Q2:

Grammar

Easy

Choose the most appropriate option to complete the given sentence:

He is very able and proficient;___ he works hard.

Answer options
Option 1
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 20 May Shift 1 ENG question 2

Q3:

Antonyms

Easy

Choose the correct antonym of the underlined word in the following sentence from the given options:-

The boy's illness enervated the whole community.

Answer options
Option 3
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 20 May Shift 1 ENG question 3

Q4:

Grammar

Medium

Choose the correct passive construction for the given sentence.

People were telling me all the time what to do and I didn't enjoy it.

Answer options
Option 2
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 20 May Shift 1 ENG question 4

Q5:

Grammar

Medium

Select the grammatically correct sentences from the options given below:-

(A) Please stop making so much noise or I report you to the supervisor.

(B) I work hard so that I may become financially independent.

(C) An imminent event is one that will happen soon.

(D) I'm not certain, but I guess it's raining later this afternoon.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options
Option 4
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 20 May Shift 1 ENG question 5

Q6:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following phrases to form a meaningful sentence:-

(A) valuable and timeless in our ancient tradition

(B) with what is good and valuable in modern thought

(C) one of the biggest responsibilities of the educated

(D) women today is to synthesise what has been

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options
Option 4
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 20 May Shift 1 ENG question 6

Q7:

Word Usage

Easy

Select the correct word that best conveys the meaning of the following sentence from the options given below:-

One who feeds on human flesh.

Answer options
Option 1
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 20 May Shift 1 ENG question 7

Q8:

Spelling

Easy

Fill in the blank with the correctly spelled word from the options given below:-

He dreams of becoming a successful _____ and starting his own venture.

Answer options
Option 1
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 20 May Shift 1 ENG question 8

Q9:

Word Usage

Easy

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

List-I (Words)List-II (Meanings)
(A) Wither(I) the condition of the atmosphere at a particular time
(B) Whither(II) fade away
(C) Weather(III) if
(D) Whether(IV) direction

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

Answer options
Option 2
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 20 May Shift 1 ENG question 9

Q10:

Idioms

Easy

Choose the option that best describes the meaning of the underlined phrase from the options given below:-

Though it was his maiden speech, he brought down the house with his dry humour.

Answer options

Q11:

Grammar

Easy

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

When he alighted ____ the car, he was welcomed with open arms by his friends.

Answer options

Q13:

Idioms

Easy

Choose the correct option as the meaning of the given proverb:-

Handsome is as handsome does.

Answer options

Q14:

Grammar

Easy

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

____ the task seemed daunting at first, the team managed to complete it within the stipulated time.

Answer options

Q15:

Word Usage

Medium

Fill in the blanks in given in List-I with the most appropriate words from List-II:-

List-IList-II
(A) Ritu did not get involved in the scandal on account of her friend's ____.(I) suite
(B) He filed a civil ____ against his siblings.(II) counsel
(C) Some of the members of the ____ walked out in protest during the session.(III) suit
(D) He surprised his wife by booking a special ____ on their anniversary.(IV) council

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

Answer options

Q16:

Synonyms

Easy

Select the word from the given options that is most similar to the meaning of the underlined word.

We face the arduous days that lie before us in the warm courage of national unity.

Answer options

Q17:

Word Usage

Medium

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

Despite the conflicting circumstances, she continued to speak ________, keeping her thoughts steady and grounded.

Answer options

Q18:

Grammar

Easy

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

The council zeroed down on the _______________ proposal after hours of serious deliberations.

Answer options

Q19:

Grammar

Medium

Choose the grammatically correct sentences from the options below:-

(A) He reached the office when the manager spoke to the client.

(B) He reached the office when the manager was speaking to the client.

(C) He reached the office when the manager had been speaking to the client.

(D) He reached the office when the manager had just finished speaking to the client.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q20:

Phrasal Verbs

Easy

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

_________, there is a snake under the bush.

Answer options

Q21:

Word Usage

Easy

Choose the correct word to complete the following sentence.

The doctor who particularly looks at ailing infants/children is referred to as_______.

Answer options

Q23:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following phrases to form a meaningful sentence:-

(A) next to our own in a gesture of expansive relaxation

(B) in a motion that imitated exactly the way you or I

(C) would bring out an arm and place it on the back of the chair

(D) she turned and brought her arm onto the tarpaulin

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q24:

Word Usage

Easy

Select the word that best conveys the meaning of the following sentence:-

A political or philosophical theory that advocates the elimination of all forms of government.

Answer options

Q26:

Idioms

Easy

Match the idioms/proverbs given in List-I with their meanings in List-II

List-IList-II
(A) Lost in the clouds(I) Ruined
(B) Go to the dogs(II) Confused
(C) A fly in the ointment(III) Share the cost
(D) To go Dutch(IV) Something trifling that mars the whole

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

Answer options

Q27:

Phrasal Verbs

Easy

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

List-IList-II
(A) Pull up(I) to succeed
(B) Pull through(II) to stop or scold someone
(C) Pull off(III) to demolish
(D) Pull down(IV) to recover from something

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

Answer options

Q28:

Literary Devices

Medium

Identify the examples of the correct use of Metaphor from the following options:-

(A) He is the vulture of the state.

(B) She behaved like a child.

(C) To err is human, to forgive divine.

(D) The waves thundered on the shore

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

Answer options

Q29:

Literary Devices

Easy

Match the expressions given in List-I with the correct figures of speech they illustrate given in List-II

List-IList-II
(A) Visible darkness(I) simile
(B) She is the star of our family(II) metaphor
(C) I spent a sleepless night.(III) oxymoron
(D) That baby boy is like a teddy bear.(IV) transferred epithet

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q31:

Word Usage

Medium

Fill in the blanks given in List I with the appropriate words given in List II :-

List-IList-II
(A) She maintained a ___ attitude even in the face of repeated failures.(I) fragile
(B) Her ___ tone conveyed genuine concern rather than mere formality.(II) resilient
(C) She suffers as her ___ ego gets broken easily enough.(III) perfunctory
(D) Their efforts for sustainable living were too ___ to make any difference(IV) heartfelt

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

Answer options

Q32:

Phrasal Verbs

Easy

Complete the sentences given in List-I with the correct phrasal verbs given in List-II.

List-I (Sentences)List-II (Phrasal verbs)
(A) The Police asked the people to ___ from the injured man.(I) stand by
(B) Rahul always used to ___ for his younger brother in the playground.(II) stand down
(C) The CEO of the company decided to ___ from his post because of the scandal.(III) stand back
(D) I always knew that Juhi would ___ me, come what may.(IV) stand up

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q33:

Word Usage

Easy

Fill in the blank with the correct option from the ones given below:-

The scientist proposed _________ theory that challenged everything we knew.

Answer options

Q34:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following phrases to form a meaningful sentence:-

(A) to foreign universities is that only inferior

(B) to make quick money by imparting sub-standard education

(C) universities may enter into the Indian education system

(D) the common objection to the opening up

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

Answer options

Q35:

Grammar

Medium

Choose the correct reported construction of the given sentence:

It surprised us that he said, "I won't do it."

Answer options

Q36:

Word Usage

Easy

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

She agreed to mentor the team despite her ________ taxing schedule.

Answer options

Q37:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following phrases to make a meaningful sentence:-

(A) old ones, it also destroys some old truths and

(B) the way of men's thinking and their lives

(C) discovers new truths that thereby upsets

(D) science does not merely add new truths to

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q38:

Grammar

Medium

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option in the given sentence :-

My sister____ me only once or twice since the time she has been living in Cherapunji.

Answer options

Q40:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following phrases to form a meaningful sentence:-

(A) the conclusion of the

(B) we have not come to

(C) immutability of this principle

(D) simply through good motives

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

Answer options

Q41:

Passage

Easy

In the ancient city of Varanasi, Arjun found his world transformed one monsoon afternoon. Born into a family of hardworking labourers, he was expected to follow in his father's footsteps, yet, Arjun harboured an unspoken passion for art that no one knew about. As dark clouds gathered and the first raindrops fell, he wandered through the narrow lanes of the old city, seeking solace from the predictable rhythm of life.

That day, as he took refuge under a vibrant awning in a bustling market, Arjun encountered an old painter named Raghav. With paint splattered hands and eyes that shimmered with decades of experience, Raghav noticed a spark in Arjun's eyes. He invited Arjun into his humble studio where canvases whispered stories of love, loss and hope. Inspired by Raghav's gentle mentorship, Arjun discovered his own unique style, blending tradition with innovation.

Over the time, his artwork became a mirror reflecting the emotions of the city and his reputation grew. Arjun's journey from a reluctant son to an emerging artist was not without hardship. Yet every challenge became a brushstroke in the masterpiece of his life. Eventually, his creations graced galleries beyond Varanasi, uniting cultures and hearts. In every piece, Arjun celebrated the resilience of the human spirit, provng that passion and perseverance can transform even the most ordinary life into a vibrant work of art.

His journey filled with unexpected lessons and creative breakthroughs taught him that every struggle offered a chance to begin anew, inspiring his art with hope and transformation.

Deduce the message the author conveys about overcoming obstacles:

Answer options

Q42:

Passage

Easy

In the ancient city of Varanasi, Arjun found his world transformed one monsoon afternoon. Born into a family of hardworking labourers, he was expected to follow in his father's footsteps, yet, Arjun harboured an unspoken passion for art that no one knew about. As dark clouds gathered and the first raindrops fell, he wandered through the narrow lanes of the old city, seeking solace from the predictable rhythm of life.

That day, as he took refuge under a vibrant awning in a bustling market, Arjun encountered an old painter named Raghav. With paint splattered hands and eyes that shimmered with decades of experience, Raghav noticed a spark in Arjun's eyes. He invited Arjun into his humble studio where canvases whispered stories of love, loss and hope. Inspired by Raghav's gentle mentorship, Arjun discovered his own unique style, blending tradition with innovation.

Over the time, his artwork became a mirror reflecting the emotions of the city and his reputation grew. Arjun's journey from a reluctant son to an emerging artist was not without hardship. Yet every challenge became a brushstroke in the masterpiece of his life. Eventually, his creations graced galleries beyond Varanasi, uniting cultures and hearts. In every piece, Arjun celebrated the resilience of the human spirit, provng that passion and perseverance can transform even the most ordinary life into a vibrant work of art.

His journey filled with unexpected lessons and creative breakthroughs taught him that every struggle offered a chance to begin anew, inspiring his art with hope and transformation.

Which word in the passage means- lively

Answer options

Q43:

Passage

Easy

In the ancient city of Varanasi, Arjun found his world transformed one monsoon afternoon. Born into a family of hardworking labourers, he was expected to follow in his father's footsteps, yet, Arjun harboured an unspoken passion for art that no one knew about. As dark clouds gathered and the first raindrops fell, he wandered through the narrow lanes of the old city, seeking solace from the predictable rhythm of life.

That day, as he took refuge under a vibrant awning in a bustling market, Arjun encountered an old painter named Raghav. With paint splattered hands and eyes that shimmered with decades of experience, Raghav noticed a spark in Arjun's eyes. He invited Arjun into his humble studio where canvases whispered stories of love, loss and hope. Inspired by Raghav's gentle mentorship, Arjun discovered his own unique style, blending tradition with innovation.

Over the time, his artwork became a mirror reflecting the emotions of the city and his reputation grew. Arjun's journey from a reluctant son to an emerging artist was not without hardship. Yet every challenge became a brushstroke in the masterpiece of his life. Eventually, his creations graced galleries beyond Varanasi, uniting cultures and hearts. In every piece, Arjun celebrated the resilience of the human spirit, provng that passion and perseverance can transform even the most ordinary life into a vibrant work of art.

His journey filled with unexpected lessons and creative breakthroughs taught him that every struggle offered a chance to begin anew, inspiring his art with hope and transformation.

Determine the primary theme illustrated in the narrative:

Answer options

Q44:

Passage

Easy

In the ancient city of Varanasi, Arjun found his world transformed one monsoon afternoon. Born into a family of hardworking labourers, he was expected to follow in his father's footsteps, yet, Arjun harboured an unspoken passion for art that no one knew about. As dark clouds gathered and the first raindrops fell, he wandered through the narrow lanes of the old city, seeking solace from the predictable rhythm of life.

That day, as he took refuge under a vibrant awning in a bustling market, Arjun encountered an old painter named Raghav. With paint splattered hands and eyes that shimmered with decades of experience, Raghav noticed a spark in Arjun's eyes. He invited Arjun into his humble studio where canvases whispered stories of love, loss and hope. Inspired by Raghav's gentle mentorship, Arjun discovered his own unique style, blending tradition with innovation.

Over the time, his artwork became a mirror reflecting the emotions of the city and his reputation grew. Arjun's journey from a reluctant son to an emerging artist was not without hardship. Yet every challenge became a brushstroke in the masterpiece of his life. Eventually, his creations graced galleries beyond Varanasi, uniting cultures and hearts. In every piece, Arjun celebrated the resilience of the human spirit, provng that passion and perseverance can transform even the most ordinary life into a vibrant work of art.

His journey filled with unexpected lessons and creative breakthroughs taught him that every struggle offered a chance to begin anew, inspiring his art with hope and transformation.

Interpret the change in Arjun's outlook on life through the passage:

Answer options

Q45:

Passage

Easy

In the ancient city of Varanasi, Arjun found his world transformed one monsoon afternoon. Born into a family of hardworking labourers, he was expected to follow in his father's footsteps, yet, Arjun harboured an unspoken passion for art that no one knew about. As dark clouds gathered and the first raindrops fell, he wandered through the narrow lanes of the old city, seeking solace from the predictable rhythm of life.

That day, as he took refuge under a vibrant awning in a bustling market, Arjun encountered an old painter named Raghav. With paint splattered hands and eyes that shimmered with decades of experience, Raghav noticed a spark in Arjun's eyes. He invited Arjun into his humble studio where canvases whispered stories of love, loss and hope. Inspired by Raghav's gentle mentorship, Arjun discovered his own unique style, blending tradition with innovation.

Over the time, his artwork became a mirror reflecting the emotions of the city and his reputation grew. Arjun's journey from a reluctant son to an emerging artist was not without hardship. Yet every challenge became a brushstroke in the masterpiece of his life. Eventually, his creations graced galleries beyond Varanasi, uniting cultures and hearts. In every piece, Arjun celebrated the resilience of the human spirit, provng that passion and perseverance can transform even the most ordinary life into a vibrant work of art.

His journey filled with unexpected lessons and creative breakthroughs taught him that every struggle offered a chance to begin anew, inspiring his art with hope and transformation.

Evaluate the impact of Arjun's artwork as described in the passage:

Answer options

Q46:

Passage

Easy

I wept like a child. It was not because I was overcome at having survived my ordeal, though I was. Nor was it the presence of my brothers and sisters, though that too was very moving. I was weeping because Richard Parker had left me so unceremoniously. What a terrible thing it is to botch a farewell. I am a person who believes in form, in the harmony of order. Where we can, we must give a meaningful shape. For example--I wonder--could you tell my jumbled story in exactly one hundred chapters, not one more, not one less? I'll tell you, that's one thing I hate about my nickname, the way that number runs on forever. It's important in life to conclude things properly. Only then you can let go. Otherwise you are left with words you should have said but never did, and your heart is heavy with remorse. That bungled goodbye hurts me to this day. I wish so much that I'd had one last look at him in the lifeboat, that I'd provoked him a little, so that I was on his mind. I wish I had said to him then-- yes, I know, to a tiger, but still-- I wish I had said, "Richard Parker, it's over. We have survived. Can you believe it? I owe you more gratitude than I can express. I couldn't have done it without you. I would like to say it formally: Richard Parker, thank you. Thank you for saving my life. And now go where you must. You have known the confined freedom of a zoo most of your life; now you will know the free confinement of a jungle. I wish you all the best with it. Watch out for Man. He is not your friend. But I hope you remember me as a friend."

(An excerpt from 'Life of Pi')

The narrator experiences_______when he recalls how Richard Parker was instrumental in saving his life multiple times in that arduous adventure.

Answer options

Q47:

Passage

Easy

I wept like a child. It was not because I was overcome at having survived my ordeal, though I was. Nor was it the presence of my brothers and sisters, though that too was very moving. I was weeping because Richard Parker had left me so unceremoniously. What a terrible thing it is to botch a farewell. I am a person who believes in form, in the harmony of order. Where we can, we must give a meaningful shape. For example--I wonder--could you tell my jumbled story in exactly one hundred chapters, not one more, not one less? I'll tell you, that's one thing I hate about my nickname, the way that number runs on forever. It's important in life to conclude things properly. Only then you can let go. Otherwise you are left with words you should have said but never did, and your heart is heavy with remorse. That bungled goodbye hurts me to this day. I wish so much that I'd had one last look at him in the lifeboat, that I'd provoked him a little, so that I was on his mind. I wish I had said to him then-- yes, I know, to a tiger, but still-- I wish I had said, "Richard Parker, it's over. We have survived. Can you believe it? I owe you more gratitude than I can express. I couldn't have done it without you. I would like to say it formally: Richard Parker, thank you. Thank you for saving my life. And now go where you must. You have known the confined freedom of a zoo most of your life; now you will know the free confinement of a jungle. I wish you all the best with it. Watch out for Man. He is not your friend. But I hope you remember me as a friend."

(An excerpt from 'Life of Pi')

What does the narrator dislike about his nickname?

Answer options

Q48:

Passage

Easy

I wept like a child. It was not because I was overcome at having survived my ordeal, though I was. Nor was it the presence of my brothers and sisters, though that too was very moving. I was weeping because Richard Parker had left me so unceremoniously. What a terrible thing it is to botch a farewell. I am a person who believes in form, in the harmony of order. Where we can, we must give a meaningful shape. For example--I wonder--could you tell my jumbled story in exactly one hundred chapters, not one more, not one less? I'll tell you, that's one thing I hate about my nickname, the way that number runs on forever. It's important in life to conclude things properly. Only then you can let go. Otherwise you are left with words you should have said but never did, and your heart is heavy with remorse. That bungled goodbye hurts me to this day. I wish so much that I'd had one last look at him in the lifeboat, that I'd provoked him a little, so that I was on his mind. I wish I had said to him then-- yes, I know, to a tiger, but still-- I wish I had said, "Richard Parker, it's over. We have survived. Can you believe it? I owe you more gratitude than I can express. I couldn't have done it without you. I would like to say it formally: Richard Parker, thank you. Thank you for saving my life. And now go where you must. You have known the confined freedom of a zoo most of your life; now you will know the free confinement of a jungle. I wish you all the best with it. Watch out for Man. He is not your friend. But I hope you remember me as a friend."

(An excerpt from 'Life of Pi')

The protagonist broke into tears-

Answer options

Q49:

Passage

Easy

I wept like a child. It was not because I was overcome at having survived my ordeal, though I was. Nor was it the presence of my brothers and sisters, though that too was very moving. I was weeping because Richard Parker had left me so unceremoniously. What a terrible thing it is to botch a farewell. I am a person who believes in form, in the harmony of order. Where we can, we must give a meaningful shape. For example--I wonder--could you tell my jumbled story in exactly one hundred chapters, not one more, not one less? I'll tell you, that's one thing I hate about my nickname, the way that number runs on forever. It's important in life to conclude things properly. Only then you can let go. Otherwise you are left with words you should have said but never did, and your heart is heavy with remorse. That bungled goodbye hurts me to this day. I wish so much that I'd had one last look at him in the lifeboat, that I'd provoked him a little, so that I was on his mind. I wish I had said to him then-- yes, I know, to a tiger, but still-- I wish I had said, "Richard Parker, it's over. We have survived. Can you believe it? I owe you more gratitude than I can express. I couldn't have done it without you. I would like to say it formally: Richard Parker, thank you. Thank you for saving my life. And now go where you must. You have known the confined freedom of a zoo most of your life; now you will know the free confinement of a jungle. I wish you all the best with it. Watch out for Man. He is not your friend. But I hope you remember me as a friend."

(An excerpt from 'Life of Pi')

Who do you think Richard Parker is in the passage?

Answer options

Q50:

Passage

Medium

I wept like a child. It was not because I was overcome at having survived my ordeal, though I was. Nor was it the presence of my brothers and sisters, though that too was very moving. I was weeping because Richard Parker had left me so unceremoniously. What a terrible thing it is to botch a farewell. I am a person who believes in form, in the harmony of order. Where we can, we must give a meaningful shape. For example--I wonder--could you tell my jumbled story in exactly one hundred chapters, not one more, not one less? I'll tell you, that's one thing I hate about my nickname, the way that number runs on forever. It's important in life to conclude things properly. Only then you can let go. Otherwise you are left with words you should have said but never did, and your heart is heavy with remorse. That bungled goodbye hurts me to this day. I wish so much that I'd had one last look at him in the lifeboat, that I'd provoked him a little, so that I was on his mind. I wish I had said to him then-- yes, I know, to a tiger, but still-- I wish I had said, "Richard Parker, it's over. We have survived. Can you believe it? I owe you more gratitude than I can express. I couldn't have done it without you. I would like to say it formally: Richard Parker, thank you. Thank you for saving my life. And now go where you must. You have known the confined freedom of a zoo most of your life; now you will know the free confinement of a jungle. I wish you all the best with it. Watch out for Man. He is not your friend. But I hope you remember me as a friend."

(An excerpt from 'Life of Pi')

According to the passage, the narrator's pain for the 'bungled goodbye' is symbolic of the universal human tendency to:

Answer options

CUET English 2026 20 May Shift 1 Past Year Question Paper

Every question from the CUET English 2026 20 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.