Cloze Test

Fill multiple blanks within a passage — single and double-fill variants used in IBPS PO Prelims.

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Cloze Test — IBPS PO Prelims Study Notes

Overview

Cloze Test is a consistent 5-question set in IBPS PO Prelims, appearing in every exam cycle. You are given a short passage (150–250 words) on banking, economy, technology, or social issues, with 5 blanks numbered sequentially. Each blank has 5 options, and you must select the word that fits grammatically and contextually.

This topic tests vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension simultaneously. Unlike isolated fill-in-the-blank questions, cloze tests require understanding the passage's overall theme, tone, and logical flow. Strong candidates treat the passage as a connected whole rather than solving blanks in isolation.

Scoring well here is straightforward with practice—passages follow predictable themes (RBI policies, digital banking, financial inclusion, social welfare), and the same 200–300 high-frequency words rotate across exams. Master the method, build contextual vocabulary, and this becomes a reliable 4–5 mark section.

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Key Concepts

**Context is king**: The correct answer must fit the sentence's meaning AND the passage's overall theme. A grammatically correct word can still be wrong if it contradicts the passage's direction.

**Part-of-speech identification**: Before looking at options, identify what the blank needs—noun, verb, adjective, adverb, or preposition. This instantly eliminates 2–3 wrong options.

**Collocations matter**: English has fixed word partnerships (e.g., "impose restrictions," "pose a threat," "address concerns"). The correct answer often completes a standard collocation.

**Sentence connectors signal logic**: Words before/after the blank (however, therefore, despite, although) indicate whether the blank continues the idea or contrasts it.

**Tone consistency**: If the passage discusses a "crisis" or "challenge," the blank likely needs a word with negative connotation. Positive passages need positive-toned words.

**Eliminate the absurd first**: Cross out options that create nonsensical or contradictory meanings. Often 2–3 options are clearly wrong, leaving a 50-50 choice.

**Double-fill variant**: Some questions offer pairs of words for two blanks in one sentence. Both words must fit; if one fails, the entire pair is wrong.

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Formulas / Key Facts

**High-frequency word categories in IBPS Cloze Tests:**

| Category | Common Words | |----------|--------------| | Economic growth | surge, decline, slump, bolster, propel, stagnant | | Policy/Reform | implement, enforce, mandate, comply, regulate, amend | | Positive impact | enhance, boost, foster, facilitate, augment, stimulate | | Negative impact | hamper, hinder, impede, undermine, curtail, deteriorate | | Comparison | whereas, contrary, unlike, conversely, likewise, similarly | | Causation | consequently, hence, thereby, owing to, stemming from |

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Q1 · Cloze Test · EASY
In the following passage, there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. Against each number, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. The Reserve Bank of India has announced several measures to __(1)__ the economy during the pandemic. These measures are aimed at providing __(2)__ to businesses and individuals who have been affected by the lockdown. The central bank has also reduced interest rates to __(3)__ borrowing and investment. However, experts believe that these steps alone may not be __(4)__ to revive the economy completely. A coordinated effort involving fiscal policy is also __(5)__ to bring about sustainable growth. Which of the following words most appropriately fits the blank numbered (1)?
Q2 · Cloze Test · EASY
In the following passage, there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. Against each number, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. The Reserve Bank of India has announced several measures to support the economy during the pandemic. These measures are aimed at providing __(2)__ to businesses and individuals who have been affected by the lockdown. The central bank has also reduced interest rates to encourage borrowing and investment. However, experts believe that these steps alone may not be sufficient to revive the economy completely. A coordinated effort involving fiscal policy is also necessary to bring about sustainable growth. Which of the following words most appropriately fits the blank numbered (2)?
Q3 · Cloze Test · MEDIUM
In the following passage, there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. Against each number, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Digital banking has __(1)__ the financial sector in recent years. Customers now prefer online transactions over visiting physical branches because of the __(2)__ and speed they offer. However, this shift has also __(3)__ concerns about data security and cyber threats. Banks are investing heavily in technology to __(4)__ their systems against hackers. Despite these challenges, the __(5)__ towards digital banking appears irreversible. Which of the following words most appropriately fits the blank numbered (3)?

Notes generated on 22 Jun 2026

Cloze Test

Cloze Test — IBPS PO Prelims Study Notes

Overview

Key Concepts

Formulas / Key Facts

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