Part 2 · Open Cloze

Open Cloze:
Grammar Patterns That Always Appear

Part 2 requires you to write ONE word for each of 8 gaps — no options given. The correct answers are almost always grammatical words, not vocabulary. Knowing which patterns to look for is everything.

6 min read·C2 Level

1The Key Insight: It's Almost Never Vocabulary

Unlike Part 1, Part 2 gaps are almost always filled with structural or functional words — not nouns, adjectives or main verbs. This means you're being tested on grammar, not vocabulary.

Prepositions (in, at, on, with, by)

Articles (the, a, an)

Auxiliary verbs (have, be, do, will)

Relative pronouns (which, whose, what)

Discourse markers (however, although)

Conjunctions (despite, whereas, unless)

2The 7 Most Tested Pattern Types

Fixed Prepositions with Adjectives/Verbs

Many adjectives and verbs lock to a specific preposition. These are tested heavily.

dependent on / dependent upon
accustomed to + -ing
responsible for
consist of (not consist in)
result in (not result to)

Discourse Markers & Connectors

A gap at the start of a sentence or clause usually requires a linker. Read both sides of the gap to understand the logical relationship.

Contrast: nevertheless, nonetheless, whereas, albeit
Addition: furthermore, moreover, in addition
Concession: although, even though, despite
Result: consequently, therefore, thus

Relative Clauses

When there is no relative pronoun before a verb, a gap often requires which, who, whose, or where.

"…the theory ___ was proposed in 1980…" → which/that
"…the scientist ___ hypothesis was rejected…" → whose
"…the city ___ he was born…" → where/in which

Passive & Perfect Constructions

A gap between a pronoun and a past participle often requires "have" or "be" in the right form.

"She ___ been working here for years." → has
"The bridge ___ constructed in 1920." → was
"They ___ been told to wait." → had

Quantifiers & Determiners

Watch for uncountable vs countable noun signals that indicate which determiner is needed.

"___ great deal of" (a)
"___ number of" (a)
"the majority ___ people" (of)
"___ few exceptions" (a/the)

3Common Mistakes to Avoid

Writing two words

Only ONE word is allowed. Contractions (it's, don't) count as two words and will be marked wrong.

Forgetting articles

"The" is one of the most commonly needed words. Scan for places where a superlative or specific reference needs it.

Wrong preposition with verbs of motion

"arrive at" a place (not arrive to). "attend" takes no preposition. "participate in" (not participate at).

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Part 1: Multiple Choice Next: Part 3 Word Formation