Let’s be honest. The SSC CGL Cloze Test is underestimated by most candidates. Just Fill in the blanks, isn’t that easy?
The catch is that a single incorrect word in that passage can affect your score as a whole. In contrast to fill-in-the-blanks or error spotting, a Cloze Test requires more than just grammar. It assesses your comprehension of the flow, tone, and context of English as it actually functions.
And for that reason, we’re going into great detail about the SSC CGL Cloze Test in this blog. You will receive shrewd tactics, examples, and mistakes to steer clear of. No fluff. No filler.
What’s a Cloze Test Anyway?
In the SSC CGL Tier 1 exam, a Cloze Test usually appears as a short passage with 5 to 10 blanks. Each blank has four options—you need to pick the one that best fits.
Now, it’s not just vocabulary. It’s about:
- Reading comprehension
- Understanding tone
- Grammar accuracy
- Logical flow
It’s like solving a mini puzzle—but the pieces are all words.
Why Is the SSC CGL Cloze Test Tricky?
Because it looks easy.
Most of us skim through the options and go with gut feeling. That works in movies—not here.
The real challenge? Often, two or more options seem correct. And unless you understand the passage as a whole, you’ll fall into the trap.
Your Strategy to Crack the Cloze Test –
Here’s a simple 5-step approach that works even if your grammar isn’t perfect:
Step 1: Read the Full Passage First
Don’t jump to the blanks, please. Read it as though it were a news item or a story. Understand the tone. Is this thing serious? Sarcastically? Educative? Finding the perfect words is much simpler if you “get” the feeling.
Step 2: Make a Word Prediction Before Viewing the Options
Before you look at the options, try to fill in the blank yourself. Follow your gut, but only after you’ve comprehended the sentence.
Why this works:
Your brain naturally completes sentences you’re familiar with. By using this technique, you can avoid becoming confused by options that look alike.
Step 3: Make Wise Use of Elimination
Now look over your options. Mark those that are out of tone or lacking proper grammar. Usually, you can eliminate 2 out of 4 right away. Look at connectors like “however,” “because,” or “although.” These are huge clues.
Step 4: Mind the Flow
Even if individual sentences make sense, the whole passage must read smoothly. If your chosen word makes the paragraph awkward, reconsider.
tep 5: Go over everything again.
Don’t skip this. Read the passage again from beginning to end after you have filled in all the blanks. If something doesn’t feel right, repair it.
Let’s See an Example (SSC CGL Cloze Test Style)
Passage:
The weather was gloomy, and clouds (1) the sky. People were rushing home, trying to (2) the heavy rain. Shops started closing early, and streets were soon (3).
Options for (1):
a) decorated
b) crowded
c) covered
d) ignored
Correct: covered
Why? Because “clouds” don’t decorate or ignore. “Covered” fits the visual image and the tone.
Follow the same logic for the rest. Use context, not just vocabulary knowledge.
Mistakes to Avoid in the SSC CGL Cloze Test
- Don’t rely on the meaning of individual words. Think sentence-by-sentence.
- Don’t rush. You have enough time if you’ve practiced.
- Avoid picking what “sounds” right—go with what flows right in the passage.
- Don’t guess based on just grammar rules—meaning matters more.
Quick Tips That Actually Help
- Practice with previous year SSC CGL Cloze Test questions. The tone and complexity are pretty consistent over the years.
- Read English editorials daily. They naturally teach you flow, connectors, and tone.
- Keep a notebook of confusing words and transitions (e.g., although, despite, furthermore, hence).
- Use apps or tools where you can get instant explanations when you go wrong.
Final Thoughts!
This section doesn’t demand you be a grammar nerd or vocab king. What it really wants is your ability to understand context and stay calm under pressure. Once you nail that, these SSC CGL Cloze Test marks are yours! And guess what? These are the fastest marks you can score in English if you get the hang of it.
Want Practice with Instant Feedback?
Try the NetPractice App –
- Practice Cloze Tests in exam-style format
- Get explanations for every question
- Track your progress, speed & accuracy
No more guessing. Just real-time learning.
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SSC CGL Simplification and Approximation Questions Tips & Tricks!