CUET UG 2024 English Question Paper (Code: 101E/D): Solution
CUET UG 2024 English question paper (Test Booklet Code: 101E/D) as provided, followed by the correct answers and detailed explanations for each question. Since the final answer key from the National Testing Agency (NTA) was incomplete in your document, I’ve derived the answers based on standard English grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension rules, ensuring accuracy for educational purposes. This will help students understand the reasoning behind each answer, aligning with your goal of teaching CUET English effectively.
CUET UG 2024 English Question Paper (Code: 101E/D)
Subject: English
Time Allowed: 45 minutes
Maximum Marks: 200
Total Questions: 50 (Answer any 40)
Marking Scheme: +5 for correct, -1 for incorrect, 0 for unanswered
Instructions (Summary)
- Answer 40 out of 50 questions.
- Use blue/black ballpoint pen on the OMR sheet.
- Check Test Booklet (16 pages) and OMR sheet for errors within 5 minutes.
- Each question has 4 options; select the most appropriate.
- No calculators or external aids allowed.
Questions, Answers, and Explanations
1. Complete the sentences given in List-I with the appropriate adverbs given in List-II:
| List-I (Sentences) | List-II (Adverbs) |
|---|---|
| (A) I thought the restaurant would be expensive but it was affordable. | (I) badly |
| (B) It was a serious accident. But the car was damaged. | (II) reasonably |
| (C) The meeting was a disaster as it was very organized. | (III) quickly |
| (D) Mira is gifted, she has the ability to learn any language | (IV) hardly |
Options:
(1) (A)-(II), (B)-(IV), (C)-(I), (D)-(III)
(2) (A)-(IV), (B)-(II), (C)-(III), (D)-(I)
(3) (A)-(I), (B)-(II), (C)-(IV), (D)-(III)
(4) (A)-(III), (B)-(IV), (C)-(I), (D)-(II)
Answer: (1) (A)-(II), (B)-(IV), (C)-(I), (D)-(III)
Explanation:
- (A) “Reasonably” fits: “affordable” contrasts with “expensive,” implying a moderate cost.
- (B) “Hardly” fits: “serious accident” but “car was hardly damaged” suggests minimal damage, a logical contrast.
- (C) “Badly” fits: “disaster” aligns with poor organization, not “very organized,” so “badly” negates it.
- (D) “Quickly” fits: Mira’s gift implies fast language learning.
2. Choose the appropriate word pair to complete the sentence:
“I didn’t know Rahul was in the hospital. If I ___ I would ___ him.”
(1) knew, go
(2) had known, have visited
(3) have known, be going
(4) know, had gone
Answer: (2) had known, have visited
Explanation: This is a third conditional sentence (past unreal). “Had known” (past perfect) reflects a missed opportunity, and “would have visited” (perfect conditional) shows the action that didn’t happen.
3. Complete the sentences given in List-I with the appropriate phrasal verbs given in List-II:
| List-I (Sentences) | List-II (Phrasal Verbs) |
|---|---|
| (A) She was very ___ with him for his offensive remarks… | (I) give away |
| (B) I have plenty of interesting books to ___ to book lovers. | (II) cut down |
| (C) Strange that people easily ___ to temptation… | (III) cut up |
| (D) Rahul is trying to ___ on his smoking. | (IV) give in |
Options:
(1) (A)-(I), (B)-(II), (C)-(III), (D)-(IV)
(2) (A)-(II), (B)-(IV), (C)-(I), (D)-(III)
(3) (A)-(I), (B)-(II), (C)-(IV), (D)-(III)
(4) (A)-(III), (B)-(I), (C)-(IV), (D)-(II)
Answer: (4) (A)-(III), (B)-(I), (C)-(IV), (D)-(II)
Explanation:
- (A) “Cut up” (upset) fits emotional reaction to remarks.
- (B) “Give away” (distribute) suits sharing books.
- (C) “Give in” (yield) matches succumbing to temptation.
- (D) “Cut down” (reduce) aligns with reducing smoking.
4. Identify the option closest in meaning to the underlined word:
“The movie star’s biography is a glossy, sycophantic portrayal.”
(1) cowardly
(2) domineering
(3) flattering
(4) insolent
Answer: (3) flattering
Explanation: “Sycophantic” means excessively praising to gain favor, synonymous with “flattering.” “Glossy” reinforces a polished, positive portrayal.
5. Choose the correct ANTONYM of the underlined word:
“The Minister unleashed a compliment against the newspaper…”
(1) denunciation
(2) endorsement
(3) regulation
(4) speculation
Answer: (1) denunciation
Explanation: “Compliment” (praise) contrasts with “denunciation” (criticism). Context suggests a negative action, making “denunciation” apt.
6. Choose the correct SYNONYM for “redoubtable”:
(1) flimsy
(2) perplexing
(3) formidable
(4) voluble
Answer: (3) formidable
Explanation: “Redoubtable” means inspiring fear or respect, akin to “formidable.” “Flimsy” (weak) is opposite.
7. Choose the correct ANTONYM for “sullen”:
(1) morose
(2) reticent
(3) timid
(4) genial
Answer: (4) genial
Explanation: “Sullen” (gloomy, moody) contrasts with “genial” (cheerful, friendly). “Morose” is a synonym.
8. Rearrange the following parts to make a meaningful sentence:
(A) are inborn but our
(B) constituents of flavour, are learned
(C) our responses to basic tastes
(D) perceptions of smells, the main
Options:
(1) (B), (D), (A), (C)
(2) (A), (C), (B), (D)
(3) (C), (A), (D), (B)
(4) (C), (B), (D), (A)
Answer: (3) (C), (A), (D), (B)
Sentence: “Our responses to basic tastes are inborn but our perceptions of smells, the main constituents of flavour, are learned.”
Explanation: Logical flow: responses (C) are inborn (A), but perceptions (D), key to flavour (B), are learned.
9. Match the words in List-I with their definitions in List-II:
| List-I (Words) | List-II (Definitions) |
|---|---|
| (A) Theocracy | (I) One who keeps drugs for sale… |
| (B) Megalomania | (II) One who collects and studies objects… |
| (C) Apothecary | (III) A government by divine guidance… |
| (D) Antiquarian | (IV) A morbid delusion of one’s power… |
Answer: (1) (A)-(III), (B)-(IV), (C)-(I), (D)-(II)
Explanation:
- Theocracy: Religious government (III).
- Megalomania: Delusion of power (IV).
- Apothecary: Drug seller (I).
- Antiquarian: Artifact collector (II).
10. Fill in the blank:
“A small ___ between two children ended up as a group fight.”
(1) altercation
(2) match
(3) contest
(4) race
Answer: (1) altercation
Explanation: “Altercation” (quarrel) fits a conflict escalating to a fight. Others (match, race) imply competition, not dispute.
11. Re-arrange the phrases to form a meaningful sentence:
(A) for seven hours but was hardly
(B) because of the absence of any motivation
(C) able to decide who the murderer was
(D) she worked on the case
Answer: (2) (D), (A), (C), (B)
Sentence: “She worked on the case for seven hours but was hardly able to decide who the murderer was because of the absence of any motivation.”
Explanation: Chronological: She worked (D), duration and struggle (A, C), reason (B).
12. Fill in the blank:
“The candidate assured… the dip in her grades… was an ___ since she had always been a top scorer…”
(1) anomaly
(2) allay
(3) adage
(4) abatement
Answer: (1) anomaly
Explanation: “Anomaly” (irregularity) fits a deviation from her usual top performance. “Allay” (calm) doesn’t suit.
13. Replace the underlined word with the most appropriate SYNONYM:
“We’ve been toying with the idea of transferring…”
(1) launch
(2) showing
(3) considering
(4) careful
Answer: (3) considering
Explanation: “Toying” means playfully considering, making “considering” the closest synonym.
14. Select the word opposite in meaning to the underlined word:
“At first the workers were agreeable to the proposals… later they were reconciled…”
(1) resistant
(2) estranged
(3) cooperate
(4) agreed
Answer: (1) resistant
Explanation: “Agreeable” (willing) contrasts with “resistant” (opposed). “Reconciled” shifts context but doesn’t change the antonym.
15. Complete the sentences in List-I with the appropriate words in List-II:
| List-I (Sentences) | List-II (Words) |
|---|---|
| (A) She was able to give a ___ court for her presence… | (I) collaborate/d |
| (B) The Rockland Hospital ___ conduct a free cancer screening… | (II) corroborate/ing |
| (C) Though she has shown only 4% improvement… her efforts are ___ | (III) credible |
| (D) The doctors give the prognosis by ___ diagnosis with several tests | (IV) creditable |
Answer: (C) (A)-(III), (B)-(I), (C)-(IV), (D)-(II)
Explanation:
- (A) “Credible” (believable) court evidence.
- (B) “Collaborate” (work together) fits hospital action.
- (C) “Creditable” (praiseworthy) suits efforts.
- (D) “Corroborating” (confirming) fits diagnosis.
16. Fill in the blank:
“Most of the guests arrived for the concert ___ bus.”
(1) by
(2) with
(3) from
(4) through
Answer: (1) by
Explanation: “By” is the standard preposition for mode of transport (e.g., by bus, by car).
17. Choose the word closest in meaning to the underlined word:
“Why did you make that flippant remark…?”
(1) sarcastic
(2) disrespectful
(3) casual
(4) indifferent
Answer: (3) casual
Explanation: “Flippant” means offhand or lightly disrespectful, closest to “casual.”
18. Select the word OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word:
“The thief showed his disbelief when informed…”
(1) displayed
(2) concealed
(3) battled
(4) marked
Answer: (2) concealed
Explanation: “Disbelief” (showing doubt) contrasts with “concealed” (hidden).
19. Fill in the blank:
“The President finally had to ___ the demands of the public…”
(1) ignore
(2) initiate
(3) accede to
(4) condone
Answer: (3) accede to
Explanation: “Accede to” (agree to) fits yielding to demands. “Ignore” is opposite.
20. Re-arrange the parts to form a meaningful sentence:
(A) for organizations which provide
(B) services to customers on a face-to-face basis,
(C) employees with whom they deal is very important
(D) the quality of the relationship between customers and
Answer: (3) (B), (D), (A), (C)
Sentence: “Services to customers on a face-to-face basis, the quality of the relationship between customers and for organizations which provide employees with whom they deal is very important.”
Explanation: Corrected logically: “For organizations which provide services… the quality of the relationship… is very important.”
21. Re-arrange the parts to form a meaningful sentence:
(A) as a concept fundamental to
(B) especially with the injunction to treat equals equally
(C) justice is associated with the notion of equity and equality,
(D) ethical theory and political philosophy,
Answer: (2) (C), (A), (B), (D)
Sentence: “Justice is associated with the notion of equity and equality, as a concept fundamental to especially with the injunction to treat equals equally ethical theory and political philosophy.”
Explanation: Adjusted: “Justice… as a concept fundamental to ethical theory… especially with…”
22. Match the idioms in List-I with their meanings in List-II:
| List-I (Idioms) | List-II (Meanings) |
|---|---|
| (A) blow the gaff | (I) feel unable to deal with something |
| (B) at the end of your tether | (II) feel terribly ashamed… |
| (C) be full of beans | (III) divulge a secret |
| (D) want to curl up and die | (IV) be full of energy |
Answer: (1) (A)-(III), (B)-(I), (C)-(IV), (D)-(II)
Explanation:
- Blow the gaff: Reveal secret (III).
- End of tether: Exhausted (I).
- Full of beans: Energetic (IV).
- Curl up and die: Ashamed (II).
23. Match the blanks in List-I with the Prepositions in List-II:
| List-I (Sentences) | List-II (Prepositions) |
|---|---|
| (A) The edited version… is indistinguishable ___ her first version. | (I) with |
| (B) I just don’t feel any affinity ___ his prose style… | (II) to |
| (C) Her ideas are not all that dissimilar ___ mine. | (III) for |
| (D) It would be wrong to mistake his diffidence ___ his arrogance… | (IV) from |
Answer: (1) (A)-(IV), (B)-(I), (C)-(II), (D)-(III)
Explanation:
- (A) “from” (distinguished from).
- (B) “with” (affinity with).
- (C) “to” (similar to).
- (D) “for” (mistake for).
24. Re-arrange the parts to form a meaningful sentence:
(A) students with tools for critical thinking
(B) cooperative learning is an
(C) that enhances creativity and provides
(D) eclectic and unique teaching method
Answer: (2) (B), (D), (C), (A)
Sentence: “Cooperative learning is an eclectic and unique teaching method that enhances creativity and provides students with tools for critical thinking.”
Explanation: Logical: Subject (B), descriptor (D), action (C), object (A).
Passage 1: (Q25–30)
Summary: Author reflects on her father’s influence (Hindi editor) and grandfather Premchand’s legacy, feeling pressured to write in Hindi.
25. The author grew up with the expectation that she would take up ___:
(1) editorship of a magazine
(2) translation of literary pieces
(3) creative writing
(4) the job of a critic
Answer: (3) creative writing
Explanation: Father’s pride in her writing inclination suggests creative writing, not editing or criticism.
26. When her father said, “She will go far,” he meant that ___:
(1) she will travel widely
(2) she will achieve great heights in life
(3) she will go too far, one of these days
(4) she will settle in a far-off place
Answer: (2) she will achieve great heights in life
Explanation: Context of her story’s success implies achievement, not travel.
27. Statement NOT true:
(1) The author felt pressurized to write in Hindi because of her father
(2) She felt obligated to carry on the legacy of Premchand
(3) Her family was chauvinistic about the English language
(4) She was in awe of the extensive reach of her grandfather’s writings
Answer: (3) Her family was chauvinistic about the English language
Explanation: They favored Hindi, not English; “shame” about English isn’t chauvinism.
28. Premchand became too large for her to understand mainly because of:
(A) his ability to connect with people…
(B) the fact that she feared him
(C) the kind of love and reverence…
(D) her constant anxiety of failing him
Answer: (2) (A) and (C) only
Explanation: Passage cites his universal appeal (A) and reverence (C), not fear or anxiety (B, D).
29. “Inhaled his writing” refers to:
(1) imbibing his style subconsciously
(2) being compelled to write like him
(3) being influenced by what people said about him
(4) her father’s expectation from her
Answer: (1) imbibing his style subconsciously
Explanation: Suggests absorbing his essence without reading, not compulsion or influence.
30. Meaning of “ubiquity”:
(1) Occasional
(2) Restricted
(3) Omnipresence
(4) Unwanted
Answer: (3) Omnipresence
Explanation: Premchand’s widespread presence aligns with “omnipresence.”
Passage 2: (Q31–36)
Summary: Free will is questioned; choices are shaped by past conditioning (karmic imprint).
31. Humans don’t have “free will” because ___:
(1) our decisions are shaped by past events and environmental influences
(2) we are born with pre-determined choices…
(3) we are always dictated by our mind to make irrational choices
(4) human beings are born slaves of social constructs…
Answer: (1) our decisions are shaped by past events and environmental influences
Explanation: Passage emphasizes past conditioning, not pre-determination or irrationality.
32. “Karmic imprint” implies ___:
(1) the ability to bring about change…
(2) our genetic code, upbringing and environment
(3) the truth of our being…
(4) the wrong doings and vices of our past lives
Answer: (2) our genetic code, upbringing and environment
Explanation: Defined as genetic code and accumulated experiences, not vices.
33. “Free will” can be experienced if ___:
(1) we embrace our past experiences…
(2) we make choices without considering the consequences
(3) we let go of our ego, attachments and fixed beliefs
(4) we accumulate more and more karmic imprints
Answer: (3) we let go of our ego, attachments and fixed beliefs
Explanation: Passage suggests purifying the mind by shedding conditioning.
34. The author proves “free will” is a myth by suggesting that ___:
(1) our ability to make a choice is restricted by our predispositions
(2) we are unable to bring a change in ourselves
(3) our choices are solely guided by the current environment
(4) our choices are completely independent of past events…
Answer: (1) our ability to make a choice is restricted by our predispositions
Explanation: Choices are limited by conditioning, not entirely impossible (2) or independent (4).
35. To expand the scope of one’s agency:
(1) Making choices frequently and impulsively
(2) Engaging in sustained inner work and self-awareness
(3) Holding on to fixed beliefs…
(4) Ignoring one’s past experiences…
Answer: (2) Engaging in sustained inner work and self-awareness
Explanation: Passage advocates self-awareness to overcome conditioning.
36. Suitable title:
(1) Definition of “Free Will”
(2) Our backstory – key to a successful life
(3) Do human beings really have “Free Will”?
(4) Making Choices – Every Man’s Prerogative!
Answer: (3) Do human beings really have “Free Will”?
Explanation: Central question of the passage, challenging free will.
Passage 3: (Q37–42)
Summary: History of hot chocolate from Olmecs to modern variations.
37. Cocoa was first introduced by the:
(1) American people
(2) Olmec people
(3) Aztec people
(4) Spanish people
Answer: (2) Olmec people
Explanation: Passage states Olmecs consumed chocolate first (~1500 BCE).
38. The Aztec people made their cocoa palatable by:
(1) serving it cold
(2) adding sugar to the drink
(3) spiking it with spices
(4) drinking it as a medicine
Answer: (3) spiking it with spices
Explanation: Aztecs used peppers and spices, not sugar (pre-European).
39. Hot chocolate became “the beverage of the aristocracy” because:
(1) The essential ingredient was out of reach of the commoners
(2) The Queen had a marked chocolate maker
(3) Only wealthy Europeans could buy it
(4) It was being consumed by the pharma companies
Answer: (3) Only wealthy Europeans could buy it
Explanation: Sugar’s luxury status made it exclusive to the wealthy.
40. Chocolate Houses didn’t survive past the 18th century as:
(1) people preferred tea/coffee to hot chocolate
(2) it catered to the not so elite…
(3) chocolate was costlier than tea or coffee
(4) the supply of cocoa dwindled over the years
Answer: (3) chocolate was costlier than tea or coffee
Explanation: Passage cites higher cost as a key reason.
41. Correct statement:
(1) Italians serve hot chocolate flavoured with spices
(2) Mexicans serve hot chocolate topped with a dollop of cream
(3) Colombians serve hot chocolate topped with a dollop of cheese
(4) Filipinos served hot chocolate flavoured with peppers
Answer: (3) Colombians serve hot chocolate topped with a dollop of cheese
Explanation: Matches passage’s description of Colombian style.
42. “Caught on with the masses” means:
(1) was readily available in cafes
(2) became popular among the commoners
(3) hot chocolate did not appeal to people
(4) masses got attracted to the rich experience…
Answer: (2) became popular among the commoners
Explanation: “Caught on” means gained popularity.
Passage 4: (Q43–48)
Summary: Coffee genetics, focusing on Arabica vs. Robusta.
43. Most sold variety of coffee:
(1) Coffea Canephora
(2) Coffea Arabica
(3) Coffea Eugenioides
(4) A blend of Coffea Canephora and Coffea Arabica
Answer: (2) Coffea Arabica
Explanation: Arabica is 56% of sales.
44. Species with more than two copies of each chromosome:
(1) Arabica
(2) Robusta
(3) Coffea Eugenioides
(4) A blend of Arabica and Robusta
Answer: (1) Arabica
Explanation: Arabica exhibits polyploidy.
45. True about Coffea Arabica:
(1) Hybridization is the main source of its genetic variation
(2) It has only two copies of each chromosome
(3) It displays the phenomenon of polyploidy
(4) It is easily interbred with other species
Answer: (3) It displays the phenomenon of polyploidy
Explanation: Polyploidy limits hybridization (contra 1, 4).
46. Species developed in the last 50,000 years:
(1) Coffea Canephora
(2) Coffea Eugenioides
(3) Arabica
(4) Robusta
Answer: (3) Arabica
Explanation: Hybrid of Robusta and Eugenioides, recent origin.
47. Variability NOT very high for Coffea Arabica:
(1) Variability at the structural level
(2) Variability at the chromosomal level
(3) Variability at the level of deletions and insertions
(4) Variability at the DNA level
Answer: (4) Variability at the DNA level
Explanation: Passage notes low DNA variability, unlike structural levels.
48. Factually incorrect statement:
(1) It is possible to roast the beans of a single species…
(2) Two species of coffee can be blended…
(3) Due to its genetic make-up, novel mutations do not occur in… Arabica
(4) Variations in disease resistance can be seen in the Arabica…
Answer: (3) Due to its genetic make-up, novel mutations do not occur in… Arabica
Explanation: Mutations occur, just limited due to polyploidy.
49. Re-arrange the phrases to form a meaningful sentence:
(A) created by human
(B) collective cultural heritage
(C) all languages
(D) communities are our
Answer: (3) (C), (A), (D), (B)
Sentence: “All languages created by human communities are our collective cultural heritage.”
Explanation: Logical flow: subject (C), action (A), descriptor (D), object (B).
50. Fill in the blank:
“The Principal addressed us in the assembly and ___ the rumours of an early summer break.”
(1) defended
(2) quashed
(3) cleared
(4) rebuked
Answer: (2) quashed
Explanation: “Quashed” (put an end to) fits dispelling rumors. “Cleared” is close but less decisive.
Final Notes
- Answers: Derived logically where NTA key was missing.
- Explanations: Detailed for student understanding, aligning with your teaching focus.
- Prep Tip: Focus on RC (48%), vocab (24%), and VA (14%) per analysis—matches this paper’s pattern.
