19 Sentence Completion, Cloze Test
19.1 Introduction
Entrance exams frequently test your command of grammar, vocabulary, and logical flow using sentence completion and cloze tests.
- Sentence completion: fill in the missing word/phrase in a single sentence.
- Cloze test: a passage with several blanks where the context determines the best fit.
Both demand strong vocabulary, grammar awareness, and sensitivity to context.
19.2 1) Sentence Completion
19.2.1 1.1 Core Skills
- Grammar check: subject–verb agreement, prepositions, tense.
- Collocation: words that typically go together (e.g., commit a crime, make a mistake).
- Tone and logic: positive vs negative meaning, contrast markers (although, but, however).
- Context clues: synonyms, antonyms, examples within the sentence.
19.2.2 1.2 Examples
- He was too ___ to move after the long run.
- tired (b) tall (c) free (d) easy → tired
- tired (b) tall (c) free (d) easy → tired
- The boy was punished ___ his laziness.
- because (b) for (c) of (d) at → for
- because (b) for (c) of (d) at → for
- The Prime Minister ___ the gathering yesterday.
- addressing (b) was address (c) addressed (d) addresses → addressed
- addressing (b) was address (c) addressed (d) addresses → addressed
- The committee was divided ___ the new proposal.
- on (b) into (c) about (d) over → over
- on (b) into (c) about (d) over → over
- He did not succeed ___ his efforts.
- in spite (b) despite (c) in spite of (d) although → in spite of
19.3 2) Cloze Test
19.3.1 2.1 Strategy
- Read the entire passage quickly to grasp theme and tone.
- Eliminate options that violate grammar.
- Check for consistency (e.g., tense, pronouns).
- Look for connectors (however, therefore, moreover, although).
19.3.2 2.2 Example Passage
Fill in the blanks with suitable words.
Passage
Education is the most powerful weapon which can be used to (1) ___ the world.
It is the (2) ___ of every child to receive proper schooling. However, millions of children are (3) ___ of this right.
Governments must (4) ___ steps to provide free and compulsory education. Only then can we (5) ___ equality and progress.
Options
1. (a) change (b) destroy (c) copy (d) waste
2. (a) property (b) duty (c) right (d) wealth
3. (a) deprived (b) enjoyed (c) aware (d) proud
4. (a) take (b) give (c) leave (d) break
5. (a) imagine (b) achieve (c) deny (d) forget
Answer Key: 1. change, 2. right, 3. deprived, 4. take, 5. achieve
19.4 3) Practice Set – Sentence Completion
- He succeeded ___ hard work. (a) on (b) by (c) with (d) through
- The police are looking ___ the thief. (a) for (b) at (c) into (d) after
- Please look ___ this word in the dictionary. (a) up (b) on (c) out (d) after
- We were astonished ___ his behavior. (a) with (b) at (c) on (d) over
- This house is similar ___ mine. (a) with (b) at (c) to (d) in
19.5 4) Practice Set – Cloze Test
Passage
Global warming is one of the greatest challenges today. It (1) ___ due to the increase in greenhouse gases. These gases (2) ___ heat in the atmosphere. If not controlled, temperatures will (3) ___ rapidly, leading to disasters. Nations must (4) ___ together and (5) ___ solutions for a sustainable future.
Options
1. (a) happens (b) occurs (c) rises (d) increases
2. (a) capture (b) release (c) absorb (d) produce
3. (a) fall (b) rise (c) balance (d) remain
4. (a) come (b) run (c) sit (d) gather
5. (a) invent (b) discover (c) find (d) create
Answer Key: 1. occurs, 2. trap/absorb (best: absorb), 3. rise, 4. come, 5. find
19.6 5) Tips for Mastery
- Learn common collocations and phrasal verbs.
- Expand vocabulary through reading newspapers and novels.
- For cloze, always check the sentence before and after the blank.
- Practice time management: don’t spend too long on one blank.
- Elimination is powerful: rule out grammatically wrong or illogical options.
19.7 Summary
- Sentence completion tests grammar, collocations, and logic.
- Cloze tests check contextual reading and vocabulary.
- Master through practice, elimination technique, and reading habit.