Cloze Test

1 - Read the entire passage carefully

Cloze passages can be tricky. Read the whole passage at least once to understand theme, tone and context. Once you have a general idea, choosing the best word for each blank becomes much easier.

2 - Read the options thoroughly

Each blank usually has 3–5 options. Read every option carefully — choices can be similar and require attention to nuance.

3 – Choose the right word

Decide which part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition, conjunction, article, pronoun) fits the blank and pick the option that best matches the context and grammar.

4 - Maintain readability

Choose words that preserve the original tone and flow of the passage. The selected word should not make the sentence awkward or change its meaning.

5 – Consider the tone of the passage

Identify if the passage is narrative, descriptive, humorous, critical, academic, etc. Tone often constrains which words are appropriate.

6 – Avoid repetition

Eliminate options that repeat previously stated ideas or that break logical flow. Filtering irrelevant choices narrows down correct answers quickly.

7 – Find the link

Check the words immediately before and after the blank; sometimes several options seem to fit, but only one links naturally with surrounding words. Try each candidate mentally in the sentence if unsure.

8 – Find keywords

Look for keywords (names, dates, technical terms) that reveal the main theme; these guide you toward context-appropriate vocabulary.

9 – Know common jargon

Some passages use field-specific terms (business, science, law). Recognize jargon (e.g., "due diligence" in business) so you can select domain-appropriate words.

10 – Re-read after completing

Proofread the entire passage after filling blanks to ensure consistency of tense, agreement and tone. Small mistakes can be caught by a final read-through.

11 - Practice as much as possible

Regular practice with past papers, workbooks and online quizzes builds familiarity with common cloze patterns and improves speed and accuracy.