Cloze Test In the Cloze test, we are given a passage in which a few blanks are given. Questions are more grammar based. Both contextual understanding and knowledge of basic grammar rules are important to score well in the cloze test.
Each Cloze test passage tests different rules at the same time.
In the case of contextual blanks, knowledge of vocabulary will help you choose the correct option.
In some cases, phrases are also asked. Most of the phrases asked are well known and the correct answer can be easily identified.
The elimination method can help in the questions where options are not too close which is the case in most of the questions.
Cloze Test Questions
Direction: In the following passage, some of the words are missing. Find suitable words from the options given below these questions to make the paragraph meaningful.
The State of the World’s Birds, an annual review of environmental resources, has revealed that 48% of the extant bird species are ____(A)____ population decline. As in most instances of ecological degradation, humanity’s expanding carbon___(B)___ on the natural world and climate change are the principal causes. The study, led by Manchester Metropolitan University, found that ___(C)___ and loss of natural habitat are the key threats to aviation biodiversity. The importance of birds is ___(D)____. Birds are highly visible and sensitive indicators of ecologies. They function as pollinators, seed- dispersers, ecosystem engineers, and scavengers and help in pest control too. When bird populations decline, they adversely affect each segment of the ecology that benefits from their activities. For example, when some species of vultures were nearly driven to extinction in India, the population of feral dogs increased, sparking concerns about a rise in rabies. The __ (E)___ loss of birds thereby signifies a deeper threat to fellow species, including human beings.
1) Which of the following options will come in the blank (A)? A. Falling under B. Getting under C. Undergoing D. Under lying E. None of these
Correct answer: C. Undergoing
Explanation:
The correct word to fill in the blank is “undergoing”. Here’s why:
“Undergoing” is the correct choice because it indicates that the species are currently experiencing or going through a process, in this case, population decline. It fits perfectly with the idea of a biological or environmental process being observed.
Why the other options are not correct:
A. Falling under
“Falling under” does not fit the context. The phrase typically means to come under a category or fall within a group, which doesn’t convey the idea of experiencing a decline in population. It’s more about classification, not experiencing a process like population decline.
B. Getting under
“Getting under” is not an appropriate phrase in this context. It would suggest something coming under a physical or metaphorical influence, but it does not match the intended meaning of experiencing a population decline.
D. Under lying
“Under lying” (which should be written as “underlying” as one word) means “existing beneath” or “serving as the foundation.” It does not fit the context here because the sentence is discussing the decline of bird populations, not an underlying condition or cause. The sentence structure requires a verb like “undergoing” to show the process, not a descriptive adjective like “underlying.”
E. None of these
Since “undergoing” is the correct choice, “None of these” is not applicable.
Thus, the correct choice is C. Undergoing, as it best conveys the idea that bird species are currently experiencing a decline in population.
2) Which of the following options will come in the blank (B)? A. Foot fault B. Foot slog C. Foot pace D. Foot print E. None of these
Correct answer: D. Foot print
Explanation:
The correct phrase here is “footprint” (in the correct form “carbon footprint”). The term “carbon footprint” is commonly used to describe the impact of human activities on the environment, especially regarding carbon emissions. In the context of the passage, it makes sense to discuss the carbon footprint of human activities, as it relates to ecological degradation and climate change.
Why the other options are not correct:
A. Foot fault is a term used in sports like tennis, referring to a mistake made during serving. It does not fit the context of environmental degradation or carbon emissions.
B. Foot slog refers to a long and tiring walk, but it is unrelated to the discussion of environmental impact.
C. Foot pace refers to the speed or rate of walking, and is also unrelated to the context of environmental topics.
Thus, “footprint” (specifically “carbon footprint”) is the correct term to use in the given sentence, as it fits perfectly with the theme of environmental impact.
3) Which of the following options will come in the blank (C)? A. Cannibalize B. Overutilization C. Overexploitation D. Triumph E. None of these
Answer: C
Correct answer: C. Overexploitation
Explanation:
The correct word to fill in the blank is “overexploitation”. In the context of environmental studies, “overexploitation” refers to the unsustainable use or exploitation of natural resources, which leads to damage to ecosystems and biodiversity.
Why the other options are not correct:
A. Cannibalize typically refers to one organism consuming another of its own species, or metaphorically, it refers to a situation where one part of something is used to support another, often to its detriment. It does not fit the context of environmental resource depletion.
B. Overutilization refers to using something excessively, but it is less specific and commonly used in contexts of resource usage without the particular negative connotation of causing harm to the environment, which “overexploitation” conveys more clearly.
D. Triumph refers to success or victory and does not relate to environmental degradation or resource use.
Thus, “overexploitation” is the best choice as it refers to the overuse of resources, fitting the context of environmental threats and biodiversity loss
4) Which of the following options will come in the blank (D)? A. Unappreciated B. Acknowledged C. Overlook D. Misunderstood E. None of these
Correct answer: B. Acknowledged
Explanation:
The correct word to fill in the blank is “acknowledged”. The sentence discusses the importance of birds, which suggests that their value or role needs to be recognized or acknowledged. “Acknowledged” fits perfectly in this context, as it means that the importance of birds should be recognized or accepted.
Why the other options are not correct:
A. Unappreciated means not fully valued or recognized, which might be the opposite of what the sentence is trying to convey. The importance of birds should be appreciated or acknowledged, not unappreciated.
C. Overlook refers to failing to notice or ignore something, which doesn’t fit with the idea of emphasizing the importance of birds. The sentence suggests that their importance should be recognized, not ignored.
D. Misunderstood means not correctly understood, which is also not suitable in this context. The focus is on recognizing the importance of birds, not on misunderstanding them.
Thus, “acknowledged” is the best choice, as it conveys the idea that the importance of birds is recognized or appreciated.
5) Which of the following options will come in the blank (E)? A. Improbable B. Impending C. Distant D. Forgone E. None of these
Correct answer: B. Impending
Explanation:
The correct word to fill in the blank is “impending”. The sentence talks about the loss of birds signifying a deeper threat to fellow species, including humans. The term “impending” refers to something that is about to happen or is imminent, which fits the context of a looming threat.
Why the other options are not correct:
A. Improbable means something that is unlikely to happen, which doesn’t fit the context of a threat that is already on the way or soon to happen.
C. Distant refers to something far off in time or space, which contradicts the sense of urgency implied by the sentence. The threat of bird loss is described as immediate and urgent, so “distant” is not appropriate.
D. Forgone refers to something that has already been decided or passed, but here, we are talking about a future event (the threat), making “forgone” inappropriate.
Thus, “impending” is the best choice, as it emphasizes that the loss of birds signifies a threat that is imminent or about to occur.
Direction: In the following passage, some of the words are missing. Find suitable words from the options given below these questions to make the paragraph meaningful.
The rise in the Irrawaddy dolphin __A___ in Chilika can be attributed to the eviction of ___B___ fish enclosures. After thousands of hectares of Chilika Lake free, Irrawaddy dolphins found unobstructed areas for were made ___C___ due to the COVID-19 lockdown last year, there was movement. ___D___ comparatively fewer tourist boats on Chilika Lake, which made it ___E___ for dolphins to move from one part of the lake to another.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank no D A. Nevertheless B. Whereas C. However D. Moreover
Correct answer: D. Moreover
Explanation:
The sentence talks about the decline of bird populations and then emphasizes the importance of birds. The phrase should emphasize additional information, particularly their importance despite the decline. The word “Moreover” is used to add extra information, especially when strengthening a previous point.
In this case, “Moreover” is perfect because it adds to the importance of birds, reinforcing why their role is so critical even though their populations are declining. This fits better than showing contrast, as in “However” or “Nevertheless”.
Why the other options are not correct:
A. Nevertheless is used to introduce a contrast, indicating that despite something, another point remains valid. While this would work for showing contrast between the decline and importance, it does not align with the idea of adding additional emphasis to the importance of birds.
B. Whereas is typically used to compare two ideas that are in contrast with one another, often in a more formal way. It does not fit here as we are emphasizing the importance of birds in addition to discussing their decline.
C. However is used to show a contrast or contradiction, but in this case, it would be a weaker transition between the decline and the importance of birds. “Moreover” works better to highlight the added significance of birds.
Thus, “Moreover” (Option D) is the most appropriate word to introduce the idea that despite the decline, the importance of birds remains crucial.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank no E A. hurtful B. disturbing C. detrimental D. conducive
Correct answer: C. detrimental
Explanation:
The correct word to fill in the blank is “detrimental”. In the context of the passage, the loss of birds is described as a “deeper threat” to other species, including humans. The word “detrimental” means causing harm or damage, which fits perfectly with the idea of the bird population’s decline posing a significant danger to the broader ecosystem and humans.
Why the other options are not correct:
A. Hurtful refers to causing physical or emotional pain but does not fully convey the broader environmental harm that “detrimental” does. It’s less suitable for describing the wide-reaching effects on biodiversity and ecosystems.
B. Disturbing refers to causing anxiety or unease, but it is not strong enough to describe the environmental or ecological damage implied in the passage.
D. Conducive means promoting or leading to a positive outcome, which is the opposite of what is intended in this context. It does not fit the idea of harm caused by the loss of birds.
Thus, “detrimental” is the most appropriate choice, as it conveys the significant harm or damage caused by the loss of birds, fitting the context of the passage.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank no C A. intervention B. trespass C. confiscation D. encroachment
Correct answer: D. encroachment
Explanation:
The correct word to fill in the blank is “encroachment”. This term refers to the gradual intrusion or violation of boundaries, especially in the context of land or habitat. In the passage, the main threats to bird species are likely related to human activities, such as the expansion of urban areas, deforestation, and other forms of habitat destruction, which are described as “encroachment” on their natural environment.
Why the other options are not correct:
A. Intervention refers to interference or involvement in a situation, usually to make a change. While human intervention can be a factor in environmental issues, it doesn’t specifically relate to the loss of habitats in the same way “encroachment” does.
B. Trespass refers to the act of entering someone else’s land or property without permission. While this may involve illegal entry, it doesn’t capture the broader environmental context of human activities threatening wildlife.
C. Confiscation means the act of taking something away, often by legal authority. This doesn’t fit in the context of habitat loss or environmental threats to birds.
Thus, “encroachment” is the best fit because it directly refers to human activities that infringe on or gradually take over the natural habitats of species.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank no A A. natives B. inhabitants C. population D. clan
Correct answer: C. population
Explanation:
The correct word to fill in the blank is “population”. The sentence is talking about the number of individuals of a particular species living in a specific area, which fits the context of the passage. The passage discusses how species, including humans, are affected by the decline in bird populations, and “population” is the most appropriate term for describing the total number of species in a given area.
Why the other options are not correct:
A. Natives refers specifically to the original inhabitants of a region, which does not align with the passage’s focus on species and their population numbers. The term is more about origin rather than the total number of individuals.
B. Inhabitants is a general term for those who live in a place, but it does not have the specific ecological connotation that “population” provides. “Population” is a more precise term when discussing the number of individuals of a species in an area, especially in an environmental context.
D. Clan refers to a group of related families or individuals, often used in the context of human or social animal groups. It is not relevant to the environmental discussion in the passage, which is focused on populations of species.
Thus, “population” (option C) is the best choice as it accurately describes the number of species living in an area, fitting the context of the passage.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank for B. A. illegitimate B. unconstitutional C. illegal D. unwarranted
Correct answer: C. illegal
Explanation:
The correct word to fill in the blank is “illegal”. Here’s why:
“Illegal” refers to something that is forbidden by law. In the context of the passage, it likely talks about an action or activity that goes against legal regulations or is prohibited by law.
Why the other options are not correct:
A. Illegitimate refers to something not recognized by law, usually in the context of birth or authority, and doesn’t fit as well in the general legal context of the passage.
B. Unconstitutional refers to something that violates the principles or laws set forth in a constitution, which is a specific legal concept related to the highest laws of a country, but does not apply to the more general term for illegal actions.
D. Unwarranted refers to something that is unjustified or not authorized, but it is not as directly related to legal prohibitions as “illegal”.
Thus, “illegal” (option C) is the best choice, as it directly refers to something that is against the law.
