Q1:

Rearrangement

Easy

Rearrange the parts in the correct sequence to form a meaningful sentence:-

A. the media plays a vital role in a democratic country like India

B. as it guarantees authentic, unbiased information to the people

C. being a mirror and molder of public opinion,

D. and it is aptly labelled as the fourth pillar of society

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

Answer options
Option 4
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 25 May Shift 1 ENG question 1

Q2:

Idioms

Easy

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

LIST-I (Idioms)LIST-II (Meanings)
A. To eat humble pieI. Quite worthless
B. Not worth one's saltII. To apologize
C. To eat one's wordsIII. Not to pay attention
D. Turn a deaf earIV. Retract your statements

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options
Option 2
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 25 May Shift 1 ENG question 2

Q4:

Antonyms

Medium

Choose the opposite of the underlined word from the given options:

Her impeccable style was applauded by the media.

Answer options
Option 3
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 25 May Shift 1 ENG question 4

Q5:

Antonyms

Easy

Choose the word, opposite in meaning to the underlined word in the given sentence:-

The benevolent king was very popular with the masses.

Answer options
Option 2
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 25 May Shift 1 ENG question 5

Q6:

Idioms

Easy

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

He is not a good lawyer, but he has the ------- so he manages to be much sought after.

Answer options
Option 3
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 25 May Shift 1 ENG question 6

Q7:

Rearrangement

Easy

Rearrange the phrases in the correct sequence to form a meaningful sentence:-

A. I felt very grateful to him

B. and the kindly thought that prompted it

C. this spontaneous act of courtesy

D. moved me immensely and

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

Answer options
Option 1
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 25 May Shift 1 ENG question 7

Q8:

Grammar

Easy

Choose the grammatically correct sentence from the options given:

Answer options
Option 3
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 25 May Shift 1 ENG question 8

Q9:

Word Usage

Easy

Choose the correct word which can substitute the given group of words.

A medicine given to counteract poison

Answer options
Option 3
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 25 May Shift 1 ENG question 9

Q10:

Word Usage

Easy

Fill in the blank with the appropriate word, chosen from the given options:-

Everyone --------- Rahul, was invited to the party.

Answer options

Q13:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange these phrases in the correct sequence to form a meaningful sentence:-

A. it does not know what to do with knowledge

B. and science has given us tremendous powers to use

C. machines, yet we are not able to use them

D. the biggest problem with our civilization is that

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

Answer options

Q14:

Phrasal Verbs

Easy

Fill in the blank with the correct phrasal verb from the options given below:-

Do not _____ your children in front of their friends.

Answer options

Q15:

Phrasal Verbs

Easy

Fill in the blanks with the correct set of words, from the given options:-

He __________ the fireworks in such a way that they would ------------ at exactly 7pm.

Answer options

Q16:

Synonyms

Easy

Choose the appropriate word which is closest in meaning to the underlined word:-

The school focused on the holistic development of children.

A. physical

B. overall

C. comprehensive

D. cognitive

Answer options

Q17:

Word Usage

Medium

Match the phrases given in List-I with words given in List-II:-

LIST-I (Phrases)LIST-II (Words)
A. Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of actionI. Oblivion
B. Wipe away completelyII. Obdurate
C. In a state of forgetfulnessIII. Obnoxious
D. Extremely unpleasantIV. Obliterate

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q18:

Grammar

Medium

Choose the grammatically correct sentence from the options given below.

Answer options

Q19:

Spelling

Medium

Choose the word /words with correct spellings from the given options:-

A. conoisseur

B. compatable

C. implementation

D. jurisdiction

Answer options

Q20:

Phrasal Verbs

Easy

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

I am trying to figure out how to _________ for all the pain I made you go through.

Answer options

Q21:

Antonyms

Easy

Choose the word, opposite in meaning to the underlined word from the given options to fill in the blank:-

We must not chase ephemeral things, instead build things that are _________.

Answer options

Q22:

Word Usage

Easy

Choose the correct word from the given options to complete the following sentence.

The villain, on the stage, laughed ________ and sent a chill down the spine of the audience.

Answer options

Q23:

Grammar

Easy

Choose the correct word from the given options to complete the sentence:-

------- she was tired, she continued to work late into the night.

Answer options

Q24:

Literary Devices

Easy

Match the sentences given in List-I with the appropriate figure of speech given in List-II

LIST-I (Sentences)LIST-II (Figure of speech)
A. Her smile was as bright as the sun.I. Personification
B. She sells seashells by the seashore.II. Simile
C. The wind whispered through the trees.III. Alliteration
D. She was clearly confused by the answerIV. Oxymoron

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q25:

Grammar

Easy

Choose the correct option to transform the sentence into indirect speech :-

"Beware, there is a danger", the captain said to his soldiers.

Answer options

Q26:

Synonyms

Easy

Choose the word closest in meaning to the underlined word from the given options:-

His tepid response to all the proposed activities, dampened our spirits.

Answer options

Q27:

Word Usage

Easy

Match the phrases given in List-I with the suitable words given in List-II:-

LIST-I (Phrases)LIST-II (Words)
A. Study of stampsI. Numismatics
B. Study of coinsII. Ornithology
C. Study of birdsIII. Philately
D. Study of handwritingIV. Graphology

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q28:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange the parts in the correct sequence to form a meaningful sentence:-

A. that the only thing to fear is fear itself

B. which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat to victory

C. nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror

D. so, foremost, let me assert my firm belief

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

Answer options

Q29:

Rearrangement

Medium

Rearrange these phrases in the correct sequence to form a meaningful sentence:-

A. are not always helpful

B. but categorization schemes

C. in determining what one can do

D. with or about organizational culture

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:-

Answer options

Q30:

Idioms

Easy

Pick out the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom from the given options:-

If you want to be happy, cut your coat according to your cloth.

Answer options

Q31:

Grammar

Easy

Choose the correct option after joining the given sentences.

I wanted to go for a walk. It started raining.

Answer options

Q32:

Grammar

Easy

Identify the grammatically correct sentence from the options given:

Answer options

Q33:

Word Usage

Medium

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

LIST-ILIST-II
A. The ---- child solved the difficult puzzle quickly.I. precipitous
B. The_______morning was perfect for a walkII. precocious
C. The committee made a ------ decision that reflected both fairness and wisdomIII. judicious
D. The hill was too_____for them to scale in one go.IV. salubrious

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q34:

Grammar

Easy

Identify the correct passive form of the following sentence from the given options:-

Someone has stolen my purse.

Answer options

Q36:

Grammar

Easy

Choose the grammatically correct sentence from the given options.

Answer options

Q37:

Grammar

Medium

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

LIST-ILIST-II
A. You_______not skip breakfast.I. would
B. If I were a bird,I ____fly in the sky.II. could
C. It_____rain tonight.III. should
D. He ____not utter a single word in his defence.IV. may

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer options

Q38:

Literary Devices

Easy

Select the correct figure of speech used in the following sentence.

The rustling of the leaves and the gurgling of the streams are the dulcet sounds of nature.

Answer options

Q39:

Word Usage

Easy

Choose the correct word from the given options to complete the sentence:-

Shruti is ----------- in the art of calligraphy.

Answer options

Q40:

Synonyms

Easy

Choose the correct word/ words from the given options to complete the sentence:-

Tanya was applauded for the ____ speech that she gave without any previous preparation.

A. impromptu

B. extempore

C. abstract

D. condescending

Answer options

Q41:

Passage

Medium

The first rays of dawn crept silently over the valley, brushing the roofs of the small village with a golden hue. Meera stood by her window, watching the mist rise from the river like a living spirit. Every morning, she waited for this moment—the quiet awakening of the world, when the air still carried the scent of night, and time seemed to pause between darkness and light.

Her life had not been easy. The fields were dry, her father's health had worsened, and the village school where she taught was barely standing. Yet, every day, she crossed the hill to reach her classroom. Sometimes as she walked, she imagined her mother beside her—the way she used to before the years of hardship carved lines across her face. "Keep walking, Meera," her mother would whisper in memory. "The hill always hides the sunshine till the last moment."

Today, as Meera reached the top of the hill, she saw something that made her stop. A group of children, barefoot and laughing, were already outside the broken schoolhouse. They had gathered before she even arrived, clutching their slates and books like treasures. In that instant, the weariness of her journey melted away.

Meera smiled. She realized that beyond the hill—beyond the struggles, the loneliness, and the endless effort—there was light. Not the kind that came from the sun, but the kind that lived in the eagerness of young eyes and the unspoken promise of tomorrow.

What does dawn symbolize for Meera?

Answer options

Q42:

Passage

Easy

The first rays of dawn crept silently over the valley, brushing the roofs of the small village with a golden hue. Meera stood by her window, watching the mist rise from the river like a living spirit. Every morning, she waited for this moment—the quiet awakening of the world, when the air still carried the scent of night, and time seemed to pause between darkness and light.

Her life had not been easy. The fields were dry, her father's health had worsened, and the village school where she taught was barely standing. Yet, every day, she crossed the hill to reach her classroom. Sometimes as she walked, she imagined her mother beside her—the way she used to before the years of hardship carved lines across her face. "Keep walking, Meera," her mother would whisper in memory. "The hill always hides the sunshine till the last moment."

Today, as Meera reached the top of the hill, she saw something that made her stop. A group of children, barefoot and laughing, were already outside the broken schoolhouse. They had gathered before she even arrived, clutching their slates and books like treasures. In that instant, the weariness of her journey melted away.

Meera smiled. She realized that beyond the hill—beyond the struggles, the loneliness, and the endless effort—there was light. Not the kind that came from the sun, but the kind that lived in the eagerness of young eyes and the unspoken promise of tomorrow.

What does the hill stand as a metaphor for?

Answer options

Q43:

Passage

Easy

The first rays of dawn crept silently over the valley, brushing the roofs of the small village with a golden hue. Meera stood by her window, watching the mist rise from the river like a living spirit. Every morning, she waited for this moment—the quiet awakening of the world, when the air still carried the scent of night, and time seemed to pause between darkness and light.

Her life had not been easy. The fields were dry, her father's health had worsened, and the village school where she taught was barely standing. Yet, every day, she crossed the hill to reach her classroom. Sometimes as she walked, she imagined her mother beside her—the way she used to before the years of hardship carved lines across her face. "Keep walking, Meera," her mother would whisper in memory. "The hill always hides the sunshine till the last moment."

Today, as Meera reached the top of the hill, she saw something that made her stop. A group of children, barefoot and laughing, were already outside the broken schoolhouse. They had gathered before she even arrived, clutching their slates and books like treasures. In that instant, the weariness of her journey melted away.

Meera smiled. She realized that beyond the hill—beyond the struggles, the loneliness, and the endless effort—there was light. Not the kind that came from the sun, but the kind that lived in the eagerness of young eyes and the unspoken promise of tomorrow.

What emotion does Meera feel towards the end of the passage?

Answer options

Q44:

Passage

Medium

The first rays of dawn crept silently over the valley, brushing the roofs of the small village with a golden hue. Meera stood by her window, watching the mist rise from the river like a living spirit. Every morning, she waited for this moment—the quiet awakening of the world, when the air still carried the scent of night, and time seemed to pause between darkness and light.

Her life had not been easy. The fields were dry, her father's health had worsened, and the village school where she taught was barely standing. Yet, every day, she crossed the hill to reach her classroom. Sometimes as she walked, she imagined her mother beside her—the way she used to before the years of hardship carved lines across her face. "Keep walking, Meera," her mother would whisper in memory. "The hill always hides the sunshine till the last moment."

Today, as Meera reached the top of the hill, she saw something that made her stop. A group of children, barefoot and laughing, were already outside the broken schoolhouse. They had gathered before she even arrived, clutching their slates and books like treasures. In that instant, the weariness of her journey melted away.

Meera smiled. She realized that beyond the hill—beyond the struggles, the loneliness, and the endless effort—there was light. Not the kind that came from the sun, but the kind that lived in the eagerness of young eyes and the unspoken promise of tomorrow.

'There was light.' What does the word light suggest here?

Answer options

Q45:

Passage

Easy

The first rays of dawn crept silently over the valley, brushing the roofs of the small village with a golden hue. Meera stood by her window, watching the mist rise from the river like a living spirit. Every morning, she waited for this moment—the quiet awakening of the world, when the air still carried the scent of night, and time seemed to pause between darkness and light.

Her life had not been easy. The fields were dry, her father's health had worsened, and the village school where she taught was barely standing. Yet, every day, she crossed the hill to reach her classroom. Sometimes as she walked, she imagined her mother beside her—the way she used to before the years of hardship carved lines across her face. "Keep walking, Meera," her mother would whisper in memory. "The hill always hides the sunshine till the last moment."

Today, as Meera reached the top of the hill, she saw something that made her stop. A group of children, barefoot and laughing, were already outside the broken schoolhouse. They had gathered before she even arrived, clutching their slates and books like treasures. In that instant, the weariness of her journey melted away.

Meera smiled. She realized that beyond the hill—beyond the struggles, the loneliness, and the endless effort—there was light. Not the kind that came from the sun, but the kind that lived in the eagerness of young eyes and the unspoken promise of tomorrow.

What motivates Meera to keep teaching despite difficulties?

Answer options
Option 2,3
Correct Answer
Explanation for 2026: 25 May Shift 1 ENG question 45

Q46:

Passage

Easy

The concept of Artificial Intelligence AI has evolved from a speculative idea into a transformative force shaping nearly every sector of human life. From healthcare and education to transportation and entertainment, AI-driven technologies are redefining efficiency, accuracy, and innovation. The ability of machines to analyze vast amounts of data, recognize patterns, and make independent decisions has made them indispensable in fields like medical diagnosis, climate modeling, and financial forecasting. For example, AI algorithms can now detect diseases such as cancer with accuracy levels comparable to human specialists.

However, the rise of AI also raises complex ethical and socio-economic questions. Automation threatens to displace millions of workers in traditional countries, while bias in algorithms can reinforce discrimination if not properly monitored. Governments and organizations worldwide are therefore focusing on creating regulatory frameworks that ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI applications. The debate is no longer about whether AI should be used, but how it should be used responsibly.

Interestingly, some experts argue that the real power of AI lies not in replacing humans, but in augmenting human intelligence--helping people make better, faster and more informed decisions. Hybrid intelligence systems, where humans and machines collaborate, are being explored as a model for the future. Ultimately, the trajectory of AI will depend not just on technological advancement, but on the ethical choices humanity makes today. If guided wisely, AI could become one of the greatest tools ever created for human progress.

Replace the underlined group of words with a word from the passage:-

To form an opinion about something without knowing all the facts.

Answer options

Q47:

Passage

Easy

The concept of Artificial Intelligence AI has evolved from a speculative idea into a transformative force shaping nearly every sector of human life. From healthcare and education to transportation and entertainment, AI-driven technologies are redefining efficiency, accuracy, and innovation. The ability of machines to analyze vast amounts of data, recognize patterns, and make independent decisions has made them indispensable in fields like medical diagnosis, climate modeling, and financial forecasting. For example, AI algorithms can now detect diseases such as cancer with accuracy levels comparable to human specialists.

However, the rise of AI also raises complex ethical and socio-economic questions. Automation threatens to displace millions of workers in traditional countries, while bias in algorithms can reinforce discrimination if not properly monitored. Governments and organizations worldwide are therefore focusing on creating regulatory frameworks that ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI applications. The debate is no longer about whether AI should be used, but how it should be used responsibly.

Interestingly, some experts argue that the real power of AI lies not in replacing humans, but in augmenting human intelligence--helping people make better, faster and more informed decisions. Hybrid intelligence systems, where humans and machines collaborate, are being explored as a model for the future. Ultimately, the trajectory of AI will depend not just on technological advancement, but on the ethical choices humanity makes today. If guided wisely, AI could become one of the greatest tools ever created for human progress.

AI is indispensable as it -

Answer options

Q48:

Passage

Easy

The concept of Artificial Intelligence AI has evolved from a speculative idea into a transformative force shaping nearly every sector of human life. From healthcare and education to transportation and entertainment, AI-driven technologies are redefining efficiency, accuracy, and innovation. The ability of machines to analyze vast amounts of data, recognize patterns, and make independent decisions has made them indispensable in fields like medical diagnosis, climate modeling, and financial forecasting. For example, AI algorithms can now detect diseases such as cancer with accuracy levels comparable to human specialists.

However, the rise of AI also raises complex ethical and socio-economic questions. Automation threatens to displace millions of workers in traditional countries, while bias in algorithms can reinforce discrimination if not properly monitored. Governments and organizations worldwide are therefore focusing on creating regulatory frameworks that ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI applications. The debate is no longer about whether AI should be used, but how it should be used responsibly.

Interestingly, some experts argue that the real power of AI lies not in replacing humans, but in augmenting human intelligence--helping people make better, faster and more informed decisions. Hybrid intelligence systems, where humans and machines collaborate, are being explored as a model for the future. Ultimately, the trajectory of AI will depend not just on technological advancement, but on the ethical choices humanity makes today. If guided wisely, AI could become one of the greatest tools ever created for human progress.

What is the central idea of the text?

Answer options

Q49:

Passage

Easy

The concept of Artificial Intelligence AI has evolved from a speculative idea into a transformative force shaping nearly every sector of human life. From healthcare and education to transportation and entertainment, AI-driven technologies are redefining efficiency, accuracy, and innovation. The ability of machines to analyze vast amounts of data, recognize patterns, and make independent decisions has made them indispensable in fields like medical diagnosis, climate modeling, and financial forecasting. For example, AI algorithms can now detect diseases such as cancer with accuracy levels comparable to human specialists.

However, the rise of AI also raises complex ethical and socio-economic questions. Automation threatens to displace millions of workers in traditional countries, while bias in algorithms can reinforce discrimination if not properly monitored. Governments and organizations worldwide are therefore focusing on creating regulatory frameworks that ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI applications. The debate is no longer about whether AI should be used, but how it should be used responsibly.

Interestingly, some experts argue that the real power of AI lies not in replacing humans, but in augmenting human intelligence--helping people make better, faster and more informed decisions. Hybrid intelligence systems, where humans and machines collaborate, are being explored as a model for the future. Ultimately, the trajectory of AI will depend not just on technological advancement, but on the ethical choices humanity makes today. If guided wisely, AI could become one of the greatest tools ever created for human progress.

Complete the following sentence:-

The real power of AI lies in________.

Answer options

Q50:

Passage

Medium

The concept of Artificial Intelligence AI has evolved from a speculative idea into a transformative force shaping nearly every sector of human life. From healthcare and education to transportation and entertainment, AI-driven technologies are redefining efficiency, accuracy, and innovation. The ability of machines to analyze vast amounts of data, recognize patterns, and make independent decisions has made them indispensable in fields like medical diagnosis, climate modeling, and financial forecasting. For example, AI algorithms can now detect diseases such as cancer with accuracy levels comparable to human specialists.

However, the rise of AI also raises complex ethical and socio-economic questions. Automation threatens to displace millions of workers in traditional countries, while bias in algorithms can reinforce discrimination if not properly monitored. Governments and organizations worldwide are therefore focusing on creating regulatory frameworks that ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI applications. The debate is no longer about whether AI should be used, but how it should be used responsibly.

Interestingly, some experts argue that the real power of AI lies not in replacing humans, but in augmenting human intelligence--helping people make better, faster and more informed decisions. Hybrid intelligence systems, where humans and machines collaborate, are being explored as a model for the future. Ultimately, the trajectory of AI will depend not just on technological advancement, but on the ethical choices humanity makes today. If guided wisely, AI could become one of the greatest tools ever created for human progress.

What is the primary ethical concern related to AI?

Answer options

CUET English 2026 25 May Shift 1 Past Year Question Paper

Every question from the CUET English 2026 25 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.