A cloze test is a common type of question asked in bank exams to assess a candidate's comprehension and language skills. It consists of a passage with certain words or phrases missing, and the task is to fill in the blanks with appropriate words or phrases from the given options. As we know that time management is crucial for bank exams, it is advisable not to spend too much time on a single cloze test question. If we find a particular question challenging, we should move on to the next one and come back to it later if we have any time left. Practicing cloze tests regularly will help in improving the reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar skills of the job aspirants.
PASSAGE
In today's rapidly changing world, technological advancements have ..... (1) ..... nearly every aspect of our lives. From communication to transportation, innovation has revolutionized the way we ..... (2) ..... and interact. However, along with the numerous benefits, technology has also brought about some ..... (3) ..... challenges. One such challenge is the ..... (4) ..... of personal privacy. With the advent of social media platforms and widespread data collection, individuals' personal information is increasingly ..... (5) ..... to unauthorized access. Moreover, the ..... (6) ..... of cyber threats has escalated in recent years. Hackers and cybercriminals are constantly ..... (7) ..... new techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in computer networks and systems. As a result, governments and organizations must ..... (8) ..... their cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data from potential breaches. Another significant issue is the impact of automation on the job market. As machines and artificial intelligence ..... (9) ..... more tasks traditionally performed by humans, concerns arise regarding unemployment and job displacement. While automation offers increased efficiency and productivity, it also poses a threat to certain industries and occupations. Additionally, the digital divide presents a ..... (10) ..... challenge in our society. Not everyone has equal access to technology and the internet, creating disparities in education, information access, and economic opportunities. Bridging this gap is crucial to ensure equal opportunities for all individuals. To mitigate the impact of automation, several strategies can be implemented. Focus on retraining and upskilling the workforce is one of those strategies. This involves providing training programs and resources to help individuals adapt to the changing job market and acquire new skills that are in demand. By equipping workers with relevant and up-to-date expertise, they can remain competitive and find new employment opportunities in emerging industries.
Directions (Qs. 1 - 10): In the above passage, there are blanks each of which has been numbered from
1 to 10. Against each number, five words are suggested and only one word fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in all the cases.
1. Select the most appropriate option for ... (1) ...
A) transformed B) dispersed C) contributed D) abandoned E) spilled
Explanation: The word "transformed" fits well in the context, as it refers to a significant change or alteration in form, appearance, structure, or character. When something is transformed, it undergoes a complete or substantial transformation, often resulting in a distinct and noticeable difference from its previous state. In the context of the cloze paragraph, "transformed" suggests that technological advancements have brought about extensive and impactful changes in various aspects of our lives, indicating a significant and noticeable transformation in those areas.
Ans: A
2. Select the most appropriate option for ... (2) ...
A) fight B) communicate C) commemorate D) create E) dictate
Explanation: The word "communicate" is the most appropriate choice here. In the given context, "communicate" refers to the exchange of information and the way people interact with each other. Technological advancements have revolutionized the way we communicate by providing various tools and platforms for sharing ideas, thoughts, and messages. It encompasses both verbal and non-verbal communication, including written communication through emails, instant messaging, social media, and video conferencing.
Ans: B
3. Select the most appropriate option for ... (3) ...
A) guessed B) imagined C) unforeseen D) forbidden E) illogical
Explanation: The word "unforeseen" is the most appropriate choice here. In the context of the paragraph, the word "unforeseen" refers to challenges or consequences that were not anticipated or predicted as a result of technological advancements. It suggests that alongwith the expected benefits, there are certain unexpected difficulties or problems that have emerged due to the rapid changes brought about by technology. These challenges were not foreseen or considered beforehand but have become apparent as technology continues to evolve.
Ans: C
4. Select the most appropriate option for ... (4) ...
A) conversion B) collision C) exception D) erosion E) inclusion
Explanation: "Erosion" is the correct word choice here. It implies that technological advancements, such as the advent of social media platforms and widespread data collection, have eroded or diminished the level of personal privacy that individuals have. In the given context, the word "erosion" highlights the gradual weakening or reduction of personal privacy, indicating that privacy is being gradually chipped away rather than being completely eliminated in one instance. This erosion suggests that personal information is increasingly vulnerable to unauthorized access or exposure.
Ans: D
5. Select the most appropriate option for ... (5) ...
A) similar B) favourable C) controllable D) internal E) vulnerable
Explanation: The word "vulnerable" is the most appropriate choice here. In the given context, the word "vulnerable" refers to the state of being at risk or susceptible to unauthorized access or harm. It suggests that personal information is increasingly exposed and prone to being compromised due to the advent of social media platforms and widespread data collection. In other words, individuals' personal information is more easily accessible by unauthorized parties, making them vulnerable to privacy breaches or security threats.
Ans: E
6. Select the most appropriate option for ... (6) ...
A) proliferation B) stagnant C) gradual D) stationary E) peculiar
Explanation: The word "proliferation" is the correct word choice here. In the given context, the word "proliferation" refers to the rapid increaseor growth of cyber threats. It suggests that the number and intensity of cyber threats have escalated significantly in recent years. Hackers and cybercriminals are constantly devising new techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in computer networks and systems, posing a significant challenge to governments and organizations.
Ans: A
7. Select the most appropriate option for ... (7) ...
A) deciding B) devising C) detecting D) demanding E) dictating
Explanation: The word "devising" which means "to plan or invent a complex procedure, system, or mechanism by careful thought", is the most appropriate choice here. In the given context, the hackers and cybercriminals are continually creating or inventing new techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in computer networks and systems. It suggests that these individuals are actively thinking and coming up with innovative ways to carry out cyber-attacks and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Ans: B
8. Select the most appropriate option for ... (8) ...
A) weaken B) burden C) strengthen D) loosen E) slicken
Explanation: The word "strengthen" is the correct word choice here. In the context of the given paragraph, the word "strengthen" means to make stronger or reinforce. It suggests that governments and organizations need to enhance or fortify their cybersecurity measures in order to protect sensitive data from potential breaches. By strengthening their cybersecurity measures, they aim to increase the level of security and make it more difficult for unauthorized individuals or entities to gain access to sensitive information.
Ans: C
9. Select the most appropriate option for ... (9) ...
A) forbid B) relinquish C) satisfy D) undertake E) leave
Explanation: The word "undertake" which means "to put oneself under obligation to perform", is the most appropriate choice here. In the given context, "undertake" is used to explain that machines and artificial intelligence are obliged to take tasks that were traditionally performed by humans. It implies that these technological advancements are now responsible for carrying out activities that were previously done by people. The word "undertake" suggests a shift in responsibilities from humans to machines or AI, indicating the increasing automation and reliance on technology in various industries and occupations.
Ans: D
10. Select the most appropriate option for ... (10) ...
A) comfortable B) tranquilizing C) soothing D) neglectable E) formidable
Explanation: The word "formidable" which means "causing you to have fear or respect for something or someone because that thing or person is large, powerful, or difficult", is the most appropriate choice here. In this context, the word "formidable" is used to describe the challenge presented by the digital divide which is significant, difficult, and potentially intimidating. The word "formidable" emphasizes the scale and complexity of the challenge, highlighting the importance of addressing it to ensure equal opportunities for everyone in terms of education, information access, and economic prospects.
Ans: E
