Example 9: Cloze test: three blanks
Last Updated On: Sun Sep 06 2026Passage
Regular exercise (1) _____ both the body and the mind. It (2) _____ stress, improves sleep, and boosts energy. Doctors therefore (3) _____ at least thirty minutes of activity every day.
Options
Blank (1)
- (A) benefit
- (B) benefits
- (C) benefiting
- (D) have benefited
Blank (2)
- (A) reduces
- (B) increases
- (C) ignores
- (D) causes
Blank (3)
- (A) forbid
- (B) recommend
- (C) avoid
- (D) doubt
Answer
- Blank (1): (B) benefits
- Blank (2): (A) reduces
- Blank (3): (B) recommend
Solution
- Blank 1: the subject exercise is singular, so the verb needs the singular form benefits.
- Blank 2: stress is listed with positive effects (improves sleep, boosts energy), so the verb should mean lessens. Reduces fits.
- Blank 3: therefore points to a conclusion from the benefits. Doctors would recommend daily activity, not forbid or avoid it.