Cloze Test — Set 7
Questions 61–70 of 160
The ancient temple _____ (A) built over a century ago _____ (B) a hilltop overlooking the city. Despite its age, the structure _____ (C) well-preserved. Pilgrims _____ (D) from across the region _____ (E) here annually. Blank A:
Correct Answer: A. was
'Was' is past singular passive for 'temple' (singular). Past tense shows construction happened in the past. 'Were' is plural, 'is' is present, and 'being' is incomplete. 'Was' correctly indicates when the temple was built.
The ancient temple was built over a century ago _____ (B) a hilltop overlooking the city. Blank B:
Correct Answer: A. on
'On' is the correct preposition—'on a hilltop'. We place structures 'on' elevated locations. 'In' suggests inside, 'at' indicates position, and 'by' shows agency. 'On' idiomatically fits hilltop placement.
Despite its age, the structure _____ (C) well-preserved. Pilgrims visit from across the region. Blank C:
Correct Answer: A. remains
'Remains' is present tense for singular 'structure'. Present shows current state. 'Remain' is plural, 'remained' is past, and 'remaining' is gerund. 'Remains' correctly shows the temple is currently preserved.
Pilgrims _____ (D) from across the region to visit _____ (E) the temple annually. Blank D:
Correct Answer: A. come
'Come' is present plural for 'pilgrims' (plural). 'Annually' indicates regular present action. 'Comes' is singular, 'coming' is gerund, and 'came' is past. Present 'come' shows the ongoing pilgrimage tradition.
Pilgrims come from across the region to _____ (E) the temple annually. Blank E:
Correct Answer: A. visit
'Visit' is base form for infinitive 'to visit'. 'Visits' is singular present, 'visited' is past, and 'visiting' is gerund. Only 'visit' completes the 'to + verb' infinitive structure correctly.
The entrepreneur's journey _____ (A) marked by countless challenges. She _____ (B) her startup with minimal funds. Many _____ (C) her to fail. However, her determination _____ (D) stronger. Today, she _____ (E) a successful business. Blank A:
Correct Answer: A. was
'Was' is past singular passive for 'journey' (singular). Past tense describes a completed journey narrative. 'Were' is plural, 'is' is present, and 'being' is incomplete. 'Was' correctly shows the journey's past characteristics.
She _____ (B) her startup with minimal funds but tremendous passion. Blank B:
Correct Answer: A. founded
'Founded' is past tense, describing when she started the company. 'Founds' is present, 'founding' is gerund, and 'found' (simple past) works but 'founded' is past participle if following auxiliary. Past tense fits the narrative.
Many _____ (C) her to fail because of insufficient capital. Blank C:
Correct Answer: A. expected
'Expected' is past tense, matching the narrative about her journey. 'Expects' is present, 'expecting' is gerund, and 'expect' is base plural. Past 'expected' shows this expectation existed during her startup phase.
However, her determination _____ (D) stronger than their doubts. Blank D:
Correct Answer: A. was
'Was' is past singular for 'determination'. Past tense matches the historical narrative. 'Were' is plural, 'is' is present, and 'being' is incomplete. 'Was' shows her determination existed during the startup struggles.
Today, she _____ (E) a successful, thriving business that employs hundreds. Blank E:
Correct Answer: A. runs
'Runs' is present tense for singular 'she'. 'Today' indicates present action. 'Run' is plural, 'running' is gerund, and 'ran' is past. Present 'runs' shows her current business status.