How to Answer Fill in the Blanks Questions-SBI Clerk 2021

Most of the Banking examinations check your word power or vocabulary through Fillers or Fill in the Blanks. It is one of the major topics that the English Sections of the Bank Exams include.

In this article, we will discuss different types of “Fillers/Fill in the Blanks” can be asked in the upcoming Banking & Insurance exams and the simplest and easiest ways to solve them.

Basics of solving Fillers or Fill in the Blanks

• Go through the given statement carefully and first try to fill the missing word without the help of the options given.
• Match or replace the word with the one which you have thought of at first.
• Make sure that you chose word goes well with the sentence.
• Revise the sentence quickly to make sure no grammatical Errors are left behind.

Important points to Remember while Solving Fillers or Fill in the Blanks

1. To answer ‘fill in the blank’ questions correctly, you need to build vocabulary. So, vocabulary building should be an ongoing process.

2. Always read the sentence in a question carefully. Most of the times, you will find clues to identify the correct answer in the question itself. The context of the sentence will facilitate in eliminating the irrelevant options and select the correct one.

3. Always concentrate on mastering basic grammar rules.  

4. In double fillers, use the method of elimination by checking which of the given options best satisfies both the entries.

5. Learn phrases an idiom as in some questions, your knowledge and understanding of Common idioms and phrases in the English Language may be checked.

6. Make sure the sentence gives out a plausible meaning after placing the most likely option in it.

7. If you get confused about the answer, don’t waste time. Quickly implement the hit and trial method by placing the likely options in the blanks one by one. There are always chances that the option which gives most meaning to the sentence can be the correct answer.

Note: Do stuck on one question. If you are unable get the correct answer, despite repeated efforts, leave the question and move forward. You can always revisit the question afterwards if time allows.

Types of Fillers questions

Here are various types of Fillers questions with examples and solutions, which have been asked in the Banking Exams until now.

1. Single Fillers

In it, a statement with a single blank is given and you will have to choose the most effective word from the given options to complete the sentence.

2. Double Fillers

In it, you will have to deal with two blanks, each blank indicating that something has been omitted. You will have to choose the words that best fit the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

3. Triple Fillers

In it, question has three blanks, each blank indicates that something has been omitted. You will have to choose the set of words for each blank that best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

4. Same Filler in two sentences

In Same Filler in two sentences, there are two statements with blanks. These two statements will have five alternatives. You will have to choose the one which fits into the set of statements.

Multiple Fillers in Single Sentence

In the Multiple Fillers in Single Sentence, one statement with a blank is given coupled with four words. Two of the given words can will fit into the given blank. Five options with various combinations of these words will be given. You will have to choose the combination of the words that fits into the blank.

5. Triple Filler with Sequencing

Direction: A statement with three blanks, followed by three words, is given below. These words fit in the given sentence in some sequence. Choose the correct sequence from the given alternatives. If the correct sequence is not given in the alternatives, mark ‘None of these as the answer.

6. Multiple fillers in multiple sentences

In Multiple fillers in multiple sentences, you will get three statements with a blank in each, followed by three words given in it. You will have to tell which of the following sequence of words given at (A), (B), (C) and (D) options would most appropriately fit the blanks.

Some Examples of Fillers or Fill in the Blanks

Directions (Qs. 17-20): In the question given below, a sentence is given with three blanks. Choose the correct combination of words that fit in the corresponding blanks. In the case that all three words fit in the sentence, but are given in incorrect sequence, choose option (d). In the case that all three words fit in the sentence, in the same sequence as given, i.e. (A), (B), (C), choose option (e).

Question 17

(Paragraph with 3 blanks; alter sequence)

Investing in better nutrition can ______ significant health and economic benefits and help to _______ climate change. Nutrition, agriculture, and climate experts must _______ to seize that opportunity and build a future in which people consume the food they need while preserving the planet.

(A) yield

(B) tackle

(C) collaborate

a) Only A and B fit

b) Only A and C fit

c) Only B and C fit

d) Sequence can be altered

e) All are in right sequence

Ans: (e)

Solution: (e) is the right answer. The words given in the options are correct and in the right sequence.

For the first and the third blank, we need a verb in the base form. Modal verbs (CAN, MUST) are placed first in the verb phrase (after the subject) and are followed by a verb in the base form. For the second blank, we need a verb in the base form to fit in the infinitive construction TO+VERB. The sentence seeks to convey that investment in better nutrition can have several health and economic benefits and can also help in the fight against climate change. It further states that experts from different fields need to come together to secure the future of the planet. YIELD means to produce. TACKLE means to address. COLLABORATE means to work together to achieve a common goal.

Question 18

(Paragraph with 3 blanks)

Despite some governments and private-sector actors taking steps to address the _______ of climate change, the world is falling ______ behind in meeting internationally agreed targets for reducing emissions and limiting global warming. To get back on course, more must be done to ______ the power of financial services.

(A) threat

(B) farther

(C) leverage

a) Only A and B fit

b) Only A and C fit

c) Only B and C fit

d) Sequence can be altered

e) All are in right sequence

Ans: (b)

Solution: (b) is the right answer. Only (A) and (C) fit in the sentence. The sentence seeks to convey that even though some governments and private-sector actors are taking steps to deal with climate change, the internationally agreed targets for reducing emissions and limiting global warming have not been met and in order to achieve them, we need to use financial services. For the first blank, we need a noun as denoted by the use of the article THE (articles are used to modify only nouns). THREAT(something that is likely to cause damage or danger) fits contextually. For the second blank, we need an adverb to modify the verb FALLING. FARTHER is a comparative adjective,it does not fit grammatically as the sentence does not seek to compare. FURTHER(additional to what already exists or has already taken place) would have been apt here. For the third blank, we need a verb in the base form to fit in the infinitive construction of TO+VERB. LEVERAGE means to use something to maximum advantage. It fits contextually. 

Question 19

(Paragraph with 3 blanks; alter sequence)

There has been an ______expansion in school enrolment in India. Worldwide, India has one of the highest rates of child undernutrition and household food insecurity. Both of these ______ have negative _______ for the long-term health, well-being and productivity of young people, as well as for the economy more broadly. 

(A) implications

(B) issues

(C) impressive

a) Only A and B fit

b) Only A and C fit

c) Only B and C fit

d) Sequence can be altered

e) All are in right sequence

Ans: (d)

Solution: (d) is the right answer. The paragraph begins by highlighting the rise in school enrolment in India. It also draws attention to the problem of undernutrition and household food insecurity. It further states that these issues are going to have an adverse impact on the youth and the economy. For the first blank, we need an adjective to modify the noun EXPANSION. IMPRESSIVE(of an extent, amount, or intensity considerably above average) fits contextually as the tone of the sentence is positive. For the second blank, we need a noun to act as the subject. ISSUES(problems or difficulties) fits contextually, as it refers to the problem of child undernutrition and household food insecurity discussed in the previous sentence. For the third blank, we need a noun to be modified by the adjective NEGATIVE. IMPLICATIONS (a likely consequence of something) fits contextually.

Question 20

(Paragraph with 3 blanks)

Food insecurity can _______ children to experience hunger, undernutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies. It can even _______ their cognitive development. Thus, addressing food insecurity will play a ______ role in resolving India’s learning crisis.

(A) cause

(B)supplement

(C) critical

a) Only A and B fit

b) Only A and C fit

c) Only B and C fit

d) Sequence can be altered

e) All are in right sequence

Ans: (b)

Solution: (b) is the right answer. The sentence seeks to convey that food insecurity may lead to undernutrition and micronutrient deficiency. It can adversely affect the cognitive development of children. Thus, it is essential to tackle it to resolve India’s learning crisis. For the first and the second blank, we need a verb in the base form. Modal verbs(CAN) are placed first in the verb phrase (after the subject) and are followed by a verb in the base form. CAUSE fits contextually in the first blank. SUPPLEMENT means to facilitate. It does not fit contextually as the tone of the sentence is negative as the sentence describes the adverse impact of food insecurity. IMPAIR (weaken or damage (something, especially a faculty or function) would have been apt here. For the third blank, we need an adjective to modify the noun ROLE. CRITICAL (having a decisive or crucial importance in the success, failure, or existence of something) fits contextually.  

Directions (Qs. 13-15): In the question below, a sentence is given with two blanks, indicating that a part of the sentence has been omitted. From the options, choose the one that provides the correct pair of words/phrases, to fill in the blanks and make the sentence grammatically correct. 

Question 13

(2 blanks)   

By adopting the entrepreneurial _______ of startups and not being afraid to try new things, all businesses have the ability to ________ in finding new solutions and help us save precious time in delivering and securing a more sustainable future.

a) quality, carry all before one

b) elevation, sweep the board

c) mindset, take the lead

d) spirit, take a toll

e) process, take a bow

Ans: (c)

Solution: (c) is the right answer. For the first blank, we need a noun to be modified by the adjective ENTREPRENEURIAL. For the second blank, the phrase should convey that all businesses can come up with ways to find solutions. The sentence talks about the need for all businesses to adopt the entrepreneurial approach of startups to ensure a sustainable future. MINDSET(the established set of attitudes held by someone) fits contextually in the first blank. TO TAKE THE LEAD means to accept responsibility for dealing with a situation. 

(a) is incorrect. QUALITY fits contextually in the first blank. The phrase TO CARRY ALL BEFORE ONE means to overcome all opposition.

(b) is incorrect. ELEVATION (increase in the level of something) does not fit contextually. The phrase SWEEP THE BOARD means to win every event or prize in a contest. It does not fit contextually.

(d) is incorrect. SPIRIT fits contextually. TO TAKE A TOLL means to harm or damage someone or something, especially in a gradual way.  

(e) is incorrect. PROCESS fits contextually. TO TAKE A BOW means to acknowledge applause after a performance by bowing.

Question 14

(2 blanks)        

By _______ technologies that were originally developed by the public sector, digital platform companies have acquired a market position that allows them to ________ massive rents from consumers and workers alike. 

a) taking heed of, initiate

b) taking for granted, induce

c) taking after, impose

d) taking advantage of, extract

e) taking away from, adapt

Ans: (d)

Solution: (d) is the right answer. The sentence talks about how digital platform companies have leveraged technologies that were originally developed by the public sector and how they have acquired a dominant market position. For the first blank, we need a phrase that describes how the technologies have been used by the private sector. The phrase TAKING ADVANTAGE OF means to exploit something so as to gain maximum benefit. For the second blank, we need a verb in the base form to fit in the infinitive construction of TO+VERB. EXTRACT(to obtain (something such as money or information) from someone unwilling to give it) fits contextually. The sentence talks about how digital platforms are obtaining profits from consumers as well as workers.  

(a) is incorrect as the fillers do not fit contextually. TAKING HEED OF means to pay attention to something. INITIATE means to start something.  

(b) is incorrect as the fillers do not fit contextually. TO TAKE FOR GRANTED means to fail to properly appreciate (someone or something), especially as a result of overfamiliarity. INDUCE means succeed in persuading or leading (someone) to do something. 

(c) is incorrect. TO TAKE AFTER means to resemble (a parent or ancestor). IMPOSE (force (an unwelcome decision or ruling) on someone). It fits contextually. 

(e) is incorrect as the fillers do not fit contextually. TAKING AWAY FROM means to detract from a former position. ADAPT means make (something) suitable for a new use or purpose; modify.

Question 15

Topic: 2blanks; 1 word_1 phrase             

Subtopic: Sentence completion 

Level – 1

In Ghana, the vaccination clinics are ________ to begin routine immunisation of malaria alongside those of other diseases, long since ________, such as polio and diphtheria. 

a) gearing up, disappeared

b) readying themselves, diverged

c) making provisions, deployed

d) getting after, vanished

e) going against, eradicated

Ans: A

Solution: First blank – we need a phrasal verb here to convey how vaccination clinics are starting to prepare themselves to begin immunisation of malaria. GEARING UP, READYING THEMSELVES and MAKING PROVISIONS will fit here. 

Getting after – to pursue relentlessly. Going against – opposing.

Second blank – we need a verb here in the past participle form as this part of the sentence is in passive voice. The sentence talks of diseases that have been wiped out such as polio and diphtheria. DISAPPEARED, VANISHED and ERADICATED will fit here. 

Diverged – caused to change direction. Deployed – utilised. 

Thus, A is the right answer.

Directions (Qs. 26-30): In the question below, a short paragraph is given with 3 blanks, followed by six words/ phrases. From the options, choose the one that provides the correct combination of 3 of the given words/ phrases which fit in the blanks in the right order.

Question 26

(Paragraph with 3 blanks)

Like many social animals, including several primate species, and also dolphins and elephants, we humans live in what are known as ‘fission-fusion’ societies – our allegiances are _________; there is a fluidity in the size of groups into which we coalesce; and the boundaries between our groups or tribes are ______, depending on the circumstances. For instance, when food is _______, individual members of fission-fusion species will temporarily dissolve their smaller formal groups and intermingle en masse. In contrast, when food is scarce, individuals will split into rival groups to search for food in different locations. 

1. flexible

2. inevitable

3. porous

4. pervasive

5. intimidating

6. abundant

a) 123

b) 136

c) 143

d) 246

e) 256

Ans: B

Solution: First blank – we need an adjective to modify the noun ALLEGIANCES. The sentence talks about how our loyalties change. FLEXIBLE will fit here. Second blank – we need an adjective to modify the noun BOUNDARIES. POROUS will fit here as the sentence talks about how our boundaries are not fixed. Third blank – We need an adjective to modify the noun FOOD. The sentence talks about human behaviour when food is plentiful. ABUNDANT will fit here. 136 is the correct order, which makes B the right answer.

Inevitable – certain to happen. Pervasive – widespread. Intimidating – threatening.

Question 27

(Paragraph with 3 blanks)

The government review ________ science and community concerns in some respects, recommending for instance that more bioregions have at least one marine national park. This review also _______ more protection for some important coral reefs and there is an expansion of protection from mining in some areas. Most importantly, the review recognises the __________ role of highly-protected marine national park zones in the conservation of species and ecosystems.

1. deflects

2. reflects

3. suggestion

4. recommends

5. fundamental

6.crucial

a) 123

b) 135

c) 143

d) 245

e) 256

Ans: (d)

Solution: First blank – we need a verb to link the subject REVIEW with the object CONCERNS. The sentence talks about how the review represents the concerns. REFLECTS will fit here. Second blank – we need a verb to link the subject REVIEW with the object PROTECTION. RECOMMENDS will fit here. Third blank – we need an adjective here to modify the noun ROLE. FUNDAMENTAL and CRUCIAL can fit here. 245 and 246 are possible combinations, out of which only the former is given in the options. Thus, D is the right answer.

Deflects – cause to change direction. SUGGESTION is a noun.

Question 28

(Paragraph with 3 blanks)

Off Australia’s northeastern coastline, ________ eastwards from the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, is a _______ extent of ocean known as the Coral Sea. Almost a million square kilometres of the Coral Sea is within Australian waters, making up one of six regions used for planning national networks of marine reserves. Unlike the other regions, virtually all of the Coral Sea is within a single reserve. On the face of it, this should _______ people who are concerned with conservation of marine biodiversity. But, as often happens, the devil is in the detail.

1. vast

2. daft

3. extensively

4. extending

5. encourage

6. envisage

a) 126

b) 132

c) 143

d) 245

e) 415

Ans: E

Solution: First blank – we need a present participle form to link the two clauses. The sentence talks about how the ocean continues eastwards. EXTENDING will fit here. Second blank – we need an adjective to modify the noun EXTENT. The sentence describes the reach of the ocean. VAST will fit here. Third blank – we need a base form verb to follow the modal verb SHOULD. ENCOURAGE will fit here as the sentence talks about how this will persuade people to conserve the environment. 415 is the possible combination, making E the right answer.

Daft – insane. EXTENSIVELY is an adverb. Envisage – imagine.

Conclusion

Practice all the types of fillers mentioned above to get confident of filling them in speed and with accuracy. Attempt SBI Mocks Tests to examine your weaknesses and strengths and analyses them for further improvement.