The Cloze Test is an important topic of the English Language section in the IBPS PO 2025 exam. This sections asses a candidate’s reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammatical skills. Typically, it involves a passage with blanks where candidates must select the most contextually and grammatically appropriate word or phrase from the given options. The Cloze test is a most scoring topic in the english section, it contains 5–10 marks in the Prelims and Mains exams. This article, we are providing an in-depth guide to mastering the Cloze Test, along with strategies, tips, and sample questions with answers to boost your preparation.
Study Resources Based On the Latest Pattern
https://s1.practicemock.com/exams/?c=dashboard&i=banking&dl=https://www.practicemock.com/pricing/marketing/files/img/ibps-po2024-question-paper.pdfUnderstanding the Cloze Test in IBPS PO 2025
The Cloze Test is a passage (usually 100–200 words) with 5 questions each and missing word or phrase. Candidates must choose the correct option from multiple choices (typically 4–5 per blank) to fill these blanks. The test evaluates:
- Reading Comprehension: Ability to understand the passage’s context, tone, and flow.
- Vocabulary: Knowledge of words, synonyms, and their contextual usage.
- Grammar: Understanding of sentence structure, parts of speech, and tense consistency.
- Logical Reasoning: Ability to deduce the appropriate word based on the passage’s theme.
In the IBPS PO Prelims 2025, the English Language section includes 30 questions for 30 marks, with the Cloze Test contributing approximately 5–7 questions (5–7 marks). In the Mains, the English section has 40 marks, and the Cloze Test may appear with 5–10 questions. The topic’s high weightage and relative ease make it a must-master for aspirants.
Types of Cloze Tests in IBPS PO
- Traditional Cloze Test: A passage with single-word blanks, where candidates choose the word that fits grammatically and contextually.
- Phrase-Based Cloze Test: Blanks require short phrases or multi-word expressions instead of single words.
- Double Fillers in Cloze: Two related blanks in a sentence, where candidates select a pair of words.
- Themed Passages: Passages focus on specific themes like banking, economy, environment, or technology, requiring familiarity with related vocabulary.
Cloze Test Most Important Questions for IBPS PO
For decades, there has been ___(A)___ that classroom techniques designed to get students to participate in the learning process produces better educational outcomes at virtually all levels. And a new Harvard study suggests it may be important to let students know it. The study shows that, ___(B)___ students felt as if they learned more through traditional lectures, they actually learned more when taking part in classrooms that ___(C)___ active-learning strategies. The question of whether students’ perceptions of their learning ____(D)___ with how well they’re actually learning is particularly important because while students eventually see the value of active learning, initially it can feel ___(E)___. The study shows that it’s important to ensure that neither instructors nor students are ___(F)___ into thinking that lectures are the best learning option. Deep learning is hard work. The effort involved in active learning can be misinterpreted as a sign of poor learning.
(A)
a) situation
b) evidence
c) acknowledge
d) knowing
e) associate
(B)
a) possible
b) never
c) though
d) even
d) might
(C)
a) discourages
b) inclines
c) employed
d) positioning
e) disposed
(D)
a) belong
b) looks
c) feat
d) matches
e) ties
(E)
a) denies
b) align
c) frustrating
d) retract
e) difficulty
Strategies to Ace the Cloze Test
To score 25+ marks in the English section, including the Cloze Test, follow these master strategies:
1. Read the Passage Thoroughly
- First, you read the detailed passage and know the context, tone, and theme (e.g., narrative, descriptive, or formal). This helps in selecting words that maintain the passage’s flow.
2. Focus on Contextual Clues
- Look for keywords or phrases around the blank to determine the required word’s meaning.
- Example: If the sentence mentions “challenges in the banking sector,” the blank may require a word like “overcome” or “address.”
3. Use the Elimination Technique
- Rule out options that are grammatically incorrect or contextually irrelevant. This narrows down choices and increases accuracy.
- Example: If the blank requires a verb, eliminate nouns or adjectives.
4. Check Grammar and Tense
- Ensure the selected word aligns with the sentence’s tense, subject-verb agreement, and part of speech.
- Example: For a blank in a past-tense sentence, choose a past-tense verb.
5. Build Vocabulary
- Learn 10–15 new words daily, focusing on synonyms, antonyms, and their usage in sentences. Note words from editorials in newspapers like The Hindu or The Indian Express.
- Example: Words like “mitigate,” “bolster,” or “dwindle” frequently appear in Cloze Tests.
6. Practice Regularly
- Solve 2–3 Cloze Tests weekly using mock tests or previous years’ papers to improve speed and accuracy.
- Analyse mistakes to identify weak areas (e.g., vocabulary or grammar).
7. Pay Attention to Prepositions and Articles
- Errors in prepositions (e.g., “in” vs. “on”) or articles (e.g., “a” vs. “the”) are common traps. Practice their usage in context.
8. Time Management
- Allocate 4–5 minutes for a 5–7 question Cloze Test in Prelims to balance speed and accuracy.
- Attempt Cloze Tests early in the English section to secure easy marks quickly.
Join our exclusive Telegram group where our experts are ready to answer all your queries, guide you in banking exam preparation, and give personalised tips to boost your success. Get access to real-time solutions, expert advice, and valuable resources to improve your study journey. [Click here to join now!]
Also Read

- Sign Up on Practicemock for Updated Current Affairs, Topic Tests and Mini Mocks
- Sign Up Here to Download Free Study Material
Free Mock Tests for the Upcoming Exams
- IBPS PO Free Mock Test
- RBI Grade B Free Mock Test
- IBPS SO Free Mock Test
- NABARD Grade A Free Mock Test
- SSC CGL Free Mock Test
- IBPS Clerk Free Mock Test
- IBPS RRB PO Free Mock Test
- IBPS RRB Clerk Free Mock Test
- RRB NTPC Free Mock Test
- SSC MTS Free Mock Test
- SSC Strenographer Free Mock Test
- GATE Mechanical Free Mock Test
- GATE Civil Free Mock Test
- RRB ALP Free Mock Test
- SSC CPO Free Mock Test
- AFCAT Free Mock Test
- SEBI Grade A Free Mock Test
- IFSCA Grade A Free Mock Test
- RRB JE Free Mock Test
- Free Banking Live Test
- Free SSC Live Test