.”
📘 Passage 12 (Q56–Q60)
(56) ____ we were walking through the forest, we spotted a
rare bird perched on a tree. It had bright feathers and (57) ____ unique call.
I took out my phone and tried to capture (58) ____ picture. (59) ____ bird flew
away just as I clicked. Despite that, the experience left us (60) ____.
a) While
b) Because
c) Although
d) Before
a) an
b) the
c) some
d) a
a) an
b) a
c) the
d) its
a) A
b) That
c) The
d) Those
a) thrilled
b) thrilling
c) thrill
d) thrilledly
Answers:
56. a) While – Indicates two actions happening simultaneously.
57. d) a – First mention of a call.
58. c) the – Specific picture referenced.
59. c) The – Referring to the earlier mentioned bird.
60. a) thrilled – Past participle used for emotional effect.
📘 Passage 13 (Q61–Q65)
My brother (61) ____ to Germany last year for his Master’s
degree. He (62) ____ engineering and now wants to pursue a PhD. I (63) ____ him
once during the winter holidays. The cold there (64) ____ me a lot, but the
trip was worth it. I hope to visit him again (65) ____ year.
a) go
b) goes
c) went
d) gone
a) study
b) studied
c) studies
d) studying
a) visited
b) had visited
c) visiting
d) was visiting
a) bothered
b) had bothered
c) bothers
d) bothering
a) next
b) past
c) last
d) these
Answers:
61. c) went
62. b) studied
63. a) visited
64. a) bothered
65. a) next
📘 Passage 14 (Q66–Q70)
A strong password should be (66) ____ enough to resist
guessing and hacking attempts. It must be a (67) ____ of upper- and lowercase
letters, numbers, and symbols. Many people use the (68) ____ password for
multiple accounts, which is a risky habit. Passwords should be (69) ____
regularly, and multi-factor authentication must also be (70) ____.
a) weak
b) long
c) strong
d) simple
a) mixture
b) few
c) combining
d) list
a) easy
b) long
c) same
d) difficult
a) changed
b) lost
c) breaking
d) created
a) encouraged
b) ignoring
c) denied
d) forgetting
Answers:
66. c) strong
67. a) mixture
68. c) same
69. a) changed
70. a) encouraged
📘 Passage 15 (Q71–Q75)
Mobile phones (71) ____ become an essential part of modern
life. They help people stay connected and (72) ____ information quickly.
However, their overuse can (73) ____ problems such as eye strain and reduced
attention spans. Parents must (74) ____ screen time and (75) ____ healthy tech
habits in children.
a) had
b) has
c) have
d) are
a) accessing
b) access
c) accessed
d) to access
a) causes
b) caused
c) cause
d) causing
a) increase
b) limit
c) spend
d) allow
a) develop
b) developing
c) developed
d) to developing
Answers:
71. c) have
72. b) access
73. c) cause
74. b) limit
75. a) develop
📘 Passage 16 (Q76–Q80)
Leadership is not only about giving (76) ____ but also about
taking responsibility. A good leader listens (77) ____ others and takes
feedback seriously. They are humble, confident, and able to (78) ____ others
through example. In times of crisis, a leader must remain (79) ____ and
decisive. Only then can they truly (80) ____ respect.
a) punishment
b) opinions
c) commands
d) awards
a) to
b) at
c) by
d) in
a) follow
b) lead
c) guide
d) inspire
a) panic
b) strong
c) calm
d) louder
a) demand
b) gain
c) force
d) lose
Answers:
76. c) commands
77. a) to
78. d) inspire
79. c) calm
80. b) gain
📘 Passage 17 (Q81–Q85)
The Internet has (81) ____ the way we learn, work, and
communicate. It allows access to a vast (82) ____ of information and has made
the world more connected than ever. However, it also comes with its (83) ____
such as cybercrime and data theft. Hence, it is important to use it (84) ____
and take all necessary (85) ____.
a) changed
b) changing
c) been changing
d) change
a) number
b) library
c) amount
d) pool
a) threats
b) benefits
c) tools
d) speeds
a) careless
b) wise
c) wisely
d) wisefully
a) files
b) passwords
c) risks
d) precautions
Answers:
81. a) changed
82. d) pool
83. a) threats
84. c) wisely
85. d) precautions
📘 Passage 18 (Q86–Q90)
Sports not only improve physical fitness but also (86) ____
teamwork, discipline, and leadership. Every athlete learns how to deal with
success and (87) ____. Children who participate in sports are usually more (88)
____ and learn time management better. Therefore, schools should (89) ____
sports as an essential part of the (90) ____.
a) build
b) promote
c) obey
d) increase
a) failure
b) progress
c) win
d) practice
a) passive
b) active
c) dull
d) playful
a) avoid
b) oppose
c) encourage
d) prevent
a) report
b) project
c) planning
d) curriculum
Answers:
86. b) promote
87. a) failure
88. b) active
89. c) encourage
90. d) curriculum
📘 Passage 19 (Q91–Q95)
The police are working tirelessly to ensure that the law is
(91) ____ and that criminals are brought to justice. They have recently (92)
____ a new surveillance system to monitor activities in crowded areas. This
initiative is part of their (93) ____ to reduce crime. While technology helps,
public cooperation is also (94) ____ for (95) ____ safety.
a) followed
b) violated
c) enforced
d) disturbed
a) rejected
b) launched
c) destroyed
d) found
a) attempt
b) danger
c) challenge
d) game
a) critical
b) avoidable
c) fake
d) opposed
a) private
b) public
c) fake
d) limited
Answers:
91. c) enforced
92. b) launched
93. a) attempt
94. a) critical
95. b) public
📘 Passage 20 (Q96–Q100)
Books continue to be one of the most (96) ____ sources of
knowledge. Despite the popularity of digital content, many still (97) ____
reading physical books. A good book can (98) ____ the way we think, feel, and
see the world. Authors often (99) ____ years researching before they publish.
Readers must also be (100) ____ in their reading habits to gain full benefit.
a) relevant
b) forgotten
c) cheap
d) modern
a) avoid
b) dislike
c) prefer
d) hate
a) kill
b) shape
c) waste
d) confuse
a) spend
b) gave
c) bring
d) write
a) careful
b) lazy
c) confused
d) careless
Answers:
96. a) relevant
97. c) prefer
98. b) shape
99. a) spend
100. a) careful
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