Primary 5 and Primary 6 English Comprehension Cloze: Strategies to Score Higher

Many Primary 5 students struggle with comprehension cloze as texts become more demanding. Our Primary 5 English tuition programme equips students with the structured practice and strategies needed for improvement.

Besides writing and oral, the Primary 5 and Primary 6 English Comprehension Cloze is one of the most challenging components of the English paper for many pupils. Unlike grammar MCQs, cloze passages test language sense, contextual understanding, vocabulary depth, and grammar accuracy—all at the same time.

As pupils move closer to PSLE, marks lost in Comprehension Cloze can significantly affect their overall English grade. The good news? With the right strategies and targeted practice, this component can be mastered.

Why Pupils Lose Marks in Comprehension Cloze

When we ask a class of students how they usually fill in the answers in the Comprehension Cloze, almost everyone does it in the same way by making the most common mistake.

The most common mistake:

It is common that students do not use any strategies or keywords.

Instead, they are merely guessing an answer by filling in the blank with a word that sounds correct in the sentence. Also, they do not check if the sentence makes sense when placed together with the other sentences.

Exam Techniques for Primary 5 and Primary 6 English Comprehension Cloze

In our English and Writing classes for Primary 5 and Primary 6, we have a 2-step strategy for to answer comprehension cloze questions.

Using the following excerpt, we will demonstrate how to use the 2-step strategy for comprehension cloze.

Question 1

Step 1 – Identify the Type of Blank

Before choosing a word, ask yourself – What is the grammar type of the blank?

To determine the grammar of the blank, look at the keywords beside the blank. “The world” consists of all the places on Earth hence the blank should be a preposition focusing on position.

Step 2 – Look for a content clue before or after the blank

The 1400 bat species should be living in different parts of the world so the correct preposition is around.

Question 2

Step 1 – Identify the Type of Blank

The blank with “on” forms a phrasal verb. This also means that the blank is a verb.

Step 2 – Look for a content clue before or after the blank

To figure out the verb, look for a content clue in the same sentence or in the sentences before and after the blank.

In this case, since bats are not blind but they do not use their vision. The phrasal verb with a similar meaning to “use” is rely on hence the answer for the blank is rely.

Question 3

Step 1 – Identify the Type of Blank

Complete which is an adjective shows that the blank should be a noun.

Step 2 – Look for a content clue before or after the blank

To know the noun, search for a content keyword. In the same sentence, at night shows that the answer is darkness.

Final Tips for Parents and Pupils

Success in Primary 5 and PSLE English Comprehension Cloze comes from:

• Strong language foundation
• Strategic exam techniques
• Consistent, reflective practice

With the right approach, this once “difficult” component can become a scoring opportunity.