AP Police English — Grammar and Comprehension for Telugu-Medium Candidates · Chapter 14

Chapter 14 — Cloze, cohesion and para-jumbles

Track: common | Study time: 75–100 minutes | Recall task: write the rule before checking the key.

Pareeksha English foundation notes

Cloze Test, Para-Jumbles and Sentence Rearrangement

What to remember

A cloze test is a passage with blanks. Read the full passage first, then fill each blank with the word that fits the meaning and the grammar.
A para-jumble gives sentences in a mixed order. Find the opening sentence, then link the rest with clue words and pronouns.
Every correct order has a logic: general idea first, then detail, then example, then result or conclusion.

1. Cloze test: method

A cloze passage usually has 5 to 10 blanks. Each blank has four options.

Steps:

Skim the whole passage once without looking at the options. Get the topic and the mood.
Read the sentence before and after each blank. The clue is often there.
Decide the type of word needed: noun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition or linker.
Check grammar: tense, singular or plural, and the correct preposition.
Check meaning: is the idea positive or negative? Does the word fit the topic?
Read the finished sentence to hear if it sounds right.
If two options seem right, pick the one that fits the whole passage and the usual word pairing.

Types of clues:

Clue type | What it tells you | Example

Grammar clue | form of the word needed | "She has been ___ for an hour" needs an -ing form (waiting).

Linker clue | direction of the idea | "but", "however" show contrast; "so", "therefore" show result.

Pair clue | words that go together | "do homework", "make a mistake", "take a bath".

Meaning clue | the mood of nearby words | "a ___ crowd waited angrily" needs a word like "restless".

Preposition clue | fixed verb + preposition | "depend on", "good at".

2. Linkers and connectors

These words are used in both cloze tests and para-jumbles.

Purpose | Linkers

Add an idea | and, also, moreover, in addition

Contrast | but, however, although, yet, on the other hand

Cause | because, since, as

Result | so, therefore, as a result, thus

Example | for example, for instance

Order | first, then, next, finally

Conclusion | in short, in conclusion, to sum up

Rules:

Although/though are used with a clause; do not use "but" in the same sentence.
Because gives a reason; so gives a result. They are not used together in one sentence.
However often starts a new sentence and is followed by a comma.

3. Worked cloze example

Passage (read the whole thing first):

"Reading is a habit that (1) ___ the mind. People who read daily (2) ___ new words and ideas. (3) ___, they write and speak better. Even ten minutes a day (4) ___ a big difference over a year."

Solving:

Blank 1: a present-tense verb for a general fact, singular subject "habit": strengthens.
Blank 2: a verb that fits "new words": learn.
Blank 3: the idea moves from cause to result: As a result.
Blank 4: the subject is "ten minutes" (a period of time, used as a single idea): makes.

Each answer was found from a grammar or linker clue, not by guessing.

4. Para-jumbles: method

A para-jumble gives four to six sentences (often labelled P, Q, R, S). You must put them in the best order.

Steps:

Find the opening sentence. It introduces the topic, gives a general statement, and has no pronoun like "he", "this" or "they" referring back to something unseen. It does not start with a linker like "However".
Find the closing sentence. It often gives a result, a conclusion or a final remark.
Look for pairs. Two sentences that must sit together (a name and then "he", a question and its answer, a cause and its result).
Use pronouns. A sentence with "he/she/it/they/this" must come after the sentence that names the person or thing.
Use linkers. "However" follows a point it contrasts with. "Finally" is near the end.
Check the chosen order by reading it as a short paragraph.

5. Common patterns for order

Pattern | Order

General to specific | main idea, detail, example

Time order | earlier event, later event, result

Problem and solution | problem, cause, solution

Question and answer | question first, answer next

Person introduced | full name first, then "he/she"

Cause and effect | cause, then effect

6. Worked para-jumble example

Rearrange:

P. It was built by a king to show his love.

Q. The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous buildings in the world.

R. Today, millions of people visit it every year.

S. It is made of white marble.

Solving:

Q opens: it names the subject and gives a general statement.
P and S both start with "It", so they follow Q. P gives the history (who built it), and S describes it. The history comes first, and then the description.
R ends the group with "Today", a time marker that gives the present result.

Correct order: Q P S R.

7. Sentence rearrangement within one sentence

Here, words or phrases of a single sentence are mixed. Put them in a normal English order.

Pattern: Subject + verb + object + place + time.

Adverbs of time often go at the end or the beginning.
An adjective comes before the noun.
A helping verb comes before the main verb in a statement.
In a question, the helping verb comes before the subject.

Example: "every day / walks / to school / she" gives She walks to school every day.

8. More worked examples

Cloze example 2. "The river was (1) ___ after heavy rain, so the villagers (2) ___ the bridge. (3) ___ the water went down, they walked across (4) ___ ease."

Blank 1: the result "so the villagers..." suggests danger; the word flooded or swollen fits (a state after rain).
Blank 2: a past-tense verb showing avoidance: avoided.
Blank 3: a time linker meaning "when": Once or After.
Blank 4: the fixed phrase "with ease": preposition with.

Para-jumble example 2.

P. Therefore, he decided to plant a tree every month.

Q. Ravi was worried about the heat in his village.

R. He learned that trees give shade and cool the air.

S. So he read a few books on the subject.

Q opens: it names Ravi and introduces the problem.
S follows Q: "So" shows a result of the worry (he read).
R follows S: "He learned" comes after reading.
P closes: "Therefore" shows the final decision.

Correct order: Q S R P.

Sentence rearrangement example. Jumbled: "the teacher / the lesson / explained / clearly / to the class".

Order: Subject (The teacher) + verb (explained) + object (the lesson) + manner (clearly) + place (to the class). Result: The teacher explained the lesson clearly to the class.

9. Practice habits

Do two cloze passages and two para-jumbles each day.
After checking answers, read the final passage again.
Note linkers and pronoun clues you missed.
Read short English paragraphs and ask why each sentence comes where it does.
Do not spend more than two minutes on one para-jumble in the exam.
If you are stuck, mark the question, move on, and return at the end with a fresh mind.
Keep a small notebook of linkers and fixed word pairs and read it before every mock test.

Exam traps

Opening sentence with a pronoun is rarely first, because the reader does not yet know who "he" is.
"However", "therefore" and "finally" cannot start a paragraph.
A linker with the wrong direction: "but" cannot show a result.
Tense match: a past-time clue ("last year") needs a past verb.
Singular subject takes a singular verb: "each of the students has".
Preposition pairs: "depend on", not "depend from".
Two answers fit grammar: choose the one that fits the whole passage, not just the sentence.
Do not fill from memory of a fact; use only the clues given in the passage.

One-liners

Read the whole cloze passage before filling any blank.
A cloze test checks grammar and meaning together.
"But" and "however" show contrast.
"So" and "therefore" show result.
A para-jumble opening sentence introduces the topic.
A sentence with "he" or "this" comes after the name or thing it refers to.
"Finally" belongs near the end.
Cause comes before effect.
A question comes before its answer.
A conclusion sentence often begins with "thus" or "in short".
Time words like "today" often close a group.
Always read the final order once to check the flow.

Worked reasoning and learner clinic

Cohesion links sentences through reference, repetition of key terms, substitution, conjunction and logical order. A pronoun such as “it” must have a clear antecedent. A transition such as “however” signals contrast; “therefore” signals consequence. If the relationship is not true, the connector is wrong even if the sentence sounds polished.

Cloze strategy. Read the whole paragraph before filling a blank. Check grammar agreement, then meaning, then discourse link. A blank after a comma may require a connector; a blank before a noun may require an article or adjective; a blank in a verb phrase may require an auxiliary or participle. Re-read the completed paragraph for continuity.

Para-jumbles. Find opening sentences that introduce the subject without relying on an unexplained pronoun. Find pairs connected by a reference word, contrast or sequence marker. Identify the final sentence by a conclusion, result or summary cue. Then test the remaining order rather than relying on one clue alone.

Order is logic. Chronological words (first, then, finally), cause/result (because, therefore), question/answer and general/example pairs form strong links. A sentence that names “the proposal” usually follows the sentence that introduced one. These clues narrow the order, but the complete paragraph must still make sense.

Telugu-medium transfer check

Track repeated nouns, pronouns, time order and contrast words. A sentence that introduces a topic often precedes one that refers back; connectors must express the actual relation between ideas.

Retrieval practice

Shuffle a short paragraph and rebuild its sequence using topic, reference and time clues. Explain why the opening cannot depend on an earlier pronoun.

Error-log prompt

Mark the clue that failed: reference, chronology, cause, contrast or example. Rewrite the pair with a connector that accurately expresses the relation.

Study plate 14. Recall the sequence before you begin the question set.

Chapter 14 practice questions

001. The notice was brief, ___ it included every essential date.

A. because

B. unless

C. whereas

D. yet

Key: D | Explanation: The second clause contrasts brevity with completeness.

002. The file was incomplete; ___, the clerk returned it for correction.

A. meanwhile

B. unless

C. therefore

D. although

Key: C | Explanation: The result follows from the missing information.

003. The candidate read the passage twice ___ the main idea was clear.

A. unless

B. until

C. despite

D. because of

Key: B | Explanation: “Until” marks the point at which the state became true.

004. The officer checked the address ___ dispatching the letter.

A. before

B. because

C. unless

D. although

Key: A | Explanation: The check happened earlier than dispatch.

005. The road was narrow. ___, the bus moved slowly.

A. For example

B. In contrast

C. Nevertheless

D. As a result

Key: D | Explanation: The second sentence gives a consequence.

006. The plan is inexpensive; ___, it may not meet every need.

A. for instance

B. similarly

C. however

D. therefore

Key: C | Explanation: The second clause limits or contrasts with the first.

007. The instructions were unclear, ___ several applicants asked for help.

A. whereas

B. so

C. although

D. unless

Key: B | Explanation: “So” introduces the consequence.

008. ___ the rain stopped, the team resumed the survey.

A. After

B. Unless

C. Despite

D. Because of

Key: A | Explanation: The event order is rain stops, then survey resumes.

009. A summary should be short; ___, it must preserve the central point.

A. because

B. unless

C. before

D. however

Key: D | Explanation: The second requirement qualifies the first.

010. The witness spoke slowly ___ the interpreter could record each detail.

A. unless

B. whereas

C. so that

D. although

Key: C | Explanation: “So that” introduces purpose.

011. The form was signed ___ it was submitted.

A. unless

B. before

C. because

D. although

Key: B | Explanation: The signature precedes submission.

012. The team used two sources; ___, it checked whether their dates matched.

A. in addition

B. instead

C. otherwise

D. nevertheless

Key: A | Explanation: The second action adds another verification step.

013. The first sentence introduces the problem. ___, the next sentence should present the response.

A. For example

B. By contrast

C. Meanwhile

D. Therefore

Key: D | Explanation: A response logically follows the stated problem.

014. The notice was posted early ___ every applicant could read it.

A. unless

B. whereas

C. so that

D. even though

Key: C | Explanation: The clause expresses purpose.

015. She revised the draft, ___ she did not change its meaning.

A. therefore

B. but

C. because

D. unless

Key: B | Explanation: The clauses contrast revision with preserving meaning.

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Chapter quiz · 10 questions

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On Para Jumbles (Ordering of Sentences), from the live question bank. 🔒 Answers and solutions are shown to registered students (free).
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1.The following sentences are jumbled. Choose the option that gives the correct sequence: A. Data centres that power this invisible infrastructure now account for a significant share of global electricity use. B. Renewable energy contracts are also becoming a standard feature of new data centre projects. C. Even so, rising global demand for data storage threatens to outpace these efficiency gains. D. Balancing digital growth with energy sustainability remains an unresolved challenge for the industry. E. Every video streamed and every file stored in the cloud consumes real electricity somewhere. F. Others are experimenting with submerging server units directly in seawater for passive cooling. G. Some companies have begun building data centres in naturally cold climates to cut cooling costs. H. Cooling these facilities, which run hot around the clock, is often the largest single energy expense.
2.The following sentences are jumbled. Choose the option that gives the correct sequence: A. For many first-time internet users, speaking a query is far easier than typing one. B. Until then, voice interfaces will remain powerful but imperfect tools. C. A decade ago, talking to a device to get information seemed like pure fiction. D. Today, voice assistants quietly handle everything from setting reminders to controlling home appliances. E. Their growth has been especially strong in regions with lower rates of text literacy. F. However, voice systems still struggle with regional accents and mixed-language speech. G. Developers argue that solving this challenge could unlock the next wave of adoption. H. This has made voice technology an unexpected bridge for digital inclusion in rural areas.
3.The following sentences are jumbled. Choose the option that gives the correct sequence: A. Local repair shops, often just a single room with a skilled technician, keep countless devices running. B. In most Indian neighbourhoods, a broken appliance rarely means an automatic trip to the landfill. C. Manufacturers, meanwhile, increasingly design products that are difficult to open or repair. D. Whether such measures can keep pace with changing product design remains to be seen. E. A few state governments have begun exploring policies to protect independent repair shops. F. This informal repair economy employs millions of people without ever appearing in official statistics. G. Right-to-repair advocates argue this trend quietly undermines a traditionally strong repair culture. H. Sealed batteries and proprietary screws are becoming common even in low-cost electronics.
4.The following sentences are jumbled. Choose the option that gives the correct sequence: A. Cognitive research suggests attention naturally dips after roughly forty minutes of focused work. B. A growing number of educators now question whether this structure serves students well. C. Critics counter that shorter periods leave less time for deep, uninterrupted learning. D. The debate reflects a broader tension between tradition and emerging classroom science. E. A few pilot schools have experimented with shorter periods and longer, unstructured breaks. F. For generations, the school day has followed the same rigid, subject-by-subject timetable. G. Yet most class periods run well beyond this window without a meaningful break. H. Early results show modest improvements in student engagement and retention of material.
5.The following sentences are jumbled. Choose the option that gives the correct sequence: A. Yet most class periods run well beyond this window without a meaningful break. B. The debate reflects a broader tension between tradition and emerging classroom science. C. A few pilot schools have experimented with shorter periods and longer, unstructured breaks. D. Critics counter that shorter periods leave less time for deep, uninterrupted learning. E. Cognitive research suggests attention naturally dips after roughly forty minutes of focused work. F. For generations, the school day has followed the same rigid, subject-by-subject timetable. G. Early results show modest improvements in student engagement and retention of material. H. A growing number of educators now question whether this structure serves students well.
6.The following sentences are jumbled. Choose the option that gives the correct sequence: A. Lasting success, they suggest, depends on treating grassroots sport as a long-term commitment. B. Small towns with well-maintained training facilities often produce disproportionate numbers of athletes. C. A single successful Games can prompt a temporary funding boost that fades within years. D. Coaches in these towns frequently work with limited budgets but strong community support. E. National medal tallies dominate most post-Olympics discussions in the media. F. Sports economists argue that sustained local investment matters more than short-term funding spikes. G. This narrow focus, however, overlooks a much larger story about grassroots sport. H. In many countries, a strong medal haul rests on decades of steady infrastructure investment.
7.The following sentences are jumbled. Choose the option that gives the correct sequence: A. Many buildings require extensive structural repair before they can safely reopen to the public. B. Multiplexes and streaming platforms offered comforts these older halls simply could not match. C. These adaptive reuse projects are often funded by nostalgic former patrons rather than the state. D. Restoring a decades-old structure, however, is rarely as simple as repainting the walls. E. Still, supporters argue that saving these spaces preserves a piece of local memory. F. Single-screen cinemas across India have closed by the hundreds over the past two decades. G. Yet a small number of towns have found new uses for their abandoned theatres. H. Some have been converted into community libraries, while others now host local theatre troupes.
8.The following sentences are jumbled. Choose the option that gives the correct sequence: A. These adaptive reuse projects are often funded by nostalgic former patrons rather than the state. B. Many buildings require extensive structural repair before they can safely reopen to the public. C. Still, supporters argue that saving these spaces preserves a piece of local memory. D. Restoring a decades-old structure, however, is rarely as simple as repainting the walls. E. Multiplexes and streaming platforms offered comforts these older halls simply could not match. F. Yet a small number of towns have found new uses for their abandoned theatres. G. Some have been converted into community libraries, while others now host local theatre troupes. H. Single-screen cinemas across India have closed by the hundreds over the past two decades.
9.The following sentences are jumbled. Choose the option that gives the correct sequence: A. In most Indian neighbourhoods, a broken appliance rarely means an automatic trip to the landfill. B. A few state governments have begun exploring policies to protect independent repair shops. C. Local repair shops, often just a single room with a skilled technician, keep countless devices running. D. Right-to-repair advocates argue this trend quietly undermines a traditionally strong repair culture. E. Sealed batteries and proprietary screws are becoming common even in low-cost electronics. F. Whether such measures can keep pace with changing product design remains to be seen. G. This informal repair economy employs millions of people without ever appearing in official statistics. H. Manufacturers, meanwhile, increasingly design products that are difficult to open or repair.
10.The following sentences are jumbled. Choose the option that gives the correct sequence: A. International agencies have set an ambitious target to fully map the seabed within a decade. B. New autonomous underwater vehicles are now being deployed to close this knowledge gap. C. These vehicles can operate for weeks without human intervention, gathering detailed terrain data. D. The remaining depths are mapped only through low-resolution satellite estimates. E. This gap matters because the ocean floor shapes currents, climate, and marine ecosystems. F. Less than a quarter of the seabed has been surveyed using modern sonar technology. G. Humans have mapped the surface of the Moon in far greater detail than our own ocean floor. H. Whether funding will keep pace with this ambition remains an open question.

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