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SSC CGL Preparation – Day 8
English: Cloze Test
✅ What is a Cloze Test?
A Cloze Test is a passage with blanks in between sentences, where you are required to choose the most appropriate word for each blank from the given options. It tests your vocabulary, grammar, contextual understanding, and logical flow of ideas.
🔍 Why is it important for SSC CGL?
In SSC CGL Tier 1 and Tier 2, Cloze Tests are regularly asked in the English section. You can expect 5–10 marks worth of questions based on this topic. It’s considered a high scoring topic if your vocabulary and comprehension are strong.
🧠 Skills Tested
- Contextual Vocabulary
- Grammar Knowledge (Tenses, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Articles, etc.)
- Logical Flow and Sentence Connection
- Word Collocations
- Understanding of Tone and Theme
🧱 Structure of a Cloze Test
A typical Cloze Test includes:
- A passage of about 100–150 words.
- 5 or more blanks, each with 4 options.
- One must choose the most appropriate word that fits the meaning and grammar of the passage.
📌 Common Grammar Rules to Remember
| Grammar Area | Example |
|---|---|
| Subject-Verb Agreement | He is playing football. |
| Prepositions | She is good at painting. |
| Articles | An apple a day keeps the doctor away. |
| Tenses | They were working when I arrived. |
| Connectors | Although, However, Moreover, Therefore |
| Collocations | Make a decision, Do homework, Take risk |
📚 Step-by-Step Approach to Solve Cloze Test
1. Read the Passage Once
Get a general idea of the tone and theme of the passage.
2. Predict the Word Before Seeing Options
Try to think what type of word fits: noun, verb, adjective, etc.
3. Use Elimination
Rule out the grammatically or contextually incorrect options.
4. Check Tone and Style Consistency
Words must match the tone — formal/informal, positive/negative.
5. Look for Clues Around the Blank
Previous or next sentence may help you decide the correct word.
📖 Example Cloze Test Passage (with 5 blanks)
The education system in India has been a subject of (1) ______ for years. While access to education has improved, the (2) ______ of education remains a major concern. Many experts believe that rote learning should be replaced by (3) ______-based learning. Moreover, teachers must be (4) ______ and equipped with modern tools to make classrooms more engaging. If not addressed, these issues could (5) ______ the future of millions of students.
| Blank | Options |
|---|---|
| 1 | A) pride B) criticism C) ignorance D) development |
| 2 | A) quality B) quantity C) number D) expansion |
| 3 | A) activity B) skill C) concept D) exam |
| 4 | A) discouraged B) outdated C) trained D) punished |
| 5 | A) spoil B) help C) inspire D) neglect |
✅ Correct Answers:
- B) criticism
- A) quality
- C) concept
- C) trained
- A) spoil
📝 Tips to Master Cloze Tests
- Improve your reading habit – newspapers, editorials, and fiction.
- Strengthen vocabulary and word usage.
- Practice daily with a timer (3–4 minutes for 5 blanks).
- Understand word usage differences (e.g., affect vs. effect).
- Review previous year SSC CGL Cloze Test questions.
🔄 Commonly Confused Word Types
| Word Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Prepositions | in, on, at, by, to |
| Conjunctions | and, but, although, because |
| Verbs | arise vs. raise, accept vs. except |
| Adjectives | economic vs. economical |
| Collocations | take a break, make an effort |
