CKPS 2026 Prelim Comprehension Cloze

Supermarkets are an important part of modern life. (1) selling food and household products, they use various methods to influence consumers’ shopping habits.

One common strategy is product placement. Essential items such as milk, eggs and bread are often placed at the back of the store. Customers must walk [2]_____ several aisles before reaching them. Along the way, they may notice other products and make additional purchases. As a result, they may spend more than they had originally [3]_____.

Supermarkets also use colourful signs and attractive displays to capture shoppers [4]_____. Discounts and special offers create a sense of [5]_____ encouraging customers to buy products before the promotion ends.

Another method involves placing products at eye [6]_____. Customers are more likely to notice items that are easy to see. Therefore, products that supermarkets want to sell in larger [7]_____ are often displayed in [8]_____ positions. Less popular items may be placed where they are less [9]_____.

Fresh fruits and flowers are usually displaced near the entrance to create a positive first [10]_____. Soft music may also be played to encourage shoppers to spend more [11]_____ in the store so they do not leave too quickly.

Many supermarkets place sweets near the checkout counters. While waiting to pay, shoppers may make unnecessary purchases without thinking carefully. Children may also [12]_____ their parents to buy products that catch their eyes.

Rewards programmes entice customers with points and vouchers. These rewards help to build customer [13]_____. Some supermarkets also collect information about shopping habits to offer personalised [14]_____.

Consumers should understand how these marketing techniques work. Planning purchases can help shoppers make more [15]_____ decisions and avoid unnecessary purchases. By being aware of these strategies, consumers can make wiser purchasing decisions.