Effective Cloze Test Strategies for CLAT 2026 English Section

Preparing for CLAT 2026? Having an idea of effective Cloze test strategies for the CLAT English section can help you ace the exam. Now, what is a Cloze test? - A Cloze test is a passage with blanks where you need to choose the most appropriate words from the options given. It assesses your understanding of the topic, knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, and word usage as per the provided context.

For CLAT applicants, these matter because the English section includes questions based on Reading Comprehension passages. These are drawn from contemporary or historically influenced topics. With clear techniques, you can tackle the Cloze questions in CLAT easily. Some proven methods include elimination, grammar fit, using context, and more. Regular practice with past year CLAT questions can build your accuracy and problem-solving skills.

In this article, explore the best strategies for the Cloze Test for CLAT 2026 to decode the questions easily.

Also Read: How to Read Newspapers for CLAT 2026 Preparation?

Top Strategies for Cloze Test for CLAT English

Here are some top strategies for the Cloze Test for CLAT English:

Read 2 to 3 lines to identify the topic:

Before attempting the questions, first read 2 to 3 lines of the excerpt to understand its subject and tone. This helps you gain an idea about the topic. Once the theme is clear, it becomes easier to select words that are aligned with the text.

Eliminate incorrect options:

The elimination process is one of the safest ways to work through CLAT Cloze questions. Start by rejecting alternatives that are either grammatically wrong or not in sync with the given subject matter. Once distant options are removed, try reading the sentence(s) again, and go for the most logical selection.

Improve your general vocabulary:

Cloze questions mainly evaluate your understanding of the given information. However, a strong foundation in vocabulary makes the task much easier. Along with word meanings, revise basic grammar rules. Focus on tenses, parts of speech. These elements help you select words that fit the meaning of the sentence.

Use context clues:

If you are not sure of the answer to a question, make sure to review the surrounding sentences. It will give you an idea of the tone of the piece and allow you to remove responses that feel out of place.

Practice regularly:

The questions of CLAT are of the 12th standard, so apart from solving CLAT previous year questions , you can try out exercises from Bank PO/ SSC as well. It will give you more material for practice. The more you work through such sets, the more chances of answering questions accurately in the admission test increase.

Here is a short example of a Cloze passage.

Childhood is a time when there are______ (1)  responsibilities to make life difficult. If a child _____ (2)  good parents, he is fed, looked ______ (3) _____ and loved, whatever he may do.

1. A - many, B - little, C - few, D - more

Answer - C - few

2. A - had, B - have, C - has, D - will have

Answer - C - has

3. A - up, B - at, C - after, D - around

Answer - C - after

Also Read : How to Prepare for CLAT 2026 without Coaching?

Additional Resources for CLAT 2026 Preparation

Here are some additional resources for CLAT 2026 to assist you in your CLAT 2026 preparation journey:

Cloze tests in CLAT English may seem tricky, but with the right approach, they can be high scoring. Make sure to apply the strategies we provided above and work through CLAT sample questions to improve your exam readiness.