Q1:

Idioms

Medium

Which of the following sentences show the correct use of idioms:

(A) Don't try and cut corners. Your product will be rejected.

(B) Ram and Mohan fought over something but now they have decided to burn the candle at both ends.

(C) The teacher's presence at the end-of-term party was like a wild goose chase.

(D) The young man was too green not to be cheated by his shrewd employer.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options
Option 1
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 19 May Shift 1 ENG question 1

Q2:

Grammar

Easy

Choose the correct indirect transformation of the given sentence.

The guest said, "I am enjoying the company of my friends after a long time."

Answer options
Option 2
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 19 May Shift 1 ENG question 2

Q3:

Grammar

Easy

Choose the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

____ the government takes stringent measures, the problem will not be solved.

Answer options
Option 2
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 19 May Shift 1 ENG question 3

Q4:

Idioms

Medium

Match the idioms given in List-I with the meanings given in List-II.

List-I (Idioms)List-II (Meanings)
(A) Blow your own trumpet(I) Very early in the morning
(B) Labour of Hercules(II) Talk boastfully about yourself
(C) Beggar belief(III) Task requiring enormous strength
(D) Up with the lark(IV) Be too extraordinary to be believed

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options
Option 3
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 19 May Shift 1 ENG question 4

Q5:

Spelling

Medium

Choose the correctly spelled word to fill in the blank:

One should believe in the ___ of life to lead a stress-free life.

Answer options
Option 1
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 19 May Shift 1 ENG question 5

Q6:

Word Usage

Easy

Choose the most appropriate word to fill in the blank:

The foul smell from the ___ of a dog lying in the central park was making it impossible to go for the morning walk.

Answer options
Option 1
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 19 May Shift 1 ENG question 6

Q7:

Grammar

Medium

Choose the most appropriate option to fill in the blank:

___ our flight from Delhi to Mumbai was delayed because of bad weather, we missed our connection to Dubai and had to spend six hours at the airport. ___ being delayed, we still had a good trip.

Answer options
Option 1
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 19 May Shift 1 ENG question 7

Q8:

Phrasal Verbs

Easy

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

List-I (Sentences)List-II (Phrasal Verbs)
(A) My mother will always ___ me in all my difficult times.(I) stand out
(B) Four points ___ as being more important than the rest.(II) stand up
(C) You must ___ for your rights.(III) stands for
(D) I.I.M. ___ Indian Institute of Management.(IV) stand by

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options
Option 1
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 19 May Shift 1 ENG question 8

Q9:

Idioms

Medium

Match the Idioms given in List-I with the meanings given in List-II.

List-I (Idioms)List-II (Meanings)
(A) Man of letters(I) Be victorious or successful
(B) Carry the day(II) Partial success
(C) Flash in the pan(III) Happier times
(D) Halcyon Days(IV) Learned

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options
Option 1
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 19 May Shift 1 ENG question 9

Q10:

Rearrangement

Easy

Rearrange the following phrases in the proper sequence to complete the following sentence:

A good citizen will--

(A). to the rights and well-being of others

(B). obey the laws and take care

(C). is done with due regard

(D). that everything he does

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q11:

Literary Devices

Easy

Identify the figure of speech used in the given sentence:

There was a deafening silence before the crest of the huge wave broke onto the deck.

Answer options

Q12:

Grammar

Easy

Choose the correct passive construction of the given sentence.

Why did your friend write such a letter?

Answer options

Q13:

Word Usage

Easy

Which one of the following sentences explains the meaning of the word 'Polyglot'?

Answer options

Q14:

Literary Devices

Easy

Match the figures of speech given in List-I with the sentences given in List-II.

List-I (Figures of Speech)List-II (Sentences)
(A) Simile(I) He runs faster than the wind.
(B) Personification(II) He fought like a lion in the battle.
(C) Metaphor(III) The moon smiled down on the earth.
(D) Hyperbole(IV) She is the nightingale of our class.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q16:

Grammar

Easy

Choose the most appropriate option to fill in the blank:

Mohan's parents ______him up in a such a disciplined manner that you can not find a fault in his behaviour.

Answer options

Q17:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following phrases in the proper sequence to complete the following sentence:

For generations man has--

(A). survive or wiped out

(B). struggled against the wilds to

(C). decides whether animals and plants

(D). create a world where only he

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q18:

Phrasal Verbs

Medium

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

List-I (Sentences)List-II (Phrasal verbs)
(A) Rita was advised to ___the business proposal if she had the slightest doubt.(I) turn up
(B) After the divorce, he tried to ___ the children ___ their mother.(II) turn down
(C) I was told that if I don't ___ on time I would be antagonising my boss.(III) turn off
(D) Before you go to bed ___ the lights.(IV) turn against

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q19:

Word Usage

Easy

Which one of the following best explains the word 'Petrology'?

Answer options

Q21:

Grammar

Medium

Which of the following sentences are grammatically correct?

(A) Macbeth is the better drama in English.

(B) Othello is the best than any other drama in English.

(C) No other drama in English is as good as Hamlet.

(D) Macbeth is as wise as Othello.

Choose the correct option from the following.

Answer options

Q22:

Word Usage

Easy

Choose the most appropriate option to fill in the blank:

The vehicle is well maintained by the owner as it is very ____ used.

Answer options

Q23:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following phrases to form a meaningful sentence.

(A). their inability to evolve a judicious mixture

(B). of the developing countries on economic front is

(C). of import substitution and export promotion

(D). one of the major causes of failure

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q27:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following phrases to form a meaningful sentence.

(A). you want in life is to identify

(B). an action plan to move forward

(C). one of the first steps to achieving everything

(D). and develop your strengths and set in place

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q30:

Antonyms

Medium

Choose the correct antonym of the following underlined word:

Mr. Naren relinquished his luxurious life to indulge in humanitarian service.

Answer options

Q31:

Spelling

Easy

Choose the correctly spelled word to fill in the blank:

The students of the institution gave a _____ welcome to their victorious cricket team.

Answer options

Q32:

Rearrangement

Easy

Rearrange the following phrases to form a meaningful sentence.

(A). it's wise to sign up

(B). get all the basics under your belt

(C). if you want to go diving

(D). for an open water course to

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q33:

Word Usage

Easy

Choose the most appropriate option to fill in the blank:

My father ____ me to join the debate club during my school days and it helped me a lot.

Answer options

Q34:

Antonyms

Medium

Choose the correct antonym of the following underlined word:

The chairman's little joke provided a rare moment of levity in an otherwise dreary meeting.

Answer options

Q35:

Grammar

Medium

Choose the grammatically correct sentences from the following:

(A) His latest play was panned by the critics, which is strange, since all his previous works were universally lauded.

(B) Of all the movies I have seen, that was the more entertaining.

(C) With advancing age my father has become more forgetful.

(D) Pari is such a most humble person, she never talks about herself.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q36:

Word Usage

Hard

Fill in the blanks given in List-I with the most appropriate options given in List-II

List-I (Sentences)List-II (Options)
(A) He is so_____. I wish he would restraint himself when required.(I) effable
(B) It's a pleasure to meet Rani, she gives you such an __welcome.(II) taciturn
(C) I thought he was rather_____ when I first met him. He hardly spoke.(III) diffidence
(D) She overcame her natural____and spoke with great frankness.(IV) impetuous

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q37:

Phrasal Verbs

Easy

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

List-I (Sentences)List-II (Phrasal Verbs)
(A) The doctor advised him to ___ smoking.(I) give away
(B) I had to ___all my toys to the orphanage when we moved houses due to lack of space.(II) give back
(C) The rebels were forced to ___.(III) give up
(D) Manish doesn't have the responsibility to ___ the money he has borrowed.(IV) give in

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q38:

Word Usage

Medium

Which one of the following sentences best explains the meaning of the word 'Incorrigible'?

Answer options

Q39:

Word Usage

Easy

Choose the most appropriate option to fill in the blank:

_____ she was very lonely, but now she has made a few friends.

Answer options

Q40:

Word Usage

Easy

Choose the most appropriate word to fill in the blank:

Vijay's grandmother is a strong lady who is ready to ____ herself to the city life.

Answer options

Q41:

Passage

Easy

Immersing oneself in nature can profoundly impact physical health. Outdoor activities such as hiking, biking or walking in natural settings improve cardiovascular health, increase fitness levels and reduce stress. Breathing fresh air and soaking up sunlight also enhances vitamin D production, supporting bone health and boosting the immune system.

Nature is a powerful antidote to stress and anxiety, promoting mental and emotional well-being. Nature's sights, sounds, and smells calm the mind, reducing tension and enhancing mood. Studies have shown that spending time in natural environments decreases symptoms of depression and anxiety while increasing feelings of happiness and well-being. The beauty and tranquility of nature provide a much-needed escape from the pressures of daily life, allowing for reflection, mindfulness and relaxation.

Immersion in natural settings fosters a sense of awe, wonder and spirituality, encouraging contemplation and introspection. The rhythmic sounds of waves crashing on the shore, the rustling of leaves or the sight of a breathtaking sunset can evoke a sense of peace and serenity.

Engaging in gardening or spending time in green spaces has been recognised as "eco-therapy" or "green therapy." Working with plants, digging in the soil and tending to a garden have been shown to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. Caring for living things and witnessing the growth and transformation of plants brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Furthermore, participation in nature conservation efforts allows individuals to contribute to the planet's well-being and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.

According to the passage benefits of outdoor activities does not include:

Answer options

Q42:

Passage

Easy

Immersing oneself in nature can profoundly impact physical health. Outdoor activities such as hiking, biking or walking in natural settings improve cardiovascular health, increase fitness levels and reduce stress. Breathing fresh air and soaking up sunlight also enhances vitamin D production, supporting bone health and boosting the immune system.

Nature is a powerful antidote to stress and anxiety, promoting mental and emotional well-being. Nature's sights, sounds, and smells calm the mind, reducing tension and enhancing mood. Studies have shown that spending time in natural environments decreases symptoms of depression and anxiety while increasing feelings of happiness and well-being. The beauty and tranquility of nature provide a much-needed escape from the pressures of daily life, allowing for reflection, mindfulness and relaxation.

Immersion in natural settings fosters a sense of awe, wonder and spirituality, encouraging contemplation and introspection. The rhythmic sounds of waves crashing on the shore, the rustling of leaves or the sight of a breathtaking sunset can evoke a sense of peace and serenity.

Engaging in gardening or spending time in green spaces has been recognised as "eco-therapy" or "green therapy." Working with plants, digging in the soil and tending to a garden have been shown to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. Caring for living things and witnessing the growth and transformation of plants brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Furthermore, participation in nature conservation efforts allows individuals to contribute to the planet's well-being and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.

How does 'Eco-therapy' or 'Green therapy' contribute to the well-being of the planet?

Answer options

Q43:

Passage

Easy

Immersing oneself in nature can profoundly impact physical health. Outdoor activities such as hiking, biking or walking in natural settings improve cardiovascular health, increase fitness levels and reduce stress. Breathing fresh air and soaking up sunlight also enhances vitamin D production, supporting bone health and boosting the immune system.

Nature is a powerful antidote to stress and anxiety, promoting mental and emotional well-being. Nature's sights, sounds, and smells calm the mind, reducing tension and enhancing mood. Studies have shown that spending time in natural environments decreases symptoms of depression and anxiety while increasing feelings of happiness and well-being. The beauty and tranquility of nature provide a much-needed escape from the pressures of daily life, allowing for reflection, mindfulness and relaxation.

Immersion in natural settings fosters a sense of awe, wonder and spirituality, encouraging contemplation and introspection. The rhythmic sounds of waves crashing on the shore, the rustling of leaves or the sight of a breathtaking sunset can evoke a sense of peace and serenity.

Engaging in gardening or spending time in green spaces has been recognised as "eco-therapy" or "green therapy." Working with plants, digging in the soil and tending to a garden have been shown to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. Caring for living things and witnessing the growth and transformation of plants brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Furthermore, participation in nature conservation efforts allows individuals to contribute to the planet's well-being and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.

One can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment to one's life by:

Answer options

Q44:

Passage

Easy

Immersing oneself in nature can profoundly impact physical health. Outdoor activities such as hiking, biking or walking in natural settings improve cardiovascular health, increase fitness levels and reduce stress. Breathing fresh air and soaking up sunlight also enhances vitamin D production, supporting bone health and boosting the immune system.

Nature is a powerful antidote to stress and anxiety, promoting mental and emotional well-being. Nature's sights, sounds, and smells calm the mind, reducing tension and enhancing mood. Studies have shown that spending time in natural environments decreases symptoms of depression and anxiety while increasing feelings of happiness and well-being. The beauty and tranquility of nature provide a much-needed escape from the pressures of daily life, allowing for reflection, mindfulness and relaxation.

Immersion in natural settings fosters a sense of awe, wonder and spirituality, encouraging contemplation and introspection. The rhythmic sounds of waves crashing on the shore, the rustling of leaves or the sight of a breathtaking sunset can evoke a sense of peace and serenity.

Engaging in gardening or spending time in green spaces has been recognised as "eco-therapy" or "green therapy." Working with plants, digging in the soil and tending to a garden have been shown to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. Caring for living things and witnessing the growth and transformation of plants brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Furthermore, participation in nature conservation efforts allows individuals to contribute to the planet's well-being and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.

According to the author, humans can play a significant role in protecting nature by taking:

Answer options

Q45:

Passage

Easy

Immersing oneself in nature can profoundly impact physical health. Outdoor activities such as hiking, biking or walking in natural settings improve cardiovascular health, increase fitness levels and reduce stress. Breathing fresh air and soaking up sunlight also enhances vitamin D production, supporting bone health and boosting the immune system.

Nature is a powerful antidote to stress and anxiety, promoting mental and emotional well-being. Nature's sights, sounds, and smells calm the mind, reducing tension and enhancing mood. Studies have shown that spending time in natural environments decreases symptoms of depression and anxiety while increasing feelings of happiness and well-being. The beauty and tranquility of nature provide a much-needed escape from the pressures of daily life, allowing for reflection, mindfulness and relaxation.

Immersion in natural settings fosters a sense of awe, wonder and spirituality, encouraging contemplation and introspection. The rhythmic sounds of waves crashing on the shore, the rustling of leaves or the sight of a breathtaking sunset can evoke a sense of peace and serenity.

Engaging in gardening or spending time in green spaces has been recognised as "eco-therapy" or "green therapy." Working with plants, digging in the soil and tending to a garden have been shown to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. Caring for living things and witnessing the growth and transformation of plants brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Furthermore, participation in nature conservation efforts allows individuals to contribute to the planet's well-being and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.

Nature acts as an antidote to human sufferings as it-

Answer options

Q46:

Passage

Medium

As I crossed the stream and began climbing the hill, the grunting and chattering increased, as though the langurs were trying to warn me of some hidden danger. A shower of pebbles came rattling down the steep hillside, and I looked up to see a sinewy orange-gold leopard poised on a rock about 20 feet above me.

It was not looking towards me, but had its head thrust attentively forward in the direction of the ravine. It must have sensed my presence though, because slowly it turned its head to look down at me. It seemed a little puzzled at my presence there; when, to give myself courage, I clapped my hands sharply, the leopard sprang away into the thickets, making no sound as it melted into the shadows.

I had disturbed the animal in its quest for food. But a little later I heard the cry of a barking deer as it fled through the forest; the hunt was still on.

The leopard, like other members of the cat family, is nearing extinction in India, and I was surprised to find one so close to Mussoorie. Probably deforestation had driven the deer into this green valley; the leopard, naturally, had followed.

It was some weeks before I saw the leopard again, although I was often made aware of its presence. A dry, rasping cough sometimes gave it away. At times, I felt almost certain I was being followed.

As the author begins to climb the hill, he is being warned of:

Answer options

Q47:

Passage

Easy

As I crossed the stream and began climbing the hill, the grunting and chattering increased, as though the langurs were trying to warn me of some hidden danger. A shower of pebbles came rattling down the steep hillside, and I looked up to see a sinewy orange-gold leopard poised on a rock about 20 feet above me.

It was not looking towards me, but had its head thrust attentively forward in the direction of the ravine. It must have sensed my presence though, because slowly it turned its head to look down at me. It seemed a little puzzled at my presence there; when, to give myself courage, I clapped my hands sharply, the leopard sprang away into the thickets, making no sound as it melted into the shadows.

I had disturbed the animal in its quest for food. But a little later I heard the cry of a barking deer as it fled through the forest; the hunt was still on.

The leopard, like other members of the cat family, is nearing extinction in India, and I was surprised to find one so close to Mussoorie. Probably deforestation had driven the deer into this green valley; the leopard, naturally, had followed.

It was some weeks before I saw the leopard again, although I was often made aware of its presence. A dry, rasping cough sometimes gave it away. At times, I felt almost certain I was being followed.

The leapord made its presence felt to the author sometimes through:

Answer options

Q48:

Passage

Easy

As I crossed the stream and began climbing the hill, the grunting and chattering increased, as though the langurs were trying to warn me of some hidden danger. A shower of pebbles came rattling down the steep hillside, and I looked up to see a sinewy orange-gold leopard poised on a rock about 20 feet above me.

It was not looking towards me, but had its head thrust attentively forward in the direction of the ravine. It must have sensed my presence though, because slowly it turned its head to look down at me. It seemed a little puzzled at my presence there; when, to give myself courage, I clapped my hands sharply, the leopard sprang away into the thickets, making no sound as it melted into the shadows.

I had disturbed the animal in its quest for food. But a little later I heard the cry of a barking deer as it fled through the forest; the hunt was still on.

The leopard, like other members of the cat family, is nearing extinction in India, and I was surprised to find one so close to Mussoorie. Probably deforestation had driven the deer into this green valley; the leopard, naturally, had followed.

It was some weeks before I saw the leopard again, although I was often made aware of its presence. A dry, rasping cough sometimes gave it away. At times, I felt almost certain I was being followed.

According to the author, what threat does the leopard face?

Answer options

Q49:

Passage

Medium

As I crossed the stream and began climbing the hill, the grunting and chattering increased, as though the langurs were trying to warn me of some hidden danger. A shower of pebbles came rattling down the steep hillside, and I looked up to see a sinewy orange-gold leopard poised on a rock about 20 feet above me.

It was not looking towards me, but had its head thrust attentively forward in the direction of the ravine. It must have sensed my presence though, because slowly it turned its head to look down at me. It seemed a little puzzled at my presence there; when, to give myself courage, I clapped my hands sharply, the leopard sprang away into the thickets, making no sound as it melted into the shadows.

I had disturbed the animal in its quest for food. But a little later I heard the cry of a barking deer as it fled through the forest; the hunt was still on.

The leopard, like other members of the cat family, is nearing extinction in India, and I was surprised to find one so close to Mussoorie. Probably deforestation had driven the deer into this green valley; the leopard, naturally, had followed.

It was some weeks before I saw the leopard again, although I was often made aware of its presence. A dry, rasping cough sometimes gave it away. At times, I felt almost certain I was being followed.

The reason that the leopard could be sighted so close to human settlements points to:

Answer options

Q50:

Passage

Medium

As I crossed the stream and began climbing the hill, the grunting and chattering increased, as though the langurs were trying to warn me of some hidden danger. A shower of pebbles came rattling down the steep hillside, and I looked up to see a sinewy orange-gold leopard poised on a rock about 20 feet above me.

It was not looking towards me, but had its head thrust attentively forward in the direction of the ravine. It must have sensed my presence though, because slowly it turned its head to look down at me. It seemed a little puzzled at my presence there; when, to give myself courage, I clapped my hands sharply, the leopard sprang away into the thickets, making no sound as it melted into the shadows.

I had disturbed the animal in its quest for food. But a little later I heard the cry of a barking deer as it fled through the forest; the hunt was still on.

The leopard, like other members of the cat family, is nearing extinction in India, and I was surprised to find one so close to Mussoorie. Probably deforestation had driven the deer into this green valley; the leopard, naturally, had followed.

It was some weeks before I saw the leopard again, although I was often made aware of its presence. A dry, rasping cough sometimes gave it away. At times, I felt almost certain I was being followed.

The word 'sinewy' in the given sentence means:

I looked up to see a sinewy orange-gold leopard poised on a rock about 20 feet above me.

Answer options

CUET English 2026 19 May Shift 1 Past Year Question Paper

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