Cloze Test
A Cloze Test is a reading exercise where certain words are removed from a passage. The student must fill in these gaps with the most suitable words. This test does not just check your vocabulary. It also tests your understanding of grammar and the logical flow of a story or an argument. Think of it like a puzzle where every piece must fit perfectly with the pieces around it. To solve a Cloze Test, you must look at the passage as a whole unit rather than just separate sentences.
Concepts (8)
New Pattern Cloze offers two word options per blank. Read the passage first, then evaluate both choices for contextual meaning, grammatical fit, and collocation to ensure speed and accuracy.
Rule
In the New Pattern Cloze, each blank presents two closely related or confusing word options. Your task is to select the most appropriate word. The core strategy is to first read the entire passage to understand its overall theme, tone, and logical flow. Then, for each blank, carefully analyze both given words. Consider their precise meanings, their grammatical roles (noun, verb, adjective, adverb), and how they fit contextually within the sentence and the broader passage. Pay close attention to collocations – words that naturally go together.
Correct Examples
- The government's decision to revoke (revoke/invoke) the emergency powers was met with widespread criticism. (Revoke means to officially cancel; invoke means to call upon or put into effect.)
- His discreet (discreet/discrete) comments avoided offending anyone. (Discreet means careful and prudent; discrete means separate or distinct.)
- The principal (principal/principle) reason for his success was hard work. (Principal means main or most important; principle means a fundamental truth or rule.)
- The new policy will affect (affect/effect) significant changes in the market. (Affect is typically a verb meaning to influence; effect is typically a noun meaning result, or a verb meaning to bring about.)
- She showed great deference (deference/difference) to her elders. (Deference means respect; difference means a state of being unlike.)
Common Errors
- Jumping to conclusions: Picking the first word that seems plausible without fully considering the second option or the broader context.
- Ignoring grammatical fit: Selecting a word that makes sense semantically but doesn't fit the sentence's grammatical structure (e.g., using a noun where a verb is needed).
- Overlooking collocations: Choosing a word that is grammatically correct and semantically close but doesn't form a natural pairing with surrounding words.
- Not reading the whole passage: Failing to grasp the overall narrative or argument, leading to choices that disrupt the passage's coherence.
Exam Pattern
This new pattern typically features a passage with 5-10 blanks. For each blank, two options are provided. You must choose one. This format tests not just vocabulary, but also nuanced understanding of word usage, grammar, and contextual comprehension. Each correct answer usually carries a positive mark, with negative marking for incorrect answers, making accuracy paramount.
Detailed Rules & Exceptions
When faced with two options, a systematic approach is crucial:
- Contextual Fit: This is paramount. Read the sentence with both words. Which one aligns better with the overall meaning of the sentence and the surrounding sentences? Consider the tone (formal, informal, critical, supportive) of the passage.
- Grammatical Role: Identify the part of speech required for the blank (noun, verb, adjective, adverb). Then check if both options fit this grammatical role. If one is a noun and the other a verb, and only a verb is needed, the choice becomes clear. Be wary of words that can function as multiple parts of speech (e.g., 'effect' as a noun and a verb).
- Collocation: Many words have preferred partners. For example, we 'make a decision' not 'do a decision'. We 'pay attention' not 'give attention'. If one option forms a common collocation and the other doesn't, the choice is usually obvious. Build your collocation knowledge by reading widely.
- Nuance of Meaning: Often, the two options are synonyms but with subtle differences. For instance, 'compliment' (praise) vs. 'complement' (to complete or enhance). 'Eminent' (famous) vs. 'imminent' (about to happen). Understanding these fine distinctions is key.
Practice Sentences
- The company aims to mitigate (mitigate/militate) the risks associated with the new project. (Mitigate means to make less severe; militate means to be a powerful factor in preventing something.)
- Her ingenuous (ingenuous/ingenious) nature made her an easy target for fraudsters. (Ingenuous means innocent and unsuspecting; ingenious means clever and inventive.)
- The report highlighted the adverse (adverse/averse) effects of pollution on public health. (Adverse means unfavorable; averse means having a strong dislike or opposition to something.)
Frequently Tested Patterns
- Homophones/Near-Homophones: Words that sound similar but have different meanings and spellings (e.g., 'principal/principle', 'affect/effect', 'discreet/discrete', 'compliment/complement', 'elicit/illicit', 'allusion/illusion').
- Confusing Verbs: Verbs with similar meanings but different usages or prepositions (e.g., 'adapt/adopt', 'prescribe/proscribe', 'assure/ensure/insure', 'lie/lay').
- Context-Dependent Synonyms: Words that are synonyms in some contexts but not others (e.g., 'continual/continuous', 'historic/historical', 'sensible/sensitive').
- Formal vs. Informal: Choosing the word that matches the passage's register (e.g., 'commence/start', 'endeavor/try').
Master Vocabulary Based Cloze by focusing on context, tone, and collocations. Read the passage first, then select the most appropriate word for speed and accuracy in SSC CGL.
Rule
Vocabulary Based Cloze tests require you to select the most appropriate word to fill a blank, not just any grammatically correct synonym. The core rule is to understand the overall context, tone, and theme of the passage first. Read the entire passage quickly without looking at the options to grasp the main idea. Then, approach each blank, considering not only the immediate sentence but also how the word fits with the sentences before and after it. Pay close attention to collocations (words that naturally go together) and idiomatic expressions.
Correct Examples
- The company decided to expand its operations globally. (Not 'widen' or 'stretch' - 'expand operations' is a common collocation.)
- He felt a profound sense of relief after the exam results were declared. (Not 'comfort' or 'ease' - 'sense of relief' is idiomatic.)
- Despite the initial setbacks, the team showed remarkable resilience and completed the project on time. (Not 'strength' or 'toughness' - 'resilience' fits the context of bouncing back from setbacks.)
- The new policy aims to alleviate poverty in rural areas. (Not 'reduce' or 'lessen' - 'alleviate' specifically means to make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe.)
Common Errors
- Choosing a synonym that doesn't fit the nuance: Many words have similar meanings but are not interchangeable in all contexts. E.g., 'affect' vs. 'effect'.
- Ignoring collocations: Selecting a word that is grammatically correct but doesn't naturally pair with surrounding words (e.g., 'strong tea' vs. 'powerful tea').
- Focusing only on the blank's sentence: This leads to missing the overall flow or tone of the passage, resulting in a contextually incorrect choice.
- Overlooking prepositions: The word preceding or following a blank often dictates the required word (e.g., 'depend on', 'account for').
Exam Pattern
In SSC CGL, you'll encounter a passage with 5-10 numbered blanks. For each blank, you'll be given 4-5 multiple-choice options. Your task is to select the most suitable word from the options that fits both grammatically and contextually. This section tests your vocabulary depth, contextual understanding, and ability to identify collocations and idiomatic expressions quickly.
Detailed Rules & Exceptions
- Contextual Clues are King: Look at words immediately surrounding the blank (semantic clues) and the overall meaning of the paragraph (global clues). If the passage discusses a problem, the missing word might be a solution, a cause, or a consequence. If it's about a positive development, the word should reflect that tone.
- Grammatical Fit: Ensure the chosen word is the correct part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, adverb) and fits the sentence structure. Check for verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, and correct use of prepositions.
- Collocations & Phrasal Verbs: These are frequently tested. Memorize common collocations (e.g., 'heavy traffic', 'make a decision', 'pay attention') and phrasal verbs (e.g., 'put up with', 'take off', 'look into'). They often have specific meanings that cannot be inferred from individual words.
- Tone and Register: Is the passage formal or informal? Scientific or narrative? The chosen word must match the passage's overall tone. For instance, in a formal report, 'commence' is better than 'start'.
- Elimination Strategy: Always use elimination. Rule out options that are grammatically incorrect, clearly out of context, or do not collocate. Often, two options might seem plausible, but one will be a 'better fit' due to nuance or collocation.
Practice Sentences
- The government's new initiative aims to ______ the quality of life for its citizens. (Options: enhance, elevate, uplift, improve)
- Analysis: All are synonyms for making better. 'Improve' is a general fit. 'Enhance' suggests adding to existing good quality, often used for systems or experiences. 'Elevate' is more about raising status or position. 'Uplift' is often emotional. 'Improve' is the most direct and universally applicable here.
- Despite the widespread criticism, the minister remained ______ in his decision. (Options: firm, rigid, stubborn, resolute)
- Analysis: 'Firm' and 'resolute' suggest determination and conviction. 'Rigid' and 'stubborn' carry negative connotations of being unwilling to change despite reason. Given 'minister' and 'decision', 'resolute' (showing firm determination) is the best positive fit.
Frequently Tested Patterns
- Words with similar meanings but different contexts: e.g., 'advice/advise', 'affect/effect', 'principal/principle'.
- Collocations: 'make a mistake', 'take a risk', 'pay attention', 'commit a crime', 'strong coffee', 'heavy rain'.
- Phrasal Verbs: 'call off', 'put up with', 'look into', 'carry out'.
- Words indicating cause and effect, contrast, or addition: 'therefore', 'however', 'moreover', 'consequently'.
- Words related to common themes: Economy (inflation, recession, growth), Environment (conservation, pollution, sustainable), Society (equality, justice, welfare).
Master grammar-focused cloze tests by understanding S-V agreement, tense, pronouns, and prepositions. Prioritize contextual clues for quick, accurate fills. Boost speed and score.
Grammar-Focused Cloze Test: Speed & Accuracy
Grammar-focused cloze tests assess your ability to apply grammatical rules within context. Unlike vocabulary-heavy cloze tests, these blanks often test structural correctness, sentence cohesion, and logical flow. Speed comes from instant recognition of common patterns, and accuracy from meticulous application of rules.
Rule 1: Subject-Verb Agreement
Verbs must agree with their subjects in number (singular/plural). Identify the true subject, especially with intervening phrases.
- Correct: The list of items is on the table. (Subject: 'list', singular)
- Incorrect: The list of items are on the table.
Rule 2: Pronoun Agreement and Reference
Pronouns must agree with their antecedents (the nouns they refer to) in number, gender, and person. Ensure clear reference.
- Correct: Each student must submit his/her assignment. (Or 'their' for gender neutrality, depending on exam)
- Incorrect: Each student must submit their assignments. (If 'student' is singular)
Rule 3: Tense Consistency
Maintain a consistent tense throughout the passage unless there's a clear reason for a shift (e.g., referring to a past event in a present narrative).
- Correct: He walked to the store and bought groceries.
- Incorrect: He walked to the store and buys groceries.
Rule 4: Prepositions
Many verbs, nouns, and adjectives are followed by specific prepositions (fixed prepositions or phrasal verbs). Learn common collocations.
- Correct: She is fond of classical music. / He depends on his parents.
- Incorrect: She is fond with classical music. / He depends with his parents.
Rule 5: Conjunctions and Connectors
Choose conjunctions (and, but, or, because, although, therefore, however) that logically connect clauses or sentences, indicating cause, effect, contrast, addition, etc.
- Correct: He studied hard, but he failed the exam. (Contrast)
- Incorrect: He studied hard, therefore he failed the exam.
Exam Pattern
In cloze tests, you'll see a passage with 5-10 blanks. Each blank will have 4-5 options. Your task is to pick the grammatically correct and contextually appropriate word. Often, options will test subtle grammatical distinctions. Read the sentence before and after the blank to grasp the full context.
Detailed Rules & Exceptions
Subject-Verb Agreement Nuances:
- Collective Nouns: Treat collective nouns (e.g., team, committee, family) as singular if acting as a unit: The team is celebrating. Treat as plural if members are acting individually: The team are arguing among themselves.
- Indefinite Pronouns: 'Each, every, either, neither, one, nobody, somebody, anybody, everybody, no one, someone, anyone, everyone' are always singular: Everyone is present.
- 'One of the...': The verb after 'one of the [plural noun]' is singular: One of the reasons is lack of practice.
Pronoun Reference & Relative Pronouns:
- 'Who' vs. 'Whom': 'Who' is a subject pronoun (like 'he/she'); 'Whom' is an object pronoun (like 'him/her'). Who called you? (He called me). To whom did you speak? (I spoke to him).
- 'Which' vs. 'That': 'Which' introduces non-essential clauses (use commas); 'That' introduces essential clauses (no commas). The car, which is red, is fast. The car that is red is fast. (Implies there are other cars).
Tense Consistency & Parallelism:
- Sequence of Tenses: Ensure verbs in complex sentences follow logical tense sequences. E.g., if the main verb is past, subordinate verbs usually follow suit. He said that he had finished his work. (Past perfect for action before 'said').
- Parallel Structure: When listing items or actions, ensure they are in the same grammatical form. He likes swimming, running, and cycling. (All gerunds). He likes to swim, to run, and to cycle. (All infinitives).
Prepositions & Phrasal Verbs:
- Memorize common phrasal verbs (e.g., put off = postpone, look up = search for). Their meaning changes with the preposition.
- Pay attention to prepositions after adjectives (e.g., interested in, capable of, afraid of).
Practice Sentences
Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate option:
The committee (1) ______ its decision after a long debate. Each member (2) ______ their views clearly, (3) ______ the chairman ensured everyone had a chance to speak. The final resolution, (4) ______ was passed unanimously, reflected the collective will. They were confident (5) ______ the outcome.
- A) announced B) announce C) announcing D) have announced
- A) expressed B) express C) expressing D) have expressed
- A) and B) but C) so D) therefore
- A) that B) which C) who D) whom
- A) in B) of C) about D) with
Answers: 1. A (past tense consistency) 2. A (past tense consistency) 3. A (addition) 4. B (non-essential clause) 5. B (confident of)
Frequently Tested Patterns
- Singular vs. Plural Verb: Especially with 'one of the', 'each', 'every', or collective nouns.
- Pronoun Case: 'Who/Whom', 'I/Me', 'He/Him' in various sentence structures.
- Fixed Prepositions: Verbs/adjectives followed by specific prepositions.
- Conjunctions for Contrast/Cause/Effect: 'However', 'therefore', 'although', 'because'.
- Parallelism: Ensuring consistent grammatical forms in lists or comparisons.
Master vocabulary cloze by focusing on passage context, tone, and collocations. Prioritize speed and accuracy to select the best-fitting word for semantic coherence.
Rule
To ace vocabulary-focused cloze tests, your primary goal is to find the word that best fits the overall meaning, tone, and grammatical structure of the passage. Always start by reading the entire passage quickly without looking at the options. This helps you grasp the main theme and the author's tone (e.g., formal, informal, critical, descriptive). Next, analyze each blank individually, using surrounding words as contextual clues. Pay close attention to prepositions, conjunctions, and transition words. Look for synonyms, antonyms, or cause-and-effect relationships within the sentence or adjacent sentences. Finally, consider collocations – words that naturally go together (e.g., 'heavy rain' not 'strong rain'). Speed comes from quickly identifying these clues; accuracy from choosing the most appropriate word semantically and grammatically.
Correct Examples
- The company decided to ____ its operations due to increased market demand. (Options: contract, expand, reduce, shrink)
- Correct: expand (Increased demand implies growth, so 'expand' fits the context.)
- Despite the challenges, her ____ attitude helped her overcome every obstacle. (Options: pessimistic, negative, resilient, fragile)
- Correct: resilient (Overcoming obstacles suggests strength and ability to bounce back, making 'resilient' the best fit.)
- The ancient ruins were a ____ reminder of a forgotten civilization. (Options: vivid, dull, vague, obscure)
- Correct: vivid (Ruins serve as a clear, strong reminder, so 'vivid' is appropriate.)
Common Errors
- Ignoring Overall Context: Choosing a word that fits one sentence but contradicts the passage's main idea or tone.
- Misinterpreting Collocations: Selecting a synonym that doesn't naturally pair with the surrounding words (e.g., 'make a research' instead of 'conduct research').
- Grammatically Correct but Semantically Wrong: Picking an option that is grammatically sound but doesn't convey the intended meaning of the passage.
- Focusing Only on the Blank Sentence: Failing to read the sentences before and after the blank, which often provide crucial clues.
Exam Pattern
In SSC CGL, Cloze Tests typically feature a passage with 5-10 blanks. For each blank, you'll be given four or five multiple-choice options. The questions primarily test your vocabulary, understanding of contextual meaning, and ability to identify appropriate collocations and phrasal verbs. The difficulty usually ranges from easy to moderate, making it a high-scoring section if approached strategically.
Detailed Rules & Exceptions
- Identify Word Type Needed: Before looking at options, determine if the blank requires a noun, verb, adjective, adverb, or preposition. This immediately narrows down choices.
- Positive/Negative Connotation: Understand if the sentence requires a word with a positive, negative, or neutral connotation. For example, 'The politician's ____ remarks caused a stir.' (Options: insightful, controversial, bland). 'Controversial' fits the 'caused a stir' context, implying a negative or challenging reaction.
- Contextual Clues - Beyond the Sentence:
- Synonyms/Antonyms: Look for words in nearby sentences that are similar or opposite in meaning to the blank.
- Cause and Effect: Identify if the blank is part of a cause-and-effect relationship. (e.g., 'Due to the heavy rain, the match was ____.' -> 'postponed').
- Examples/Explanations: Sometimes, the sentence following the blank provides an example or explanation that clarifies the missing word.
- Phrasal Verbs and Idioms: Cloze tests frequently include blanks that require knowledge of common phrasal verbs (e.g., 'call off', 'put up with') or idiomatic expressions. These must be known as their meaning cannot always be deduced from individual words.
- Distinguish Close Synonyms: Many options will be synonyms, but only one will fit perfectly. Pay attention to nuances, formality, and specific usage. (e.g., 'affect' vs 'effect', 'imply' vs 'infer', 'economic' vs 'economical').
Practice Sentences
- The government's new policy aims to ____ poverty in rural areas. (Options: eradicate, elevate, expand, ignore)
- Explanation: 'Eradicate' (meaning to completely destroy or put an end to) is the strongest and most appropriate word for addressing poverty, aligning with a government's goal.
- Scientists are working to ____ a cure for the rare disease. (Options: invent, discover, fabricate, create)
- Explanation: When it comes to finding a cure for a disease, 'discover' is the most suitable verb, implying finding something that already exists or is naturally occurring, rather than 'inventing' or 'creating' something entirely new in this context.
Frequently Tested Patterns
- Words with similar meanings but different connotations: e.g., 'famous' vs 'notorious', 'courageous' vs 'reckless'.
- Words that change meaning with prepositions: e.g., 'look up', 'look into', 'look after'.
- Formal vs. Informal Vocabulary: Passages often maintain a consistent tone, requiring you to choose words that match that formality level.
- Abstract Nouns: Words like 'resilience', 'integrity', 'diligence' are commonly tested for their precise contextual fit.
- Connectors/Transition Words: 'However', 'Moreover', 'Therefore', 'Consequently', 'In contrast' are crucial for understanding the logical flow and selecting the correct linking word.
This refers to the rules of grammar that limit which word can fit in a blank. You must check for 'Subject-Verb Agreement' and 'Tense'. For example, if the sentence starts with 'They have...
This refers to the rules of grammar that limit which word can fit in a blank. You must check for 'Subject-Verb Agreement' and 'Tense'. For example, if the sentence starts with 'They have...', the blank must contain a past participle verb (V3) like 'gone' or 'finished'. If you see 'an' before a blank, the word must start with a vowel sound.
Master grammar rules (tense, prepositions, articles) to quickly solve cloze tests. Focus on contextual clues and common error patterns for high accuracy and speed in SSC CGL.
Rule
Grammar-based cloze tests primarily assess your understanding and application of fundamental grammar rules, specifically focusing on Tense, Prepositions, and Articles. Success hinges on identifying the correct grammatical form that fits the context of the sentence and the overall passage.
- Tense: Ensure verb tenses are consistent with the timeline of the passage (past, present, future) and match time-indicating adverbs or phrases.
- Prepositions: Select prepositions that correctly express relationships of time, place, direction, or are part of fixed phrases (phrasal verbs, idiomatic expressions).
- Articles (a, an, the): Use 'a' or 'an' for indefinite, singular countable nouns (based on sound), and 'the' for definite, specific, or unique nouns. Understand when to use a zero article.
Correct Examples
- Tense: "She has been studying for three hours since morning." (Present Perfect Continuous for an action started in the past and continuing)
- Preposition: "He is very good at solving puzzles." (Fixed preposition 'good at')
- Article: "This is the book that I borrowed from a library." ('The' for specific book, 'a' for general library)
Common Errors
- Tense Shift: Inconsistent use of tenses within a paragraph without a logical reason (e.g., starting in past, suddenly shifting to present).
- Wrong Preposition: Using 'in' instead of 'on' for a surface, or 'to' instead of 'for' in certain contexts (e.g., "listen to" vs "listen for").
- Article Misuse: Using 'a' before a vowel sound (e.g., "a apple"), 'an' before a consonant sound (e.g., "an university"), or 'the' when a general statement requires no article.
- Subject-Verb Agreement: Mismatch between singular/plural subject and verb.
Exam Pattern
In SSC CGL, grammar-based cloze tests present a passage with typically 5-10 blanks. Each blank has four options. Your task is to choose the option that makes the sentence grammatically correct and contextually coherent. Prioritize grammatical fit first, then contextual meaning. Look for immediate clues around the blank.
Detailed Rules & Exceptions
- Tense Consistency & Sequence:
- If the main clause is in the past tense, the subordinate clause will usually also be in a past tense (e.g., "He said that he had finished his work.").
- If the main clause is in the present or future tense, the subordinate clause can be in any tense (e.g., "He says that he will finish his work.").
- Exceptions: Universal truths, habitual actions, or historical facts always remain in their respective tenses regardless of the main clause.
- Conditional Sentences: Type 1 (If + Simple Present, will + V1), Type 2 (If + Simple Past, would + V1), Type 3 (If + Past Perfect, would have + V3).
- Prepositions - Nuances:
- Time: 'at' (specific time), 'on' (days/dates), 'in' (months, years, seasons, parts of the day).
- Place: 'at' (specific point/address), 'on' (surface), 'in' (enclosed space/large area).
- Fixed Prepositions: Many verbs, adjectives, and nouns are followed by specific prepositions (e.g., account for, aware of, keen on, responsible for, cope with). Memorizing common ones is vital.
- Phrasal Verbs: Verb + preposition/adverb combination with a distinct meaning (e.g., look up, put off, take after).
- Articles - Specific Cases:
- 'The': Used before superlatives (the best), unique things (the Earth), musical instruments (the piano), rivers (the Ganga), mountain ranges (the Himalayas), holy books (the Bible), specific groups (the poor).
- Zero Article: Used before plural countable nouns in a general sense (e.g., Birds fly), uncountable nouns in a general sense (e.g., Water is essential), names of languages (e.g., English is spoken), subjects (e.g., Mathematics is hard), proper nouns (mostly).
- Sound Rule for A/An: 'An' before vowel sound (an hour, an honest man), 'a' before consonant sound (a university, a European).
Practice Sentences
- The manager ____ (has been working/is working/worked/works) on this project since last month. (Correct: has been working - 'since' indicates present perfect continuous)
- She is interested ____ (in/on/at/for) learning new languages. (Correct: in - fixed preposition 'interested in')
- ____ (A/An/The/No) honest man is always respected. (Correct: An - 'honest' starts with a vowel sound)
- If he ____ (had studied/studied/will study/studies) harder, he would have passed the exam. (Correct: had studied - Type 3 conditional)
- He apologized ____ (to/for/with/at) his rude behavior. (Correct: for - apologized for something)
Frequently Tested Patterns
- Subject-Verb Agreement: Often tested with intervening phrases or clauses between the subject and verb. (e.g., "The list of items is long.")
- Parallelism: Ensuring similar grammatical structures are used for similar ideas (e.g., "He likes to swim, to run, and to cycle.").
- Pronoun Agreement: Pronouns must agree with their antecedents in number, gender, and person. (e.g., "Each student must bring his or her own book.")
- Adjective/Adverb Usage: Distinguishing when to use an adjective (modifies noun/pronoun) vs. an adverb (modifies verb/adjective/another adverb). (e.g., "He spoke loudly" vs "He has a loud voice.")
Contextual clues are hints found within the text that help you understand the meaning of missing words. They can be synonyms, antonyms, or examples provided in the passage.
Contextual clues are hints found within the text that help you understand the meaning of missing words. They can be synonyms, antonyms, or examples provided in the passage. For example, if a sentence says 'The weather was ____ and gloomy,' the word 'and' tells you the missing word must be similar to 'gloomy,' such as 'dark' or 'cloudy.'
Connectors are words that join ideas. 'Contrast connectors' like 'despite' or 'yet' show a conflict. 'Cause and Effect' connectors like 'consequently' or 'since' show a result.
Connectors are words that join ideas. 'Contrast connectors' like 'despite' or 'yet' show a conflict. 'Cause and Effect' connectors like 'consequently' or 'since' show a result. If the first part of a sentence is positive and the second is negative, you must use a contrast connector. Example: 'He was tired, ____ he kept working.' Here, 'but' or 'yet' fits perfectly.
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Start Lesson: New Pattern Cloze