Tips and Tricks: Cloze Test | English Language & Comprehension for SSC CGL PDF Download

Tips and Shortcuts

• Carefully examine the passage to discern its primary theme and select words that align appropriately with this theme.
• Consider the potential missing words required to fill the blank space. Reflect on suitable words that suit the context while reading deliberately.
• Identifying articles can often be simpler. Prioritize filling in articles initially to save time for more complex word considerations.
• Some blanks may accommodate multiple suitable answers. For these instances, experiment with various fitting words within the sentence structure, eliminating those that do not align accurately.
• Establishing a complete sentence by connecting the options with the words before and after the blank can be beneficial.
• Identify keywords within the passage that are central to the main theme. These keywords provide insight into the necessary words to fit the context.
• Having a strong grasp of grammar is essential. A blank can be completed with various parts of speech such as nouns, prepositions, adjectives, verbs, conjunctions, and others. Therefore, comprehensive knowledge of these components is advantageous.
• Regular practice and expanding your vocabulary through extensive reading and grammar exercises are crucial. This approach enables you to distinguish between confusing words and understand their distinct meanings.

Solved Examples

Example 1: A passage is given with 5-6 blanks for which the user needs to choose among the given options.
I received a call from my son after his exams. I could figure out from his voice that he was (1) __. “The examination did not go so well. It was not that known but I was careless enough and made a mistake.” I tried to (2) __ him saying, “Don’t burden yourself, you will definitely do better next time.” He was not satisfied after hearing my words and said – “You don’t have no idea how competitive it is right now and how tough It is to (3) __ something.”

(i) Fill in the blank spaces given within the sentences or passage.
(a) Bother
(b) Sad
(c) Unwell
(d) Distressed
Ans: (b)
Explanation: After reading the passage and the communication between the mother and son concerning the examination, it is certain that the option that can fit in the context is B. If we put try to put other options within the sentence, the message or structure of the sentence would not match so well.

(ii) Fill the blank spaces given within the sentences or passage.
(a) Pity
(b) Forgive
(c) Console
(d) Cheer
Ans: (d)
It is obvious that his mother will try to make him happy as he is feeling sad. She cannot feel pity for her son and the word console does not fit in the context, therefore, the correct option is D

(iii) Fill the blank spaces given within the sentences or passage.
(a) Strive
(b) Triumph
(c) Achieve
(d) Want
Ans: (c)
As we can see, the meaning of most of the options are closely linked, for confusing the user. The most appropriate choice in this context is option C.

Example 2: Each blank within the passage has a hint word available that is somewhere near to the meaning of the answer. The hint word serves as a fifth option from the existing four options given. This technique is often for both confusing the individual sometimes, or to help the user in selecting the right word.
It acquired the Delhi High Court to establish right former week an essentially strange occurrence of official gender (equality) 1. _____: it governed that the Indian Navy should grant perpetual commission to women along with the Army as well as the Air Force is required to do, obeying a 2010 order by an another seat of the same court. (Somehow) 2. _____ now, women can qualify simply for the Navy’s Short Service Commission with occupancy of up to 14 years. The High Court truly governed that it shall not allow any provision that would confine the professional (increment) 3. _____ of women.

(i) Fill the blank spaces given within the sentences or passage.
(a) Bias
(b) Disturbance
(c) Discrimination
(d) Rights
Ans: (c)
After reading the sentence, option C seems to fit right.

(ii) Fill the blank spaces given within the sentences or passage.
(a) Until
(b) Upto
(c) For
(d) Since
Ans: (a)
With the ‘now’, option A is the appropriate choice. Until fits the sentence both grammatically and contextually.

(iii) Fill the blank spaces given within the sentences or passage.
(a) Proceeding
(b) Abatement
(c) No change
(d) Advancement
Ans: (c)
The sentence talks about growth of women, and going with the context, option C seems to be the right choice.