All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each number.

The endurance of the crowds lining the Coronation route was most commendable. Soaked, chilled and sleepless, (1)______ remained wonderfully good-tempered and when the procession finally (2)______ they cheered whole-heartedly. The great merit of a (3)______ crowd is that its members remain individuals. It is (4)______ the characteristic of the British culture that British people can collect in crowds (5)______ do not turn into mobs.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank No. 3.

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2019 (Tier 2) GS Finance & Economics Previous Year Paper (17-Nov-2020)
The correct answer is

British

Understanding the Cloze Test Passage

This question asks us to fill in a blank in a passage. Cloze tests require us to understand the context and choose the word that best fits the meaning and flow of the text. We need to look at the sentences before and after the blank to find clues.

The passage describes the behaviour of crowds lining the Coronation route. It highlights their endurance and good temper despite difficult conditions. The specific blank we are focusing on is number 3:

"The great merit of a (3)______ crowd is that its members remain individuals."

The sentence immediately following this blank provides a strong hint:

"It is (4)______ the characteristic of the British culture that British people can collect in crowds (5)______ do not turn into mobs."

Analyzing Options for Blank 3

Let's look at the options provided for blank number 3:

  • French
  • Indian
  • Asian
  • British

The passage explicitly discusses the characteristic of "British culture" and "British people" gathering in crowds without turning into mobs. This cultural trait is presented as the reason why the crowd's members remain individuals.

Considering the direct reference to "British culture" and "British people" in relation to the described crowd behaviour, the most logical and contextually appropriate word to fill blank 3 is "British". The passage is making a point about a specific national or cultural characteristic.

Step-by-Step Analysis

  1. Read the entire passage to get the overall context.
  2. Identify the sentence containing blank number 3: "The great merit of a (3)______ crowd is that its members remain individuals."
  3. Look at the sentences immediately before and after this sentence for clues. The crucial clue is in the next sentence mentioning "British culture" and "British people" in relation to crowds not turning into mobs.
  4. Consider the options provided for blank 3: French, Indian, Asian, British.
  5. Evaluate which option aligns best with the context, especially the mention of "British culture".
  6. The passage attributes the positive behaviour of the crowd (remaining individuals, not becoming a mob) to "British culture". Therefore, describing this crowd as a "British" crowd makes the most sense in the context of the passage's argument.

Conclusion for Blank 3

Based on the strong contextual link provided by the mention of "British culture" and "British people" in the subsequent sentence, the word that best completes the sentence at blank 3 is "British". It directly connects the described characteristic of the crowd to the cultural point being made in the passage.

Blank No. Sentence Part Options Most Appropriate Option Reasoning
3 The great merit of a ______ crowd... French, Indian, Asian, British British Context mentions "British culture" and "British people" as having crowds that remain individuals and don't turn into mobs.

Revision Table: Understanding Cloze Tests

Concept Description Strategy
Context Clues Using surrounding words, sentences, and paragraphs to understand the meaning and find fitting words. Read the full passage first. Look at sentences before and after the blank.
Vocabulary Fit Choosing a word that is grammatically correct and makes sense in terms of meaning. Consider the part of speech needed (e.g., adjective, noun, verb). Check if the word fits the overall theme.
Tone and Style Ensuring the chosen word matches the overall tone (formal, informal, descriptive) and style of the writing. Read the sentence with the filled word to see if it flows naturally.

Additional Information: Cloze Test Skills

Cloze tests are a common type of question used to assess reading comprehension and vocabulary skills. Success in cloze tests depends on several factors:

  • Reading Comprehension: Understanding the main ideas and details of the passage is crucial.
  • Vocabulary Knowledge: Having a strong vocabulary helps in selecting appropriate words from the options.
  • Grammar and Syntax: Knowing how words function in sentences (parts of speech, sentence structure) helps in choosing grammatically correct options.
  • Contextual Reasoning: The ability to infer meaning from the surrounding text is key to filling blanks accurately.

Practicing cloze tests helps improve these skills, making you better at understanding written text and using words effectively.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.

  2. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.

  3. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.

  4. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank No.1

  5. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank No.2

  6. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank No.3

  7. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank No.4

  8. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank No.5

  9. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank No. 1.  

  10. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank No. 2


Important Questions from Cloze Test

  1. What would come in place of 1

  2. What would come in place of 2

  3. What would come in place of 3

  4. What would come in place of 4

  5. What would come in place of 5

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
UPSSSC PET
October 25, 2026
SSC JE
November 02, 2026
SSC CPO
November 20, 2026
SSC CHSL
November 30, 2026
Test Series
SSC CGL img
SSC
SSC CGL (Tier I + Tier II) 2026 Mock Test Series - Latest Pattern
2503 Tests 6 Tests Free
8217 Attempts
4.2(918)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App