Cloze Test Questions for SBI Clerk Exam

The SBI Clerk 2025 Notification has been published on its official website, making it the right time for candidates to concentrate on the critical sections of the exam for effective preparation. Among these, the English section holds significant importance, particularly the Cloze Test. This section assesses your skill in selecting the most suitable words to complete a passage based on the given context. To aid your preparation, we have curated Cloze Test Questions tailored for the SBI Clerk Exam, beneficial for both the Prelims and Mains stages.

Cloze Test Questions for SBI Clerk Exam

In the SBI Clerk 2025 exam, past trends indicate that the Cloze Test section in the English paper typically comprises around five questions. Each question is accompanied by a detailed solution to enhance your understanding of complex passages and improve your comprehension skills. Below, we’ve arranged a series of practice questions in sequential order to help you prepare effectively and excel in this section.

Directions (1-6): In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been denoted by letters. For each blank, five options are given. Choose the most appropriate word from the options that fits the blank appropriately.

Exploration _____________ (A) always been a fundamental part of human nature. From the earliest days of our species, we have _____________(B) out into the world, seeking new experiences, knowledge, and opportunities. Whether ______________(C) exploring the depths of the ocean, the vastness of space, or the uncharted territories of the human mind, the spirit of exploration _______________ (D) us to push the boundaries of what is possible. And while the risks and challenges of exploration are many, the rewards can be equally great, from the _______________ (E) of discovery to the satisfaction of accomplishment. Ultimately, the spirit of exploration is what drives us forward, ______________ (F) us toward new frontiers and endless possibilities.

Q1. Which of the following words will fit in the given blank (A)?
(a) was
(b) has
(c) had
(d) being
(e) are

Q2. Which of the following words will fit in the given blank (B)?
(a) concerted
(b) ventured
(c) insulated
(d) retarded
(e) hindered

Q3. Which of the following words will fit in the given blank (C)?
(a) its
(b) it has
(c) it being
(d) it’s
(e) it had

Q4. Which of the following words will fit in the given blank (D)?
(a) was driving
(b) had driven
(c) has driven
(d) being drive
(e) have driven

Q5. Which of the following words will fit in the given blank (E)?
(a) drill
(b) peril
(c) shell
(d) thrill
(e) shrill

Q6. Which of the following words will fit in the given blank (F)?
(a) repressing
(b) propelling
(c) terminating
(d) relieving
(e) quelling

Directions (7-11): Fill in the blanks with the appropriate words to make a grammatically correct and contextually meaningful sentence.

British entrepreneur Jason Unsworth, who has ____(7)____ interest in investing in the now grounded Jet Airways, has claimed that the lenders’ ____(8)____ leader State Bank of India (SBI) has asked him to formally submit a bid for the airline.
Unsworth is the Chief Executive Officer at Atmosphere Intercontinental Airlines, a startup he founded four years ago. An/A ____(9)____ Twitter account of Unsworth said that state-run SBI has confirmed that he can still submit a bid for the airline.
The development comes days after the British entrepreneur evinced interest in investing in Jet Airways.
Last month, Jet had advised the British entrepreneur to formally ____(10)____ in the matter through the ongoing bidding process.
The airline revealed its advice to Unsworth after domestic stock exchanges sought clarification from the temporarily grounded airline regarding a report which cited a British entrepreneur’s offer to take control of the cash-strapped airline.
In its reply, Jet Airways had said: “Please note that a/an ____(11)____ e-mail communication was received by the company and the sender has been advised to formally engage with SBI Caps Ltd, which is leading the bidding process under the resolution plan initiated by the consortium of domestic lenders led by the State Bank of India”. At present, the domestic lenders of the temporarily grounded airline have called for binding bids from potential investors by May 10 to sell a sizeable stake in the company.

Q7. (a) Disclose
(b) Evinced
(c) Withheld
(d) Swindled
(e) None of these.

Q8. (a) Panacea
(b) Links
(c) Superiority
(d) Consortium
(e) None of these.

Q9. (a) Durable
(b) Swift
(c) Unverified
(d) Diversified
(e) None of these.

Q10. (a) Engage
(b) Rejecting
(c) Foresee
(d) Deceive
(e) None of these.

Q11. (a) Uncovered
(b) Unconfirmed
(c) Wearing
(d) Stepped
(e) None of these.

Directions (12-16): In the following passage, some of the words have been left out, each of which is indicated by a number. Find the suitable word from the options given against each number and fill up the blanks with appropriate words to make the paragraph meaningfully complete.

It’s close to 11 a.m., and a hum of conversation ebbs and flows as people check out the tables ….(12)…… with turmeric bulbs and fingers at the market hall in Nasiyanur.
Now in its 65th year, the association of 357 turmeric traders and warehouse operators, called ‘Erode Manjal Vanigarkal Matrum Kidangu Urimaiyalarkal Sangam’, is among the busiest in the country. Its market is open through the year, ……(13)…… with manjal or turmeric from Tamil Nadu and neighbouring States. The vast complex is 9 km from Erode, the city that’s famously called manjal maanagaram or turmeric capital.
Today’s session is well …….(14)…….. — nearly 452 stands are up in the covered market hall, and customers slowly read the yellow cards that carry the details of the farms. The typical nutty fragrance of turmeric …….(15)…… the air, as potential buyers break the roots to test for colour and freshness. Nearly everyone I meet has fingertips tinged yellow.
And triumphantly, the office window displays the Geographical Indication (GI) tag that Erode turmeric won early this month. “The GI tag is a stamp of approval for our turmeric, and a …….(16)….. means for farmers and traders to add value to the local variety,” says M. Sathyamurthy, the association secretary. “It gives us an exclusive identity in a crowded market, and also stops people from passing off inferior strains as Erode manjal,” he says.

Q12. (a) quashed
(b) ladled
(c) anticipated
(d) laden
(e) galvanized

Q13. (a) spiked
(b) stocked
(c) confronted
(d) incurred
(e) shadowed

Q14. (a) rescinded
(b) fled
(c) attended
(d) rebuffed
(e) legitimized

Q15. (a) eludes
(b) postulates
(c) segregates
(d) perishes
(e) permeates

Q16. (a) unprecedented
(b) vulnerable
(c) disparaging
(d) potential
(e) frontal

Directions (17-21): In the following passage there are words highlighted in bold, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each, four words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case. If the word highlighted in bold does not require any replacement, choose (e) as your answer.

The past couple of days have distributed (17) cheer to public sector banks. The promised recapitalisation of Rs2.1 trillion takes care of not only the provisioning requirements of public sector banks, but also provides them with growth market (18). All requirements of public sector banks have been intended(19)at one stroke.
Bank recapitalisation via special recapitalisation bonds is a/an aggregate(20)the government used in the 1980-1990s. Between financial years (FY) 1985-1999, the government enlivened(21)Rs204 billion into public sector banks via recapitalisation bonds.

Q17. (a) contributed
(b) accrued
(c) brought
(d) regulated
(e) No improvement required

Q18. (a)capital
(b) principle
(c) choice
(d) resources
(e) No improvement required

Q19. (a)addressed
(b) confronted
(c) beseeched
(d) implored
(e) No improvement required

Q20. (a)orate
(b) approach
(c) spout
(d) viewpoint
(e) No improvement required

Solutions

S1. Ans.(b)
Sol. The correct word to fill in the given blank is ‘has’. The sentence talks about human nature, which refers to the inherent qualities and characteristics of human beings. The word “exploration” is used to describe an activity that humans have engaged in throughout history, such as exploring new territories, ideas, and possibilities. The word “has” is in the present perfect tense, which indicates an action that began in the past and continues up to the present. The use of the present perfect tense in this sentence suggests that exploration is an ongoing activity that is still a part of human nature today.
The option (a) “was” is in the past tense, which would suggest that exploration was a part of human nature in the past but may not be relevant today.
The option (c) “had” is also in the past tense and suggests that exploration was a part of human nature at some point in the past but is no longer relevant.
The option (d) “being” is a present participle and is not appropriate for this context.
The option (e) “are” is also incorrect because it is present tense and does not convey the ongoing nature of exploration as described in the sentence.

S2. Ans.(b)
Sol. The correct word to fill in the given blank is ‘ventured’. The sentence talks about the innate human tendency to explore and seek new experiences, knowledge, and opportunities.
The word “ventured” means to take a risk or embark on a journey with an uncertain outcome, which accurately reflects the spirit of exploration and the willingness to take chances that the sentence describes.
The option (a) “concerted” means to work together towards a common goal and is not appropriate in this context.
The option (c) “insulated” means to protect from outside influence or impact and is the opposite of exploration.
The option (d) “retarded” and option (e) “hindered” both mean to slow down or impede progress and are not appropriate in this context.

S3. Ans.(d)
Sol. The correct word to fill in the given blank is ‘it’s’.
The sentence talks about the spirit of exploration that has driven human beings to push the boundaries of what is possible, whether exploring the depths of the ocean, the vastness of space, or the uncharted territories of the human mind. The word “it’s” is a contraction of “it is,” and in this context, it accurately conveys the idea that the spirit of exploration is the driving force behind our exploration of these various frontiers.
The option (a) “its” is a possessive pronoun and is not appropriate in this context because it does not convey the necessary meaning.
The option (b) “it has” could also be used to convey the same meaning as “it’s,” but it is less concise and less commonly used in informal writing and speech.
The option (d) “it being” and option (e) “it had” are not appropriate in this context because they do not convey the necessary meaning and are not commonly used in this type of sentence structure.

S4. Ans.(c)
Sol. The correct word to fill in the given blank is ‘has driven’. The sentence talks about the spirit of exploration and how it has driven human beings to push the boundaries of what is possible in various frontiers, such as the depths of the ocean, the vastness of space, or the uncharted territories of the human mind. The phrase “has driven” is in the present perfect tense, which indicates an action that began in the past and continues up to the present. In this sentence, “has driven” accurately conveys the idea that the spirit of exploration has been a driving force behind human achievement throughout history and continues to be so today.
The option (a) “was driving” is in the past continuous tense and suggests that the spirit of exploration was a driving force at a specific point in the past but may not be relevant today.
The option (b) “had driven” is in the past perfect tense and suggests that the spirit of exploration was a driving force that led to past achievements, but it may not be relevant today.
The option (d) “being drive” is incorrect because it is a present participle and is not appropriate for this context.
The option (e) “have driven” is in the present perfect tense, but it does not accurately convey the ongoing nature of the spirit of exploration as described in the sentence.

S5. Ans.(d)
Sol. The correct word to fill in the given blank is ‘thrill’. The sentence talks about the potential rewards of exploration and how they can be just as great as the risks and challenges. The word “thrill” means a sudden feeling of excitement or pleasure, which accurately conveys the sense of joy and exhilaration that can come with the discovery or accomplishment that often accompanies exploration.
The option (a) “drill” means to make a hole in something using a drill, and it does not fit the context of the sentence.
The option (b) “peril” means danger or risk, which is mentioned earlier in the sentence as a potential challenge of exploration.
The option (c) “shell” refers to the hard outer covering of certain animals or objects and is not appropriate in this context.
The option (e) “shrill” means high-pitched and piercing and does not fit the context of the sentence.

S6. Ans.(b)
Sol. The correct word to fill in the given blank is ‘propelling’. The sentence talks about the driving force behind human progress, which is the spirit of exploration. The word “propelling” means to drive or push forward, which accurately conveys the idea that the spirit of exploration is what motivates and drives human beings toward new frontiers and possibilities.
The option (a) “repressing” means to restrain or hold back and does not fit the context of the sentence because it does not convey the idea of moving forward.
The option (c) “terminating” means to bring to an end or stop, which is the opposite of what the sentence is trying to convey.
The option (d) “relieving” means
to alleviate or reduce, which does not fit the context of the sentence. The option (e) “quelling” means to suppress or calm, which does not convey the idea of driving forward.

S7. Ans.(b)
Sol. Disclose means to reveal something
Evinced also means to show clearly or to reveal
Withheld means to hold back or restrain
Swindled means a fraudulent scheme or action.
Out of the given options only option (a) and (b) fit the blank contextually but option (a) is not is grammatically correct. Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.

S8. Ans.(d)
Sol. Panacea means solution or remedy for a problem
Links means a golf course
Superiority means state of being higher in rank
Consortium means a combination of financial institutions
None of the given options except option (d) makes the sentence contextually and grammatically correct. Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.

S9. Ans.(c)
Sol. Durable means able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage.
Swift means happening quickly or smoothly.
Diversified means make more varied.
Hence, option (c) is the only option which makes the sentence both grammatically and contextually correct.

S10. Ans.(a)
Sol. Engage means to take part in
Rejecting means to dismiss
Foresee means to predict
Deceive means deliberately making someone believe something that is not true.
So, option (a) is the only option which makes the sentence both grammatically and contextually correct. Hence, Option (a) is the correct answer.

S11. Ans.(b)
Sol. From the given options, option (b) is the only option which makes the sentence both contextually and grammatically correct.

S12. Ans.(d)
Sol. The passage given above discusses that Erode’s unique slender turmeric gets a GI tag for its distinctive fragrance and colour. Here, “laden” which means “heavily loaded or weighed down” fits perfectly in the given blank as it mentions a market place filled with turmeric bulbs loaded on tables. Hence, option (d) is the most suitable answer choice.
Quashed: reject as invalid, especially by legal procedure.
Ladled: serve (soup, stew, or sauce) with a ladle.
Anticipated: regard as probable; expect or predict.
Galvanized: shock or excite (someone) into taking action.

S13. Ans.(b)
Sol. Here, from the preceding sentences we can infer that the market hall in Nasiyanur was always filled with famous turmeric of Erode. Therefore, we conclude that “stocked” which means “
have or keep a supply of (a particular product or type or product) available for sale” is the most suitable answer choice for the given blank. Hence, option (b) is the most suitable answer choice. Other options given above do not make a contextually meaningful statement.
Spiked: form into or cover with sharp points.
Confronted: come face to face with (someone) with hostile or argumentative intent.
Incurred: become subject to (something unwelcome or unpleasant) as a result of one’s own behaviour or actions.
Shadowed: envelop in shadow; cast a shadow over.

S14. Ans.(c)
Sol. Here, only “attended” which means “be present at (an event, meeting, or function)” perfectly fits in the given blank. Apart from “attended” no other option perfectly fits in the given blank to make a contextually meaningful statement. Hence, option (c) is the most suitable answer choice.
Rescinded: revoke, cancel, or repeal (a law, order, or agreement).
Fled: run away from a place or situation of danger.
Rebuffed: reject (someone or something) in an abrupt or ungracious manner.
Legitimized: make legitimate.

S15. Ans.(e)
Sol. From the given sentence, we can infer that it mentions that the fragrance of turmeric is spread all across the air. Therefore, “permeates” which means “spread throughout (something); pervade” will perfectly fill in the given blank. Hence, option (e) is the most suitable answer choice.
Eludes: escape from or avoid (a danger, enemy, or pursuer), typically in a skilful or cunning way.
Postulates: suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of (something) as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief.
Segregates: set apart from the rest or from each other; isolate or divide.
Perishes: die, especially in a violent or sudden way.

S16. Ans.(d)
Sol. Here, “potential” which means “latent qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to future success or usefulness” perfectly fits in the given blank. The given statement mentions the how the GI tag will be beneficial for the traders and farmers. Hence, option (d) is the most suitable answer choice.
Unprecedented: never done or known before.
Vulnerable: exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.
Disparaging: expressing the opinion that something is of little worth; derogatory.
Frontal: of, at, or directed at the front.

S17. Ans.(c)
Sol. ‘brought’ best suits the purpose as it completely justifies the paragraph.
Accrued means be received by someone in regular or increasing amounts over time.

S18. Ans.(a)
Sol. ‘capital’ is the correct word to be replaced as the paragraph revolves around the theme of recapitalization.

S19. Ans.(a)
Sol. ‘addressed’ is the correct word to be replaced.
Beseeched means ask someone urgently and fervently to do or give something.
Implored means beg someone earnestly or desperately to do something.

S20. Ans.(b)
Sol. ‘approach’ is the correct word as the sentence talks about the way the government recaptilised the banks in 1980-1990s.
Orate means make a speech, especially pompously or at length.
Spout means express (one’s views or ideas) in a lengthy, declamatory, and unreflecting way.