CUET 2025 English: Detailed Revision Notes & Practice
General Points on CUET English Level
- Predicting Difficulty: While pinpointing the exact difficulty is challenging, a trend analysis is helpful.
- Observed Trend (NTA Exams): Based on NTA's conduct of CUET in 2022, 2023, and potentially 2024 (as anticipated in the notes), there's an expectation of a gradual increase in the difficulty level each year. This is a common pattern in competitive exams to refine the selection process.
- Subject-Specific Difficulty:
- English Section: May not escalate to the extreme difficulty seen in specialized exams like NEET.
- Domain Subjects & General Test (GT): These sections might experience a more noticeable increase in difficulty. This implies that a balanced preparation across all sections is vital.
- Effective Preparation Strategy:
- Thorough Understanding: Focus on deeply understanding the concepts within the syllabus you cover.
- Quality over Quantity (if time-constrained): It's better to master 80% of the syllabus and be able to answer any question from it, rather than superficially covering 100% and struggling with application.
- Practice with Past Papers: If available, analyze question patterns from previous CUET English papers.
Section A: Prepositions
Prepositions are words that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within a sentence. They often indicate relationships of time, place, direction, or manner. Choosing the correct preposition is crucial as some verbs, nouns, and adjectives are idiomatically followed by specific prepositions (collocations).
1. Insisted + on:
Rule: The verb "insist" is followed by "on" when expressing a firm demand or statement.
Original Example: She insisted on paying the bill herself.
Additional Example 1: He insisted on a full refund for the faulty product.
Additional Example 2: Despite the rain, they insisted on going for the hike.
The manager insisted ___ everyone attending the meeting.
Answer: (b) on
2. Angry + with (a person) / Angry + at (a thing/situation):
Rule: Use "angry with" when referring to a person. Use "angry at" when referring to a thing, action, or situation.
Original Example: The teacher was angry with the students for being late.
Additional Example 1 (Person): I am angry with my brother for using my laptop without permission.
Additional Example 2 (Thing/Situation): She was angry at the delay of the train.
He was visibly angry ___ the poor service at the restaurant.
Answer: (c) at
3. Interested + in:
Rule: The adjective "interested" is followed by "in" to show what someone wants to know more about or be involved with.
Original Example: He was not interested in the project assigned to him.
Additional Example 1: Are you interested in learning a new language?
Additional Example 2: She has always been interested in astrophysics.
They showed no interest ___ our proposal.
Answer: (d) in
4. Since vs. For (Time):
Rule:
- Since: Used with a specific point in time in the past (e.g., 2012, last Monday, 6 PM, yesterday) to mark the beginning of a period that continues up to the present. Often used with perfect tenses.
- For: Used with a duration of time (e.g., five years, two hours, a long time, three weeks) to indicate how long an action has continued.
Original Example: I have been living in this city since 2012. (2012 is a specific point in time)
Additional Example 1 (Since): She has been waiting for you since 9 AM.
Additional Example 2 (For): We have known each other for over a decade.
They have been working on this project ___ six months.
Answer: (b) for
5. Among vs. Between:
Rule:
- Between: Typically used when referring to two people, things, or groups. It can also be used for more than two if they are distinct, individual items being considered separately.
- Among: Used when referring to more than two people, things, or groups, especially when they are considered collectively or imprecisely.
Original Example: He divided the cake among the three children. (More than two)
Additional Example 1 (Between): The secret was shared between Sarah and John.
Additional Example 2 (Among): There was a lively discussion among the committee members.
Additional Example 3 (Between - more than two distinct): Negotiations are ongoing between India, China, and Brazil on this trade agreement. (Each nation is a distinct entity)
The prize money was distributed equally ___ the two winners.
Answer: (b) between
6. Fond + of:
Rule: The adjective "fond" (having an affection or liking for) is specifically paired with "of".
Original Example: She was fond of classical music.
Additional Example 1: He is very fond of his grandmother.
Additional Example 2: Are you fond of spicy food?
My cat is particularly fond ___ sleeping in sunny spots.
Answer: (c) of
7. Position on a Surface (On):
Rule: "On" is used to indicate that something is physically in contact with and supported by the top surface of something else.
Original Example: The book is on the table.
Additional Example 1: There is a picture on the wall.
Additional Example 2: Don't leave your wet umbrella on the wooden floor.
The cat jumped ___ the roof.
Answer: (c) on (implying it landed and stayed there)
8. Movement Through a Passage/Medium (Through):
Rule: "Through" indicates movement from one side/end of something to the other, often within an enclosed or defined space, or penetrating a substance.
Original Example: We had to walk through the tunnel to reach the other side.
Additional Example 1: The sunlight streamed through the window.
Additional Example 2: They drove through the dense forest.
The arrow flew ___ the air and hit the target.
Answer: (b) through
9. Hiding Relative to an Object (Behind):
Rule: "Behind" indicates a position at the back of or hidden by something.
Contextual Distractors: "Beside" (next to, बाजू में), "beneath" (directly under, often covered), "under" (below).
Original Example: The baby was hiding behind the curtain. (पर्दा)
Additional Example 1: The shy child stood behind his mother.
Additional Example 2: There is a small garden behind the house.
He found his lost keys ___ a stack of newspapers.
Answer: (c) under (or (d) behind, depending on how the newspapers are stacked. "Under" is generally more appropriate if they are on top.)
10. Comparative Adjectives (Senior, Junior, Superior, Inferior, Prefer) + to:
Rule: Latinate comparative adjectives like "senior," "junior," "superior," "inferior," and the verb "prefer" are followed by "to" instead of "than" when making comparisons.
Original Example: He is senior to me by three years.
Additional Example 1: This brand is superior to that one in quality.
Additional Example 2: I prefer coffee to tea.
Her performance was judged inferior ___ his.
Answer: (c) to
Section B: Modals
Modal verbs (auxiliary verbs) express modality – likelihood, ability, permission, request, capacity, suggestions, order, obligation, or advice. They are used with a main verb.
1. Obligation/Requirement (Non-negotiable) - MUST:
Rule: "Must" indicates a strong obligation, necessity, or a rule that is non-negotiable.
Contrast: "Should" implies a recommendation or advice, but "must" implies a command or essential duty.
Original Example: You must finish the assignment before the deadline.
Additional Example 1: All visitors must sign in at the reception.
Additional Example 2: To drive a car, you must have a valid license.
Passengers ___ wear seatbelts during takeoff and landing.
Answer: (c) must (It's a rule/strong requirement)
2. High Degree of Certainty/Logical Deduction - MUST:
Rule: "Must" can also express a strong belief or certainty about something, usually based on evidence or logical deduction.
Original Example: He must be at home. I saw his car outside. (Evidence: car outside)
Additional Example 1: She's been studying all day; she must be tired.
Additional Example 2: The lights are off, so they must have left.
John hasn't eaten all day. He ___ be hungry.
Answer: (c) must (Logical deduction from the premise)
3. Non-negotiable Requirement/Rule (Reiteration) - MUST:
Rule: Reinforces the idea of an unavoidable rule or condition.
Original Example: Students must carry their identity cards at all times. (e.g., for exams)
Additional Example 1: You must pay the fee to enroll in the course.
Additional Example 2: Employees must adhere to the company's code of conduct.
To enter this facility, you ___ present a valid ID.
Answer: (c) must
4. Suggestion/Advice (Optional Compliance) - SHOULD:
Rule: "Should" is used to give advice, make a recommendation, or express what is considered the right or appropriate thing to do. Compliance is generally advisable but not strictly mandatory.
Original Example: You should speak politely to your elders.
Additional Example 1: You should see a doctor if the pain persists.
Additional Example 2: We should probably leave now to avoid traffic.
If you want to improve your English, you ___ read more books.
Answer: (c) should (It's advice)
5. Polite Request - COULD / MAY / CAN:
Rule:
- Could: Very polite and common for requests.
- May: Formal and polite for requests (also used for permission).
- Can: More informal for requests, but also acceptable.
Original Example: Could I borrow your pen for a moment?
Additional Example 1 (May): May I ask a question?
Additional Example 2 (Can): Can you pass the salt, please?
___ you please help me with this bag?
Answer: (c) Could (Polite request)
6. Possibility (Often Conditional) - MAY / MIGHT:
Rule:
- May: Expresses a possibility (often a reasonable or factual one).
- Might: Expresses a slightly weaker or more remote possibility. Often interchangeable with "may" for possibility.
Original Example: We May go to the picnic if it doesn't rain. (Possibility dependent on weather)
Additional Example 1 (May): It may rain later, so take an umbrella.
Additional Example 2 (Might): He might join us, but he's not sure yet.
She hasn't replied to my message; she ___ be busy.
Answer: (d) might (Expresses a possibility)
7. Past Ability - COULD:
Rule: "Could" is used to express general ability in the past. (For a specific achievement in the past, "was/were able to" is often preferred, but "could" is common for general past skills).
Original Example: He could play the guitar when he was just five.
Additional Example 1: When I was younger, I could run much faster.
Additional Example 2: She could speak French fluently before she moved.
My grandfather ___ swim across the river when he was a boy.
Answer: (c) could
8. Prohibition - MUST NOT / CANNOT:
Rule:
- Must not (mustn't): Strong prohibition; it's a rule or order not to do something.
- Cannot (can't): Indicates something is not allowed or not possible.
Original Example: You must not enter the restricted area.
Additional Example 1 (Must not): Visitors must not feed the animals in the zoo.
Additional Example 2 (Cannot): You cannot smoke in this building.
Employees ___ share confidential company information.
Answer: (c) must not (Strong prohibition due to confidentiality)
9. Hypothetical Conditional Advice - SHOULD / WOULD:
Rule: In hypothetical situations (often starting with "If I were you..."), "would" is commonly used to give advice. If "would" is not an option, "should" is the next best choice for expressing what is advisable in that hypothetical scenario.
Original Example: If I were you, I should apologize. (If "would" was an option, "I would apologize" would also be very common).
Additional Example 1 (Would): If I had more time, I would travel the world.
Additional Example 2 (Should): If he were here, he should (or would) know what to do.
If I were in your position, I ___ accept the offer.
Answer: (d) would (Standard for hypothetical advice)
10. Possibility/Speculation About a Past Action - MIGHT HAVE (+ past participle):
Rule: "Modal + have + past participle" is used to speculate or make deductions about past events. "Might have" expresses a possibility in the past. "Could have" suggests an unfulfilled past possibility/ability. "Must have" suggests a strong deduction about the past.
Original Example: She might have taken the wrong train. (It's possible she took the wrong train).
Additional Example 1 (Might have): He's late; he might have gotten stuck in traffic.
Additional Example 2 (Could have): You could have told me earlier! (You had the ability/opportunity but didn't).
Additional Example 3 (Must have): The ground is wet. It must have rained last night. (Strong deduction about the past).
The package hasn't arrived yet. It ___ been delayed.
Answer: (c) might have (Expresses a possibility for the delay; "must have" implies stronger certainty which might not be warranted without more info).
Section C: Foreign Words/Phrases
Knowledge of common foreign words and phrases used in English is often tested.
1. Bonafide:
Meaning: In good faith; genuine; real. (Latin: "bona" - good, "fides" - faith).
Usage Example: He made a bonafide offer to purchase the company.
What does "bonafide" mean?
Answer: (c) Genuine
2. Vice versa:
Meaning: Conversely; the other way around; with the order or meaning reversed.
Usage Example: She dislikes him, and vice versa (meaning he dislikes her too).
"He helps her, and _____" suggests she also helps him.
Answer: (b) vice versa
3. Ad hoc:
Meaning: For a specific purpose or need; created or done for a particular reason, as necessary, and not planned in advance. (Latin: "to this").
Usage Example: An ad hoc committee was formed to address the urgent issue.
An "ad hoc solution" is one that is:
Answer: (c) For a specific, immediate purpose
4. Déjà vu:
Meaning: A feeling of having already experienced the present situation. (French: "already seen").
Usage Example: As I walked into the old house, I had a strange sense of déjà vu.
The feeling that you've lived through the present moment before is called:
Answer: (c) Déjà vu
5. Alma mater:
Meaning: The school, college, or university that one formerly attended. (Latin: "nourishing mother").
Usage Example: He always donates generously to his alma mater.
Your former university is known as your:
Answer: (c) Alma mater
6. Faux pas:
Meaning: An embarrassing or tactless act or remark in a social situation; a social blunder. (French: "false step").
Usage Example: Forgetting the host's name was a terrible faux pas.
Spilling wine on the hostess at a dinner party would be considered a:
Answer: (b) Faux pas
7. Status quo:
Meaning: The existing state of affairs, especially regarding social or political issues. (Latin: "the state in which").
Usage Example: The new policy aimed to change the status quo in education.
To maintain the "status quo" means to keep things:
Answer: (b) As they currently are
8. Per se:
Meaning: By or in itself; intrinsically. (Latin: "by itself").
Usage Example: The job, per se, isn't difficult, but the hours are very long.
"The argument is not wrong, _____, but it is misleading."
Answer: (c) per se
9. Ipso facto:
Meaning: By that very fact or act; as a direct consequence. (Latin: "by the fact itself").
Usage Example: If the premises are true, then the conclusion is ipso facto true.
A person who is a citizen is, _____, entitled to certain rights.
Answer: (b) ipso facto
10. Sub judice:
Meaning: Under judicial consideration and therefore prohibited from public discussion elsewhere. (Latin: "under a judge").
Usage Example: The case is currently sub judice, so we cannot comment on it.
If a matter is "sub judice," it means it is:
Answer: (d) Currently under court consideration
Section D: One-Word Substitutions
This involves replacing a phrase or a group of words with a single word that conveys the same meaning.
1. A person who speaks many languages: Polyglot
Explanation: "Poly" means many, "glot" relates to tongue or language.
Other terms mentioned:
- Philologist: A scholar who studies language in written historical sources; a combination of literary criticism, history, and linguistics.
- Grammarian: An expert in or student of grammar.
- Interpreter: A person who translates speech orally from one language to another.
Usage Example: The ambassador was a polyglot, fluent in five languages.
One who is proficient in several languages is a:
Answer: (b) Polyglot (While a linguist studies language, polyglot specifically means speaks many. Bilingual means speaks two).
2. One who is all powerful: Omnipotent
Explanation: "Omni" means all, "potent" relates to power.
Other definitions provided:
- Omnipresent: Present everywhere at the same time. (e.g., "God is often described as omnipresent.")
- Eternal: Lasting or existing forever; without end or beginning.
- Omniscient (Implied Question): Knowing everything. (e.g., "An omniscient narrator knows the thoughts of all characters.")
Usage Example: In many mythologies, the chief deity is considered omnipotent.
A being believed to have unlimited power is:
Answer: (c) Omnipotent
3. One who believes in fate (किस्मत): Fatalist
Explanation: Someone who believes that all events are predetermined by fate and are therefore unalterable.
Other definitions provided:
- Realist: A person who accepts a situation as it is and is prepared to deal with it accordingly.
- Pessimist: A person who tends to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen.
- Optimist: A person who tends to be hopeful and confident about the future or the success of something.
Usage Example: As a fatalist, he accepted his misfortunes without complaint.
"Whatever will be, will be" is a sentiment often expressed by a:
Answer: (d) Fatalist
4. Government by the people: Democracy
Explanation: Often defined as "government of the people, by the people, for the people." "Demos" (people) + "kratos" (rule).
Other government types defined:
- Plutocracy: Government by the wealthy. ("Ploutos" - wealth)
- Monarchy: Government by a single ruler, like a King or Queen, usually hereditary. ("Monos" - single, "arkhein" - to rule)
- Autocracy: Government by one person with absolute power. ("Autos" - self, "kratos" - rule)
Usage Example: India is the world's largest democracy.
A system where citizens elect their representatives is called:
Answer: (d) Democracy
5. A person who collects stamps: Philatelist
Explanation: The hobby of collecting stamps and postal materials is called Philately. (The source mentions "Charlie" likely referring to the character from "The Third Level" by Jack Finney, who was a stamp collector).
Other collectors/experts mentioned:
- Numismatist: A person who collects or studies coins, paper money, and medals.
- Ornithologist: An expert in or student of birds.
- Pathologist (source note correction): A scientist who studies the causes and effects of diseases, especially one who examines laboratory samples of body tissue for diagnostic or forensic purposes. (The source's definition: "someone who reads ancient writing or studies fossils/ancient things" likely confuses it with Paleographer (studies ancient writing) or Paleontologist (studies fossils)).
Usage Example: My uncle is an avid philatelist with albums full of rare stamps.
Someone who collects coins is known as a:
Answer: (c) Numismatist
6. A person who never takes alcohol: Teetotaller / Teetotaler
Explanation: "Teetotaller" is considered a precise term for someone who completely abstains from alcoholic drinks.
Abstainer (as mentioned): A broader term for someone who refrains from something (e.g., alcohol, certain foods). While applicable, "teetotaller" is more specific to alcohol.
Other terms mentioned:
- Vegetarian: A person who does not eat meat or fish.
- Narcissist: A person who has an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves.
Usage Example: He has been a teetotaller his entire life.
A person who completely abstains from alcoholic beverages is a:
Answer: (c) Teetotaller (While "abstinent" is related, "teetotaller" is specific to alcohol)
7. The practice of eating human flesh: Cannibalism
Explanation: The act or practice of humans eating the flesh or internal organs of other human beings.
Other practices defined:
- Herbivorism: The practice of feeding on plants. (Herbivore: animal that eats plants)
- Carnivorism: The practice of feeding on flesh. (Carnivore: animal that eats meat)
- Vandalism: Intentional destruction or damage to public or private property.
Usage Example: Reports of cannibalism were found in the remote tribe's history.
An animal that feeds only on plants is a(n):
Answer: (c) Herbivore
8. Study of the origin and history of words: Etymology
Explanation: The study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout history.
Other related linguistic terms mentioned:
- Syntax: The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.
- Semantics: The branch of linguistics and logic concerned with meaning.
- Phonetics: The study and classification of speech sounds.
Usage Example: The etymology of the word 'companion' reveals its Latin roots meaning 'one who eats bread with another'.
The study of sentence structure is known as:
Answer: (d) Syntax
9. A story, typically with animals as characters, conveying a moral: Fable
Explanation: A short story, typically with animals, mythical creatures, plants, inanimate objects, or forces of nature as characters that are anthropomorphized (given human qualities), and that illustrates or leads to a particular moral lesson.
Other terms mentioned:
- Myth: A traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events.
- Legend: A traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated.
- Novel: A fictitious prose narrative of book length, typically representing character and action with some degree of realism.
Usage Example: Aesop's fables, like "The Tortoise and the Hare," teach valuable life lessons.
A traditional story about gods and heroes, explaining natural phenomena, is a:
Answer: (b) Myth
10. The scientific study of the mind and human behavior: Psychology
Explanation: The science that deals with mental processes and behavior.
Other related fields mentioned:
- Sociology: The study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society.
- Philosophy: The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline.
- Anthropology: The study of human societies and cultures and their development; the study of human biological and physiological characteristics and their evolution.
Usage Example: She decided to major in psychology to understand human motivation.
The study of human societies, their cultures, and development is:
Answer: (d) Anthropology (Sociology is also close, but Anthropology is broader, often including cultural and physical aspects).
This detailed guide should provide a strong foundation for your CUET English preparation. Good luck!