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Content updated on 25 April 2026
A passage with blank spaces — words deliberately removed — and you must restore them based on your understanding of grammar and context. That is the cloze test. The cloze test is a staple in board exams and competitive tests. It simultaneously assesses your grasp of grammar, vocabulary, and your ability to follow the logical thread of a text. In this lesson for Class 9 and 10 students, you will learn a systematic approach to tackle cloze tests: how to use the words before and after a blank as clues, how to eliminate wrong options, and how to consistently pick the word that fits grammatically and meaningfully. Five solved passages and five practice passages will give you the hands‑on training you need to master this high‑scoring section.
✅ Recommended for: Class 9–10 (Grammar in Context) | CBSE & UP Board
In this post you will get:
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The cloze test builds directly on gap‑filling skills. If you haven't mastered basic gap filling, review the Gap Filling post. To reduce common mistakes, study Common Grammar Errors and practise Editing Exercises.
1. What is a Cloze Test?
A cloze test is a passage where certain words (usually every 5th to 8th word) are removed and replaced with blanks. You must fill each blank with the most appropriate word from given options (or sometimes with a word of your own). Unlike a simple gap‑filling exercise that focuses on a single grammar rule, a cloze test checks your overall language competence — grammar, vocabulary, collocation, and understanding of the passage's flow. The key is to read the entire passage first to grasp the overall meaning, then use contextual clues for each blank.
2. Step‑by‑Step Strategy for Cloze Tests
- Read the whole passage once without filling any blanks. Understand the main idea and the tone. This prevents you from making early mistakes based on a misreading.
- Look at the words immediately before and after the blank. They often dictate the grammar needed. For example, if the blank follows "by", you likely need a verb in the past participle (passive voice) or a noun.
- Identify the part of speech required. Is the blank a noun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition, or conjunction? The options will all be the same part of speech if it's a multiple‑choice cloze, so focus on meaning.
- Check for collocations and fixed phrases. Words often pair naturally: "make a decision", not "do a decision". If an option forms a common collocation with adjacent words, it is likely correct.
- Reread the sentence with your chosen word. Does it sound natural? Does it make logical sense in the context of the larger passage?
Mastering the cloze test requires strong reading comprehension. Strengthen your comprehension with Advanced Comprehension and Critical Reading & Analysis. For Hindi cloze practice, see Apathit Bodh.
3. Solved Examples (5 Passages)
Solved Example 1 (Grammar‑focused)
In the following passage, choose the most appropriate option for each blank.
At the age of six, Malala Yousafzai (1)_____ to school in the Swat Valley of Pakistan. She loved learning and believed that every child, especially girls, (2)_____ the right to education. However, the Taliban, which (3)_____ control of the region, banned girls from attending school. Malala refused to (4)_____ up her right to learn. She spoke out publicly, even though she (5)_____ the dangers involved.
Options:
1. (A) go (B) went (C) going (D) goes
2. (A) has (B) have (C) had (D) having
3. (A) taken (B) took (C) had taken (D) was taking
4. (A) give (B) gave (C) given (D) giving
5. (A) know (B) knows (C) known (D) knew
At the age of six, Malala Yousafzai (1)_____ to school in the Swat Valley of Pakistan. She loved learning and believed that every child, especially girls, (2)_____ the right to education. However, the Taliban, which (3)_____ control of the region, banned girls from attending school. Malala refused to (4)_____ up her right to learn. She spoke out publicly, even though she (5)_____ the dangers involved.
Options:
1. (A) go (B) went (C) going (D) goes
2. (A) has (B) have (C) had (D) having
3. (A) taken (B) took (C) had taken (D) was taking
4. (A) give (B) gave (C) given (D) giving
5. (A) know (B) knows (C) known (D) knew
Show Answers
Answers:
1. (B) went — past simple needed; "At the age of six" indicates a past event.
2. (A) has — "every child" is singular; present simple for a general truth.
3. (C) had taken — past perfect; the Taliban's control was established before the banning action.
4. (A) give — infinitive after "refused to".
5. (D) knew — past simple; she was aware at that time.
1. (B) went — past simple needed; "At the age of six" indicates a past event.
2. (A) has — "every child" is singular; present simple for a general truth.
3. (C) had taken — past perfect; the Taliban's control was established before the banning action.
4. (A) give — infinitive after "refused to".
5. (D) knew — past simple; she was aware at that time.
Solved Example 2 (Vocabulary & Collocation)
Choose the best word to complete the passage.
Every morning, my grandmother (1)_____ up before sunrise and walked to the temple. She would (2)_____ flowers and incense with her. The temple priest, who had known her for decades, always (3)_____ her with a warm smile. My grandmother strongly (4)_____ in the power of prayer. Even on days when she was unwell, she never (5)_____ her routine.
Options:
1. (A) woke (B) wake (C) woken (D) waking
2. (A) bring (B) brought (C) brings (D) bringing
3. (A) greet (B) greets (C) greeted (D) greeting
4. (A) believed (B) believes (C) believe (D) believing
5. (A) break (B) broke (C) broken (D) breaking
Every morning, my grandmother (1)_____ up before sunrise and walked to the temple. She would (2)_____ flowers and incense with her. The temple priest, who had known her for decades, always (3)_____ her with a warm smile. My grandmother strongly (4)_____ in the power of prayer. Even on days when she was unwell, she never (5)_____ her routine.
Options:
1. (A) woke (B) wake (C) woken (D) waking
2. (A) bring (B) brought (C) brings (D) bringing
3. (A) greet (B) greets (C) greeted (D) greeting
4. (A) believed (B) believes (C) believe (D) believing
5. (A) break (B) broke (C) broken (D) breaking
Show Answers
Answers:
1. (A) woke — past tense; the sentence continues in past ("walked").
2. (A) bring — infinitive after modal "would".
3. (C) greeted — past tense; consistent with "had known".
4. (A) believed — past tense; the description is in past.
5. (B) broke — past negative; "never broke" collocates with "routine".
1. (A) woke — past tense; the sentence continues in past ("walked").
2. (A) bring — infinitive after modal "would".
3. (C) greeted — past tense; consistent with "had known".
4. (A) believed — past tense; the description is in past.
5. (B) broke — past negative; "never broke" collocates with "routine".
Solved Example 3 (Scientific – Environment)
Complete the passage with appropriate words.
Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental (1)_____ of our time. Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic waste (2)_____ into the oceans. Marine animals often (3)_____ plastic for food, which can be fatal. Governments around the world are now taking steps to (4)_____ the use of single‑use plastics. However, the real change must (5)_____ from individuals who choose reusable alternatives.
Options:
1. (A) issues (B) issue (C) issuing (D) issued
2. (A) dump (B) dumps (C) are dumped (D) dumped
3. (A) mistook (B) mistaken (C) mistake (D) are mistaking
4. (A) reduce (B) reduces (C) reduced (D) reducing
5. (A) come (B) comes (C) came (D) coming
Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental (1)_____ of our time. Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic waste (2)_____ into the oceans. Marine animals often (3)_____ plastic for food, which can be fatal. Governments around the world are now taking steps to (4)_____ the use of single‑use plastics. However, the real change must (5)_____ from individuals who choose reusable alternatives.
Options:
1. (A) issues (B) issue (C) issuing (D) issued
2. (A) dump (B) dumps (C) are dumped (D) dumped
3. (A) mistook (B) mistaken (C) mistake (D) are mistaking
4. (A) reduce (B) reduces (C) reduced (D) reducing
5. (A) come (B) comes (C) came (D) coming
Show Answers
Answers:
1. (A) issues — plural noun after "one of the most pressing environmental".
2. (C) are dumped — passive voice needed; waste is dumped.
3. (C) mistake — simple present; "mistake for" is the correct collocation.
4. (A) reduce — infinitive after "to".
5. (A) come — modal "must" is followed by the base verb.
1. (A) issues — plural noun after "one of the most pressing environmental".
2. (C) are dumped — passive voice needed; waste is dumped.
3. (C) mistake — simple present; "mistake for" is the correct collocation.
4. (A) reduce — infinitive after "to".
5. (A) come — modal "must" is followed by the base verb.
Solved Example 4 (Biographical)
Choose the correct option for each blank.
R.K. Narayan (1)_____ born in Madras in 1906. He is one of India's most celebrated writers in English. His fictional town of Malgudi, (2)_____ appears in most of his novels and short stories, is as memorable as any real place. Narayan's simple yet profound storytelling style (3)_____ him readers across the world. He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award (4)_____ his novel "The Guide". Today, his works (5)_____ still widely read and loved.
Options:
1. (A) is (B) was (C) has (D) were
2. (A) who (B) whom (C) which (D) where
3. (A) earn (B) earns (C) earned (D) earning
4. (A) of (B) for (C) by (D) with
5. (A) is (B) was (C) are (D) were
R.K. Narayan (1)_____ born in Madras in 1906. He is one of India's most celebrated writers in English. His fictional town of Malgudi, (2)_____ appears in most of his novels and short stories, is as memorable as any real place. Narayan's simple yet profound storytelling style (3)_____ him readers across the world. He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award (4)_____ his novel "The Guide". Today, his works (5)_____ still widely read and loved.
Options:
1. (A) is (B) was (C) has (D) were
2. (A) who (B) whom (C) which (D) where
3. (A) earn (B) earns (C) earned (D) earning
4. (A) of (B) for (C) by (D) with
5. (A) is (B) was (C) are (D) were
Show Answers
Answers:
1. (B) was — past tense for birth.
2. (C) which — refers to "town", a non‑living thing.
3. (C) earned — past tense, consistent with his lifetime.
4. (B) for — awarded for a work.
5. (C) are — "works" is plural.
1. (B) was — past tense for birth.
2. (C) which — refers to "town", a non‑living thing.
3. (C) earned — past tense, consistent with his lifetime.
4. (B) for — awarded for a work.
5. (C) are — "works" is plural.
Solved Example 5 (Social – Digital Age)
Fill in the blanks with the most suitable word.
In today's digital age, children (1)_____ more time in front of screens than outdoors. This shift (2)_____ led to a rise in health issues such as obesity and eye strain. Experts (3)_____ that parents should set clear limits on screen time. Physical activity, (4)_____ is crucial for overall development, must not be neglected. Schools can also play a role (5)_____ encouraging sports and outdoor games.
Options:
1. (A) spends (B) spend (C) spent (D) spending
2. (A) has (B) have (C) had (D) having
3. (A) recommends (B) recommended (C) recommend (D) recommending
4. (A) who (B) which (C) what (D) whom
5. (A) in (B) on (C) by (D) with
In today's digital age, children (1)_____ more time in front of screens than outdoors. This shift (2)_____ led to a rise in health issues such as obesity and eye strain. Experts (3)_____ that parents should set clear limits on screen time. Physical activity, (4)_____ is crucial for overall development, must not be neglected. Schools can also play a role (5)_____ encouraging sports and outdoor games.
Options:
1. (A) spends (B) spend (C) spent (D) spending
2. (A) has (B) have (C) had (D) having
3. (A) recommends (B) recommended (C) recommend (D) recommending
4. (A) who (B) which (C) what (D) whom
5. (A) in (B) on (C) by (D) with
Show Answers
Answers:
1. (B) spend — plural subject "children".
2. (A) has — singular subject "shift".
3. (C) recommend — plural subject "Experts".
4. (B) which — refers to "Physical activity".
5. (A) in — "play a role in" is the correct collocation.
1. (B) spend — plural subject "children".
2. (A) has — singular subject "shift".
3. (C) recommend — plural subject "Experts".
4. (B) which — refers to "Physical activity".
5. (A) in — "play a role in" is the correct collocation.
4. Practice Passages (5 Passages for You to Solve)
Practice Passage 1
Complete the passage:
Last summer, I (1)_____ (go) to visit my grandparents in the village. The weather was pleasant, and I (2)_____ (spend) most of my time outdoors. My grandmother (3)_____ (tell) me stories about her childhood. I (4)_____ (enjoy) every moment there and promised to return the next year. The memories of that trip (5)_____ (still / remain) fresh in my mind.
Options:
1. (A) go (B) went (C) going (D) goes
2. (A) spend (B) spends (C) spent (D) spending
3. (A) tells (B) told (C) telling (D) tell
4. (A) enjoy (B) enjoys (C) enjoyed (D) enjoying
5. (A) still remain (B) still remaining (C) remained still (D) still remains
Last summer, I (1)_____ (go) to visit my grandparents in the village. The weather was pleasant, and I (2)_____ (spend) most of my time outdoors. My grandmother (3)_____ (tell) me stories about her childhood. I (4)_____ (enjoy) every moment there and promised to return the next year. The memories of that trip (5)_____ (still / remain) fresh in my mind.
Options:
1. (A) go (B) went (C) going (D) goes
2. (A) spend (B) spends (C) spent (D) spending
3. (A) tells (B) told (C) telling (D) tell
4. (A) enjoy (B) enjoys (C) enjoyed (D) enjoying
5. (A) still remain (B) still remaining (C) remained still (D) still remains
Show Answers
1. (B) went — past.
2. (C) spent — past.
3. (B) told — past.
4. (C) enjoyed — past.
5. (A) still remain — plural "memories" with "remain".
2. (C) spent — past.
3. (B) told — past.
4. (C) enjoyed — past.
5. (A) still remain — plural "memories" with "remain".
Practice Passage 2
The festival of Holi (1)_____ celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. People (2)_____ colours and water on each other. Traditional sweets like gujiya (3)_____ prepared in every household. Holi signifies the victory of good over evil and (4)_____ people together, irrespective of their differences. This year, our society (5)_____ an eco‑friendly Holi using natural colours.
Options:
1. (A) is (B) are (C) was (D) were
2. (A) throw (B) throws (C) threw (D) throwing
3. (A) is (B) are (C) was (D) were
4. (A) bring (B) brings (C) brought (D) bringing
5. (A) celebrate (B) celebrates (C) celebrated (D) will celebrate
Options:
1. (A) is (B) are (C) was (D) were
2. (A) throw (B) throws (C) threw (D) throwing
3. (A) is (B) are (C) was (D) were
4. (A) bring (B) brings (C) brought (D) bringing
5. (A) celebrate (B) celebrates (C) celebrated (D) will celebrate
Show Answers
1. (A) is — singular subject "festival".
2. (A) throw — plural subject "People".
3. (B) are — plural "sweets".
4. (B) brings — singular "Holi".
5. (C) celebrated — past tense, as indicated by "This year" in a retrospective sense from a report.
2. (A) throw — plural subject "People".
3. (B) are — plural "sweets".
4. (B) brings — singular "Holi".
5. (C) celebrated — past tense, as indicated by "This year" in a retrospective sense from a report.
Practice Passage 3
Once a lion (1)_____ sleeping in the forest. A little mouse (2)_____ upon him. The lion woke up and caught the mouse. The mouse begged for mercy and (3)_____ to help the lion someday. The lion laughed but let him go. Later, the lion (4)_____ caught in a hunter's net. The mouse heard his roar and (5)_____ the net with his sharp teeth.
Options:
1. (A) is (B) was (C) has been (D) were
2. (A) jump (B) jumps (C) jumped (D) jumping
3. (A) promise (B) promises (C) promised (D) promising
4. (A) is (B) was (C) will be (D) has been
5. (A) cut (B) cuts (C) cutting (D) was cut
Options:
1. (A) is (B) was (C) has been (D) were
2. (A) jump (B) jumps (C) jumped (D) jumping
3. (A) promise (B) promises (C) promised (D) promising
4. (A) is (B) was (C) will be (D) has been
5. (A) cut (B) cuts (C) cutting (D) was cut
Show Answers
1. (B) was — past continuous setting.
2. (C) jumped — past simple.
3. (C) promised — past.
4. (B) was — passive, past.
5. (A) cut — past simple.
2. (C) jumped — past simple.
3. (C) promised — past.
4. (B) was — passive, past.
5. (A) cut — past simple.
Practice Passage 4
Water (1)_____ essential for life. About 71% of the Earth's surface is covered with water, yet only a small fraction of it (2)_____ usable for drinking. Water conservation (3)_____ everyone's responsibility. Simple steps like turning off the tap while brushing, fixing leaks, and harvesting rainwater can make a big (4)_____. If we do not act now, future generations (5)_____ severe water scarcity.
Options:
1. (A) is (B) are (C) was (D) were
2. (A) is (B) are (C) was (D) were
3. (A) are (B) is (C) were (D) am
4. (A) different (B) differ (C) difference (D) differently
5. (A) face (B) will face (C) faces (D) are facing
Options:
1. (A) is (B) are (C) was (D) were
2. (A) is (B) are (C) was (D) were
3. (A) are (B) is (C) were (D) am
4. (A) different (B) differ (C) difference (D) differently
5. (A) face (B) will face (C) faces (D) are facing
Show Answers
1. (A) is — singular "Water".
2. (A) is — singular "fraction".
3. (B) is — singular "Water conservation".
4. (C) difference — noun after "make a big".
5. (B) will face — future warning.
2. (A) is — singular "fraction".
3. (B) is — singular "Water conservation".
4. (C) difference — noun after "make a big".
5. (B) will face — future warning.
Practice Passage 5
My neighbour, Mr. Mehta, (1)_____ a retired school teacher. He (2)_____ over thirty years of his life to teaching. Even after retirement, he continues to teach underprivileged children free of cost. He (3)_____ that education is the greatest gift one can give. His dedication (4)_____ inspired many others in our colony to volunteer. Truly, someone like him (5)_____ a rare gem in today's world.
Options:
1. (A) is (B) was (C) has (D) were
2. (A) devote (B) devoted (C) devoting (D) has devoted
3. (A) believe (B) believes (C) believed (D) believing
4. (A) has (B) have (C) had (D) having
5. (A) is (B) are (C) were (D) was
Options:
1. (A) is (B) was (C) has (D) were
2. (A) devote (B) devoted (C) devoting (D) has devoted
3. (A) believe (B) believes (C) believed (D) believing
4. (A) has (B) have (C) had (D) having
5. (A) is (B) are (C) were (D) was
Show Answers
1. (A) is — present state.
2. (B) devoted — past simple.
3. (B) believes — present truth.
4. (A) has — singular "dedication".
5. (A) is — singular "someone".
2. (B) devoted — past simple.
3. (B) believes — present truth.
4. (A) has — singular "dedication".
5. (A) is — singular "someone".
Why Cloze Tests are the Ultimate Grammar Workout
Cloze tests demand that you use every tool in your grammar kit simultaneously — tense consistency, subject‑verb agreement, prepositions, modals, and vocabulary. They teach you to read not just words but the relationships between words. The more you practise, the more instinctively you will spot the correct answer. Read daily, at least 15 minutes, from a newspaper editorial or a book, and pay attention to how professional writers construct their sentences. This habit will automatically build the intuition that cloze tests reward.
๐ Continue Your Grammar Practice
- Sentence Completion — The next step after cloze tests.
- Editing Exercises — Learn to spot incorrect grammar.
- Hindi Grammar Hub — เคฐिเค्เคค เคธ्เคฅाเคจ เคเคฐ เคต्เคฏाเคเคฐเคฃ।
- Worksheets Master Hub — Every practice sheet you need.
๐ Cloze Test Worksheet – Class 9 & 10
This worksheet contains ten cloze test passages covering grammar, vocabulary, and collocation, with multiple‑choice and open‑ended blanks. Includes 50 questions.
Cloze Test Worksheet »Answer key included • Aligned with CBSE & UP Board curriculum
