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Cloze Test Questions with Solutions

Cloze Test questions give you a short passage with several blanks — each answer has to fit the grammar of its own sentence AND stay consistent with the passage’s overall meaning. Here’s the approach, four fully worked passages, and a few to try yourself.

The approach, quickly

Read the whole passage once before filling in any blank, so you understand its overall topic and tone — an option can be grammatically fine in isolation and still wrong because it contradicts the passage elsewhere.
Pay attention to connector words already in the passage ("however", "therefore", "although") — they tell you whether the missing word should continue the same idea or contrast with it.
Apply the same grammar checks as Spotting Errors and Sentence Improvement to each blank individually: subject-verb agreement, correct preposition, and tense consistency with the rest of the passage.
When two options both seem grammatically valid, re-read the sentence with each substituted in — the one that fits the passage’s actual meaning, not just its grammar, is correct.

Worked examples

1. Fill in the blanks: Reading regularly (1)___ vocabulary and improves concentration. Many students, (2)___, find it hard to make time for books because of their busy schedules. Experts suggest setting aside just twenty minutes a day (3)___ build the habit gradually. (1) (A) improve (B) improves (C) improving (D) improved (2) (A) therefore (B) for example (C) however (D) moreover (3) (A) to (B) for (C) at (D) in

Solution

(1): The subject "Reading regularly" is singular, so the verb must be singular — "improves", not "improve".
(2): The passage shifts from reading’s benefits to students finding it HARD to read — a contrast, so "however" fits, not a continuation word like "therefore" or "moreover".
(3): "Setting aside time TO build a habit" is the standard infinitive-of-purpose construction.

Answer: (1) B improves, (2) C however, (3) A to

2. Fill in the blanks: Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular (1)___ it is renewable and produces no harmful emissions. (2)___, the initial cost of installing solar panels remains high for many households. Governments in several countries (3)___ now offering subsidies to make the switch more affordable. (1) (A) because (B) although (C) unless (D) despite (2) (A) Similarly (B) However (C) Therefore (D) For instance (3) (A) is (B) was (C) are (D) has

Solution

(1): The clause gives a REASON solar energy is popular (renewable, no emissions), so "because" fits.
(2): The passage shifts from solar energy’s benefits to a drawback (high cost) — a contrast, so "However".
(3): The subject "Governments… in several countries" is plural, so the verb must be plural — "are".

Answer: (1) A because, (2) B However, (3) C are

3. Fill in the blanks: The human brain uses (1)___ twenty percent of the body’s total energy, even though it makes up only about two percent of body weight. This is largely (2)___ neurons require a constant supply of glucose and oxygen to function properly. (3)___ we are resting or asleep, this energy demand does not pause. (1) (A) near (B) nearly (C) nearer (D) nearest (2) (A) because of (B) because (C) due to (D) owing (3) (A) Despite (B) Although (C) Because (D) Unless

Solution

(1): The blank modifies the approximate number "twenty percent", which needs the adverb "nearly", not the adjective "near".
(2): What follows is a full clause ("neurons require…"), which needs "because" — "because of", "due to" and "owing" all need a noun phrase instead, not a full clause.
(3): What follows is a full clause ("we are resting or asleep") expressing a concession, which needs "Although" — "Despite" would need a noun phrase ("Despite resting"), not a full clause.

Answer: (1) B nearly, (2) B because, (3) B Although

4. Fill in the blanks: Many companies today (1)___ remote work policies to attract talent from a wider pool of candidates. Employees, (2)___, often report feeling isolated without regular face-to-face contact with colleagues. To address this, many organisations now schedule periodic in-person meetups (3)___ maintain a sense of team connection. (1) (A) adopt (B) adopts (C) adopting (D) adopted (2) (A) therefore (B) however (C) for instance (D) similarly (3) (A) for (B) to (C) at (D) with

Solution

(1): The plural subject "Many companies" needs the plural verb "adopt", not "adopts".
(2): The passage shifts from companies’ good reason for remote work to a downside employees report — a contrast, so "however".
(3): "Schedule meetups TO maintain a sense of connection" is the standard infinitive-of-purpose construction.

Answer: (1) A adopt, (2) B however, (3) B to

Try these yourself

Read the whole sentence first, then check against the answer.

1. Fill in the blanks: Regular exercise (1)___ both physical and mental health. Doctors recommend at least thirty minutes of activity most days (2)___ the week. (1) (A) benefit (B) benefits (C) benefiting (D) benefited (2) (A) of (B) in (C) for (D) at

Answer: (1) B benefits, (2) A of

2. Fill in the blanks: The committee (1)___ yet to announce its final decision on the proposal. Members say they need more time (2)___ consider all the options carefully. (1) (A) is (B) are (C) was (D) have (2) (A) for (B) to (C) at (D) of

Answer: (1) A is, (2) B to

3. Fill in the blanks: Despite the heavy rain, the match (1)___ as scheduled. Fans who had travelled long distances were relieved that it was (2)___ postponed. (1) (A) go (B) goes (C) went (D) going (2) (A) not (B) no (C) none (D) never

Answer: (1) C went, (2) A not

Where this comes up

Cloze Test is a regular topic in the English Language section of every exam Pariksha Saathi covers — SSC CGL, SSC MTS, SSC CHSL, IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, SBI PO and SBI Clerk.

Practice more Cloze Test questions

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