Delhi PSC – English Language
Topic: Cloze Test
A cloze test is a reading comprehension exercise in which words are omitted from a passage.
Candidates fill the blanks with the correct word(s) from the context, paying attention to grammar, meaning, and collocation.
1. Simple Explanation
| Feature | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Passage | A short paragraph (≈100–150 words) | Sets the context. |
| Blanks | 10–15 missing words | Test your vocabulary, grammar, and inference skills. |
| Options | Usually 1–4 words per blank (in PSC, you write the answer) | You must choose the word that fits best. |
| Grammar & Meaning | Word must agree in tense, number, case, and sense | Ensures the sentence stays grammatical and logical. |
2. Key Points to Master
| # | Tip | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Read the whole passage first | Skim for overall meaning, main idea, and tone. | Avoids getting stuck on one blank. |
| 2. Identify the part of speech needed | Look at the surrounding words. Is it a noun, verb, preposition, adjective, or adverb? | Narrow down options. |
| 3. Use context clues | Synonyms, antonyms, or logical progression hint at the missing word. | Helps when you’re unsure. |
| 4. Pay attention to collocations | Certain words naturally pair with others (e.g., make a decision, strong coffee). | Eliminates unlikely choices. |
| 5. Watch for grammatical agreement | Subject‑verb agreement, number, tense, case, and pronoun reference. | Prevents grammatical errors. |
| 6. Check for lexical cohesion | Repeated terms, pronouns, or reference words should be consistent. | Keeps the passage coherent. |
| 7. Eliminate obviously wrong options | Wrong tense, gender, or meaning. | Saves time. |
| 8. Verify with the whole sentence | After choosing, read the sentence again to ensure it flows naturally. | Avoids second‑guessing. |
| 9. Time‑management | Allocate ~2–3 min per 10 blanks. | Keeps you on schedule. |
| 10. Practice with official PSC past papers | Familiarise with the style and difficulty. | Builds confidence. |
3. Worked Example
Passage (Cloze Test) – 12 blanks
- The (1) in the city’s traffic (2) has become a major (3) for commuters.
- Each morning, (4) vehicles (5) a (6) of congestion and (7) on the roads.
- Authorities have (8) several measures, but the (9) remains (10).
- To alleviate the problem, local (11) have suggested a (12) shift.
Options (one word each):
- problem / solution / plan
- system / systematics / condition
- issue / challenge / disaster
- thousands / hundreds / dozens
- create / cause / produce
- degree / level / amount
- travel / move / avoid
- introduced / implemented / suggested
- issue / plan / policy
- easy / hard / difficult
- officials / drivers / citizens
- time / schedule / shift
Step‑by‑Step Solution
| Blank | Context | Correct Word | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| (1) | City’s traffic ___ | problem | Traffic is a problem in cities. |
| (2) | Traffic ___ | system | Traffic system refers to the network of roads. |
| (3) | Major ___ for commuters | issue | A major issue is a serious concern. |
| (4) | Each morning, ___ vehicles | thousands | Large number implied. |
| (5) | Vehicles ___ a ___ of congestion | cause a degree | Vehicles cause a degree of congestion. |
| (6) | Congestion and ___ on the roads | avoid | Drivers avoid congestion. |
| (7) | Authorities have ___ several measures | implemented | Measures are implemented. |
| (8) | The ___ remains ___ | issue remains difficult | The issue remains difficult. |
| (9) | To alleviate the problem, local ___ have suggested a ___ shift | officials have suggested a time shift | Officials suggest time shift (e.g., staggered work hours). |
Answer Key
- problem
- system
- issue
- thousands
- cause
- degree
- avoid
- implemented
- issue
- difficult
- officials
- time
4. Quick Revision Summary
- Read first, fill later – Get the gist before tackling blanks.
- Identify part of speech – Helps eliminate wrong options.
- Look for collocations & context clues – Word pairs & logical meaning.
- Check grammatical agreement – Tense, number, pronouns.
- Eliminate wrong choices – Wrong tense or meaning = no chance.
- Verify whole sentence – Ensure natural flow.
- Time yourself – Aim for 2‑3 min per 10 blanks.
- Practice with past PSC cloze tests – Familiarise with style.
Tip: Keep a small “Cloze‑Vocabulary” list