Q1:

Passage

Medium

India’s space programme has once again proven its ingenuity and determination with the launch of its first space docking mission. The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) represents more than just a technological milestone – it underscores the nation’s aspirations to become a major player in the global space race. This achievement not only cements India’s position among elite nations like the United States, Russia, and China but also opens new doors for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth in the space sector. The development and testing of in-space docking technology signals a significant advancement in India’s capabilities.

​

Space docking is a complex process requiring high precision, and mastering it is critical for missions that involve assembling large structures in orbit or servicing satellites. The technology will also play a pivotal role in the future operations of space stations and potential deep-space explorations. For a country committed to creating indigenous solutions for its ambitious space goals, this is a step in the right direction. This mission underscores India’s growing ability to combine innovation with sustainability, transforming challenges into opportunities. Re-purposing space debris as a laboratory highlights a forward-thinking approach that benefits both science and the environment. The ingenuity of this mission is further demonstrated by ISRO’s decision to re-purpose the fourth stage of the launch vehicle as an orbital laboratory.

​

As India continues to reach for the stars, SpaDeX is a reminder of the nation’s potential to innovate and lead.

What does the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) signify for India?

Answer options
Option 2
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2025: 21 May Shift 1 ENG question 1

Q2:

Passage

Medium

India’s space programme has once again proven its ingenuity and determination with the launch of its first space docking mission. The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) represents more than just a technological milestone – it underscores the nation’s aspirations to become a major player in the global space race. This achievement not only cements India’s position among elite nations like the United States, Russia, and China but also opens new doors for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth in the space sector. The development and testing of in-space docking technology signals a significant advancement in India’s capabilities.

​

Space docking is a complex process requiring high precision, and mastering it is critical for missions that involve assembling large structures in orbit or servicing satellites. The technology will also play a pivotal role in the future operations of space stations and potential deep-space explorations. For a country committed to creating indigenous solutions for its ambitious space goals, this is a step in the right direction. This mission underscores India’s growing ability to combine innovation with sustainability, transforming challenges into opportunities. Re-purposing space debris as a laboratory highlights a forward-thinking approach that benefits both science and the environment. The ingenuity of this mission is further demonstrated by ISRO’s decision to re-purpose the fourth stage of the launch vehicle as an orbital laboratory.

​

As India continues to reach for the stars, SpaDeX is a reminder of the nation’s potential to innovate and lead.

Why is mastering space docking considered critical?

Answer options
Option 1
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2025: 21 May Shift 1 ENG question 2

Q3:

Passage

Medium

India’s space programme has once again proven its ingenuity and determination with the launch of its first space docking mission. The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) represents more than just a technological milestone – it underscores the nation’s aspirations to become a major player in the global space race. This achievement not only cements India’s position among elite nations like the United States, Russia, and China but also opens new doors for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth in the space sector. The development and testing of in-space docking technology signals a significant advancement in India’s capabilities.

​

Space docking is a complex process requiring high precision, and mastering it is critical for missions that involve assembling large structures in orbit or servicing satellites. The technology will also play a pivotal role in the future operations of space stations and potential deep-space explorations. For a country committed to creating indigenous solutions for its ambitious space goals, this is a step in the right direction. This mission underscores India’s growing ability to combine innovation with sustainability, transforming challenges into opportunities. Re-purposing space debris as a laboratory highlights a forward-thinking approach that benefits both science and the environment. The ingenuity of this mission is further demonstrated by ISRO’s decision to re-purpose the fourth stage of the launch vehicle as an orbital laboratory.

​

As India continues to reach for the stars, SpaDeX is a reminder of the nation’s potential to innovate and lead.

India's space programme is committed to: --

Answer options
Option 3
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2025: 21 May Shift 1 ENG question 3

Q4:

Passage

Medium

India’s space programme has once again proven its ingenuity and determination with the launch of its first space docking mission. The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) represents more than just a technological milestone – it underscores the nation’s aspirations to become a major player in the global space race. This achievement not only cements India’s position among elite nations like the United States, Russia, and China but also opens new doors for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth in the space sector. The development and testing of in-space docking technology signals a significant advancement in India’s capabilities.

​

Space docking is a complex process requiring high precision, and mastering it is critical for missions that involve assembling large structures in orbit or servicing satellites. The technology will also play a pivotal role in the future operations of space stations and potential deep-space explorations. For a country committed to creating indigenous solutions for its ambitious space goals, this is a step in the right direction. This mission underscores India’s growing ability to combine innovation with sustainability, transforming challenges into opportunities. Re-purposing space debris as a laboratory highlights a forward-thinking approach that benefits both science and the environment. The ingenuity of this mission is further demonstrated by ISRO’s decision to re-purpose the fourth stage of the launch vehicle as an orbital laboratory.

​

As India continues to reach for the stars, SpaDeX is a reminder of the nation’s potential to innovate and lead.

How did ISRO demonstrate ingenuity in the SpaDeX mission?

Answer options
Option 4
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2025: 21 May Shift 1 ENG question 4

Q5:

Passage

Easy

Are you ready to polish your conversation skills? Do you want to know the most important and ultimately the most interesting subject in the world that any person would love to talk about with you? Ready? Okay. Here it is: The key is simple: talk about the most important subject to anyone—themselves. People love to talk about their lives, interests, and experiences. When you centre conversations around others, they’ll be drawn to you.

Think of a social event where someone talked only about themselves. Was it enjoyable? Probably not. Now recall someone who focused on you, asking about your life and showing genuine interest. Which person would you prefer to spend time with?

To be a sought-after conversationalist, shift from using “I,” “my,” and “mine” to “you” and “your.” For example, say: “How are you today?” “What are your thoughts on this?” “Is there anything I can help you with?” This subtle shift can significantly increase your influence and appeal.

Another powerful tip is to encourage others to talk about themselves. Ask open-ended questions like: “How is everything going?” “What have you been up to since we last met?” “How is your family doing?”

Show true interest and listen actively. When people feel valued and heard, they’ll naturally enjoy your company. Stop focusing on yourself. Instead, prioritize the person you’re talking to. By doing so, you’ll build stronger connections and leave a positive, lasting impression.

A key tip for successful conversations is to_________________.

Answer options
Option 2
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2025: 21 May Shift 1 ENG question 5

Q6:

Passage

Easy

Are you ready to polish your conversation skills? Do you want to know the most important and ultimately the most interesting subject in the world that any person would love to talk about with you? Ready? Okay. Here it is: The key is simple: talk about the most important subject to anyone—themselves. People love to talk about their lives, interests, and experiences. When you centre conversations around others, they’ll be drawn to you.

Think of a social event where someone talked only about themselves. Was it enjoyable? Probably not. Now recall someone who focused on you, asking about your life and showing genuine interest. Which person would you prefer to spend time with?

To be a sought-after conversationalist, shift from using “I,” “my,” and “mine” to “you” and “your.” For example, say: “How are you today?” “What are your thoughts on this?” “Is there anything I can help you with?” This subtle shift can significantly increase your influence and appeal.

Another powerful tip is to encourage others to talk about themselves. Ask open-ended questions like: “How is everything going?” “What have you been up to since we last met?” “How is your family doing?”

Show true interest and listen actively. When people feel valued and heard, they’ll naturally enjoy your company. Stop focusing on yourself. Instead, prioritize the person you’re talking to. By doing so, you’ll build stronger connections and leave a positive, lasting impression.

The effect of getting others to talk about themselves is that they_____________.

Answer options
Option 2
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2025: 21 May Shift 1 ENG question 6

Q7:

Passage

Medium

Are you ready to polish your conversation skills? Do you want to know the most important and ultimately the most interesting subject in the world that any person would love to talk about with you? Ready? Okay. Here it is: The key is simple: talk about the most important subject to anyone—themselves. People love to talk about their lives, interests, and experiences. When you centre conversations around others, they’ll be drawn to you.

Think of a social event where someone talked only about themselves. Was it enjoyable? Probably not. Now recall someone who focused on you, asking about your life and showing genuine interest. Which person would you prefer to spend time with?

To be a sought-after conversationalist, shift from using “I,” “my,” and “mine” to “you” and “your.” For example, say: “How are you today?” “What are your thoughts on this?” “Is there anything I can help you with?” This subtle shift can significantly increase your influence and appeal.

Another powerful tip is to encourage others to talk about themselves. Ask open-ended questions like: “How is everything going?” “What have you been up to since we last met?” “How is your family doing?”

Show true interest and listen actively. When people feel valued and heard, they’ll naturally enjoy your company. Stop focusing on yourself. Instead, prioritize the person you’re talking to. By doing so, you’ll build stronger connections and leave a positive, lasting impression.

A powerful way to gain influence in conversations is by____________.

Answer options
Option 3
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2025: 21 May Shift 1 ENG question 7

Q8:

Passage

Medium

Are you ready to polish your conversation skills? Do you want to know the most important and ultimately the most interesting subject in the world that any person would love to talk about with you? Ready? Okay. Here it is: The key is simple: talk about the most important subject to anyone—themselves. People love to talk about their lives, interests, and experiences. When you centre conversations around others, they’ll be drawn to you.

Think of a social event where someone talked only about themselves. Was it enjoyable? Probably not. Now recall someone who focused on you, asking about your life and showing genuine interest. Which person would you prefer to spend time with?

To be a sought-after conversationalist, shift from using “I,” “my,” and “mine” to “you” and “your.” For example, say: “How are you today?” “What are your thoughts on this?” “Is there anything I can help you with?” This subtle shift can significantly increase your influence and appeal.

Another powerful tip is to encourage others to talk about themselves. Ask open-ended questions like: “How is everything going?” “What have you been up to since we last met?” “How is your family doing?”

Show true interest and listen actively. When people feel valued and heard, they’ll naturally enjoy your company. Stop focusing on yourself. Instead, prioritize the person you’re talking to. By doing so, you’ll build stronger connections and leave a positive, lasting impression.

The passage suggests that conversations improve when focused on_____________.

Answer options
Option 1
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2025: 21 May Shift 1 ENG question 8

Q9:

Passage

Medium

An old beggar cried for alms at the gate. They told her not to pester them when they were engaged in a snake-hunt. On hearing it, the old woman became happy. “You are fortunate. It is God Subramanya who has come to visit you. Don’t kill the snake”. Mother was in hearty agreement: “You are right. I forgot all about the promised abhishekam. This is a reminder.” She gave a coin to the beggar, who promised to send down a snake-charmer as she went. Presently an old man appeared at the gate and announced himself as a snake-charmer. They gathered around him. He spoke to them about his life and activities and his power over snakes. They asked admiringly: “How do you catch them? Thus,” he said, pouncing upon a hypothetical snake on the ground. They pointed to the direction in which the cobra had gone and asked him to go ahead. He looked helplessly about and said: “If you show me the snake, I’ll at once catch it. Otherwise, what can I do?” He gave his name and address and departed. At five in the evening, they threw away their sticks and implements and retired to the veranda to rest. They had turned up every stone in the garden and cut down every grass-blade and shrub so that the tiniest insect coming into the garden should have no cover.

What does this passage tell us about the snake-charmer?

Answer options
Option 1
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2025: 21 May Shift 1 ENG question 9

Q10:

Passage

Medium

An old beggar cried for alms at the gate. They told her not to pester them when they were engaged in a snake-hunt. On hearing it, the old woman became happy. “You are fortunate. It is God Subramanya who has come to visit you. Don’t kill the snake”. Mother was in hearty agreement: “You are right. I forgot all about the promised abhishekam. This is a reminder.” She gave a coin to the beggar, who promised to send down a snake-charmer as she went. Presently an old man appeared at the gate and announced himself as a snake-charmer. They gathered around him. He spoke to them about his life and activities and his power over snakes. They asked admiringly: “How do you catch them? Thus,” he said, pouncing upon a hypothetical snake on the ground. They pointed to the direction in which the cobra had gone and asked him to go ahead. He looked helplessly about and said: “If you show me the snake, I’ll at once catch it. Otherwise, what can I do?” He gave his name and address and departed. At five in the evening, they threw away their sticks and implements and retired to the veranda to rest. They had turned up every stone in the garden and cut down every grass-blade and shrub so that the tiniest insect coming into the garden should have no cover.

Select the correct pair of words to fill in the blanks in the following sentence: -

The snake charmer evoked feelings of _________ in everyone's mind because of his proclaimed _________ in capturing snakes.

Answer options

Q11:

Passage

Medium

An old beggar cried for alms at the gate. They told her not to pester them when they were engaged in a snake-hunt. On hearing it, the old woman became happy. “You are fortunate. It is God Subramanya who has come to visit you. Don’t kill the snake”. Mother was in hearty agreement: “You are right. I forgot all about the promised abhishekam. This is a reminder.” She gave a coin to the beggar, who promised to send down a snake-charmer as she went. Presently an old man appeared at the gate and announced himself as a snake-charmer. They gathered around him. He spoke to them about his life and activities and his power over snakes. They asked admiringly: “How do you catch them? Thus,” he said, pouncing upon a hypothetical snake on the ground. They pointed to the direction in which the cobra had gone and asked him to go ahead. He looked helplessly about and said: “If you show me the snake, I’ll at once catch it. Otherwise, what can I do?” He gave his name and address and departed. At five in the evening, they threw away their sticks and implements and retired to the veranda to rest. They had turned up every stone in the garden and cut down every grass-blade and shrub so that the tiniest insect coming into the garden should have no cover.

Mother gave a coin to the beggar as a reward because_____________.

Answer options
Option 2,3
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2025: 21 May Shift 1 ENG question 11

Q12:

Passage

Medium

An old beggar cried for alms at the gate. They told her not to pester them when they were engaged in a snake-hunt. On hearing it, the old woman became happy. “You are fortunate. It is God Subramanya who has come to visit you. Don’t kill the snake”. Mother was in hearty agreement: “You are right. I forgot all about the promised abhishekam. This is a reminder.” She gave a coin to the beggar, who promised to send down a snake-charmer as she went. Presently an old man appeared at the gate and announced himself as a snake-charmer. They gathered around him. He spoke to them about his life and activities and his power over snakes. They asked admiringly: “How do you catch them? Thus,” he said, pouncing upon a hypothetical snake on the ground. They pointed to the direction in which the cobra had gone and asked him to go ahead. He looked helplessly about and said: “If you show me the snake, I’ll at once catch it. Otherwise, what can I do?” He gave his name and address and departed. At five in the evening, they threw away their sticks and implements and retired to the veranda to rest. They had turned up every stone in the garden and cut down every grass-blade and shrub so that the tiniest insect coming into the garden should have no cover.

The plan of capturing the snake came to nothing because___________.

Answer options

Q13:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following parts to form a meaningful sentence:

(A) than overeating and wearing down their bodies with

(B) stomachs reach 80 percent of their capacity rather

(C) Okinwans stop eating when they feel their

(D) long digestive processes that accelerate cellular oxidation

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q14:

Idioms

Medium

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

List-IList-II
(Idioms)(Meanings)
(A) A damp squib(i) Ordinary members of an organization, not the leaders
(B) Above board(ii) Joys and sorrows of life
(C) Rank and file(iii) Complete failure
(D) Weal and woe(iv) Honest and legal

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q15:

Grammar

Medium

Choose the appropriate pair of verbs to complete the sentence:

I did not see you at the party. If I_______you, I surely________ to you.

Answer options

Q16:

Word Usage

Medium

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

List-IList-II
(Sentences)(Homonyms)
(A) They knew not _______ they went.(I) wither
(B) I was encouraged by the general _______ of his remarks.(II) whither
(C) The Zamindari Abolition Act has finished the problem of land ______ system in our country.(III) tenor
(D) The plants will ______ if you don't water them everyday in the hot weather.(IV) tenure

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q17:

Idioms

Medium

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

List-IList-II
(Idioms)(Meanings)
(A) take the bull by the horns(i) to produce great applause or laughter
(B) play the devil's advocate(II) to take great trouble to do something
(C) bring the house down(III) confront the challenge with determination
(D) bend over backwards(IV) argue the opposing viewpoint just to spark a debate

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q19:

Word Usage

Medium

Match the words given in List-I with their meanings given in List-II:

List-IList-II
(Words)(Meanings)
(A) Indispensable(I) One filled with excessive and mistaken enthusiasm for a cause
(B) Fanatic(II) That which can not be done without
(C) Pugnacious(III) Repetition of word by word
(D) Verbatim(IV) Quarrelsome

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q21:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following parts to form a meaningful sentence:

(A) technology in healthcare, ultimately creating a future where

(B) embracing digital disruptions like AI-powered diagnostics, telemedicine and

(C) it is more accessible, efficient and personalized than ever before

(D) electronic health records will be crucial to harness the full potential of

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q22:

Word Usage

Medium

Choose the correct option to fill in the blank in the following sentence:

His writing style was ______ as he didn't believe in beating about the bush.

Answer options

Q23:

Word Usage

Medium

Match the definitions in List-I with the appropriate words from List-II:

List-IList-II
(Definitions)(Words)
(A) A composition that imitates or misrepresents a style(I) Paradox
(B) A trite or obvious remark(II) Parody
(C) A statement that contradicts itself(III) Irony
(D) An incongruity between what is expected and what occurs(IV) Cliché

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q24:

Synonyms

Medium

Select the most appropriate synonym for the underlined word:

By a quirk of fate, they had both booked into the same hotel.

Answer options

Q26:

Rearrangement

Medium

Re-arrange the following phrases to form a meaningful sentence:

(A) across the territiorial borders by facilitating trade

(B) globalisation-a phenomenon that changed the economic

(C) and commerce for their mutual benefit

(D) status of nations worldwide by promoting business transactions

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q27:

Synonyms

Easy

Select a synonym from the given options to replace the underlined word in the following sentence:

My grandmother is unable to hold a glass of water, as her hands have become gnarled with age.

Answer options

Q28:

Rearrangement

Medium

Re-arrange the following phrases to form a meaningful sentence:

(A) with a prospect of danger

(B) romanticizing history like

(C) exhilarating, but is also fraught

(D) the act of any other romance might be

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q30:

Rearrangement

Medium

Re-arrange the following phrases to form a meaningful sentence:

(A) up to the levels of the most favoured

(B) ought to mean raising the less favoured

(C) Equality of treatment in

(D) the case of hopeless unequals

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q31:

Word Usage

Easy

Select the most appropriate word to complete the following sentence:

The new government policy aims to _____ the economic gap between rich and poor.

Answer options

Q32:

Phrasal Verbs

Easy

Select the most appropriate phrase to complete the following sentence:

The athlete worked hard to _____ for the upcoming championship.

Answer options

Q33:

Grammar

Easy

Choose the appropriate word from the following options to fill in the blank in the sentence:

All the staff members attended the meeting today _______ Mr. Roger who was unwell.

Answer options

Q34:

Phrasal Verbs

Medium

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

List-IList-II
(Sentences)(Phrasal Verbs)
(A) He had realized I wouldn't ___with his plan to drop the project before the manager.(i) play on
(B) He often tends to _____ his enhanced authority.(II) play along
(C) I often tend to _______ to his vanity.(III) play up
(D) Try to find your opponent's weaknesses and _________ them relentlessly.(IV) play down

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q36:

Phrasal Verbs

Medium

Match the phrasal verbs given in List-I with their meanings in List-II:

List-IList-II
(Phrasal verbs)(Meanings)
(A) Beg off(i) Depend on
(B) Brush up(II) Politely decline
(C) Count on(III) Survive
(D) Get by(IV) Revise

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q37:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following parts to form a meaningful sentence:

(A) overall wellness, not just weight loss

(B) dozens of diets are touted as the best, but

(C) that healthy eating needs to be about

(D) it's easy to lose track of the fact

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q38:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following parts to form a meaningful sentence :

(A) outdoor life and enjoy hard physical work

(B) subsistence farming is often something that is forced on

(C) it is an attractive life for people who like

(D) people by circumstance rather than adopted by choice, although

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q40:

Rearrangement

Easy

Rearrange the following parts to form a meaningful sentence:

(A) eventually agreed to join the project

(B) although he was initially hesitant, he

(C) experience and opportunities for professional growth

(D) realizing that it would provide valuable

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q42:

Grammar

Medium

Complete the sentences given in List-I with the appropriate prepositions from List-II:

List-IList-II
(Sentences)(Prepositions)
(A) They were very grateful _____ your kindness.(i) among
(B) If you live in a corrupt society, it is difficult to rise ___ the prevailing corruption.(II) for
(C) Divide the sweets ____ the children.(III) above
(D) It is very difficult to enter ____ partnership with this notorious firm.(IV) into

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q44:

Word Usage

Easy

Fill in the blank with the correct word from the options given below :

The little boy wanted to be seated _______his best friend in the class.

Answer options

Q45:

Word Usage

Medium

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word from the options given below:

The ensuing __________, after the rigging of the polls, though disturbing, but was not totally unexpected in an autocratic regime.

Answer options
Option 1,4
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2025: 21 May Shift 1 ENG question 45

Q46:

Word Usage

Easy

Select the most appropriate word to complete the following sentence:

Ashok is going to the conference as our __________.

Answer options

Q47:

Word Usage

Medium

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

List-IList-II
(Sentences)(Homonyms)
(A) At the other side of the beautiful valley, was a steep ______ to the top of the hill.(i) assent
(B) I noticed colour __________ up in her cheeks when I caught her staring at me.(II) flair
(C) There were murmurs of _________ from a very small section of the crowd.(III) ascent
(D) He has an amazing _______ for languages.(IV) flare

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q49:

Grammar

Medium

Fill in the blanks in the sentences in List-I with the correct verb forms from List-II:

List-IList-II
(Sentences)(Verb forms)
(A) It _________ since early morning.(i) rains
(B) Last week it ____ cats and dogs.(II) has been raining
(C) In north India it usually ___ during the months of July and August.(III) had been raining
(D) It __________ for two hours when suddenly the rainbow was spotted.(IV) rained

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q50:

Phrasal Verbs

Easy

Select the most appropriate word to complete the following sentence:

The teacher encouraged the students to _____ when they didn't understand the topic.

Answer options

CUET English 2025 21 May Shift 1 Past Year Question Paper

Every question from the CUET English 2025 21 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.