English Language

Cloze Test

1,087 Questions
All Contextual Vocabulary 597 Confusable Words 121 Tense and Aspect 69 Collocations 62 Determiners and Quantifiers 53 Preposition Usage 51 Conjunctions and Connectors 38 Pronoun Reference 30 Subject-Verb Agreement 24 Phrasal Verbs 16 Modal Verbs 13 Idioms and Phrases 6

Cloze Test Questions

Multiple choice

Find out the appropriate word and fill blank (v).

Directions: In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. Choose the option out of the five words/phrases which fits the blank appropriately.

When we sit down for a meal of market-bought products, we like to think we're getting a reasonable __(i)__ of the body's nutrient requirements, but studies show that because of our chemical intensive farming, the food that we have, does not__(ii)__ the vital nutrients that our ancestors enjoyed.
Plants __(iii)__ with the help of soluble chemical fertilisers get lazy and do not develop the deep, healthy root systems that pull additional elements out of the__(iv)__. In addition, the micro-organisms that break down organic matter and minerals to be taken up by plant roots are __(v)__ by chemical bombardment and violent mechanised manipulation of their environment. Essentially, we're getting robbed, and having to pay for it in __(vi)__ health, energy, longevity, and advancing medical bills.
Unfortunately, agriculture's single-minded focus on increasing __(vii)__ at any cost over the last half-century created a blind spot where rapid __(viii)__ of the nutritional quality of our food has occurred. This decline has been observed to be quite __(ix)__ in some crops but has sadly gone largely __(x)__ by scientists, farmers, government and consumers.

  1. increased

  2. absorbed

  3. added

  4. killed

  5. wounded
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Option (5) is correct. Negative aspects of chemical fertilisers is being discussed. The chemical bombardment will 'kill' the micro-organisms.

Multiple choice

Find out the appropriate word and fill blank (x).

Directions: In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. Choose the option out of the five words/phrases which fits the blank appropriately.

When we sit down for a meal of market-bought products, we like to think we're getting a reasonable __(i)__ of the body's nutrient requirements, but studies show that because of our chemical intensive farming, the food that we have, does not__(ii)__ the vital nutrients that our ancestors enjoyed.
Plants __(iii)__ with the help of soluble chemical fertilisers get lazy and do not develop the deep, healthy root systems that pull additional elements out of the__(iv)__. In addition, the micro-organisms that break down organic matter and minerals to be taken up by plant roots are __(v)__ by chemical bombardment and violent mechanised manipulation of their environment. Essentially, we're getting robbed, and having to pay for it in __(vi)__ health, energy, longevity, and advancing medical bills.
Unfortunately, agriculture's single-minded focus on increasing __(vii)__ at any cost over the last half-century created a blind spot where rapid __(viii)__ of the nutritional quality of our food has occurred. This decline has been observed to be quite __(ix)__ in some crops but has sadly gone largely __(x)__ by scientists, farmers, government and consumers.

  1. improved

  2. unnoticed

  3. eradicated

  4. alarming

  5. unaware
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Option (2) is correct. Use of but indicates that though loss is significant, it has gone unnoticed.

Multiple choice

Find out the appropriate word and fill blank (iii).

Directions: In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. Choose the option out of the five words/phrases which fits the blank appropriately.

When we sit down for a meal of market-bought products, we like to think we're getting a reasonable __(i)__ of the body's nutrient requirements, but studies show that because of our chemical intensive farming, the food that we have, does not__(ii)__ the vital nutrients that our ancestors enjoyed.
Plants __(iii)__ with the help of soluble chemical fertilisers get lazy and do not develop the deep, healthy root systems that pull additional elements out of the__(iv)__. In addition, the micro-organisms that break down organic matter and minerals to be taken up by plant roots are __(v)__ by chemical bombardment and violent mechanised manipulation of their environment. Essentially, we're getting robbed, and having to pay for it in __(vi)__ health, energy, longevity, and advancing medical bills.
Unfortunately, agriculture's single-minded focus on increasing __(vii)__ at any cost over the last half-century created a blind spot where rapid __(viii)__ of the nutritional quality of our food has occurred. This decline has been observed to be quite __(ix)__ in some crops but has sadly gone largely __(x)__ by scientists, farmers, government and consumers.

  1. growing

  2. eaten

  3. suffering

  4. arising

  5. rising
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Option (1) is correct. Plants grow with help of chemical fertilisers. No other option is suitable.

Multiple choice

Find out the appropriate word and fill blank (viii).

Directions: In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. Choose the option out of the five words/phrases which fits the blank appropriately.

When we sit down for a meal of market-bought products, we like to think we're getting a reasonable __(i)__ of the body's nutrient requirements, but studies show that because of our chemical intensive farming, the food that we have, does not__(ii)__ the vital nutrients that our ancestors enjoyed.
Plants __(iii)__ with the help of soluble chemical fertilisers get lazy and do not develop the deep, healthy root systems that pull additional elements out of the__(iv)__. In addition, the micro-organisms that break down organic matter and minerals to be taken up by plant roots are __(v)__ by chemical bombardment and violent mechanised manipulation of their environment. Essentially, we're getting robbed, and having to pay for it in __(vi)__ health, energy, longevity, and advancing medical bills.
Unfortunately, agriculture's single-minded focus on increasing __(vii)__ at any cost over the last half-century created a blind spot where rapid __(viii)__ of the nutritional quality of our food has occurred. This decline has been observed to be quite __(ix)__ in some crops but has sadly gone largely __(x)__ by scientists, farmers, government and consumers.

  1. immigration

  2. improvement

  3. return

  4. deterioration

  5. progression
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Option (4) is correct. Since focus of agriculture has been increasing yield, chemical fertilisers were used for this. As a result this overrode any concern for quality of food. The quality deteriorated. So, option 4 is the correct answer.

Multiple choice

Fill blank 4.

Directions: Read the following passage with numbered blanks.

“Between the year 1964 and the year 1973, I did not file any income tax returns.” With that _____1_____ statement, Hitesh embarked on an account of his encounter with the famed Income Tax Department. “I originally owed 2,00,000 in unpaid taxes. With ____2_____ and ___3___, the 2,00,000 became 6,00,000. The Income Tax Department then went into action, and I learned first hand just how much power the Tax Department wields. Royalties and trust funds can be ____4____; automobiles may be ____5____, and auctioned off. Nothing belongs to the ___6_____ until the case is settled.”

  1. closed

  2. separated

  3. attached

  4. impounded

  5. detached
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Attach is to take temporary possession of as a security by legal authority.

Multiple choice

Fill blank 3.

Directions: Read the following passage with numbered blanks.

“Between the year 1964 and the year 1973, I did not file any income tax returns.” With that _____1_____ statement, Hitesh embarked on an account of his encounter with the famed Income Tax Department. “I originally owed 2,00,000 in unpaid taxes. With ____2_____ and ___3___, the 2,00,000 became 6,00,000. The Income Tax Department then went into action, and I learned first hand just how much power the Tax Department wields. Royalties and trust funds can be ____4____; automobiles may be ____5____, and auctioned off. Nothing belongs to the ___6_____ until the case is settled.”

  1. sanctions

  2. refunds

  3. fees

  4. fines

  5. debt
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

This is the correct answer.

Multiple choice

Fill blank 5.

Directions: Read the following passage with numbered blanks.

“Between the year 1964 and the year 1973, I did not file any income tax returns.” With that _____1_____ statement, Hitesh embarked on an account of his encounter with the famed Income Tax Department. “I originally owed 2,00,000 in unpaid taxes. With ____2_____ and ___3___, the 2,00,000 became 6,00,000. The Income Tax Department then went into action, and I learned first hand just how much power the Tax Department wields. Royalties and trust funds can be ____4____; automobiles may be ____5____, and auctioned off. Nothing belongs to the ___6_____ until the case is settled.”

  1. smashed

  2. seized

  3. dismantled

  4. frozen

  5. accounted
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Seize means to take possession of, which is correct according to the context of the passage. It implies confiscation of property.

Multiple choice

Fill blank 2.

Directions: Read the following passage with numbered blanks.

“Between the year 1964 and the year 1973, I did not file any income tax returns.” With that _____1_____ statement, Hitesh embarked on an account of his encounter with the famed Income Tax Department. “I originally owed 2,00,000 in unpaid taxes. With ____2_____ and ___3___, the 2,00,000 became 6,00,000. The Income Tax Department then went into action, and I learned first hand just how much power the Tax Department wields. Royalties and trust funds can be ____4____; automobiles may be ____5____, and auctioned off. Nothing belongs to the ___6_____ until the case is settled.”

  1. interest

  2. excise

  3. principal

  4. profits

  5. taxes
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The passage talks about taxes that have increased from Rs. 2,00,000 to Rs. 6,00,000.

Multiple choice

Fill blank 1.

Directions: Read the following passage with numbered blanks.

“Between the year 1964 and the year 1973, I did not file any income tax returns.” With that _____1_____ statement, Hitesh embarked on an account of his encounter with the famed Income Tax Department. “I originally owed 2,00,000 in unpaid taxes. With ____2_____ and ___3___, the 2,00,000 became 6,00,000. The Income Tax Department then went into action, and I learned first hand just how much power the Tax Department wields. Royalties and trust funds can be ____4____; automobiles may be ____5____, and auctioned off. Nothing belongs to the ___6_____ until the case is settled.”

  1. oblique

  2. ostentatious

  3. discreet

  4. blunt

  5. pretentious
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The given statement is straightforward and the best answer is blunt, which means direct.

Multiple choice

Fill blank 6.

Directions: Read the following passage with numbered blanks.

“Between the year 1964 and the year 1973, I did not file any income tax returns.” With that _____1_____ statement, Hitesh embarked on an account of his encounter with the famed Income Tax Department. “I originally owed 2,00,000 in unpaid taxes. With ____2_____ and ___3___, the 2,00,000 became 6,00,000. The Income Tax Department then went into action, and I learned first hand just how much power the Tax Department wields. Royalties and trust funds can be ____4____; automobiles may be ____5____, and auctioned off. Nothing belongs to the ___6_____ until the case is settled.”

  1. purchaser

  2. victim

  3. investor

  4. offender

  5. dupe
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A person not paying taxes is a legal offender. Hence, offender is the correct answer.

Multiple choice

Fill blank 2.

Directions: Read the following passage having some numbered blanks.

At that time the Rashtrapati Bhavan was a serene as a resort hotel out of season. The corridors were ______1________. In the various offices, _____2_______ gray men in waistcoats talked to one another in low-pitched voices. The only color, or choler, curiosity enough, was provided by President Kalam himself. Apparently, his _____3_____ was easily set off, he scowled when he ____4____ the corridors.

  1. quiet

  2. bleached

  3. boisterous

  4. stentorian

  5. booming
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The word 'quiet' suits the context of the passage as the general atmosphere seems hushed.

Multiple choice

Fill blank 1.

Directions: Read the following passage having some numbered blanks.

At that time the Rashtrapati Bhavan was a serene as a resort hotel out of season. The corridors were ______1________. In the various offices, _____2_______ gray men in waistcoats talked to one another in low-pitched voices. The only color, or choler, curiosity enough, was provided by President Kalam himself. Apparently, his _____3_____ was easily set off, he scowled when he ____4____ the corridors.

  1. expunging

  2. vacuous

  3. empty

  4. snowy

  5. crammed
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

As the first line of the passage says that the Rashtrapati Bhavan was serene; striking, hollow and white are unsuitable adjectives for the corridors. The correct answer is empty.

Multiple choice

Fill blank 3.

Directions: Read the following passage having some numbered blanks.

At that time the Rashtrapati Bhavan was a serene as a resort hotel out of season. The corridors were ______1________. In the various offices, _____2_______ gray men in waistcoats talked to one another in low-pitched voices. The only color, or choler, curiosity enough, was provided by President Kalam himself. Apparently, his _____3_____ was easily set off, he scowled when he ____4____ the corridors.

  1. laughter

  2. curiosity

  3. humor

  4. temper

  5. emotion
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The answer is temper as his temper was easily activated, so he scowled.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the following conversation carefully and complete the following passage by filling in the blank space appropriately. Do not add any new information.

Father: Did you go to listen to the Prime Minister’s address? Son: Yes, I did go. Father: What did the Prime Minister speak on? Son: He spoke on the eradication of corruption and unemployment.

The father asked his son ____________

  1. if he had listened to the Prime Minister's address

  2. if he had gone to listen to the Prime Minister’s address

  3. if he listened to the Prime Minister’s address

  4. if he will listen to the Prime Minister’s address
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

In reported speech, Did you go to listen becomes if he had gone to listen. The tense shifts from past simple to past perfect to show the action happened before the asking. A uses listened instead of gone to listen, C uses simple past, and D uses future tense.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the following conversation carefully and complete the following passage by filling in the blank space appropriately. Do not add any new information. Father: Did you go to listen to the Prime Minister’s address? Son: Yes, I did go. Father: What did the Prime Minister speak on? Son: He spoke on the eradication of corruption and unemployment.

The son replied _________.

  1. that he had spoken on the eradication of corruption and unemployment

  2. that he spoke on the eradication of corruption and unemployment

  3. that he spoke about the eradication of corruption and unemployment

  4. that he has spoken on the eradication of corruption and unemployment
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

When He spoke is converted to reported speech, it becomes that he had spoken past perfect. B and C use simple past, which doesn't show the correct tense sequence, and D uses present perfect, which is inappropriate for reported speech.