Q1:

Word Usage

Easy

Choose the correct word which can substitute the following words:

A person who is in his/her eighties.

Answer options
Option 4
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 21 May Shift 1 ENG question 1

Q2:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following phrases into a meaningful sentence.

(A) a complete record but by the time

(B) the sum of the results will be a genuine addition to history

(C) a single excavation is not likely to yield

(D) a number of sites have been dug

Choose the correct sequence from the options given below:

Answer options
Option 4
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 21 May Shift 1 ENG question 2

Q3:

Phrasal Verbs

Easy

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

List-I (Sentences)List-II (Phrasal verbs)
(A) He can easily ___ the difference in their style of working.(I) make up
(B) The employees generally ___ his charming manners and trust him blindly.(II) fall out
(C) Vinay had to do a double shift to ___ for the time lost on the previous day.(III) fall for
(D) The difference in ideology led to the ___ between the two friends.(IV) make out

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options
Option 1
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 21 May Shift 1 ENG question 3

Q4:

Grammar

Easy

Which of the following is the correct passive of the following sentence?

He is finalising the syllabus for the next term.

Answer options
Option 3
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 21 May Shift 1 ENG question 4

Q5:

Synonyms

Easy

Choose the most appropriate synonym of the following underlined word:

She reproached him gently for forgetting their anniversary.

Answer options
Option 2
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 21 May Shift 1 ENG question 5

Q6:

Grammar

Easy

Choose the sentences which are grammatically correct :

(A) Every boy was present.

(B) Each of the boys will come.

(C) I requested him to bring me few books.

(D) She is the best and beautiful girl of our village.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options
Option 3
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 21 May Shift 1 ENG question 6

Q7:

Word Usage

Easy

Choose the most appropriate option to fill in the blank in the given sentence:

We were instructed to keep the things in the room in an ______ manner.

Answer options
Option 2
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 21 May Shift 1 ENG question 7

Q8:

Word Usage

Easy

Choose the most appropriate option to fill in the blank:

The domestic help gradually _____from the pantry and hence his actions went unnoticed for a long time.

Answer options
Option 3
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 21 May Shift 1 ENG question 8

Q10:

Word Usage

Easy

Choose the most appropriate option to fill in the blank:

The crowd panicked on hearing a loud scream and ten people were ___ to death.

Answer options

Q11:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following phrases into a meaningful sentence.

(A) who passively watch what is mostly nonsensical

(B) and monotonous in its content of story and plot

(C) and attracts large crowds all over the world

(D) cinema gives universal pleasure

Choose the correct sequence from the options given below:

Answer options

Q12:

Spelling

Easy

Choose the correctly spelled word to fill in the blank:

Medical authorities have tried to ___ the public fear about the new coronavirus strain.

Answer options

Q13:

Idioms

Easy

Fill in the blanks in the sentences given in List-I by choosing the appropriate idioms given in List-II.

List-I (Sentences)List-II (Idioms)
(A) As soon as the thief saw the police, he _____.(I) heart and soul
(B) Rakesh's dream of succeeding in Hollywood is like _____.(II) cost an arm and leg
(C) He put his ___ in completing the task.(III) took to his heels
(D) She was hesitant to buy the designer handbag as it would ___ to her.(IV) chasing a rainbow

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q14:

Grammar

Easy

Choose the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.

Manish would offer his chair to the visitor and would stand leaning ___ the wall.

Answer options

Q15:

Word Usage

Easy

Choose the most appropriate option to fill in the blank:

The school organised a cancer awareness programme in ____with AIIMS.

Answer options

Q16:

Grammar

Medium

Which of the following sentences is correct Indirect Speech of the following sentence?

She said to me, "Where are you going to deposit this amount?"

Answer options

Q17:

Word Usage

Easy

Choose the correct word which can substitute the following words:

Collection and study of postage and revenue stamps

Answer options

Q19:

Word Usage

Medium

Which of the following words can fill in the blank suitably in the following sentence?

The employees refused to follow the rules of the company. They have been called ___.

(A) amiable

(B) recalcitrant

(C) obstreperous

(D) obsequious

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q20:

Phrasal Verbs

Easy

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

List-I (Sentences)List-II (Phrasal Verbs)
(A) The media needs to ___ communal feelings.(I) pulled down
(B) They ____ the old building to save people's lives.(II) play down
(C) He ___ people's emotions for his personal benefit.(III) pulled off
(D) He _____ the event efficiently despite many obstacles.(IV) plays upon

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q22:

Word Usage

Medium

Choose the most appropriate option to fill in the blank:

Doctor has ___ him from drinking alcohol if he wants to get well.

Answer options

Q23:

Word Usage

Easy

Choose the options that can fill in the blank suitably in the following sentence:

Sheeja's ___ personality makes her the life of every party.

(A) ebullient

(B) timid

(C) timorous

(D) exuberant

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q24:

Spelling

Easy

Choose the correctly spelled word to fill in the blank:

One should always be aware of the __ effect of overeating.

Answer options

Q25:

Word Usage

Easy

Choose the correct option to fill in the blank:

After a prolonged illness, Nikhil became ____on hearing the ___of the bell.

Answer options

Q26:

Grammar

Easy

Choose the correct pair to fill in the blanks in the given sentences:

One of the fall out of modern times is that we ___ or___meet our relatives these days.

Answer options

Q27:

Synonyms

Easy

Choose the most appropriate synonym of the following underlined word:

A severe dog bite in his youth has left him with an aversion for all canines.

Answer options

Q28:

Idioms

Easy

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

List-I (Idioms)List-II (Meanings)
(A) To take your hat off(I) To be in a state of suspense
(B) To flog a dead horse(II) Lost in one's own thoughts
(C) To be on tenterhooks(III) To waste energy on a lost cause
(D) In a brown study(IV) To state your admiration for someone

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q29:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following phrases into a meaningful sentence.

(A) which fills the coffers of the state

(B) has grown into an industry

(C) travel for pleasure in our times

(D) under the nomenclature of tourism

Choose the correct sequence from the options given below:

Answer options

Q30:

Rearrangement

Easy

Rearrange the following phrases into a meaningful sentence.

(A) definitely possible to solve most of the

(B) the advancement of science and technology makes it

(C) to provide primary necessities of life to everyone

(D) economic problems of the world and

Choose the correct sequence from the options given below:

Answer options

Q32:

Grammar

Easy

Choose the most appropriate option to fill in the blank:

This year he visited ____ Varanasi, ___ Ayodhya.

Answer options

Q33:

Phrasal Verbs

Medium

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

List-I (Phrasal Verbs)List-II (Meanings)
(A) Let down(I) To punish somebody lightly
(B) Let off(II) To knock somebody unconscious
(C) Lay out(III) To provide something
(D) Lay on(IV) To disappoint somebody because of not being reliable

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q36:

Synonyms

Easy

Choose the most appropriate synonym of the following underlined word:

The chairman of the organisation had to intervene to solve the grievances of the staff.

Answer options

Q37:

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) The old house groaned in the wind.
(B) Metaphor(II) Her smile is as bright as the sun.
(C) Personification(III) Sly snakes slither slowly.
(D) Alliteration(IV) The whole world is a stage.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q38:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the following phrases into a meaningful sentence.

(A) through good and evil fortune

(B) of that quest or forgotten the

(C) ideals which gave her strength

(D) alike she has never lost sight

Choose the correct sequence from the options given below:

Answer options

Q39:

Literary Devices

Easy

Which of the following figures of speech is used in the following sentence?

It is an open secret that the administration is planning to promote Mr. Vinod as the General Manager.

Answer options

Q40:

Idioms

Medium

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

List-I (Sentences with idioms)List-II (Meanings)
(A) Mohan is really up in the creek without any support.(I) people who desert you in difficult times
(B) The students should take time by the forelock.(II) in serious difficulties
(C) Just get a wiggle on. Everything will be alright.(III) seize opportunity
(D) Ashok had all fair-weather friends.(IV) get moving

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q41:

Passage

Easy

Colour therapy, also known as chromotherapy, is a form of therapy that uses colour and light to treat certain mental and physical health conditions. We can trace this form of therapy back to the ancient Egyptians. They made use of sun-filled rooms with coloured glasses for therapeutic purposes.

Although colour therapy has gained some popularity over the years, it's still not a widely accepted form of therapy in Western medicine. Many medical experts consider it to be pseudoscience or quackery.

There are two major techniques of colour therapy. It can either be done through sight, that is, by looking at a particular colour in hopes that it elicits the desired response in your body or by directly reflecting certain colours on parts of the body.

Colour therapists believe that colour can enter our bodies either through our eyes or skin. Each colour we can see has its wavelength and unique frequency. Each unique frequency has a different effect on people and is used for different purposes. Warm colours are typically used for stimulating effects, while cool colours are used for calming effects.

Certain colours like blue and green are thought to have soothing effects on people who are stressed or anxious. Warm and stimulating colours are thought to boost your appetite when you struggle with having a desire for food. Colours such as red and yellow are believed to boost your energy and make you more motivated. The effects of certain colours on people may range from person to person. Colours most people might find calming or soothing might be anxiety-inducing or depressing to others.

Which of the following is not an effect of colours?

Answer options

Q42:

Passage

Easy

Colour therapy, also known as chromotherapy, is a form of therapy that uses colour and light to treat certain mental and physical health conditions. We can trace this form of therapy back to the ancient Egyptians. They made use of sun-filled rooms with coloured glasses for therapeutic purposes.

Although colour therapy has gained some popularity over the years, it's still not a widely accepted form of therapy in Western medicine. Many medical experts consider it to be pseudoscience or quackery.

There are two major techniques of colour therapy. It can either be done through sight, that is, by looking at a particular colour in hopes that it elicits the desired response in your body or by directly reflecting certain colours on parts of the body.

Colour therapists believe that colour can enter our bodies either through our eyes or skin. Each colour we can see has its wavelength and unique frequency. Each unique frequency has a different effect on people and is used for different purposes. Warm colours are typically used for stimulating effects, while cool colours are used for calming effects.

Certain colours like blue and green are thought to have soothing effects on people who are stressed or anxious. Warm and stimulating colours are thought to boost your appetite when you struggle with having a desire for food. Colours such as red and yellow are believed to boost your energy and make you more motivated. The effects of certain colours on people may range from person to person. Colours most people might find calming or soothing might be anxiety-inducing or depressing to others.

Which of the following statements about colour therapy is incorrect?

Answer options

Q43:

Passage

Easy

Colour therapy, also known as chromotherapy, is a form of therapy that uses colour and light to treat certain mental and physical health conditions. We can trace this form of therapy back to the ancient Egyptians. They made use of sun-filled rooms with coloured glasses for therapeutic purposes.

Although colour therapy has gained some popularity over the years, it's still not a widely accepted form of therapy in Western medicine. Many medical experts consider it to be pseudoscience or quackery.

There are two major techniques of colour therapy. It can either be done through sight, that is, by looking at a particular colour in hopes that it elicits the desired response in your body or by directly reflecting certain colours on parts of the body.

Colour therapists believe that colour can enter our bodies either through our eyes or skin. Each colour we can see has its wavelength and unique frequency. Each unique frequency has a different effect on people and is used for different purposes. Warm colours are typically used for stimulating effects, while cool colours are used for calming effects.

Certain colours like blue and green are thought to have soothing effects on people who are stressed or anxious. Warm and stimulating colours are thought to boost your appetite when you struggle with having a desire for food. Colours such as red and yellow are believed to boost your energy and make you more motivated. The effects of certain colours on people may range from person to person. Colours most people might find calming or soothing might be anxiety-inducing or depressing to others.

Colour therapy is still not accepted as a form of treatment by majority of western medical fraternity as

Answer options

Q44:

Passage

Easy

Colour therapy, also known as chromotherapy, is a form of therapy that uses colour and light to treat certain mental and physical health conditions. We can trace this form of therapy back to the ancient Egyptians. They made use of sun-filled rooms with coloured glasses for therapeutic purposes.

Although colour therapy has gained some popularity over the years, it's still not a widely accepted form of therapy in Western medicine. Many medical experts consider it to be pseudoscience or quackery.

There are two major techniques of colour therapy. It can either be done through sight, that is, by looking at a particular colour in hopes that it elicits the desired response in your body or by directly reflecting certain colours on parts of the body.

Colour therapists believe that colour can enter our bodies either through our eyes or skin. Each colour we can see has its wavelength and unique frequency. Each unique frequency has a different effect on people and is used for different purposes. Warm colours are typically used for stimulating effects, while cool colours are used for calming effects.

Certain colours like blue and green are thought to have soothing effects on people who are stressed or anxious. Warm and stimulating colours are thought to boost your appetite when you struggle with having a desire for food. Colours such as red and yellow are believed to boost your energy and make you more motivated. The effects of certain colours on people may range from person to person. Colours most people might find calming or soothing might be anxiety-inducing or depressing to others.

Which of the following pairs of colour and their treatment is incorrect?

Answer options

Q45:

Passage

Medium

Colour therapy, also known as chromotherapy, is a form of therapy that uses colour and light to treat certain mental and physical health conditions. We can trace this form of therapy back to the ancient Egyptians. They made use of sun-filled rooms with coloured glasses for therapeutic purposes.

Although colour therapy has gained some popularity over the years, it's still not a widely accepted form of therapy in Western medicine. Many medical experts consider it to be pseudoscience or quackery.

There are two major techniques of colour therapy. It can either be done through sight, that is, by looking at a particular colour in hopes that it elicits the desired response in your body or by directly reflecting certain colours on parts of the body.

Colour therapists believe that colour can enter our bodies either through our eyes or skin. Each colour we can see has its wavelength and unique frequency. Each unique frequency has a different effect on people and is used for different purposes. Warm colours are typically used for stimulating effects, while cool colours are used for calming effects.

Certain colours like blue and green are thought to have soothing effects on people who are stressed or anxious. Warm and stimulating colours are thought to boost your appetite when you struggle with having a desire for food. Colours such as red and yellow are believed to boost your energy and make you more motivated. The effects of certain colours on people may range from person to person. Colours most people might find calming or soothing might be anxiety-inducing or depressing to others.

Which of the following is not one of the techniques of colour therapy?

Answer options

Q46:

Passage

Easy

Swami's day takes a turn when he finds himself alone after the Geography Master's absence. He wanders the school corridors, looking down on the younger kids engaged in seemingly trivial activities like playing with clay. To Swami, school should be about serious subjects, not child's play. Eventually, he finds his friends, but their demeanor is off; they seem distant and unfriendly. When Swami attempts to join their game, he is met with ridicule, particularly the insult of being called "Rajam's Tail," which signifies his perceived eagerness to follow only one friend, Rajam. This harsh label hits Swami hard, leaving him embarrassed and feeling isolated.

In English class, Swami struggles to focus on the lesson, his mind plagued by feelings of rejection. After school, he walks home in a daze, contemplating the rift between him and his friends. When he reaches home, he distracts himself by watching a piece of tin float by in the gutter, creating a makeshift boat for it using paper. As he gets lost in his thoughts while observing the boat's journey, it encounters many obstacles, symbolising his own struggles and feelings of helplessness.

Though Swami tries to adapt to his new social position as an outcast, he often longs for his old friendships.

The day starts with Swaminathan eagerly cleaning his room and preparing for Rajam's arrival, worried about how to make a good impression.

When Rajam arrives, the visit exceeds Swaminathan's expectations; the atmosphere is pleasant with good food and good conversation. They chat about everything from local friends to tiger-hunting tales. Swaminathan feels a bit shy when Rajam inquires about his books, adding to the comedic moments.

How did Swamy resolve the situation he found himself in?

Answer options

Q47:

Passage

Easy

Swami's day takes a turn when he finds himself alone after the Geography Master's absence. He wanders the school corridors, looking down on the younger kids engaged in seemingly trivial activities like playing with clay. To Swami, school should be about serious subjects, not child's play. Eventually, he finds his friends, but their demeanor is off; they seem distant and unfriendly. When Swami attempts to join their game, he is met with ridicule, particularly the insult of being called "Rajam's Tail," which signifies his perceived eagerness to follow only one friend, Rajam. This harsh label hits Swami hard, leaving him embarrassed and feeling isolated.

In English class, Swami struggles to focus on the lesson, his mind plagued by feelings of rejection. After school, he walks home in a daze, contemplating the rift between him and his friends. When he reaches home, he distracts himself by watching a piece of tin float by in the gutter, creating a makeshift boat for it using paper. As he gets lost in his thoughts while observing the boat's journey, it encounters many obstacles, symbolising his own struggles and feelings of helplessness.

Though Swami tries to adapt to his new social position as an outcast, he often longs for his old friendships.

The day starts with Swaminathan eagerly cleaning his room and preparing for Rajam's arrival, worried about how to make a good impression.

When Rajam arrives, the visit exceeds Swaminathan's expectations; the atmosphere is pleasant with good food and good conversation. They chat about everything from local friends to tiger-hunting tales. Swaminathan feels a bit shy when Rajam inquires about his books, adding to the comedic moments.

Swami is not popular with his classmates as-

Answer options

Q48:

Passage

Easy

Swami's day takes a turn when he finds himself alone after the Geography Master's absence. He wanders the school corridors, looking down on the younger kids engaged in seemingly trivial activities like playing with clay. To Swami, school should be about serious subjects, not child's play. Eventually, he finds his friends, but their demeanor is off; they seem distant and unfriendly. When Swami attempts to join their game, he is met with ridicule, particularly the insult of being called "Rajam's Tail," which signifies his perceived eagerness to follow only one friend, Rajam. This harsh label hits Swami hard, leaving him embarrassed and feeling isolated.

In English class, Swami struggles to focus on the lesson, his mind plagued by feelings of rejection. After school, he walks home in a daze, contemplating the rift between him and his friends. When he reaches home, he distracts himself by watching a piece of tin float by in the gutter, creating a makeshift boat for it using paper. As he gets lost in his thoughts while observing the boat's journey, it encounters many obstacles, symbolising his own struggles and feelings of helplessness.

Though Swami tries to adapt to his new social position as an outcast, he often longs for his old friendships.

The day starts with Swaminathan eagerly cleaning his room and preparing for Rajam's arrival, worried about how to make a good impression.

When Rajam arrives, the visit exceeds Swaminathan's expectations; the atmosphere is pleasant with good food and good conversation. They chat about everything from local friends to tiger-hunting tales. Swaminathan feels a bit shy when Rajam inquires about his books, adding to the comedic moments.

Which of the following is incorrect regarding the visit of his friend?

Answer options

Q49:

Passage

Easy

Swami's day takes a turn when he finds himself alone after the Geography Master's absence. He wanders the school corridors, looking down on the younger kids engaged in seemingly trivial activities like playing with clay. To Swami, school should be about serious subjects, not child's play. Eventually, he finds his friends, but their demeanor is off; they seem distant and unfriendly. When Swami attempts to join their game, he is met with ridicule, particularly the insult of being called "Rajam's Tail," which signifies his perceived eagerness to follow only one friend, Rajam. This harsh label hits Swami hard, leaving him embarrassed and feeling isolated.

In English class, Swami struggles to focus on the lesson, his mind plagued by feelings of rejection. After school, he walks home in a daze, contemplating the rift between him and his friends. When he reaches home, he distracts himself by watching a piece of tin float by in the gutter, creating a makeshift boat for it using paper. As he gets lost in his thoughts while observing the boat's journey, it encounters many obstacles, symbolising his own struggles and feelings of helplessness.

Though Swami tries to adapt to his new social position as an outcast, he often longs for his old friendships.

The day starts with Swaminathan eagerly cleaning his room and preparing for Rajam's arrival, worried about how to make a good impression.

When Rajam arrives, the visit exceeds Swaminathan's expectations; the atmosphere is pleasant with good food and good conversation. They chat about everything from local friends to tiger-hunting tales. Swaminathan feels a bit shy when Rajam inquires about his books, adding to the comedic moments.

Why were the children playing in school instead of studying?

Answer options

Q50:

Passage

Easy

Swami's day takes a turn when he finds himself alone after the Geography Master's absence. He wanders the school corridors, looking down on the younger kids engaged in seemingly trivial activities like playing with clay. To Swami, school should be about serious subjects, not child's play. Eventually, he finds his friends, but their demeanor is off; they seem distant and unfriendly. When Swami attempts to join their game, he is met with ridicule, particularly the insult of being called "Rajam's Tail," which signifies his perceived eagerness to follow only one friend, Rajam. This harsh label hits Swami hard, leaving him embarrassed and feeling isolated.

In English class, Swami struggles to focus on the lesson, his mind plagued by feelings of rejection. After school, he walks home in a daze, contemplating the rift between him and his friends. When he reaches home, he distracts himself by watching a piece of tin float by in the gutter, creating a makeshift boat for it using paper. As he gets lost in his thoughts while observing the boat's journey, it encounters many obstacles, symbolising his own struggles and feelings of helplessness.

Though Swami tries to adapt to his new social position as an outcast, he often longs for his old friendships.

The day starts with Swaminathan eagerly cleaning his room and preparing for Rajam's arrival, worried about how to make a good impression.

When Rajam arrives, the visit exceeds Swaminathan's expectations; the atmosphere is pleasant with good food and good conversation. They chat about everything from local friends to tiger-hunting tales. Swaminathan feels a bit shy when Rajam inquires about his books, adding to the comedic moments.

What resonates with Swami's feelings after reaching back home?

Answer options

CUET English 2026 21 May Shift 1 Past Year Question Paper

Every question from the CUET English 2026 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.