Cloze test is a common topic presented in the English language section of different competitive exams such as SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, SBI PO, SBI Clerk, LIC Assistant, etc. to evaluate the English comprehension skills of the aspirants. This exercise typically involves a paragraph with strategically placed blanks or missing words and your task is to choose a word from the options provided in the brackets that is synonymous or contextually appropriate. English Cloze test is designed to gauge your ability to understand sentence structure, identify parts of speech, and accurately fill in missing words within a given passage.
The English Cloze test holds a paramount significance in competitive exams, as it serves as a crucial tool to filter out candidates who possess a well-rounded understanding of the English language. In your exam, you are likely to encounter an English Cloze test with approximately five to ten blanks, each carrying a specific weight in terms of marks, typically ranging from 1 mark per blank. Therefore, it is imperative for you to have a clear understanding of how to approach and excel in this topic.
Here are some important tips to approach English Cloze test:
Example: In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. These members are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate words.
Raju was orphaned at a very (1) ___ age. He lost (2) ___ of his parents because his family was (3) ___poor to afford any treatment. He was deeply affected by this. He decided to work hard and (4) ___ on his own feet. Along with his studies he (5) ___ part-time in a restaurant and earned enough money in order to (6) ___ his studies. Being a brilliant student, he earned scholarships and later managed to get admission in a good medical college. He is now a (7) ___ doctor and helps poor patients for (8). ___ This shows that one can survive every (9) ___ condition. Determination and hard work (10) ___ to success in life.
Now we have the following options for blank (1)
Scoring well in English Cloze test requires a combination of language skills, context comprehension, and efficient test-taking strategies. Here are some additional tips to help you score high in Cloze test sections:
Make a habit of learning new words and their meanings regularly. A rich vocabulary will help you choose appropriate words to fill in the blanks quickly.
To read passages faster, practice reading newspapers and English literary texts regularly. This not only boosts your reading speed but also enhances your ability to quickly grasp the context and tone of the passage.
Pay special attention to prepositions, tense and articles as they are common sources of errors in Cloze tests. Understand how they affect the meaning of a sentence.
At last, consistent practice with English cloze test Questions and answer is essential to improve your English Cloze test solving skills. Work on a variety of English cloze test questions to build your confidence and accuracy in this topic.
Although Cloze test may be considered a relatively simple topic, but don't underestimate its ability to challenge your language skills. By practicing a variety of English cloze test questions, you can become more adept at recognizing the nuances of each passage and choosing the right words to fill in the blanks. To aid your practice and improve your understanding of this topic, Smartkeeda has curated a wealth of English cloze Questions and answer with the help of which you can work on your Cloze test skills and gain a better grasp of the specific patterns and language structures commonly used in these tests.