Close Passages for bank and ssc exam

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CLOSE PASSAGES
Salient Features
 Meaning
 Steps to follow
 Model Passages with Answers and
Explanatory Notes
 Practice Exercises
 Answers to Practice Passages
 Cloze Passages in Various competitive
Exams
 Answers to Examination Papers
The passages with a number of blanks are
called cloze passages. The cloze test or
passage completion is a step forward to
evaluate the word power of the candidates.
Words rule the world hence the candidates
should acquire an ability to understand the
overall meaning of a passage and also the
nuances of words given. I such type of test, a
passage consists of many blanks which are
numbered. These numbers are printed below
the passage and against each three or four
words are suggested, one of which fits the blank
appropriately. The following steps should be
followed while trying to choose a word for a
blank in a sentence:
Step 1: In a passage, the sentences, are
related to one another. So, at the outset, the
whole passage should be read carefully in order
to understand its meaning.
Step 2 : Next, the candidate should look at
each blank separately and also at the
alternatives suggested for it.
Step 3 : While locating an appropriate word (s),
it should be bome in mind that the sentence is
grammatically correct.
Step 4 : The candidate should pay attention to
the connotation of different words with similar
meaning.
Step 5 : Before reaching to the final choice, for
the contextual clues, read the sentences
preceding and succeeding it.
Step 6 : Choose the right word which makes
the sentence meaningfully complete.

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Model Passage I
Directions: In the following passage, you will find some blank spaces, numbered 1 to 20.
You are given a choice of three words marked (A), (B) and (C) against the numbers below the
passage. Choose the best alternatives to fill the blanks appropriately:
I noticed George Ramsay at the restaurant. He was staring into space. He looked as though
the burden of the whole world sat on his holders.
I………..(1)……..at once that his unfortunate brother……..(2)….trouble again, I suppose
every family has a black……..(3)………Tom had been a……….(4)………..trial to his
family………(5)……twenty years. He had begun life decently enough; he
went…….(6)…..business, married and had two children The Ramsaya
were………..(7)……respectable people, and there was every………….(8)……..to suppose
that Tom Ramsay would have a useful and…………(9)…..career. But one day without
warning, he…….(10)………that he did not like to work, and that he was not
suited……….(11)…..marriage. He wanted to enjoy……….(12)……….He would
listen……….(13)……no advice. He left his wife and his……….(14)……..He
had…….(15)……money and he spent two happy years in the various capitals of Europe
Rumours of his…………(16)…….reached his relations from time to time and they
were………(17)……….He certainly……….(18)………a very good time. They shook their
heads and asked what………(19)……..when his money was spent. They soon found out that
he had broken and wanted to………(20)……….home.
1. A. believed b. suspected c. agreed
2. A. Had been causing b. Was causing c. Will cause
3. A. goat B. sheep c. wolf
4. A sore b. bitter c. sweet
5. A. since b. for c. in
6. A. into b. for c. to
7. A. utterly B perfectly c. wholly
8. A. reason b. cause c. point
9. A. profitable b. bad c. honourable
10. A. said b. announced c. wrote
11. A. to b. for c. with
12. A. himself b. idleness c. others
13. A. to b. in c. with
14. A. job b. house c. relatives
15. A. a little b. little c. no
16. A. habits b. doings c. whereabouts
17. A. deeply b. shocked c. disappointed
18. A. has b. had c. will have
19. A. would happen b. happened c. will happen
20. A. come back b. go c. settle

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Answers with Explanatory Notes
1. The words believed and agreed are at once eliminated since they do not suit to the
context. So suspected (B) is the answer.
2. (A) and (C) do not fit into the structure of the sentence. (B) is the correct choice as it
makes the sentence grammatically correct.
3. Since the correct idiom is the black sheep, (B) should be the answer.
4. The preceding sentence suggests that here the word to fill up the gap should be of
negative value. Hence bitter (B) is the correct choice.
5. The words twenty years in the sentence do not refer to an exact period of time. The word
since is eliminated on this account. The third choice in (c) does not fit into the structure of
the sentence. Therefore for (B) should be the answer.
6. Into (A) is the answer because went into is an idiomatic phrase.
7. All the three alternatives given here have more or less the same meaning but in the
present context choice (B) fits in most appropriately.
8. The alternatives (B) and (C) are not suitable here because the words cause and point
bear quite different connotation. In the present context reason (A) is the most suitable
choice.
9. Here the context clue useful suggests that the filler should be of positive value. The word
bad is of negative value and so it is at once eliminated. Honorable (c) can be a probable
answer but the right answer here is (A) because business is more associated with profit
than with honor.
10. Announced (B) appears the most suitable word to fill up this blank.
11. Here the correct preposition is for. (B) should be the answer.
12. ‘He wanted to enjoy himself, is the right expression. Hence (A) is the answer.
13. The word listen is followed by the preposition to (A) is, thus, the answer.
14. In the context, the word job (A) suits most. Hence (A) is the answer.
15. The alternative (C) is at once eliminated as it is of negative value. Out of (A) and (B)
alternatives, (A) seems to be the most appropriate choice.
16. Here the reference is to one’s works. Hence doings (B) is the answer.
17. The context requires a word stronger than disappointment and so we reject the alternative
(C). (A) will be grammatically a wrong choice. Therefore, shocked (B) is marked as the
correct answer.
18. The former part of the sentence suggests that had (B) is the correct choice.
19. The grammatical structure of the sentence hints that would happen (A) should be the
answer.
20. The words go an settle are incorrect in the present context. The words come back
complete the sentence meaningfully. Therefore, (A) is the answer.

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Model Passage II
Directions: In the following passage, some of the words have been left out First read the
passage over and try to understand what it is about. Then fill in the blanks with the help of the
alternatives given.
Kunti was a worshipper of the Sun-god. One day she……….(1)……..the sun-god with the help
of a prayer charm. This prayer charm, was given to her by a sage. As a result the Sun-
god…….. (2)…..before her. Seeing the sun-god before her she got……….(3)………as she had
never expected so. Consequently she began to…(4)……with fear. She could not know what to
do. Hence, she prayed to the sun-god to go back to his kingdom in the sky, but the sun-
god………(5)…….Kunti passionately. When he left for his kingdom in the sky, he…(6)….Kunti
with a son in her womb. In due course of time Kunti became the mother of a very beautiful
and…….(7)……child. He was born with an armour as shining as…….(8)…..itself. Besides he
had shining strange ear-rings in his ears. This was a result of the……..(9)…..granted to her by
the sun-god. Thus, karna was born to kunti even while she was unmarried. It was but natural
but she was extremely……(10)……..in to kunti even while she was unmarried. It was but
natural but she was extremely……..(10)………in her mind.
1. a. Invited b. Invoked c. Summoned d. Attracted
2. a. Appeared b. Stood c. Flashed d. Came
3. a. Unconscious b. Demoralized c. Amused d. Frightened
4. a. Tremble b. faint c. Wave d. Stammer
5. a. Fondled b. Warned c. Chided d. Loved
6. a. Gave b. Left c. Deserted d. Discarded
7. a. Promising b. Ugly c. freak d. strange
8. a. Silver b. Glass c. Gold d. Steel
9. a. Wish b. Promise c. Donation d. Compliment
10. a. Sorry b. Disturbed c. Annoyed d. Amused
Answers with explanatory Notes
1. We use the word invoke for calling gods. Hence (B) is the right choice and the alternatives
(A), (C) and (D) are at once eliminated.
2. The words stood, flashed and came do not fit in this blank. The most appropriate choice is
appeared (A).
3. The word got preceding the blank suggests frightened (D) the most suitable word for the
blank. Therefore, (D) should be the answer.
4. The word fear, succeeding the blank, suggests tremble as the right choice. Hence (A) is
the answer.
5. The context clue kunti passionately suggests that the filler here should be of positive
value. Among the given alternative loved is the only word which is of positive value
Therefore, (D) is the answer.
6. (B) is the answer because left is the most suitable choice for this blank.
7. The word beautiful which is preceding the blank hints that the word chosen for the blank
should be of positive value. The words ugly and freak are of negative value and are
therefore rejected. (A) could be the probable answer but in the present context (D) is the
best choice.
8. In the present context gold (c) is the most appropriate choice.
9. The words donation and compliment carry different meanings and promise seems odd
here. Hence wish (A) seems to be the most acceptable alternative.
10. The alternative (B) is the right answer in the given context.

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PRACTICE EXERCISES
Directions: In the following passages, some of the words have been left out. First read the
passage over and try to understand what it is about. Then fill in the blanks with the help of the
alternatives given.
Passage 1 :
It is difficult to find a person who would put in a good word for the kind of bureaucracy e
have in India. Incidentally, things may now be seen as coming to a head……….(1)………the
attainment of independence, India……..(2)……..form time to time several..(3)….power
committees or commissions to ……….(4)…….. administration. In spite of all this, the
impression……..(5)……..that the Indian variety of bureaucracy has been slow and slothful. Fact
is that the………(6)…….of bureaucracy happens to be………(7)……..the same all over the
world. Even in the U.S.A. Presidents have…….(8)……a great deal of concern…….(9)…the
manner in which bureaucracy has been functioning at various level. In spite of all this, not much
change can be……..(10)……in the near future. One may feel like hanging one’s head in
despair unless one believes in some super-human power that looks after our universe.
1 a From b With c Till d Since
2 a Arranged b Appointed c Farmed d Selected
3 a Great b Super c High d Multiple
4 a Perform b reform c High d Multiple
5 a Insists b Subsists c Consists d Persists
6 a Structure b Function c Growth d Behavior
7 a Practically b Structurally c Precisely d Strictly
8 a Asserted b Declared c Voiced d Waged
9 a On b At c With d From
10 a Accepted b Expected c Affected d Admitted

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Passage 2:
Those books which have obtained both (the approbation of great critics and of a great public
opinion) are not so many in number as you might…..(1)……..Each great…….(2)…..has
produced only two or three of the first rank, if we……….(3)….the single civilization of the
Greeks. The……(4)…..books embodying the teaching of all grate religions necessarily take
place in the first rank, even as literary productions; for they have been…..(5)…….and
repolished, and have been given the highest possible literary…..(6)……of which the language
in which they are written is capable. The great epic poems which express the ideals of races,
also……(7)…….a first place. Thirdly, the masterpieces of drama, as…….(8)……..life, must
be considered to belong to the highest literature. But how many books are thus represented?
Not very many. The best, like…….(9)……….will never be found in great quantities.
1 a. Conjecture b. Suppose c. Ponder d. Negate
2 a. Civilization b. Generation c. Culture d. Community
3 a. Accept b. Expect c. Except d. Include
4 a. Blasphemous b. Sacred c. Trifling d. Ephemeral
5 a. Refined b. Embellished c. Improved d. Polished
6 a. Transformation b. Revival c. Perfection d. Reformation
7 a. Deserve b. Occupies c. Imbibes d. Affect
8 a. Demonstrating b. Reflection c. Criticizing d. Exactly
9 a. Gold b. Silver c. Diamonds d. wealth

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Passage 3
About 2,000 years ago, a slave called Androcles live in Rome. He was a small,
kindly,……(1).man. He was very much afraid…….(2)….his cruel master who…….(3)……his
slaves for even the smallest mistakes. Ansdrocles was very unhappy, working for such a
master. One day, when he was travelling with his master in Africa, he decided to set
himself………(4)……He ran away. Androcles ran into the thick forest where he knew nobody
would follow him. He was……..(5)…..and had only a short………(6)…….to keep himself
warm. He had nothing to protect himself. Androcles ran, and ran, and ran. He was still
running when it grew dark. He fell to the ground……….(7)….in a dark cave and soon was fast
asleep. As day was beginning to break, Adnrocles woke up when he heard a…..(8)…roar
which echoed through the cave, making it shake as if there was an………(9)……Androcles
nearly died…….(10)…….fear when he saw, in the opening of the cave, a huge lion, roaring
and roaring.
1 a. timid b. brave c. stout d. matured
2 a. with b. of c. about d. off
3 a. rewarded b. whipped c. reproached d. favoured
4 a. killed b. against c. free d. vis-à-vis
5 a. barefoot b. tired c. equipped d. provided
6 a. box b. pouch c. shawl d. tunic
7 a. emboldened b. exhausted c. daunt d. contrite
8 a. pleasant b. melodious c. terrifying d. dense
9 a. earthquake b. flood c. brawl d. fervent
10 a. of b. with c. for d. off

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Passage 4
Having lost all their wealth, Pandavas went to live in a forest. One day Yudhisthira felt very
thirsty. Nakula who…….(1)……..his elder brother very much, asked him to sit under a tree.
Then Nakula went in search of water. To his….(2)…..he came upon a beautiful lake. But
when he put his hand in the water, he heard a voice saying, “This is a……..(3)….lake. to drink
the water, you have to first answer my questions.” Nakula, who was very thirsty, did not reply,
but drank the water, At once he was……..(4)……….with weakness and fell…….(5)….. When
Nakula did not return, Sahadeva, Arjuna and Bhima went to look…..(6)…….water. One by
one they came to the lake, and heard the voice. But they were all thirsty. So they drank the
water and like Nakula, fell down with……….(7)……
1 a. servile b. respected c. facilitate d. extolled
2 a. joy b. surprise c. relief d. zeal
3 a. cryptic b. innocuous c. prodigious d. sacred
4 a. tell down b. overcome c. refreshed d. commanded
5 a. upon b. down c. at d. beside
6 a. to b. at c. about d. for
7 a. weakness b. euphony c. magic spell d. thirst

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Passage 5
Wars and revolutions have thus far determined the physiognomy of the twentieth
century. And as distinguished from the nineteenth century….(1j)…..such as nationalism and
internationalism, capitalism and imperialism, socialism and communism, which though
still…….(2)………by many as justifying causes, have lost contact with the major realities of
our world-war and…..(3)….still constitutes its two central issues. They have outlived
all……(4)…….ideological justifications. In a world that poses the threat of
total……..(5)……..through war against the hope for the……..(6)………of all mankind through
revolution, no cause is left but the most ancient of all, the one, in fact, that from the beginning
of our history, has……..(7)………the very existence of politics, the cause of freedom
versus………(8)………
1 a. ideologies b. principles c. theory d. philosophy
2 a. quote b. invoked c. repeated d. nullified
3 a. peace b. franchise c. brotherhood d. revolution
4 a. there b. its c. their d. many
5 a. annihilation b. humanity c. denial d. equality
6 a. emancipation b. slavery c. socialism d. benefit
7 a. promulgate b. advanced c. determined d. impel
8 a. humanism b. liberty c. authoritarian d. tyranny

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Answers To Examination Papers
Exercise-1
1. D 2. B 3. B 4. B 5. D 6. B 7. A 8. C 9. B 10. B
Exercise-2
1. B 2. A 3. C 4. B 5. D 6. C 7. A 8. B 9. C
Exercise-3
1. A 2. B 3. B 4. C 5. A 6. D 7. b 8. c 9. a 10. a
Exercise-4
1. B 2. A 3. D 4. B 5. B 6. D 7. A
Exercise-5
1. A 2. B 3. D 4. C 5. A 6. A 7. C 8. D

Close Passages for bank and ssc exam

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Close Passages for bank and ssc exam