English practice

Cloze Test Questions with Answers

Cloze test questions give a short passage with numbered blanks, and you choose the best word for each. SSC CGL, CHSL and MTS use a cloze passage in the English section, and bank prelims such as IBPS and SBI Clerk and PO use it as a separate block. Blanks test grammar, vocabulary and the logic of the passage together. Tip: read the full passage once before choosing any answer, because the theme usually fixes the meaning of the blank.

Rules to remember

Read the whole passage once first to get its theme and tone before you fill any blank.
Check the words just before and after the blank for grammar: tense, number, article and preposition.
Sort each blank as grammar-based (tense, preposition, article) or meaning-based (vocabulary, collocation) and solve grammar blanks first; they are quicker.
Subject-verb agreement holds: a singular subject takes a singular verb, so 'the mind struggles', not 'the mind struggle'.
Connectors signal logic: 'but', 'however', 'nevertheless' show contrast; 'therefore', 'thus' show result; 'moreover', 'also' add a point.
Many verbs and adjectives take fixed prepositions: deprived of, capable of, depend on, interested in.
Words that naturally go together (collocations) are tested: heavy rain, strong tea, take a decision.
After eliminating grammatical misfits, re-read the sentence with your choice to confirm it makes sense.

Worked examples

Q1. Fill the blank: The village has no hospital, so people have to travel ____ the town for treatment. (a) to (b) at (c) on (d) in

The verb travel shows movement towards a place.
Movement towards a destination takes the preposition 'to'.
At, on and in show position, not direction.

Answer: (a) to

Q2. Passage: Sleep is not a luxury. When we are deprived (1)____ it, the mind (2)____ to focus. Blank 1: (a) of (b) from (c) with (d) by Blank 2: (a) struggle (b) struggles (c) struggling (d) have struggled

Blank 1: the fixed phrase is 'deprived of'.
Blank 2: the subject 'the mind' is singular and the sentence is in the present tense.
The verb must be a singular present form, 'struggles'. 'Struggling' is incomplete as a main verb, and 'have' does not agree with a singular subject.

Answer: Blank 1: (a) of; Blank 2: (b) struggles

Q3. Fill the blank: Although the minister's speech sounded ____, it contained no concrete plan. (a) impressive (b) vague (c) brief (d) hostile

'Although' signals contrast: the second part says something disappointing, so the first part must be positive.
'Vague' agrees with 'no concrete plan' instead of contrasting with it, so it is wrong.
'Brief' and 'hostile' do not set up a contrast with having no plan.
'Impressive' contrasts with the lack of substance.

Answer: (a) impressive

Shortcuts that save time

Solve preposition and tense blanks first. They have one fixed answer and take seconds, and they also reveal context for the harder blanks.
Do not leave blanks unread in the surrounding passage: a vocabulary blank picked from the single sentence alone is a common cause of wrong answers and lost marks.
If two options both fit grammatically, choose by the connector and tone of the passage; if still unsure, skip it rather than risk negative marking.

Where this appears

SSC CGL Tier-1	English Comprehension section
SSC CHSL Tier-1	English Language section
SSC MTS	English Language and Comprehension section
IBPS/SBI PO Prelims	English Language section
IBPS/SBI Clerk Prelims	English Language section

Cloze Test

Practice Set

Attempted: 0Correct: 0Incorrect: 0

1 of 25

Read the passage and choose the best option for blank number 1: Every morning, Rohan wakes up early ___(1)___ he can catch the first train ___(2)___ the city. He has ___(3)___ habit of preparing his lunch the night before, ___(4)___ he never has to rush in the morning. His mother, ___(5)___ always been very supportive, encourages him ___(6)___ pursue his studies seriously. Although Rohan sometimes ___(7)___ tired from the long commute, he rarely complains, ___(8)___ he understands the value of a good education. By the time he ___(9)___ college, he has already reviewed his notes twice, ___(10)___ helps him stay ahead ___(11)___ his classes. His professors have noticed his dedication and ___(12)___ him as an example ___(13)___ other students. Rohan's friends often ask him how he manages ___(14)___ balance his studies with his part-time job, ___(15)___ he replies that discipline and a fixed routine make everything ___(16)___ manageable. He believes that success is ___(17)___ the result of talent alone, ___(18)___ rather of consistent effort applied ___(19)___ over a long period. His younger sister, inspired by his example, ___(20)___ decided to adopt a similarly disciplined routine.

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Cloze Test questions with answers

10 sample questions from this topic with the correct option and the solution.

Q1. Read the passage and choose the best option for blank number 2: Every morning, Rohan wakes up early ___(1)___ he can catch the first train ___(2)___ the city. He has ___(3)___ habit of preparing his lunch the night before, ___(4)___ he never has to rush in the morning. His mother, ___(5)___ always been very supportive, encourages him ___(6)___ pursue his studies seriously. Although Rohan sometimes ___(7)___ tired from the long commute, he rarely complains, ___(8)___ he understands the value of a good education. By the time he ___(9)___ college, he has already reviewed his notes twice, ___(10)___ helps him stay ahead ___(11)___ his classes. His professors have noticed his dedication and ___(12)___ him as an example ___(13)___ other students. Rohan's friends often ask him how he manages ___(14)___ balance his studies with his part-time job, ___(15)___ he replies that discipline and a fixed routine make everything ___(16)___ manageable. He believes that success is ___(17)___ the result of talent alone, ___(18)___ rather of consistent effort applied ___(19)___ over a long period. His younger sister, inspired by his example, ___(20)___ decided to adopt a similarly disciplined routine.
1. at
2. to
3. in
4. on
Answer: (B) to
Solution
"Train to the city" is the correct preposition of direction.
Q2. Read the passage and choose the best option for blank number 3: Every morning, Rohan wakes up early ___(1)___ he can catch the first train ___(2)___ the city. He has ___(3)___ habit of preparing his lunch the night before, ___(4)___ he never has to rush in the morning. His mother, ___(5)___ always been very supportive, encourages him ___(6)___ pursue his studies seriously. Although Rohan sometimes ___(7)___ tired from the long commute, he rarely complains, ___(8)___ he understands the value of a good education. By the time he ___(9)___ college, he has already reviewed his notes twice, ___(10)___ helps him stay ahead ___(11)___ his classes. His professors have noticed his dedication and ___(12)___ him as an example ___(13)___ other students. Rohan's friends often ask him how he manages ___(14)___ balance his studies with his part-time job, ___(15)___ he replies that discipline and a fixed routine make everything ___(16)___ manageable. He believes that success is ___(17)___ the result of talent alone, ___(18)___ rather of consistent effort applied ___(19)___ over a long period. His younger sister, inspired by his example, ___(20)___ decided to adopt a similarly disciplined routine.
1. an
2. the
3. a
4. some
Answer: (C) a
Solution
"A habit" â indefinite article for a general singular noun.
Q3. Read the passage and choose the best option for blank number 4: Every morning, Rohan wakes up early ___(1)___ he can catch the first train ___(2)___ the city. He has ___(3)___ habit of preparing his lunch the night before, ___(4)___ he never has to rush in the morning. His mother, ___(5)___ always been very supportive, encourages him ___(6)___ pursue his studies seriously. Although Rohan sometimes ___(7)___ tired from the long commute, he rarely complains, ___(8)___ he understands the value of a good education. By the time he ___(9)___ college, he has already reviewed his notes twice, ___(10)___ helps him stay ahead ___(11)___ his classes. His professors have noticed his dedication and ___(12)___ him as an example ___(13)___ other students. Rohan's friends often ask him how he manages ___(14)___ balance his studies with his part-time job, ___(15)___ he replies that discipline and a fixed routine make everything ___(16)___ manageable. He believes that success is ___(17)___ the result of talent alone, ___(18)___ rather of consistent effort applied ___(19)___ over a long period. His younger sister, inspired by his example, ___(20)___ decided to adopt a similarly disciplined routine.
1. but
2. or
3. although
4. so
Answer: (D) so
Solution
"So" correctly introduces the result of preparing lunch in advance.
Q4. Read the passage and choose the best option for blank number 5: Every morning, Rohan wakes up early ___(1)___ he can catch the first train ___(2)___ the city. He has ___(3)___ habit of preparing his lunch the night before, ___(4)___ he never has to rush in the morning. His mother, ___(5)___ always been very supportive, encourages him ___(6)___ pursue his studies seriously. Although Rohan sometimes ___(7)___ tired from the long commute, he rarely complains, ___(8)___ he understands the value of a good education. By the time he ___(9)___ college, he has already reviewed his notes twice, ___(10)___ helps him stay ahead ___(11)___ his classes. His professors have noticed his dedication and ___(12)___ him as an example ___(13)___ other students. Rohan's friends often ask him how he manages ___(14)___ balance his studies with his part-time job, ___(15)___ he replies that discipline and a fixed routine make everything ___(16)___ manageable. He believes that success is ___(17)___ the result of talent alone, ___(18)___ rather of consistent effort applied ___(19)___ over a long period. His younger sister, inspired by his example, ___(20)___ decided to adopt a similarly disciplined routine.
1. who has
2. which has
3. that have
4. whom has
Answer: (A) who has
Solution
"Who has" correctly refers to a person (mother) as subject of the relative clause.
Q5. Read the passage and choose the best option for blank number 6: Every morning, Rohan wakes up early ___(1)___ he can catch the first train ___(2)___ the city. He has ___(3)___ habit of preparing his lunch the night before, ___(4)___ he never has to rush in the morning. His mother, ___(5)___ always been very supportive, encourages him ___(6)___ pursue his studies seriously. Although Rohan sometimes ___(7)___ tired from the long commute, he rarely complains, ___(8)___ he understands the value of a good education. By the time he ___(9)___ college, he has already reviewed his notes twice, ___(10)___ helps him stay ahead ___(11)___ his classes. His professors have noticed his dedication and ___(12)___ him as an example ___(13)___ other students. Rohan's friends often ask him how he manages ___(14)___ balance his studies with his part-time job, ___(15)___ he replies that discipline and a fixed routine make everything ___(16)___ manageable. He believes that success is ___(17)___ the result of talent alone, ___(18)___ rather of consistent effort applied ___(19)___ over a long period. His younger sister, inspired by his example, ___(20)___ decided to adopt a similarly disciplined routine.
1. for
2. to
3. in
4. at
Answer: (B) to
Solution
"Encourages him to pursue" â correct infinitive pattern after "encourage".
Q6. Read the passage and choose the best option for blank number 7: Every morning, Rohan wakes up early ___(1)___ he can catch the first train ___(2)___ the city. He has ___(3)___ habit of preparing his lunch the night before, ___(4)___ he never has to rush in the morning. His mother, ___(5)___ always been very supportive, encourages him ___(6)___ pursue his studies seriously. Although Rohan sometimes ___(7)___ tired from the long commute, he rarely complains, ___(8)___ he understands the value of a good education. By the time he ___(9)___ college, he has already reviewed his notes twice, ___(10)___ helps him stay ahead ___(11)___ his classes. His professors have noticed his dedication and ___(12)___ him as an example ___(13)___ other students. Rohan's friends often ask him how he manages ___(14)___ balance his studies with his part-time job, ___(15)___ he replies that discipline and a fixed routine make everything ___(16)___ manageable. He believes that success is ___(17)___ the result of talent alone, ___(18)___ rather of consistent effort applied ___(19)___ over a long period. His younger sister, inspired by his example, ___(20)___ decided to adopt a similarly disciplined routine.
1. feel
2. felt
3. feels
4. feeling
Answer: (C) feels
Solution
Present tense singular subject "Rohan" requires "feels".
Q7. Read the passage and choose the best option for blank number 8: Every morning, Rohan wakes up early ___(1)___ he can catch the first train ___(2)___ the city. He has ___(3)___ habit of preparing his lunch the night before, ___(4)___ he never has to rush in the morning. His mother, ___(5)___ always been very supportive, encourages him ___(6)___ pursue his studies seriously. Although Rohan sometimes ___(7)___ tired from the long commute, he rarely complains, ___(8)___ he understands the value of a good education. By the time he ___(9)___ college, he has already reviewed his notes twice, ___(10)___ helps him stay ahead ___(11)___ his classes. His professors have noticed his dedication and ___(12)___ him as an example ___(13)___ other students. Rohan's friends often ask him how he manages ___(14)___ balance his studies with his part-time job, ___(15)___ he replies that discipline and a fixed routine make everything ___(16)___ manageable. He believes that success is ___(17)___ the result of talent alone, ___(18)___ rather of consistent effort applied ___(19)___ over a long period. His younger sister, inspired by his example, ___(20)___ decided to adopt a similarly disciplined routine.
1. so
2. although
3. unless
4. because
Answer: (D) because
Solution
"Because" correctly introduces the reason he doesn't complain.
Q8. Read the passage and choose the best option for blank number 9: Every morning, Rohan wakes up early ___(1)___ he can catch the first train ___(2)___ the city. He has ___(3)___ habit of preparing his lunch the night before, ___(4)___ he never has to rush in the morning. His mother, ___(5)___ always been very supportive, encourages him ___(6)___ pursue his studies seriously. Although Rohan sometimes ___(7)___ tired from the long commute, he rarely complains, ___(8)___ he understands the value of a good education. By the time he ___(9)___ college, he has already reviewed his notes twice, ___(10)___ helps him stay ahead ___(11)___ his classes. His professors have noticed his dedication and ___(12)___ him as an example ___(13)___ other students. Rohan's friends often ask him how he manages ___(14)___ balance his studies with his part-time job, ___(15)___ he replies that discipline and a fixed routine make everything ___(16)___ manageable. He believes that success is ___(17)___ the result of talent alone, ___(18)___ rather of consistent effort applied ___(19)___ over a long period. His younger sister, inspired by his example, ___(20)___ decided to adopt a similarly disciplined routine.
1. reaches
2. reach
3. reached
4. reaching
Answer: (A) reaches
Solution
Present tense singular subject "he" requires "reaches".
Q9. Read the passage and choose the best option for blank number 10: Every morning, Rohan wakes up early ___(1)___ he can catch the first train ___(2)___ the city. He has ___(3)___ habit of preparing his lunch the night before, ___(4)___ he never has to rush in the morning. His mother, ___(5)___ always been very supportive, encourages him ___(6)___ pursue his studies seriously. Although Rohan sometimes ___(7)___ tired from the long commute, he rarely complains, ___(8)___ he understands the value of a good education. By the time he ___(9)___ college, he has already reviewed his notes twice, ___(10)___ helps him stay ahead ___(11)___ his classes. His professors have noticed his dedication and ___(12)___ him as an example ___(13)___ other students. Rohan's friends often ask him how he manages ___(14)___ balance his studies with his part-time job, ___(15)___ he replies that discipline and a fixed routine make everything ___(16)___ manageable. He believes that success is ___(17)___ the result of talent alone, ___(18)___ rather of consistent effort applied ___(19)___ over a long period. His younger sister, inspired by his example, ___(20)___ decided to adopt a similarly disciplined routine.
1. who
2. which
3. whom
4. whose
Answer: (B) which
Solution
"Which" correctly refers back to the action of reviewing notes.
Q10. Read the passage and choose the best option for blank number 11: Every morning, Rohan wakes up early ___(1)___ he can catch the first train ___(2)___ the city. He has ___(3)___ habit of preparing his lunch the night before, ___(4)___ he never has to rush in the morning. His mother, ___(5)___ always been very supportive, encourages him ___(6)___ pursue his studies seriously. Although Rohan sometimes ___(7)___ tired from the long commute, he rarely complains, ___(8)___ he understands the value of a good education. By the time he ___(9)___ college, he has already reviewed his notes twice, ___(10)___ helps him stay ahead ___(11)___ his classes. His professors have noticed his dedication and ___(12)___ him as an example ___(13)___ other students. Rohan's friends often ask him how he manages ___(14)___ balance his studies with his part-time job, ___(15)___ he replies that discipline and a fixed routine make everything ___(16)___ manageable. He believes that success is ___(17)___ the result of talent alone, ___(18)___ rather of consistent effort applied ___(19)___ over a long period. His younger sister, inspired by his example, ___(20)___ decided to adopt a similarly disciplined routine.
1. on
2. at
3. in
4. of
Answer: (C) in
Solution
"Ahead in his classes" is the correct preposition.