How to Solve Cloze Test in English | Step-by-Step Guide with Examples

How to Solve Cloze Test in English

How to Solve Cloze Test in English: The Cloze Test is one of the most important topics in the English section of competitive examinations like SSC, Banking, Railways, Insurance, Defence, and State PSC examinations. Numerous Candidates lose easy marks because they take cloze tests without a proper strategy.

In this composition, you’ll learn how to break a Cloze Test step by step, along with illustration problems and smart tips to ameliorate delicacy and speed.

Try all quizzes to boost your exam readiness and stay ahead of the competition!

What is a Cloze Test?

A Cloze Test is a paragraph with multiple blanks, and each blank has four or five options. You must choose the most suitable word that fits grammar, meaning, and context of the sentence.

Key Focus Areas in Cloze Test:

  • Vocabulary

  • Grammar

  • Context understanding

  • Logical flow

Also Try: Reasoning Chapter-wise Quiz

Why Cloze Test is Important in Exams?

  • High-scoring topic

  • Tests multiple English skills at once

  • Frequently asked in SSC CGL, CHSL, CPO, Banking PO/Clerk, RRB, and Group-D exams

With the right method, you can solve 5–10 questions in just 3–4 minutes.

Step-by-Step Method to Solve Cloze Test

Step 1: Read the Entire Passage First

Do not jump directly to the blanks.
Read the passage fully to understand:

  • Main idea

  • Tone (positive, negative, neutral)

  • Topic (economy, education, environment, etc.)

This helps you predict the type of words required.

Step 2: Identify the Type of Blank

Each blank usually tests a specific concept such as:

  • Articles (a, an, the)

  • Prepositions (in, on, at, with)

  • Conjunctions (and, but, because)

  • Tenses

  • Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms)

  • Subject-Verb Agreement

Knowing the category saves time.

Step 3: Use Grammar Rules

Check whether the sentence requires:

  • Singular or plural noun

  • Correct verb tense

  • Proper preposition

  • Correct form of adjective or adverb

Wrong grammar = Wrong answer, even if the word sounds good.

Step 4: Understand Context & Meaning

Many blanks are meaning-based.
Ask yourself:

  • Does the sentence express cause, contrast, or result?

  • Is the tone positive or negative?

Choose the word that fits the overall message, not just the sentence.

Step 5: Eliminate Wrong Options

Remove options that:

  • Don’t fit grammatically

  • Change the meaning

  • Break sentence flow

Usually, 2 options can be eliminated quickly.

Step 6: Re-read the Completed Passage

After filling all blanks, read the passage again to check:

  • Smooth flow

  • Logical meaning

  • No grammatical errors

Also Try: Quantitative Aptitude Chapter-wise Quiz

Example Cloze Test with Solution

Passage:

Reading books regularly helps students (1) _____ their vocabulary and (2) _____ their thinking ability. It also enables them to (3) _____ new ideas and develop better communication skills. Therefore, reading should be made a daily (4) _____ for everyone.


Question 1:

(1)
a) reduce
b) increase
c) divide
d) disturb

 Correct Answer: b) increase
Explanation: Vocabulary grows, not reduces.

Question 2:

(2)
a) weakens
b) damages
c) improves
d) limits

Correct Answer: c) improves
Explanation: Reading enhances thinking ability

Question 3:

(3)
a) ignore
b) explore
c) forget
d) cancel

 Correct Answer: b) explore
Explanation: Reading helps in discovering new ideas.

Question 4:

(4)
a) burden
b) hobby
c) habit
d) task

Correct Answer: c) habit
Explanation: “Daily habit” is the correct collocation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Cloze Test

  • Reading sentence-by-sentence only
  •  Ignoring grammar rules
  • Choosing words just because they are familiar
  •  Not checking tone and context
  • Rushing without re-reading the passage

Also Try: General English Chapter-wise Quiz 

Tips to Improve Cloze Test Score

  1. Read English newspapers daily
  2. Learn synonyms, antonyms, and collocations
  3. Practice at least 2 cloze tests daily
  4. Revise basic grammar rules
  5. Focus on context-based learning

The Cloze Test is not difficult if approached correctly. By reading the passage carefully, applying grammar rules, and understanding context, you can score full marks consistently.

Practice regularly, analyze mistakes, and your confidence in the Cloze Test will improve rapidly.

FAQs on How to Solve Cloze Test in English

1. What is a Cloze Test in English?

Ans. A Cloze Test is a type of fill-in-the-blanks exercise where certain words are removed from a paragraph and you must select the most appropriate word to fill each blank based on grammar and context.

2. How many types of Cloze Tests are there?

Ans. There are two main types:

  • Fill-in-the-blanks with options.
  • Replace the incorrect word with the correct one.

3. How can I score more marks in Cloze Test questions?

Ans. To score high:

  • Build strong vocabulary
  • Understand the context of the passage
  • Use the elimination method
  • Practice prepositions, articles, and grammar regularly.

4. What are Cloze sentences?

Ans. Cloze sentences are those where a keyword is missing or replaced, and you must choose the word that best completes the meaning of the sentence.

5. Are Cloze Tests only about vocabulary?

Ans. No — while vocabulary is important, grammar rules, context understanding, and logical flow are equally critical to choose the correct words