Verbal Aptitude: Cloze Test Questions with Answers

Directions for Cloze Test Questions: In each of the following passages, there are five blanks. Choose the word that best fits each blank.

Passage 1

The rapid development of technology has ________(1) every aspect of our lives. With the advent of smartphones, social media, and advanced computing, communication has become __________(2) and instant. However, this digital revolution has also brought significant challenges. Privacy concerns have _________(3), with data breaches becoming commonplace. Additionally, the over-reliance on technology has made people more _________(4) to distractions. Despite these issues, technology continues to play a pivotal role in improving productivity and _________(5) global connectivity.

Q. 1

(a) enhanced
(b) modified
(c) overshadowed
(d) degraded

Check Solution

Ans: (b) modified

The word “modified” fits best as it implies changes brought by technology in our lives.

Q. 2

(a) trivial
(b) challenging
(c) seamless
(d) conventional

Check Solution

Ans: (c) seamless

Communication through technology is smooth and continuous, making “seamless” the right choice.

Q. 3

(a) subsided
(b) escalated
(c) diminished
(d) evaded

Check Solution

Ans: (b) escalated

Over-reliance on technology makes people more susceptible to distractions, hence “prone” is correct.

Q. 4

(a) immune
(b) prone
(c) resistant
(d) adaptable

Check Solution

Ans: (b) prone

Over-reliance on technology makes people more susceptible to distractions, hence “prone” is correct.

Q. 5

(a) impeding
(b) obstructing
(c) fostering
(d) nullifying

Check Solution

Ans: (c) fostering

Technology fosters or promotes global connectivity, making it the most suitable word.

Passage 2

Global warming, a phenomenon primarily caused by human activities, poses a _________(1) threat to the environment. The excessive release of greenhouse gases has _________(2) the earth’s temperature, leading to severe climatic changes. Melting ice caps and rising sea levels are some of the _________(3) of this issue. Urgent and collective action is required to _________(4) the damage and _________(5) the planet for future generations.

Q. 1

(a) trivial
(b) significant
(c) ambiguous
(d) mild

Check Solution

Ans: (b) significant

The phrase “threat to the environment” suggests that the threat is substantial, hence “significant.”

Q. 2

(a) reduced
(b) stabilized
(c) increased
(d) mitigated

Check Solution

Ans: (c) increased

Greenhouse gases are responsible for increasing the earth’s temperature.

Q. 3

(a) solutions
(b) outcomes
(c) benefits
(d) detriments

Check Solution

Ans: (b) outcomes

Rising sea levels and melting ice caps are outcomes of global warming.

Q. 4

(a) restore
(b) intensify
(c) rectify
(d) aggravate

Check Solution

Ans: (c) rectify.

To address the damage caused by global warming, “rectify” is the most logical choice.

Q. 5

(a) endanger
(b) preserve
(c) exploit
(d) disregard

Check Solution

Ans: (b) preserve

The goal is to protect the planet for future generations, making “preserve” the ideal option.

Passage 3

In recent years, digital payments have seen a significant _________(1) in India, driven by increasing smartphone penetration and government initiatives. The introduction of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has made transactions more _________(2) and efficient. However, challenges such as cyber frauds and lack of awareness still _________(3) the growth of digital payments in rural areas. To ensure inclusive growth, financial literacy programs must be _________(4) across various regions. Only then can the digital economy be fully _________(5) by the masses.

Q. 1

A) decline
B) surge
C) withdrawal
D) hesitation
E) fall

✅ Answer: B) surge

Q. 2

A) complicated
B) disruptive
C) secure
D) convenient
E) casual

✅ Answer: D) convenient

Q. 3

A) help
B) highlight
C) hinder
D) stimulate
E) report

✅ Answer: C) hinder

Q. 4

A) neglected
B) encouraged
C) launched
D) distributed
E) spread

✅ Answer: C) launched

Q. 5

A) adapted
B) utilized
C) discouraged
D) measured
E) consumed

✅ Answer: B) utilized

Passage 4

The central bank’s decision to increase interest rates is aimed at _________ (1) inflationary pressures that have been building due to rising food and fuel prices. While such monetary tightening measures can _________ (2) inflation, they may also _________ (3) economic growth in the short term. Policymakers are thus faced with the challenge of maintaining a delicate _________ (4) between controlling inflation and encouraging investment. A transparent communication strategy is also essential to _________ (5) market expectations and avoid panic reactions.

Q. 1

A) examining
B) curbing
C) promoting
D) highlighting
E) relaxing

✅ Answer: B) curbing

Q. 2

A) eliminate
B) reduce
C) dismiss
D) suppress
E) inflate

✅ Answer: B) reduce

Q. 3

A) accelerate
B) strengthen
C) impede
D) enhance
E) inflate
✅ Answer: C) impede

Q. 4

A) policy
B) direction
C) link
D) balance
E) shift

✅ Answer: D) balance

Q. 5

A) manage
B) meet
C) ignore
D) delay
E) oppose

✅ Answer: A) manage

Passage 5

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. Rising global temperatures have led to more _________ (1) weather patterns, including floods, droughts, and hurricanes. If emissions are not _________ (2) in time, the planet will continue to face catastrophic consequences. Countries across the globe must come together and take _________ (3) actions toward reducing their carbon footprint. This includes investing in renewable energy, improving public transport, and promoting _________ (4) practices. Without a unified global effort, we risk leaving behind a world that is _________ (5) for future generations.

Q. 1

A) stable
B) extreme
C) irregular
D) random
E) minimal

✅ Answer: B) extreme

Q. 2

A) multiplied
B) ignored
C) addressed
D) controlled
E) increased

✅ Answer: D) controlled

Q. 3

A) symbolic
B) indifferent
C) urgent
D) delayed
E) measured

✅ Answer: C) urgent

Q. 4

A) cultural
B) hazardous
C) illegal
D) sustainable
E) natural

✅ Answer: D) sustainable

Q. 5

A) inhabitable
B) healthy
C) unstable
D) secure
E) unfit

✅ Answer: E) unfit

Passage 6

Education is widely regarded as the _________ (1) to personal and national development. It equips individuals with the skills they need to _________ (2) in the modern world. However, access to quality education still remains a _________ (3) in many parts of the country, particularly rural areas. Governments and NGOs must work together to improve infrastructure, provide trained teachers, and _________ (4) awareness about the importance of education. Only then can we hope to _________ (5) the literacy gap.

Q. 1

A) barrier
B) key
C) problem
D) excuse
E) story

✅ Answer: B) key

Q. 2

A) disappear
B) succeed
C) live
D) escape
E) fail

✅ Answer: B) succeed

Q. 3

A) solution
B) priority
C) challenge
D) norm
E) gift

✅ Answer: C) challenge

Q. 4

A) develop
B) spread
C) ignore
D) fight
E) hide

✅ Answer: B) spread

Q. 5

A) widen
B) achieve
C) measure
D) bridge
E) evaluate

✅ Answer: D) bridge

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