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Cloze Test: Practice Questions with Answers

38 practice questions on Cloze Test, with answers; most also have an explanation or a worked solution. Try each one before you open its answer.

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1. Q.1

   Fill in the blanks: The ancient city was built along a river that (1)___ fresh water and enabled trade with neighbouring regions. Archaeologists believe the settlement (2)___ abandoned after the river changed its course.

   (1) (A) provide (B) provides (C) provided (D) providing

   (2) (A) was (B) is (C) were (D) are

   Show answer

   Answer: (1) C provided, (2) A was

   Solution:

   1. (1): The passage is describing a historical situation ("was built"); the relative clause describing the river’s role at that time needs the matching past tense, "provided".
   2. (2): The subject "the settlement" is singular, and the passive describes a past event, so "was" fits — not the present-tense "is".

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2. Q.2

   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

   Show answer

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

   Solution:

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

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3. Q.3

   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

   Show answer

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

   Solution:

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

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4. Q.4

   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

   Show answer

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

   Solution:

   1. (1): The blank modifies the approximate number "twenty percent", which needs the adverb "nearly", not the adjective "near".
   2. (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. (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.

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5. Q.5

   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

   Show answer

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

   Solution:

   1. (1): The subject "Reading regularly" is singular, so the verb must be singular — "improves", not "improve".
   2. (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. (3): "Setting aside time TO build a habit" is the standard infinitive-of-purpose construction.

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6. Q.6

   Fill in the blanks: Many startups fail within the first few years because they (1)___ underestimate the time needed to achieve profitability. Investors, (2)___, continue to fund promising ideas despite this high failure rate.

   (1) (A) usual (B) usually (C) use (D) using

   (2) (A) therefore (B) however (C) for example (D) likewise

   Show answer

   Answer: (1) B usually, (2) B however

   Solution:

   1. (1): The blank modifies the verb "underestimate", which needs the adverb "usually", not the adjective "usual".
   2. (2): The passage shifts from startups failing to investors continuing to fund them anyway — a contrast, so "however".

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7. Q.7

   Fill in the blanks: Climate scientists warn that global temperatures (1)___ to rise unless emissions are cut sharply. Several island nations, (2)___, are already experiencing the effects of rising sea levels.

   (1) (A) is likely (B) are likely (C) likely (D) likely to be

   (2) (A) therefore (B) for instance (C) however (D) in addition

   Show answer

   Answer: (1) B are likely, (2) B for instance

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8. Q.8

   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

   Show answer

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

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9. Q.9

   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

   Show answer

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

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10. Q.10

    Fill in the blanks: The museum’s new exhibit (1)___ artefacts from over twenty different civilisations. Visitors are advised to book tickets in advance (2)___ the exhibit has been extremely popular.

    (1) (A) feature (B) features (C) featuring (D) featured

    (2) (A) because (B) although (C) unless (D) despite

    Show answer

    Answer: (1) B features, (2) A because

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11. Q.11

    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

    Show answer

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

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12. Q.12

    The factory produces goods ___ a strict quality control process.

    1. A through
    2. B by
    3. C with
    4. D for
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    Correct answer: (A) through

    "Through" is used to describe a process or method by which something is achieved.

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13. Q.13

    She studied hard for the exam. ___, she did not perform well.

    1. A Surprisingly
    2. B Consequently
    3. C Similarly
    4. D Additionally
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    Correct answer: (A) Surprisingly

    Not performing well despite hard study is unexpected, which fits "Surprisingly," signalling a contrast with what one would expect.

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14. Q.14

    The museum ___ several rare artifacts from ancient civilizations.

    1. A houses
    2. B house
    3. C housing
    4. D to house
    Show answer

    Correct answer: (A) houses

    The subject "the museum" is third-person singular, so the verb needs the "-s" ending: "houses."

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15. Q.15

    The team worked overtime for a week. ___, they completed the project ahead of schedule.

    1. A Consequently
    2. B However
    3. C Meanwhile
    4. D Although
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    Correct answer: (A) Consequently

    Finishing ahead of schedule is a direct RESULT of the overtime work, so a cause-and-effect connector like "Consequently" fits.

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16. Q.16

    The store was out of stock. ___, customers were offered a discount on their next purchase.

    1. A Instead
    2. B Therefore
    3. C Similarly
    4. D Although
    Show answer

    Correct answer: (A) Instead

    A discount being offered AS A SUBSTITUTE for the unavailable item fits "Instead," signalling an alternative rather than a cause-and-effect outcome.

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17. Q.17

    Complete the blank: "The museum's new wing ___ open to the public by the end of next year."

    1. A will be
    2. B is
    3. C was
    4. D has been
    Show answer

    Correct answer: (A) will be

    A future event marked by "by the end of next year" needs the future tense: "will be open".

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18. Q.18

    She completed her degree in engineering. ___, she decided to pursue a career in finance.

    1. A However
    2. B Therefore
    3. C Moreover
    4. D Similarly
    Show answer

    Correct answer: (A) However

    Pursuing finance despite an engineering degree is a CONTRAST with the expected path, so "However" fits best.

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19. Q.19

    ___ the deadline was extended, many students submitted their projects early anyway.

    1. A Although
    2. B Because
    3. C Since
    4. D So
    Show answer

    Correct answer: (A) Although

    Submitting early despite an extended deadline is a CONTRAST with what you might expect, which calls for "Although."

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20. Q.20

    The company's profits declined sharply last quarter. ___, the board decided to cut costs across all departments.

    1. A Therefore
    2. B However
    3. C Meanwhile
    4. D Nevertheless
    Show answer

    Correct answer: (A) Therefore

    The cost-cutting decision is a direct RESULT of the profit decline, so a cause-and-effect connector like "Therefore" fits, not a contrast word.

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21. Q.21

    The bridge was closed for repairs. ___, commuters had to take a longer route to reach the city center.

    1. A Therefore
    2. B However
    3. C Otherwise
    4. D Although
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    Correct answer: (A) Therefore

    Taking a longer route is a direct RESULT of the bridge closure, so a cause-and-effect connector like "Therefore" fits.

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22. Q.22

    The bridge has been closed for repairs ___ last month.

    1. A since
    2. B for
    3. C from
    4. D during
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    Correct answer: (A) since

    "Since" is used with a specific starting point in time (a month here), not a duration.

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23. Q.23

    He lost his job unexpectedly. ___, he decided to start his own business.

    1. A Instead
    2. B However
    3. C Similarly
    4. D Nevertheless
    Show answer

    Correct answer: (A) Instead

    Starting a business is an ALTERNATIVE path taken in response to losing the job, which fits "Instead."

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24. Q.24

    ___ it rained heavily, the outdoor event was not cancelled.

    1. A Although
    2. B Because
    3. C Since
    4. D As
    Show answer

    Correct answer: (A) Although

    The event proceeding DESPITE heavy rain is a contrast, which calls for "Although," not a cause-and-effect word.

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25. Q.25

    ___ the weather was unfavorable, the flight departed on time.

    1. A Although
    2. B Because
    3. C Since
    4. D Therefore
    Show answer

    Correct answer: (A) Although

    The flight departing on time despite unfavorable weather is a CONTRAST, which calls for "Although," not a cause-and-effect word like "Because."

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26. Q.26

    Complete the blank: "He wasn't just good at the job; ___, he was the best in the department."

    1. A in fact
    2. B on the other hand
    3. C still
    4. D likewise
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    Correct answer: (A) in fact

    'In fact' is used to emphasize or clarify a stronger version of the preceding statement.

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27. Q.27

    The team worked overnight to fix the issue. ___, the system was restored by morning.

    1. A Consequently
    2. B However
    3. C Meanwhile
    4. D Although
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    Correct answer: (A) Consequently

    The system being restored is a direct RESULT of the overnight work, so "Consequently" fits.

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28. Q.28

    The factory ___ producing goods despite the power outage, using backup generators.

    1. A continued
    2. B stopped
    3. C will continue
    4. D had stopped
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    Correct answer: (A) continued

    The sentence describes production carrying on THROUGH the outage (thanks to generators), so the simple past "continued" fits the ongoing-despite-obstacle sense.

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29. Q.29

    Complete the blank: "The company's revenue has grown steadily, ___ its profit margins have shrunk."

    1. A whereas
    2. B so
    3. C because
    4. D if
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    Correct answer: (A) whereas

    The sentence contrasts two facts (growing revenue vs shrinking margins), which needs "whereas".

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30. Q.30

    The government introduced new policies. ___, unemployment rates fell significantly.

    1. A As a result
    2. B However
    3. C Meanwhile
    4. D Although
    Show answer

    Correct answer: (A) As a result

    Falling unemployment is a direct RESULT of the new policies, so "As a result" fits.

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31. Q.31

    He trained for months before the marathon. ___, he was unable to finish the race due to an injury.

    1. A However
    2. B Therefore
    3. C Similarly
    4. D Furthermore
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    Correct answer: (A) However

    The injury preventing him from finishing CONTRASTS with months of training, so a contrast connector like "However" fits, not a cause-and-effect word.

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32. Q.32

    The company launched a new product last year. ___, sales have been disappointing so far.

    1. A However
    2. B Therefore
    3. C Similarly
    4. D Moreover
    Show answer

    Correct answer: (A) However

    Disappointing sales CONTRAST with the expectation of a new launch, so "However" fits, not a result word.

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33. Q.33

    She has lived in this city ___ she was a child.

    1. A since
    2. B for
    3. C from
    4. D during
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    Correct answer: (A) since

    "Since" is used with a point in time or event (being a child) that marks the starting point.

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34. Q.34

    The population of the city ___ doubled over the last two decades.

    1. A has
    2. B had
    3. C will have
    4. D is
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    Correct answer: (A) has

    An action spanning from the past up to now (over the last two decades) uses the present perfect: "has doubled."

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35. Q.35

    ___ the heavy traffic, she managed to reach the airport on time.

    1. A Despite
    2. B Because of
    3. C Due to
    4. D Since
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    Correct answer: (A) Despite

    Reaching on time IN SPITE OF heavy traffic is a contrast, which calls for "Despite," not a cause-and-effect phrase like "because of."

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36. Q.36

    ___ the project was delayed, the team still managed to deliver quality work.

    1. A Although
    2. B Because
    3. C Since
    4. D So
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    Correct answer: (A) Although

    Delivering quality work despite the delay is a contrast, which calls for "Although."

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37. Q.37

    The company has ___ its profits every year for the past decade.

    1. A increased
    2. B been increasing
    3. C increase
    4. D increases
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    Correct answer: (B) been increasing

    An action continuing over a stated period up to now, with emphasis on the ongoing process, uses the present perfect continuous: "has been increasing."

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38. Q.38

    Scientists ___ studying the effects of climate change for several decades now.

    1. A have been
    2. B are
    3. C had been
    4. D will be
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    Correct answer: (A) have been

    An action that started in the past and is still continuing now, with emphasis on duration ("for several decades now"), uses the present perfect continuous: "have been studying."

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