Grammar for open cloze
Practise function words, grammar patterns and collocations commonly tested in open cloze tasks.
Learning goal: Grammar for open cloze
Choose missing grammar words from context without answer options.
Level and focus
Level: B2
Category: Exam grammar practice
Practise function words, grammar patterns and collocations commonly tested in open cloze tasks.
By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to: Choose missing grammar words from context without answer options.
Core idea
This lesson focuses on one clear grammar job. Learners should first recognise the pattern in short examples, then use it in controlled sentences, and only later combine it with other grammar.
Pattern
Form
grammar words in contextarticles, auxiliaries, prepositions, pronouns, linkers, quantifiers, relative wordsmeaning + grammar + collocation
Meaning and use
Use this grammar when the sentence needs the meaning described in the lesson goal. At this level, accuracy is more important than stylistic variety. Keep examples short, concrete and close to everyday communication before moving to longer texts.
Examples
Examples
- She has lived here ___ 2018. -> since
- The book ___ I bought yesterday was excellent. -> that/which
- I am not used ___ getting up early. -> to
Watch out
Common mistakes
- Guessing vocabulary instead of grammar function: not
choosing a content word where a grammar word is required; useidentify the grammatical role of the gap. - Ignoring words before and after the gap: not
interested ___ learn; useinterested in learning. - Missing fixed structures: not
no matter what + clause patterns ignored; usenotice fixed grammar frames.
Teaching sequence
- Show the pattern with two or three very short examples.
- Contrast the correct form with one common error.
- Let learners complete controlled examples.
- Ask learners to produce their own short sentence.
- Finish with a mixed review item so they distinguish this point from neighbouring grammar.
Boundary: what not to cover here
This should be a practice cluster for B2-C2. It can recycle all prior grammar areas.
Suggested practice
Start with recognition, then controlled completion, then sentence rewriting or ordering where appropriate. Keep distractors close enough to test the grammar point, but avoid trick options that require vocabulary beyond the level.
Self-check
Quick check
Before you move on, can you explain the rule in one sentence and make one example of your own?
Put it into practice
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A short interactive practice session with instant feedback — about 10 questions calibrated to B2 First.
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