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CUET English 2025 20 May Shift 2 PYQs

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Q1:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Passage

Medium

I do not claim to tell a story as it ought to be told, but I know how a story should be told, for I have been in the company of expert storytellers for years. There are several kinds of stories, but only one difficult kind-the humorous story. The humorous story depends for its effect upon the manner of telling; the comic and the witty story, upon the matter. A humorous story can be long and meander without arriving at a particular point, but comic and witty stories must be brief and end with a punch. The humorous story is a high and delicate art that requires an artist to tell, whereas the comic and witty stories do not need artistic skill. The humorous story is told gravely, with the teller attempting to conceal the humor. The comic storyteller, on the other hand, announces beforehand that the story is very funny and laughs at his own jokes. Often, a rambling, humorous story may finish with a point, but the storyteller drops it casually, with the pretense that he does not know it is a nub. In contrast, the comic storyteller does not slur the nub; he shouts it at you and when he prints it he emphasizes the punchline with italics and exclamation marks, which is very depressing, and makes one want to renounce joking and lead a better life.

How is the humour in a humorous story typically conveyed?

by announcing beforehand that the story is funny

by telling the story gravely and concealing the humour

by explicitly exaggerating the punchline

by shouting the punchline loudly through narrative markers

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q2:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Passage

Medium

I do not claim to tell a story as it ought to be told, but I know how a story should be told, for I have been in the company of expert storytellers for years. There are several kinds of stories, but only one difficult kind-the humorous story. The humorous story depends for its effect upon the manner of telling; the comic and the witty story, upon the matter. A humorous story can be long and meander without arriving at a particular point, but comic and witty stories must be brief and end with a punch. The humorous story is a high and delicate art that requires an artist to tell, whereas the comic and witty stories do not need artistic skill. The humorous story is told gravely, with the teller attempting to conceal the humor. The comic storyteller, on the other hand, announces beforehand that the story is very funny and laughs at his own jokes. Often, a rambling, humorous story may finish with a point, but the storyteller drops it casually, with the pretense that he does not know it is a nub. In contrast, the comic storyteller does not slur the nub; he shouts it at you and when he prints it he emphasizes the punchline with italics and exclamation marks, which is very depressing, and makes one want to renounce joking and lead a better life.

The expression "In contrast, the comic storyteller does not slur the nub" implies that the comic story teller_

emphatically highlights the punchline of the story

deliberately avoids mentioning the punchline of the story

subtly hides the humour at the end of the story

is skillfully casual in his treatment of the punchline

Correct Answer

Option 1

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q3:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Passage

Medium

I do not claim to tell a story as it ought to be told, but I know how a story should be told, for I have been in the company of expert storytellers for years. There are several kinds of stories, but only one difficult kind-the humorous story. The humorous story depends for its effect upon the manner of telling; the comic and the witty story, upon the matter. A humorous story can be long and meander without arriving at a particular point, but comic and witty stories must be brief and end with a punch. The humorous story is a high and delicate art that requires an artist to tell, whereas the comic and witty stories do not need artistic skill. The humorous story is told gravely, with the teller attempting to conceal the humor. The comic storyteller, on the other hand, announces beforehand that the story is very funny and laughs at his own jokes. Often, a rambling, humorous story may finish with a point, but the storyteller drops it casually, with the pretense that he does not know it is a nub. In contrast, the comic storyteller does not slur the nub; he shouts it at you and when he prints it he emphasizes the punchline with italics and exclamation marks, which is very depressing, and makes one want to renounce joking and lead a better life.

Which of the following best describes the difference between a humorous story and a comic story?

A humorous story is brief and succinct, while a comic story is long.

A humorous story depends on the matter, whereas a comic story depends on the manner of telling.

A humorous story relies on the manner of telling, while a comic story depends on the matter.

A humorous story requires no artistic skill, while a comic story does.

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q4:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Passage

Medium

I do not claim to tell a story as it ought to be told, but I know how a story should be told, for I have been in the company of expert storytellers for years. There are several kinds of stories, but only one difficult kind-the humorous story. The humorous story depends for its effect upon the manner of telling; the comic and the witty story, upon the matter. A humorous story can be long and meander without arriving at a particular point, but comic and witty stories must be brief and end with a punch. The humorous story is a high and delicate art that requires an artist to tell, whereas the comic and witty stories do not need artistic skill. The humorous story is told gravely, with the teller attempting to conceal the humor. The comic storyteller, on the other hand, announces beforehand that the story is very funny and laughs at his own jokes. Often, a rambling, humorous story may finish with a point, but the storyteller drops it casually, with the pretense that he does not know it is a nub. In contrast, the comic storyteller does not slur the nub; he shouts it at you and when he prints it he emphasizes the punchline with italics and exclamation marks, which is very depressing, and makes one want to renounce joking and lead a better life.

The writer portrays humorous stories as being of a higher level than comic stories by emphasising that

a humorous story is grave in spite of being humorous

a humorous story is difficult and superior due to its American descent

a humorous story is a great and delicate art that requires an artist to tell

unlike the comic and witty stories, humorous stories do not depress the reader

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q5:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Passage

Hard

Microorganisms were discovered in tiny cracks within 2-billion-year-old rock in South Africa, making it the oldest rock known to host life. This finding offers insights into Earth's early life and the search for extraterrestrial life. Deep within Earth's crust, billions of resilient microbes survive in extreme isolation, far removed from sunlight, oxygen, and food sources, growing at a glacial pace over thousands or millions of years. Previously, the oldest microbial traces were found in 100-million-year-old seafloor sediments. However, Yohey Suzuki and his team at Tokyo University have pushed this record back by 2 billion years. They extracted a 30-cm cylindrical rock core from the Bushveld Igneous Complex in South Africa, a 2-billion-year-old volcanic region. Upon slicing the core, they found microbial cells in tiny fractures. DNA staining and imaging with advanced microscopes confirmed the microbes were indigenous, with intact cell walls, suggesting they were active. The researchers hypothesise that the microorganisms were carried into the rock via water shortly after its formation. Clay deposits in the fractures may have provided nutrients. These microbes, primitive in evolutionary terms, offer clues about Earth's earliest life forms and their evolution. The study also has implications for Mars exploration. Suzuki notes similarities between the Bushveld rocks and Martian rocks, suggesting the same techniques could identify life on Mars. "This underscores the deep subsurface as a crucial environment for microbial life," says Manuel Reinhardt from the University of Göttingen, while noting that microorganisms colonised the rocks after crack formation; the timing needs investigation.

What implication does the study have for Mars exploration?

Mars lacks geological structures similar to those on Earth

Life on Mars, if present, would only exist on its surface.

Techniques used on Earth's rocks can help detect life in Martian subsurface rocks

Microorganisms on Mars are likely much younger than those on Earth

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q6:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Passage

Medium

Microorganisms were discovered in tiny cracks within 2-billion-year-old rock in South Africa, making it the oldest rock known to host life. This finding offers insights into Earth's early life and the search for extraterrestrial life. Deep within Earth's crust, billions of resilient microbes survive in extreme isolation, far removed from sunlight, oxygen, and food sources, growing at a glacial pace over thousands or millions of years. Previously, the oldest microbial traces were found in 100-million-year-old seafloor sediments. However, Yohey Suzuki and his team at Tokyo University have pushed this record back by 2 billion years. They extracted a 30-cm cylindrical rock core from the Bushveld Igneous Complex in South Africa, a 2-billion-year-old volcanic region. Upon slicing the core, they found microbial cells in tiny fractures. DNA staining and imaging with advanced microscopes confirmed the microbes were indigenous, with intact cell walls, suggesting they were active. The researchers hypothesise that the microorganisms were carried into the rock via water shortly after its formation. Clay deposits in the fractures may have provided nutrients. These microbes, primitive in evolutionary terms, offer clues about Earth's earliest life forms and their evolution. The study also has implications for Mars exploration. Suzuki notes similarities between the Bushveld rocks and Martian rocks, suggesting the same techniques could identify life on Mars. "This underscores the deep subsurface as a crucial environment for microbial life," says Manuel Reinhardt from the University of Göttingen, while noting that microorganisms colonised the rocks after crack formation; the timing needs investigation.

What factor might have supported microbial survival in the rock fractures?

The presence of volcanic ash

Nutrients from clay deposits in the fractures

High oxygen levels deep within the crust

Light reflected through the cracks

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q7:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Passage

Medium

Microorganisms were discovered in tiny cracks within 2-billion-year-old rock in South Africa, making it the oldest rock known to host life. This finding offers insights into Earth's early life and the search for extraterrestrial life. Deep within Earth's crust, billions of resilient microbes survive in extreme isolation, far removed from sunlight, oxygen, and food sources, growing at a glacial pace over thousands or millions of years. Previously, the oldest microbial traces were found in 100-million-year-old seafloor sediments. However, Yohey Suzuki and his team at Tokyo University have pushed this record back by 2 billion years. They extracted a 30-cm cylindrical rock core from the Bushveld Igneous Complex in South Africa, a 2-billion-year-old volcanic region. Upon slicing the core, they found microbial cells in tiny fractures. DNA staining and imaging with advanced microscopes confirmed the microbes were indigenous, with intact cell walls, suggesting they were active. The researchers hypothesise that the microorganisms were carried into the rock via water shortly after its formation. Clay deposits in the fractures may have provided nutrients. These microbes, primitive in evolutionary terms, offer clues about Earth's earliest life forms and their evolution. The study also has implications for Mars exploration. Suzuki notes similarities between the Bushveld rocks and Martian rocks, suggesting the same techniques could identify life on Mars. "This underscores the deep subsurface as a crucial environment for microbial life," says Manuel Reinhardt from the University of Göttingen, while noting that microorganisms colonised the rocks after crack formation; the timing needs investigation.

Why are the microbes described as "primitive in evolutionary terms"?

They evolved from Martian microorganisms

They lack DNA and structural complexity

They resemble Earth's earliest life forms in terms of adaptation

They were found in relatively young volcanic sediments

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q8:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Passage

Medium

Microorganisms were discovered in tiny cracks within 2-billion-year-old rock in South Africa, making it the oldest rock known to host life. This finding offers insights into Earth's early life and the search for extraterrestrial life. Deep within Earth's crust, billions of resilient microbes survive in extreme isolation, far removed from sunlight, oxygen, and food sources, growing at a glacial pace over thousands or millions of years. Previously, the oldest microbial traces were found in 100-million-year-old seafloor sediments. However, Yohey Suzuki and his team at Tokyo University have pushed this record back by 2 billion years. They extracted a 30-cm cylindrical rock core from the Bushveld Igneous Complex in South Africa, a 2-billion-year-old volcanic region. Upon slicing the core, they found microbial cells in tiny fractures. DNA staining and imaging with advanced microscopes confirmed the microbes were indigenous, with intact cell walls, suggesting they were active. The researchers hypothesise that the microorganisms were carried into the rock via water shortly after its formation. Clay deposits in the fractures may have provided nutrients. These microbes, primitive in evolutionary terms, offer clues about Earth's earliest life forms and their evolution. The study also has implications for Mars exploration. Suzuki notes similarities between the Bushveld rocks and Martian rocks, suggesting the same techniques could identify life on Mars. "This underscores the deep subsurface as a crucial environment for microbial life," says Manuel Reinhardt from the University of Göttingen, while noting that microorganisms colonised the rocks after crack formation; the timing needs investigation.

How were the microbes in the rock confirmed to be indigenous?

By testing their ability to grow in nutrient-rich environments

By comparing their DNA to modern microbes found on Earth's surface

By staining their DNA and using advanced microscopes to rule out contamination

By analysing clay deposits in the fractures of the rock

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q9:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Passage

Medium

This is a story from long ago, when the last remaining traces of the British still lurked in their old haunts among the pristine Himalayan hills of Darjeeling. These were the early fifties, in other words. I would spend entire days at a small, dusty bookshop with a faded, green sign over it- a sign painted with gold letters that said: "Mr Mun-Chee's Books." The paint was chipped at many places; you could barely see the second 's'. The shabby old shop was located in a cul-de-sac, a few hundred meters away from my own home. But inside, it was another world. On the floor stood staggering, towering piles of books, yellowed and aged, and the shelves lining all the walls were crammed with journals, lexicons and biographies, dramas, each laboriously cataloged and meticulously arranged. Mr Mun-Chee dealt mostly in antique books; first editions of books, long forgotten, books one hardly ever encountered anymore. There were sixteen editions of Jane Eyre, twenty-two of The Pickwick Papers, and fifty of The Pilgrim's Progress. It was not famous, but it was unique; customers barely ever walked in, as it was so hidden away in a run-down neighborhood. Tabby, the black Tom, my only possession, and I, were only disturbed five times that we spent there. And we spent nearly an entire year at the shop. The shop was my sanctuary. After the daily ordeal of school, I invariably called out to Tabby and set out for the shop, to read, read, read, with Tabby curled up around my legs.

The author was 'only disturbed five times' refers to the fact that_____

very few customers walked in

the shop was 'another world'

too many books were piled up

it was in a run-down neighborhood

Correct Answer

Option 1

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q10:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Passage

Medium

This is a story from long ago, when the last remaining traces of the British still lurked in their old haunts among the pristine Himalayan hills of Darjeeling. These were the early fifties, in other words. I would spend entire days at a small, dusty bookshop with a faded, green sign over it- a sign painted with gold letters that said: "Mr Mun-Chee's Books." The paint was chipped at many places; you could barely see the second 's'. The shabby old shop was located in a cul-de-sac, a few hundred meters away from my own home. But inside, it was another world. On the floor stood staggering, towering piles of books, yellowed and aged, and the shelves lining all the walls were crammed with journals, lexicons and biographies, dramas, each laboriously cataloged and meticulously arranged. Mr Mun-Chee dealt mostly in antique books; first editions of books, long forgotten, books one hardly ever encountered anymore. There were sixteen editions of Jane Eyre, twenty-two of The Pickwick Papers, and fifty of The Pilgrim's Progress. It was not famous, but it was unique; customers barely ever walked in, as it was so hidden away in a run-down neighborhood. Tabby, the black Tom, my only possession, and I, were only disturbed five times that we spent there. And we spent nearly an entire year at the shop. The shop was my sanctuary. After the daily ordeal of school, I invariably called out to Tabby and set out for the shop, to read, read, read, with Tabby curled up around my legs.

The author felt 'at home' in the shop as it

had all varieties of books

was unique

was situated near his house

was his sanctuary

Correct Answer

Option 4

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q11:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Passage

Easy

This is a story from long ago, when the last remaining traces of the British still lurked in their old haunts among the pristine Himalayan hills of Darjeeling. These were the early fifties, in other words. I would spend entire days at a small, dusty bookshop with a faded, green sign over it- a sign painted with gold letters that said: "Mr Mun-Chee's Books." The paint was chipped at many places; you could barely see the second 's'. The shabby old shop was located in a cul-de-sac, a few hundred meters away from my own home. But inside, it was another world. On the floor stood staggering, towering piles of books, yellowed and aged, and the shelves lining all the walls were crammed with journals, lexicons and biographies, dramas, each laboriously cataloged and meticulously arranged. Mr Mun-Chee dealt mostly in antique books; first editions of books, long forgotten, books one hardly ever encountered anymore. There were sixteen editions of Jane Eyre, twenty-two of The Pickwick Papers, and fifty of The Pilgrim's Progress. It was not famous, but it was unique; customers barely ever walked in, as it was so hidden away in a run-down neighborhood. Tabby, the black Tom, my only possession, and I, were only disturbed five times that we spent there. And we spent nearly an entire year at the shop. The shop was my sanctuary. After the daily ordeal of school, I invariably called out to Tabby and set out for the shop, to read, read, read, with Tabby curled up around my legs.

Mr Mun-Chee's shop was not a new shop as

it was dusty

its paint was chipped

it was shabby

it had a green sign

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q12:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Passage

Easy

This is a story from long ago, when the last remaining traces of the British still lurked in their old haunts among the pristine Himalayan hills of Darjeeling. These were the early fifties, in other words. I would spend entire days at a small, dusty bookshop with a faded, green sign over it- a sign painted with gold letters that said: "Mr Mun-Chee's Books." The paint was chipped at many places; you could barely see the second 's'. The shabby old shop was located in a cul-de-sac, a few hundred meters away from my own home. But inside, it was another world. On the floor stood staggering, towering piles of books, yellowed and aged, and the shelves lining all the walls were crammed with journals, lexicons and biographies, dramas, each laboriously cataloged and meticulously arranged. Mr Mun-Chee dealt mostly in antique books; first editions of books, long forgotten, books one hardly ever encountered anymore. There were sixteen editions of Jane Eyre, twenty-two of The Pickwick Papers, and fifty of The Pilgrim's Progress. It was not famous, but it was unique; customers barely ever walked in, as it was so hidden away in a run-down neighborhood. Tabby, the black Tom, my only possession, and I, were only disturbed five times that we spent there. And we spent nearly an entire year at the shop. The shop was my sanctuary. After the daily ordeal of school, I invariably called out to Tabby and set out for the shop, to read, read, read, with Tabby curled up around my legs.

The word 'Lexicon' means: ---

semantics

syntax

dictionary

phonetics

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q13:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following parts into a meaningful sentence: (A) narratives, often capturing royal, religious and nature scenes, (B) vibrant colours, offer a unique glimpse into historical and cultural (C) with a precision that makes each piece a work of art in itself (D) miniature paintings, known for their intricate details and Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(D), (B), (A), (C)

(D), (A), (B), (C)

(B), (A), (D), (C)

(C), (B), (D), (A)

Correct Answer

Option 1

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q14:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Grammar

Easy

Fill in the blank with the correct option: I asked many people the way to the station but ____ of them had any clue about it.

none

some

few

everyone

Correct Answer

Option 1

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q15:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Synonyms

Medium

Select the option closest in meaning to the underlined word: 'You can't enter the building without showing your identity card', said the <u>officious</u> little man at the reception door.

Intrusive

Impetuous

Vicious

Respectful

Correct Answer

Option 1

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q16:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Word Usage

Medium

Fill in the blank with the correct word from the given options: Research has proved the significance of leading a structured life with enormous evidence to prove that mental fatigue can actually ______ life.

produce

curtail

prolong

procure

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q17:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following parts into a meaningful sentence: (A) proportions, due to the adoption of urban (B) vitamin D deficiency, driven to an epidemic (C) as stress fractures and neurological issues (D) lifestyles result in severe symptoms, such Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(C), (B), (A), (D)

(D), (B), (A), (C)

(B), (A), (D), (C)

(C), (B), (D), (A)

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q18:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following parts to make a meaningful sentence: (A) role in scavenging dead organic materials and diseased (B) population as well as aquatic plants and weeds (C) according to environmentalists, the turtle plays a significant (D) fish in the river, thereby controlling the fish Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(B), (D), (A), (C)

(A), (B), (C), (D)

(C), (A), (D), (B)

(D), (B), (C), (A)

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q19:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Phrasal Verbs

Medium

Fill in the blanks in List-I with the appropriate phrasal verbs from List-II: | List-I | List-II | | --- | --- | | (Sentences) | (Phrasal verbs) | | --- | --- | | (A) It is possible to ______ any job interview by just talking about your interests. | (I) get down | | (B) It appears that the temperature will soon ______ to zero. | (II) get by | | (C) In some organisations you never ______ the position for which you were hired. | (III) get back | | (D) I have to ______ to London to complete my project that is now long overdue.. | (IV) get beyond | Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A) (II), (B) (I), (C) (IV), (D) - (III)

(A) - (I), (B) - (III), (C) - (II), (D) - (IV)

(A) (I), (B) (II), (C) - (IV), (D) - (III)

(A) (III), (B) - (IV), (C) (I), (D) - (II)

Correct Answer

Option 1

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q20:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Phrasal Verbs

Medium

Complete the sentences given in List-I with the appropriate expressions from List-II: | List-I | List-II | | --- | --- | | (Sentences) | (Expressions) | | --- | --- | | (A) Her replies to the questions put to him, ______ rudeness. | (I) resolved on | | (B) She had strong reservations about his plan but not wanting to discourage him, she ______ it. | (II) embarked on | | (C) They decided to think through the implications of their course of action before they ______ it. | (III) bordered on | | (D) He ______ making one more attempt at passing his final in Mathematics. | (IV) concurred with | Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (II), (D) - (I)

(A) - (III), (B) - (I), (C) - (II), (D) - (IV)

(A) - (IV), (B) - (II), (C) - (III), (D) - (I)

(A) - (I), (B) - (III), (C) - (IV), (D) - (II)

Correct Answer

Option 1

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q21:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Synonyms

Easy

Select the word closest in meaning to the word Narcissism-

Meanness

Self-love

Modesty

Magnanimity

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q22:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Word Usage

Medium

Fill in the blank with the correct word from the options given below: The king ________ the throne voluntarily.

accessed

adopted

abdicated

abided

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q23:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Word Usage

Medium

Fill in the blanks in List-I with the appropriate homonyms from List-II : | List-1 | List-II | | --- | --- | | (Sentences) | (Homonyms) | | (A) The team was forced to _______ the machine for transportation. | (I) descent | | (B) Her attempts to _______ her true feelings were unsuccessful. | (II) dissent | | (C) The plane's _______ was delayed due to bad weather. | (III) disassemble | | (D) He was criticised for voicing his _______ during the debate. | (IV) dissemble | Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A) - (I), (B) - (II), (C) - (III), (D) - (IV)

(A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)

(A) - (I), (B) - (II), (C) - (IV), (D) - (III)

(A) - (III), (B) - (I), (C) - (IV), (D) - (II)

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q24:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Word Usage

Easy

Select the appropriate word from the given options to complete the following sentence: The artist struggled with ________ the perfect shade of blue for the sky on his palette.

affecting

creating

adjusting

extracting

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q25:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the given parts to form a meaningful sentence: (A) and strengthens economic self-reliance (B) manufacturing, creates jobs, encourages (C) make in India promotes local (D) innovation, attracts global investments Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(D), (C), (B), (A)

(A), (D), (C), (B)

(B), (A), (D), (C)

(C), (B), (D), (A)

Correct Answer

Option 4

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q26:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Antonyms

Medium

Choose the antonym for Loquacity from the options given below:

Impetuosity

Frivolity

Taciturnity

Superfluity

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q27:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Synonyms

Easy

Select the synonym of the given word: Sporadic

Irregular

Consistent

Confident

Obscure

Correct Answer

Option 1

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q28:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Word Usage

Medium

Fill in the blank with the suitable word from the options given below: The company's growth was _________ by the adverse change in the market regulations.

augumented

facilitated

propelled

hindered

Correct Answer

Option 4

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q29:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following parts into a meaningful sentence: (A) of minds of contemporary times (B) this volume is a rich collection of the best (C) cutting across boundaries and gender (D) of insights and thoughts of the greatest Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(B), (A), (C), (D)

(B), (D), (A), (C)

(D), (B), (A), (C)

(D), (B), (C), (A)

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q30:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following parts into a meaningful sentence: (A) craftsmanship and profound spiritual depth, features (B) ancient Indian architecture, celebrated for its intricate (C) iconic temples, stupas, and forts that showcase (D) a blend of artistic brilliance and advanced engineering Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(C), (A), (B), (D)

(B), (A), (D), (C)

(B), (A), (C), (D)

(C), (B), (D), (A)

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q31:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Word Usage

Medium

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank in the following sentence: The ______ rumble of the thunder hinted at the approaching danger, filling the air with a sense of unease.

pretentious

contentious

tenuous

portentous

Correct Answer

Option 4

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q32:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Idioms

Medium

Match the proverbs in List-I with their meanings in List-II: | List-I | List-II | | --- | --- | | (Proverbs) | (Meanings) | | --- | --- | | (A) It's an ill bird that fouls its own nest | (I) People often blame their equipments for their failure or incompetence | | (B) Never look a gift horse in the mouth | (II) People can have perfect intentions and still act wrongly or inappropriately | | (C) The bad workman blames his tools | (III) Only a bad person would do something to harm his family or friends | | (D) The road to hell is paved with good intentions | (IV) Never be ungrateful or critical of something that you have received as a gift or obtained by chance | Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A) - (IV), (B) - (I), (C) - (III), (D) - (II)

(A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)

(A) - (II), (B) - (I), (C) - (III), (D) - (IV)

(A) - (I), (B) - (III), (C) - (IV), (D) - (II)

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q33:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Antonyms

Easy

Choose the correct antonym for 'Infallible' from the options given below:

Unerring

Flawed

Impeccable

Explicable

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q34:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Word Usage

Medium

Fill in the blank with the correct word from the options given below: Despite his best efforts, the team's failure was_____, given their lack of preparation.

inevitable

avoidable

improbable

optional

Correct Answer

Option 1

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q35:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Antonyms

Easy

Select the word opposite in meaning to the given word: Novice

Amateur

Expert

Artist

Priest

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q36:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Phrasal Verbs

Medium

Complete the sentences given in List-I with the appropriate Phrasal verbs from List-II: | List-I | List-II | | --- | --- | | (Sentences) | (Phrasal Verbs) | | (A) The evidence presented in the trial will certainly _____ his claims of innocence. | (I) beat out | | (B) The storm began to _____ on the city, leaving behind widespread damage and power outages. | (II) bear on | | (C) The small start-up managed to _____ its larger competitors by offering more innovative solutions and better customer service. | (III) bear out | | (D) The new research findings could _____ our understanding of the disease and lead to better treatment options. | (IV) beat down | Choose the <b>correct</b> answer from the options given below:

(A) - (III), (B) - (I), (C) - (IV), (D) - (II)

(A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)

(A) - (I), (B) - (II), (C) - (IV), (D) - (III)

(A) - (II), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (III)

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q37:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Antonyms

Easy

Choose the correct antonym for 'Acquittal' from the options given below:

confession

conviction

consent

concord

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q38:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Synonyms

Medium

Identify the word closest in meaning to the word Plaintive-

Joyful

Peaceful

Mournful

Triumphant

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q39:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Word Usage

Easy

Match the words given in List-I with the definitions from List-II: | List-I | List-II | | --- | --- | | (Words) | (Definitions) | | (A) Ophthalmologist | (I) A dentist who treats problems related to teeth and jaws | | (B) Cardiologist | (II) A doctor who studies and treats kidney diseases | | (C) Nephrologist | (III) A doctor who studies and treats diseases of the heart | | (D) Orthodontist | (IV) A doctor who studies and treats diseases of the eyes | Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A) - (IV), (B) - (III), (C) - (II), (D) - (I)

(A) - (I), (B) - (III), (C) - (II), (D) - (IV)

(A) - (I), (B) - (II), (C) - (IV), (D) - (III)

(A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)

Correct Answer

Option 1

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q40:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Idioms

Medium

Fill in the blanks in the sentences given in List-I with the appropriate idioms from List-II: | List-I<br>(Sentences) | List-II<br>(Idioms) | | --- | --- | | (A) We had to seek the intervention of his wife to ______ after he got into an altercation with the neighbours. | (I) chew the fat | | (B) With so many apps launching every day, good mobile games have become ______. It's hard to find one that stands out. | (II) read the riot act | | (C) After a long week at work, we planned to ______ with old friends and reminisce about good times over the weekend. | (III) pour oil on troubled waters | | (D) The manager had to ______ to the team for their constant delay in submitting the reports warning them that it wouldn't be tolerated anymore. | (IV) a dime a dozen | Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A) - (IV), (B) - (II), (C) - (III), (D) - (I)

(A) - (I), (B) - (IV), (C) - (II), (D) - (III)

(A) - (I), (B) - (II), (C) - (IV), (D) - (III)

(A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)

Correct Answer

Option 4

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q41:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Grammar

Medium

Select the verb form that most appropriately completes the following sentence: My sister ___________ me once or twice since the time she moved to Athens.

was messaging

has messaged

has been messaging

had messaged

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q42:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Synonyms

Easy

Identify the word closest in meaning to the underlined word: My boss is a <u>fraudulent</u> character.

honest

innocent

transparent

deceptive

Correct Answer

Option 4

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q43:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Word Usage

Medium

Fill in the blanks in the sentences given in List-I with the appropriate words from List-II: | List-I | List-II | | --- | --- | | (Sentences) | (Words) | | (A) The word home often _______ warmth and security. | (I) denotes | | (B) Years of playing guitar gave her a large _______ on her fingers. | (II) callous | | (C) In grammar, an asterisk often _______ a footnote. | (III) connotes | | (D) Ignoring the beggar on the street was a _______ act. | (IV) callus | Choose the correct answer from the options given below: Fill in the blanks in the sentences given in List-I with the appropriate words from List-II:

(A) - (II), (B) - (III), (C) - (I), (D) - (IV)

(A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)

(A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (II), (D) - (I)

(A) - (I), (B) - (IV), (C) - (II), (D) - (III)

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q44:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following parts into a meaningful sentence: (A) the writer lived and worked (B) lack of substantial evidence (C) the exact period in which (D) cannot be ascertained due to Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A), (C), (B), (D)

(C), (D), (B), (A)

(C), (A), (D), (B)

(A), (B), (D), (C)

Correct Answer

Option 3

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q45:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Antonyms

Medium

Choose the most appropriate antonym for Vitiate from the options given below:

Debase

Activate

Avenge

Offend

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q46:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Grammar

Medium

Complete the sentences given in List-I with the appropriate prepositions from List-II: | List-I | List-II | | --- | --- | | (Sentences) | (Prepositions) | | (A) The case was put ______ the judge. | (I) across | | (B) She is suffering ______ fever. | (II) before | | (C) A jeep hit him while he was going ______ the main road. | (III) among | | (D) He is not popular ______ the students. | (IV) from | Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A) - (I), (B) - (IV), (C) - (III), (D) - (II)

(A) - (II), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (III)

(A) - (III), (B) - (II), (C) - (IV), (D) - (I)

(A) - (IV), (B) - (III), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q47:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following parts into a meaningful sentence: (A) share a common broad template, there are (B) someone is prone to certain diseases, or has a particular hair colour (C) although most of the letters in our DNA are identical, and (D) also a lot of person-specific changes in them, due to which Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A), (D), (C), (B)

(B), (D), (A), (C)

(B), (A), (C), (D)

(C), (A), (D), (B)

Correct Answer

Option 4

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q48:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Word Usage

Easy

Fill in the blank with the correct word from the options given below: Film stars and models are known for their ________ style.

superior

frugal

taciturn

flamboyant

Correct Answer

Option 4

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q49:

20 May Shift 2

VA > Grammar

Medium

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank in the following sentence: The manager asked if they ______ complete the report by the end of the week.

will

could

would

should

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation →

Q50:

20 May Shift 2

Vocabulary > Word Usage

Medium

Match the words given in List-I with their meanings given in List-II: | List-I | List-II | | --- | --- | | (Words) | (Meanings) | | --- | --- | | (A) Divergent | (I) used to describe differences when one might be deceived by similarities | | (B) Discrete | (II) often used for contrasting opinions or ideas | | (C) Diverse | (III) used of different types of something | | (D) Distinct | (IV) different and separate, not overlapping | Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A) - (I), (B) - (III), (C) - (IV), (D) - (II)

(A) - (II), (B) - (IV), (C) - (III), (D) - (I)

(A) - (I), (B) - (II), (C) - (IV), (D) - (III)

(A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)

Correct Answer

Option 2

Correct Answer

Explanation →

CUET English 2025 20 May Shift 2 - Past Year Questions

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