Overview: The CUET English previous year question paper is crucial to assessing linguistic proficiency, critical thinking, and analytical skills to admit students through the CUET test. Reviewing it provides insights into the type of questions, helping to strategise and optimise your preparation plan!

The Central Universities Common Entrance Test (CUET) is a gateway to numerous prestigious universities in India. The language section is compulsory and contains 50 questions, of which 40 must be attempted. 

Understanding the CUET English previous year papers is crucial for aspirants aiming to study at top universities in India, as it plays a pivotal role in determining overall scores.

Let's check the sample CUET English Question Paper to download to aid your CUET English preparations! 

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Overview of the English Question Paper

The English section of CUET tests a candidate's proficiency in

• Reading comprehension
• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Critical analysis

The paper is typically structured with MCQs carrying specific marks.

CUET English Question Paper Marking Scheme

The table below provides the marking scheme for CUET English's previous year's question papers. 

Parameters	CUET exam pattern 2024 - Language Test
Mode	Online
Medium	Language Chosen
Type of Questions	Objective
Number of Questions (to be attempted)	40 questions are to be attempted out of 50
Total Marks	(+5) * number of questions to be attempted
Marking Scheme	Correct Answer: +5
	Incorrect Answer: -1
	Unattempted Answer: 0

CUET English Question Paper PDF Download

Download the CUET English previous year's question paper with answers and ace your CUET preparations. 

CUET English Previous Year Question Papers PDF

Check: Last week's preparation strategy for the CUET exam

CUET English Syllabus

Questions from the Language Section will be from the following topics but are not limited to:

1. Reading Comprehension: There will be three types of passages (maximum 300-350 words):

• Factual
• Narrative
• Literary

2. Verbal Ability
3. Rearranging the parts
4. Choosing the correct word
5. Synonyms and Antonyms
6. Vocabulary

English Question Paper Benefits

The CUET English Question Paper is more than a mere language test; it's a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate's readiness for higher education in an English-medium academic environment.

1. Significance to Overall CUET Score

• Like other sections in the CUET, the English section has its designated weightage, which contributes to the total score.
• Since the CUET aggregates scores from all its sections to determine a candidate's ranking, performing well in the English section can significantly boost the overall score.

2. Test of Linguistic Proficiency

• The CUET English Question Paper evaluates a candidate's command of the English language, including vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and writing skills.
• A good grasp of English is essential for exams, academic courses, and research work, where understanding and producing quality written content in English become indispensable.

Check: Short tricks to prepare for the CUET exam in 20 days

3. Gauges Critical Thinking

• Critical thinking is the ability to analyse information objectively and make a reasoned judgment. The English paper often presents passages, statements, or scenarios where candidates must decipher the underlying message, detect biases, or evaluate arguments.
• Such questions go beyond the basic understanding of the language and delve into the candidate's ability to think deeply, discern patterns, and make connections.

4. Assessment of Analytical Skills

• Analytical skills involve reviewing complex situations, breaking them into smaller components, and determining how they relate or interact.
• In the context of the CUET English paper, this might manifest in tasks such as comparing and contrasting ideas in a passage, identifying the logical flow of arguments, or recognising the implications of a given statement.

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5. Vital for Academic Pursuits

• Universities prioritise candidates with strong critical thinking and analytical skills, which are fundamental to various academic tasks. This includes understanding complex theories, writing research papers, participating in debates, and more.
• English, being a primary medium of instruction and communication in many universities, becomes a tool through which these abilities are honed and displayed. Thus, the English paper serves as a predictive tool for a candidate's future academic performance.

15 Sample CUET English Questions

Check the CUET English Sample Questions taken from CUET English previous year Question Papers.

1. Which of the following best expresses the meaning of "Complement"?

(a) Praise

(b) Companion

(c) Tribute

(d) Fraction

Solution: (b) Companion

2. Which of the following is opposite in meaning to the word "Dissent"?

(a) Assent

(b) Line of ancestry

(c) Agree

(d) Increase

Solution: (a) Assent

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3. He picked up a piece of cloth _ the drawer. 

(a) for

(b) from

(c) of

(d) increase

Solution: (b) from

4. The coloured word is an example of: 'Sam took a large slice of the luscious cake.'

(a) Adjective

(b) Adverb

(c) Noun

(d) Verb

Solution: (a) Adjective

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5. Which of the following is correctly spelt? 

(a) Cemetary

(b) Cemetiry

(c) Cementery

(d) Cemetery

Solution: (d) Cemetery

6. Select the correct option of the given sentence, which is passive in voice. 

(a) A mistake had committed by him

(b) A mistake was committed by him

(c) A mistake had been committed by him

(d) A mistake has been committed by him

Solution: (c) A mistake had been committed by him

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7. Choose the most appropriate alternative which can best substitute the given sentence.

That which cannot be captured: 

(a) Impregnable

(b) Incorrigible

(c) Imperishable

(d) Invincible

Solution: (a) Impregnable

8. Which part of the following sentence contains an error? 

(a) Kunal was with Ramesh

(b) In his last working day

(c) Day of the company

(d) To share his future goals

Solution: (b) In his last working day

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9. Raju got a present from _ old friend on his 15th birthday. 

(a) A

(b) An

(c) The

(d) None of the above

Solution: (b) An

10. Select the correct plural of 'Premises' 

(a) Premiso

(b) Primesco

(c) Premiseses

(d) Premises

Solution: (d) Premises

11. Given the passage, answer the following question:

Passage:

"In the modern digital age, libraries seem to be fading into obscurity. Yet, their role as community hubs and knowledge repositories cannot be understated."

Question:

What does the passage imply about libraries in the modern digital age?

(a) They are becoming more popular.

(b) They are disappearing.

(c) They are being replaced by the internet.

(d) They are expanding in number.

Solution: (b) They are disappearing.

Check: CUET Question Papers

12. Vocabulary

Choose the synonym of the word "obfuscate":

(a) Clarify

(b) Enlighten

(c) Confuse

(d) Reveal

Solution: C. Confuse

13. Grammar

Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?

(a) She neither likes tea or coffee.

(b) She neither likes tea nor coffee.

(c) Neither she likes tea or coffee.

(d) Neither of she likes tea and coffee.

Solution: (b) She neither likes tea nor coffee.

Check: CUET exam pattern 2024

14. Vocabulary

Which of the following is the antonym of benevolent"?

(a) Kind

(b) Generous

(c) Malevolent

(d) Friendly

Solution: (c)Malevolent

Check: CUET 2024 Syllabus

15. Reading Comprehension

Given the passage, answer the following question:

Passage:

"Urban spaces are increasingly witnessing the blending of various cultures, leading to a rich tapestry of experiences."

Question:

What does the phrase "rich tapestry of experiences" imply?

(a) Urban areas are wealthy.

(b) Urban areas have cultural museums.

(c) Urban areas offer diverse experiences.

(d) Urban spaces have fine art collections.

Solution: (c) Urban areas offer diverse experiences.

Check: What is the General Test in CUET

Conclusion

The CUET English Question Paper is more than just a test of language; it assesses one's ability to comprehend, analyse, and articulate thoughts. CUET English previous years question papers help with practicing for the test, and helps you understand the exam pattern for CUET. 

With diligent preparation and a strategic approach, you can ace this section and elevate your overall CUET performance.