Q1:

Passage

Easy

Biodiversity, also referred to as biological diversity, is the variety of different species of flora and fauna living on Earth. The richer the biodiversity, the more balanced and harmonious would the environment be. Different variety of plants and animals contribute their bit to make the planet worth inhabiting. One of the main reasons for the survival of human species on Earth is biodiversity. This is because various species of organisms help in meeting their basic needs of food, shelter, clothing and other resources. There are around 300,000 species of flora that have been known to date and numerous species of fauna that includes not only animals but also birds, fish, reptiles, mammals, insects, molluscs, crustaceans, etc.

Our planet Earth was formed close to 4.54 billion years ago and there have been evidences of life since around 3.5 billion years ago. A number of species of both flora and fauna have gone extinct over the past centuries and many more are anticipated to go extinct in the times to come, there by disturbing the level of biodiversity. Human beings have become so driven towards technology over the years that they have forgotten its repercussions. Several new inventions have proven to be hazardous to the environment and are having a negative impact on biodiversity. It is high time humans should start taking the environmental issues seriously and contribute their bit towards improving the atmosphere. A healthy environment is essential for developing rich biodiversity which in turn is essential for the human beings to live in a harmonious state on Earth.

What is essential for developing a rich biodiversity?

Answer options
Option 3
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2025: 19 May Shift 1 ENG question 1

Q2:

Passage

Medium

Biodiversity, also referred to as biological diversity, is the variety of different species of flora and fauna living on Earth. The richer the biodiversity, the more balanced and harmonious would the environment be. Different variety of plants and animals contribute their bit to make the planet worth inhabiting. One of the main reasons for the survival of human species on Earth is biodiversity. This is because various species of organisms help in meeting their basic needs of food, shelter, clothing and other resources. There are around 300,000 species of flora that have been known to date and numerous species of fauna that includes not only animals but also birds, fish, reptiles, mammals, insects, molluscs, crustaceans, etc.

Our planet Earth was formed close to 4.54 billion years ago and there have been evidences of life since around 3.5 billion years ago. A number of species of both flora and fauna have gone extinct over the past centuries and many more are anticipated to go extinct in the times to come, there by disturbing the level of biodiversity. Human beings have become so driven towards technology over the years that they have forgotten its repercussions. Several new inventions have proven to be hazardous to the environment and are having a negative impact on biodiversity. It is high time humans should start taking the environmental issues seriously and contribute their bit towards improving the atmosphere. A healthy environment is essential for developing rich biodiversity which in turn is essential for the human beings to live in a harmonious state on Earth.

The drive towards technological advancement may lead to-----------.

Answer options
Option 2
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2025: 19 May Shift 1 ENG question 2

Q3:

Passage

Medium

Biodiversity, also referred to as biological diversity, is the variety of different species of flora and fauna living on Earth. The richer the biodiversity, the more balanced and harmonious would the environment be. Different variety of plants and animals contribute their bit to make the planet worth inhabiting. One of the main reasons for the survival of human species on Earth is biodiversity. This is because various species of organisms help in meeting their basic needs of food, shelter, clothing and other resources. There are around 300,000 species of flora that have been known to date and numerous species of fauna that includes not only animals but also birds, fish, reptiles, mammals, insects, molluscs, crustaceans, etc.

Our planet Earth was formed close to 4.54 billion years ago and there have been evidences of life since around 3.5 billion years ago. A number of species of both flora and fauna have gone extinct over the past centuries and many more are anticipated to go extinct in the times to come, there by disturbing the level of biodiversity. Human beings have become so driven towards technology over the years that they have forgotten its repercussions. Several new inventions have proven to be hazardous to the environment and are having a negative impact on biodiversity. It is high time humans should start taking the environmental issues seriously and contribute their bit towards improving the atmosphere. A healthy environment is essential for developing rich biodiversity which in turn is essential for the human beings to live in a harmonious state on Earth.

Why is biodiversity important for human survival?

Answer options
Option 3
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2025: 19 May Shift 1 ENG question 3

Q4:

Passage

Easy

Biodiversity, also referred to as biological diversity, is the variety of different species of flora and fauna living on Earth. The richer the biodiversity, the more balanced and harmonious would the environment be. Different variety of plants and animals contribute their bit to make the planet worth inhabiting. One of the main reasons for the survival of human species on Earth is biodiversity. This is because various species of organisms help in meeting their basic needs of food, shelter, clothing and other resources. There are around 300,000 species of flora that have been known to date and numerous species of fauna that includes not only animals but also birds, fish, reptiles, mammals, insects, molluscs, crustaceans, etc.

Our planet Earth was formed close to 4.54 billion years ago and there have been evidences of life since around 3.5 billion years ago. A number of species of both flora and fauna have gone extinct over the past centuries and many more are anticipated to go extinct in the times to come, there by disturbing the level of biodiversity. Human beings have become so driven towards technology over the years that they have forgotten its repercussions. Several new inventions have proven to be hazardous to the environment and are having a negative impact on biodiversity. It is high time humans should start taking the environmental issues seriously and contribute their bit towards improving the atmosphere. A healthy environment is essential for developing rich biodiversity which in turn is essential for the human beings to live in a harmonious state on Earth.

Find a word from the passage which means the same as the word ---- consequence

Answer options
Option 1
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2025: 19 May Shift 1 ENG question 4

Q5:

Passage

Medium

If you are struggling to learn a new language, breathe, you're not alone. Adults famously find language learning more difficult than children, whose super-flexible brains actually grow the connections necessary to learn an additional language.

But, why is it so hard to learn a foreign language, anyway? Put simply, it's hard because it challenges both your mind and time. But there's more to it than that.

Have you ever wondered why some people sail through Spanish and others can barely mutter 'hola'? Well, there is research which suggests that our own brain's unique wiring can pre-determine language success. In a study conducted at McGill University, participants' brains were scanned before and after undergoing an intensive 12-week French course. Researchers found that stronger connections between brain centers involved in speaking and reading were seen in the better-performing participants. While this could mean that some people are simply cognitively better equipped for language learning, it doesn't mean that everyone shouldn't try.

After-work classes, study abroad, apps, talking with your foreign partner, working overseas, taking an intensive language course—there are so many ways to learn a language. However, it's clear that because adults have to, you know, be adults, we simply can't learn 'implicitly' as young children do, by following around a native speaker all day. Unfortunately, our more sophisticated grown-up brains come in the way of learning.

Identify the statement that is NOT true according to the passage:

Answer options
Option 3
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2025: 19 May Shift 1 ENG question 5

Q6:

Passage

Easy

If you are struggling to learn a new language, breathe, you're not alone. Adults famously find language learning more difficult than children, whose super-flexible brains actually grow the connections necessary to learn an additional language.

But, why is it so hard to learn a foreign language, anyway? Put simply, it's hard because it challenges both your mind and time. But there's more to it than that.

Have you ever wondered why some people sail through Spanish and others can barely mutter 'hola'? Well, there is research which suggests that our own brain's unique wiring can pre-determine language success. In a study conducted at McGill University, participants' brains were scanned before and after undergoing an intensive 12-week French course. Researchers found that stronger connections between brain centers involved in speaking and reading were seen in the better-performing participants. While this could mean that some people are simply cognitively better equipped for language learning, it doesn't mean that everyone shouldn't try.

After-work classes, study abroad, apps, talking with your foreign partner, working overseas, taking an intensive language course—there are so many ways to learn a language. However, it's clear that because adults have to, you know, be adults, we simply can't learn 'implicitly' as young children do, by following around a native speaker all day. Unfortunately, our more sophisticated grown-up brains come in the way of learning.

It is easier for children to learn a new language because:

Answer options
Option 4
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2025: 19 May Shift 1 ENG question 6

Q7:

Passage

Medium

If you are struggling to learn a new language, breathe, you're not alone. Adults famously find language learning more difficult than children, whose super-flexible brains actually grow the connections necessary to learn an additional language.

But, why is it so hard to learn a foreign language, anyway? Put simply, it's hard because it challenges both your mind and time. But there's more to it than that.

Have you ever wondered why some people sail through Spanish and others can barely mutter 'hola'? Well, there is research which suggests that our own brain's unique wiring can pre-determine language success. In a study conducted at McGill University, participants' brains were scanned before and after undergoing an intensive 12-week French course. Researchers found that stronger connections between brain centers involved in speaking and reading were seen in the better-performing participants. While this could mean that some people are simply cognitively better equipped for language learning, it doesn't mean that everyone shouldn't try.

After-work classes, study abroad, apps, talking with your foreign partner, working overseas, taking an intensive language course—there are so many ways to learn a language. However, it's clear that because adults have to, you know, be adults, we simply can't learn 'implicitly' as young children do, by following around a native speaker all day. Unfortunately, our more sophisticated grown-up brains come in the way of learning.

The antonym of 'sophisticated' is:

Answer options
Option 1
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2025: 19 May Shift 1 ENG question 7

Q8:

Passage

Medium

If you are struggling to learn a new language, breathe, you're not alone. Adults famously find language learning more difficult than children, whose super-flexible brains actually grow the connections necessary to learn an additional language.

But, why is it so hard to learn a foreign language, anyway? Put simply, it's hard because it challenges both your mind and time. But there's more to it than that.

Have you ever wondered why some people sail through Spanish and others can barely mutter 'hola'? Well, there is research which suggests that our own brain's unique wiring can pre-determine language success. In a study conducted at McGill University, participants' brains were scanned before and after undergoing an intensive 12-week French course. Researchers found that stronger connections between brain centers involved in speaking and reading were seen in the better-performing participants. While this could mean that some people are simply cognitively better equipped for language learning, it doesn't mean that everyone shouldn't try.

After-work classes, study abroad, apps, talking with your foreign partner, working overseas, taking an intensive language course—there are so many ways to learn a language. However, it's clear that because adults have to, you know, be adults, we simply can't learn 'implicitly' as young children do, by following around a native speaker all day. Unfortunately, our more sophisticated grown-up brains come in the way of learning.

The writer says 'breathe' in line 1 to :

Answer options
Option 3
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2025: 19 May Shift 1 ENG question 8

Q9:

Passage

Easy

As soon as I entered this fascinating world I was looked upon with great expectations. The world was full of racism yet I was held in high esteem. People from the United States of America to Antartica looked at me as I rolled out from the parentage of Europeans. Since economists, raging bulls and bears did not know much about me, I caught the apprehension of my parents, the share market holders, the financial experts, scholars, students and so on. At my birth, I was placed on the lap of my mother, the Federal Bank.

Frankly, my brother Lira, my sister Sterling and my extended family members like the Deutsch Mark and the Yen were quite jealous of me. I knew my worth. I reveal this secret of mine. I am a form of money held or traded outside the country, in whose currency its value is stated. In future I will be globally accepted by the members of all the nations.

I now take pride of place in Euromarket, a financial market which deals with European currencies. I do not want to roll over, but I'd love to be accepted by the developing as well as underdeveloped nations.

Why are the other currencies jealous of the Euro?

Answer options
Option 1
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2025: 19 May Shift 1 ENG question 9

Q10:

Passage

Medium

As soon as I entered this fascinating world I was looked upon with great expectations. The world was full of racism yet I was held in high esteem. People from the United States of America to Antartica looked at me as I rolled out from the parentage of Europeans. Since economists, raging bulls and bears did not know much about me, I caught the apprehension of my parents, the share market holders, the financial experts, scholars, students and so on. At my birth, I was placed on the lap of my mother, the Federal Bank.

Frankly, my brother Lira, my sister Sterling and my extended family members like the Deutsch Mark and the Yen were quite jealous of me. I knew my worth. I reveal this secret of mine. I am a form of money held or traded outside the country, in whose currency its value is stated. In future I will be globally accepted by the members of all the nations.

I now take pride of place in Euromarket, a financial market which deals with European currencies. I do not want to roll over, but I'd love to be accepted by the developing as well as underdeveloped nations.

Identify the statement that is not true according to the passage:

Answer options

Q11:

Passage

Easy

As soon as I entered this fascinating world I was looked upon with great expectations. The world was full of racism yet I was held in high esteem. People from the United States of America to Antartica looked at me as I rolled out from the parentage of Europeans. Since economists, raging bulls and bears did not know much about me, I caught the apprehension of my parents, the share market holders, the financial experts, scholars, students and so on. At my birth, I was placed on the lap of my mother, the Federal Bank.

Frankly, my brother Lira, my sister Sterling and my extended family members like the Deutsch Mark and the Yen were quite jealous of me. I knew my worth. I reveal this secret of mine. I am a form of money held or traded outside the country, in whose currency its value is stated. In future I will be globally accepted by the members of all the nations.

I now take pride of place in Euromarket, a financial market which deals with European currencies. I do not want to roll over, but I'd love to be accepted by the developing as well as underdeveloped nations.

The phrase 'bulls & bears' refer to:

Answer options

Q12:

Passage

Easy

As soon as I entered this fascinating world I was looked upon with great expectations. The world was full of racism yet I was held in high esteem. People from the United States of America to Antartica looked at me as I rolled out from the parentage of Europeans. Since economists, raging bulls and bears did not know much about me, I caught the apprehension of my parents, the share market holders, the financial experts, scholars, students and so on. At my birth, I was placed on the lap of my mother, the Federal Bank.

Frankly, my brother Lira, my sister Sterling and my extended family members like the Deutsch Mark and the Yen were quite jealous of me. I knew my worth. I reveal this secret of mine. I am a form of money held or traded outside the country, in whose currency its value is stated. In future I will be globally accepted by the members of all the nations.

I now take pride of place in Euromarket, a financial market which deals with European currencies. I do not want to roll over, but I'd love to be accepted by the developing as well as underdeveloped nations.

'Euro' has originated from-

Answer options

Q13:

Synonyms

Easy

Choose the most appropriate synonym for the underlined word: My boss adopted a pragmatic approach to solving the problem as the existing ones were not helping him find the solution.

Answer options

Q14:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the parts in the correct sequence to form a meaningful sentence:

(A) success increases

(B) and chances for future success

(C) a study concludes that

(D) commitment to future tasks

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q15:

Synonyms

Medium

Select the most appropriate synonym of the word obtrusive to fill in the blank in the following sentence: The design of the new smartphone was sleek and _______ blending seamlessly with the latest gadgets she owned.

Answer options

Q17:

Idioms

Medium

Match the idioms in List-I with their meanings in List-II:

List-IList-II
(Idioms)(Meanings)
(A) Living in an ivory tower(I) Too young and inexperienced
(B) Achilles' heel(II) A weak spot through which one can be hurt
(C) Wet behind the ears(III) Too weak or unreliable to be depended on
(D) A broken reed(IV) Protected from difficult and unpleasant features of life

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q19:

Idioms

Medium

Choose the alternative that best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiom:

He nailed his colours to the mast by writing a newspaper article attacking government policy.

Answer options

Q20:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following parts to form a meaningful sentence:

(A) for most, it is really about forming and sticking with certain beneficial habits

(B) while curtailing actions and routines that are inappropriate and might ill-serve us

(C) proving to be an excellent vehicle that allows us to achieve the results we want to attain

(D) although discipline doesn't sound like much fun and carries a negative connotation

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q21:

Synonyms

Easy

Choose the word that is closest in meaning to the underlined word: He clinched the deal with his astute understanding of the business.

Answer options

Q22:

Grammar

Medium

Fill in the blanks in the sentences given in List-I with the correct prepositions given in List-II:

List-IList-II
(Sentences)(Prepositions)
(A) Did you hear ___what happened at the party on Saturday?(I) of
(B) Mega was complaining ___pain in her knee, so she went to see a doctor.(II) from
(C) Are you going to apologize___ what you did?(III) about
(D) Kamla is often not well.She suffers ___severe headache.(IV) for

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q23:

Word Usage

Medium

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank in the following sentence: Weeks of incessant walking in the forest and on uneven terrain, without enough food supplies and water was enough to ________ the group of hikers.

Answer options

Q24:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following parts to form a meaningful sentence:

(A) on the environment, they support brands that align with their values

(B) demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and a greener future

(C) as consumers are becoming more aware of the influence of their buying choices

(D) by keeping energy consumption and waste generation in check thereby

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q25:

Word Usage

Medium

Complete the sentences given in List-I with the suitable adjectives given in List-II:

List-IList-II
(Sentences)(Adjectives)
(A) At work you need ______ allies who won't let you down.(I) scrupulous
(B) His ______ honesty is a quality I greatly admire.(II) deeply
(C) I don't know why she was so _______ critical of him; it seemed very unfair.(III) bitter
(D) Raj and Sameer were ______ rivals at work, but seemed to get on well outside of the office.(IV) staunch

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q26:

Synonyms

Hard

Choose the most appropriate word to fill in the blank: Because the orator's speech was high-flown and pretentious, the reporter termed it as ______.

Answer options

Q27:

Phrasal Verbs

Medium

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank in the following sentence: The contract seemed to ______ the company with too many restrictions.

Answer options

Q28:

Phrasal Verbs

Medium

Choose the most appropriate option to complete the following sentence: Several people have ______ the task of writing the history of the country, but very few have succeeded.

Answer options

Q29:

Synonyms

Medium

Select the option that is closest in meaning to the underlined phrase: My mother's dream garden came to life and blossomed with the onset of rains.

Answer options

Q30:

Word Usage

Medium

Match the words in List-I with their definitions in List-II:

List-IList-II
(Words)(Definitions)
(A) Actuary(I) A strong feeling of dislike or fear of people from other countries
(B) Ventriloquism(II) A person whose job involves calculating insurance risks
(C) Xenophobia(III) Connected with the countryside or country life
(D) Bucolic(IV) The art of speaking without moving the lips-throwing the voice into a puppet

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q31:

Grammar

Medium

Match the figures of speech in List-I with the appropriate statements from List-II:

List-IList-II
(Figures of Speech)(Statements)
(A) Simile(I) The loud silence of the forest seemed to envelop the world in a cloak of quiet.
(B) Oxymoron(II) When well-appareled April on the heel of limping winter treads
(C) Metaphor(III) Then, as the sun went down, it seemed to drag the whole sky with it like shreds of a burning curtain.
(D) Personification(IV) The carpet of snow relieved the drabness of the depressing building.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q33:

Word Usage

Medium

Select the most appropriate word to fill in the blank in the given sentence: The theater provides a refreshing break from the ________ of urban living for the theater enthusiasts.

Answer options

Q35:

Word Usage

Medium

Fill in the blanks in the sentences in List I with the appropriate homophones from List II:

List-IList-II
(Sentences)(Homophones)
(A) The _____ took off an hour late.(I) plain
(B) Poor little cat ! She looks so ______ and malnourished.(II) week
(C) My father will be traveling to London next ____.(III) plane
(D) I want to get a ____ dress for my birthday.(IV) weak

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q36:

Synonyms

Medium

Replace the underlined word in the following sentence with a similar meaning word from the options given below: The moment anyone comments about Rohit's dressing style, he becomes very truculent and starts to argue angrily.

Answer options

Q37:

Idioms

Medium

Select the most suitable option to replace the underlined phrase in the sentence:

Sudhir's mother warned him of his friends who come to him only to enjoy themselves.

Answer options

Q38:

Phrasal Verbs

Medium

Fill in the the blanks in the given sentences in List-I with the correct idiom in List-II:

List-IList-II
(Sentences)(Idioms)
(A) The Lawn tennis champion _____ a superb performance to retain her title.(I) turned in
(B) He promised to attend the party, but he never ____.(II) turned against
(C) She relied on her friends, but they ______ her.(III) turned up
(D) The new salesman ________to be smarter than expected.(IV) turned out

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q39:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following parts to form a meaningful sentence:

(A) that they share their vision confidently that may lead to success

(B) to convey their message to the audience in such a way

(C) using persuasive and sensory- specific language

(D) effective leaders are able to communicate impressively

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q42:

Grammar

Easy

Select the appropriate option to fill in the blank and complete the following sentence: Do you have ________ a vacation right now?

Answer options

Q43:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following parts to form a meaningful sentence:

(A) determined by the fore paws of the animals,

(B) there are two-toed sloths and there

(C) since all sloths have three claws on their hind paws

(D) are three-toed sloths, the case being

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q44:

Idioms

Medium

Complete the sentences given in List-I with the correct idioms given in List-II:

List-IList-II
(Sentences)(Idioms)
(A) By the time he was 34, he had learnt_______ of the jewellery business.(I) rooted in
(B) They've started selling home-made pickles, and the money is just_____(II) take root
(C) The idea of starting up his own library began to_____.(III) the ropes
(D) His difficulties are ____his lack of education.(IV) rolling in

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q45:

Rearrangement

Easy

Rearrange the following parts in the correct sequence to make a meaningful sentence:

(A) provides a serene retreat for

(B) towering trees and vibrant wildlife

(C) the lush green forest with its

(D) those seeking peace and solitude

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q46:

Phrasal Verbs

Medium

Fill in the blanks in List-I with the appropriate phrasal verbs from List-II:

List-IList-II
(Sentences )(Phrasal Verbs)
(A) I have complete faith in his ability to _______all his responsibilities successfully.(I) come about
(B) We are united in all our policies and are determined to _________ all of them.(II) come across
(C) How did this huge loss_____? The business was doing well(III) carry off
(D) I am going for the Annual college reunion, and I am likely to ______ many old friends.(IV) carry through

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q47:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following parts to form a meaningful sentence:

(A) our lives in response to

(B) what we see as our wins and losses

(C) we are constantly

(D) resetting our goals throughout

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q48:

Grammar

Medium

Fill in the blanks in the sentences in List-I with the appropriate verbs from List-II:

List-IList-II
(Sentences)(Verbs)
(A) He got used to _____on the right side when he was in London.(I) drives
(B) His desire is strongly ______ by his ambition to win the competition.(II) driving
(C) Radha ____ to work everyday though her office is only half a mile away.(III) drove
(D) My boss _______me home last night.(IV) driven

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q49:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following parts in the correct sequence to make a meaningful sentence:

(A) attention to positive reviews that supported

(B) her decision to buy the expensive brand was

(C) her preference while ignoring any negative feedback

(D) influenced by 'confirmation bias' as she only paid

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

CUET English 2025 19 May Shift 1 Past Year Question Paper

Every question from the CUET English 2025 19 May Shift 1 paper is here in full, with the correct answer and a step by step solution for each one. It is completely free, there is no login and no paywall, and you can read the whole paper online or download it to revise offline.

You can also attempt it instead of only reading it. Take the paper as a full length mock under exam conditions, or filter it by topic and attempt just that topic as a topic test. Both are free, and you get a breakdown of your accuracy, your timing and your weak areas once you submit.

CUET English past year questions (PYQs) are the closest thing to the real exam, so working through them is the quickest way to learn the paper pattern, the marking scheme and the level of difficulty to expect on the day.