Note: This complete sample paper has 50 questions exactly as per CUET pattern. Passages are under 300 words as specified in syllabus.
Section 1: Reading Comprehension (Questions 1-20)
A. Factual Passage (Questions 1-5)
FACTUAL PASSAGE (290 words)
The Impact of Urban Green Spaces on Mental Health
Recent studies from the World Health Organization indicate that urban green spaces—parks, gardens, and tree-lined streets—have significant positive effects on mental health. Access to green areas reduces stress levels by 30-50% among city dwellers. These spaces provide opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and exposure to natural elements, all contributing to improved psychological well-being.
Cities with more than 20% green cover report 40% lower rates of depression compared to those with less than 5%. The WHO recommends at least 9 square meters of green space per urban resident, but many megacities fall short of this standard. Tokyo has only 3 square meters per person, while Singapore has achieved 66 square meters through conscious urban planning.
Research published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology demonstrates that just 20 minutes in a park can significantly lower cortisol levels. The study involved 100 participants who were randomly assigned to either spend time in a green space or an urban setting. Those in green spaces showed 15% lower stress markers.
Urban planners now incorporate "biophilic design" principles, integrating natural elements into built environments. This approach not only benefits mental health but also reduces urban heat island effects, improves air quality, and supports biodiversity. The economic benefits are substantial too: properties near parks have 8-20% higher values.
1. According to the passage, what percentage reduction in stress levels is associated with access to green spaces?
A10-20%
B30-50%
C60-80%
D20-40%
2. What is the WHO's recommended minimum green space per urban resident?
A5 square meters
B7 square meters
C9 square meters
D12 square meters
3. Which city mentioned has achieved 66 square meters of green space per person?
ATokyo
BNew York
CLondon
DSingapore
4. According to the Journal of Environmental Psychology study, what was the reduction in stress markers after 20 minutes in a park?
A15%
B30%
C50%
D25%
5. What economic benefit is mentioned for properties near parks?
A5-10% higher values
B8-20% higher values
C3-5% higher values
D25-30% higher values
B. Narrative Passage (Questions 6-10)
NARRATIVE PASSAGE (285 words)
The Lost Manuscript
Professor Arindam stared at the decaying leather cover, his hands trembling slightly. The journal had been hidden in the attic for seven decades, ever since his grandfather, the renowned historian Dr. S. K. Mitra, had passed away. As he carefully turned the brittle pages, a folded map slipped out. It detailed routes through the Western Ghats with markings in faded red ink.
Arindam remembered his grandfather's stories about a lost Chalukya-era temple, but he had always assumed they were family legends. Now, holding this tangible evidence, his academic skepticism battled with childhood wonder. The first entry date was March 12, 1947—just months before Independence. What secrets had his grandfather buried with him?
The map led to a remote valley in the Sahyadri range. Symbols indicated water sources, cave systems, and something marked "Vimana" with a question mark. Dr. Mitra's notes mentioned "architectural anomalies" and "astronomical alignments." Arindam's pulse quickened. This could be the discovery of his career—or a wild goose chase that would embarrass him before his peers.
He decided to follow the trail during the winter break. Packing his equipment and the fragile journal, he set out for Mahabaleshwar. The first landmark—a waterfall shaped like a crescent moon—was exactly where the map indicated. As he stood there, feeling the cool mist on his face, Arindam realized he wasn't just searching for a temple; he was connecting with a part of his grandfather he had never known.
6. How long had the journal been hidden in the attic?
ASeven decades
BFive decades
CThree decades
DOne decade
7. What historical period did the lost temple belong to?
AMughal era
BChalukya era
CBritish colonial era
DGupta era
8. What emotion is Professor Arindam experiencing as he finds the map?
APure excitement
BComplete disbelief
CConflict between skepticism and wonder
DIndifference
9. What was marked "Vimana" on the map?
AA water source
BA cave system
CA village
DAn architectural feature (with question mark)
10. Where did Arindam begin his journey?
AMahabaleshwar
BPune
CMumbai
DGoa
C. Literary Passage (Questions 11-15)
LITERARY PASSAGE (295 words)
Excerpt from "The Weary River"
The river did not hurry here. It had traveled from furious mountain origins, through gorges and rapids, and now, in the plains, it moved with the wisdom of age. Willows dipped their fingers into its brown water, and kingfishers waited on overhanging branches. An old boat lay upturned on the bank, its wood silvered by sun and rain.
Time here was measured not in hours but in the slow turning of seasons, in the deposition of silt, in the gradual shift of the river's course. People built civilizations on its banks, then watched them wash away, learning and forgetting the same lessons about permanence and change.
A fisherman mended his nets with practiced hands, his movements as rhythmic as the river's flow. Children's laughter echoed from a distant village, carried on the breeze like fallen leaves. The river absorbed all sounds: the cry of herons, the whisper of reeds, the distant rumble of trucks on the highway bridge—a reminder of another world rushing by.
In the evening light, the water turned to molten copper. Bats emerged from hollow trees, stitching the twilight with their erratic flight. The river, indifferent to observers, continued its journey to the sea, carrying stories of mountains it had carved, villages it had nourished, floods it had unleashed. It was both creator and destroyer, giver and taker, patient teacher of life's deepest truths.
11. What literary device is prominently used in "Willows dipped their fingers into its brown water"?
ASimile
BHyperbole
COnomatopoeia
DPersonification
12. What does the river symbolize in this passage?
ADanger and destruction
BThe passage of time and life's journey
CHuman ignorance
DTechnological progress
13. What is the tone of this literary passage?
AContemplative and philosophical
BHumorous and lighthearted
CAngry and accusatory
DFearful and anxious
14. What contrasts are presented in the passage?
ARich vs Poor
BYoung vs Old
CPermanence vs Change
DTechnology vs Nature
15. How is time described in relation to the river?
AAs minutes and hours
BAs days and weeks
CAs years and decades
DAs seasons and geological changes
D. Factual Passage (Questions 16-20)
FACTUAL PASSAGE (280 words)
Microplastics in the Food Chain
Microplastics—plastic particles smaller than 5mm—have infiltrated every level of the global food chain, according to a 2025 UN Environment Programme report. These particles originate from degraded plastic waste, synthetic clothing fibers, tire wear, and cosmetic products.
Studies show that an average person ingests approximately 5 grams of microplastics weekly—equivalent to a credit card. The highest concentrations are found in seafood, salt, and bottled water. Shellfish like mussels and oysters can contain up to 90 microplastic particles per serving.
The health impacts are concerning. Microplastics can carry toxic chemicals and pathogens into the human body. Research links them to inflammation, metabolic disorders, and potential carcinogenic effects. Smaller nanoparticles (less than 0.1 microns) can cross cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier.
Solutions include improved waste management, biodegradable alternatives, and advanced filtration systems. The European Union has banned intentionally added microplastics in cosmetics since 2022. Several countries now require microfiber filters in washing machines. However, complete elimination remains challenging due to the persistence of existing plastic pollution.
16. What size defines microplastics?
ASmaller than 1mm
BSmaller than 3mm
CSmaller than 5mm
DSmaller than 10mm
17. How much microplastic does an average person ingest weekly?
A1 gram (a paper clip)
B5 grams (a credit card)
C10 grams (a teaspoon)
D20 grams (a tablespoon)
18. Which food item mentioned has the highest microplastic concentration?
AFresh vegetables
BGrains
CMeat
DShellfish
19. What health impacts are linked to microplastics?
AInflammation and metabolic disorders
BImproved digestion
CStronger immune system
DBetter skin health
20. Which region has banned intentionally added microplastics in cosmetics?
ANorth America
BAsia-Pacific
CEuropean Union
DAfrican Union
Section 2: Verbal Ability (Questions 21-50)
A. Rearranging the Parts (Questions 21-25)
21. Rearrange the following parts to form a coherent sentence:
P: despite heavy rainfall
Q: the cricket match continued
R: and poor visibility
S: until the final over
AQ-P-R-S
BP-Q-R-S
CQ-S-P-R
DS-P-R-Q
22. Choose the correct sequence to form a meaningful paragraph:
1. Consequently, many species face extinction.
2. Deforestation has accelerated in recent decades.
3. This destruction eliminates natural habitats.
4. Primary causes include agricultural expansion and logging.
A2-4-3-1
B2-3-1-4
C4-2-3-1
D3-1-2-4
23. Rearrange these jumbled words to form a meaningful sentence:
P: the committee
Q: after careful consideration
R: the proposal was approved
S: of all factors
AP-Q-R-S
BQ-S-P-R
CR-P-Q-S
DR-Q-S-P
24. Sequence these sentences to form a coherent paragraph:
A. However, excessive screen time has been linked to sleep disturbances.
B. Digital devices have revolutionized communication and education.
C. Therefore, balanced usage with regular breaks is recommended.
D. Blue light emitted by screens affects melatonin production.
AB-A-D-C
BB-A-D-C
CA-B-C-D
DC-D-A-B
25. Arrange the parts to form a complete sentence:
P: without compromising
Q: sustainable development aims
R: the needs of future generations
S: to meet present needs
AQ-S-P-R
BS-Q-P-R
CQ-S-P-R
DP-R-Q-S
B. Match the Following (Questions 26-30)
26. Match the words with their correct meanings:
Column A (Words)
Ephemeral
Pragmatic
Esoteric
Lucid
Column B (Meanings)
Clear and understandable
Lasting for a very short time
Intended for a small, knowledgeable group
Dealing with things sensibly and realistically
A1-b, 2-d, 3-c, 4-a
B1-b, 2-c, 3-d, 4-a
C1-d, 2-b, 3-a, 4-c
D1-c, 2-d, 3-a, 4-b
27. Match the authors with their famous works:
Column A (Authors)
George Orwell
Harper Lee
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Chinua Achebe
Column B (Works)
One Hundred Years of Solitude
1984
To Kill a Mockingbird
Things Fall Apart
A1-b, 2-c, 3-a, 4-d
B1-b, 2-c, 3-a, 4-d
C1-c, 2-b, 3-d, 4-a
D1-a, 2-d, 3-c, 4-b
28. Match the idioms with their meanings:
Column A (Idioms)
Bite the bullet
Break the ice
Cost an arm and a leg
Hit the nail on the head
Column B (Meanings)
To start a conversation in a social setting
To endure a painful situation bravely
To be very expensive
To describe exactly what is causing a situation
A1-b, 2-a, 3-c, 4-d
B1-a, 2-b, 3-d, 4-c
C1-b, 2-a, 3-c, 4-d
D1-c, 2-d, 3-b, 4-a
29. Match the literary terms with their definitions:
Column A (Terms)
Metaphor
Irony
Alliteration
Hyperbole
Column B (Definitions)
Repetition of initial consonant sounds
Exaggeration for emphasis
Implied comparison without 'like' or 'as'
Contrast between expectation and reality
A1-c, 2-d, 3-a, 4-b
B1-d, 2-c, 3-b, 4-a
C1-a, 2-b, 3-c, 4-d
D1-c, 2-d, 3-a, 4-b
30. Match the countries with their capital cities:
Column A (Countries)
Canada
Australia
Brazil
South Africa
Column B (Capitals)
Brasília
Ottawa
Canberra
Pretoria (administrative)
A1-b, 2-c, 3-a, 4-d
B1-c, 2-b, 3-d, 4-a
C1-a, 2-d, 3-b, 4-c
D1-d, 2-a, 3-c, 4-b
C. Choosing the Correct Word (Questions 31-35)
31. Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:
"The committee's decision was _____, taking into account all perspectives before reaching a conclusion."
Ahasty
Bdeliberate
Carbitrary
Dsuperficial
32. Select the appropriate word for the blank:
"Her _____ approach to problem-solving involved breaking complex issues into manageable parts."
Amethodical
Bchaotic
Cintuitive
Dreckless
33. Fill in the blank with the most suitable word:
"The speaker's _____ arguments failed to convince the audience of experts."
Acogent
Bpersuasive
Clogical
Dspecious
34. Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:
"The agreement was _____ by both parties, ensuring mutual benefit and cooperation."
Arejected
Bviolated
Cratified
Drevoked
35. Select the word that best fits the context:
"The team showed _____ resilience in overcoming numerous obstacles during the project."
Aminimal
Bremarkable
Cfleeting
Dquestionable
D. Synonyms and Antonyms (Questions 36-45)
36. Choose the synonym of "MAGNANIMOUS":
ASelfish
BPetty
CGenerous
DStingy
37. Select the antonym of "PROLIFIC":
AProductive
BFertile
CCreative
DBarren
38. Which word is closest in meaning to "EPHEMERAL"?
APermanent
BTransient
CEternal
DLasting
39. What is the antonym of "BENEVOLENT"?
AMalevolent
BKind
CGenerous
DCharitable
40. Choose the synonym of "LACONIC":
AVerbose
BTalkative
CConcise
DLengthy
41. What is the antonym of "AMPLIFY"?
AIncrease
BReduce
CEnhance
DMagnify
42. Choose the synonym of "DILIGENT":
ALazy
BCareless
CNegligent
DIndustrious
43. What is the antonym of "TRANSPARENT"?
AOpaque
BClear
CLucid
DSheer
44. Choose the synonym of "ENIGMATIC":
AClear
BObvious
CMysterious
DPlain
45. What is the antonym of "SUCCINCT"?
ABrief
BVerbose
CConcise
DTerse
E. Additional Verbal Ability (Questions 46-50)
46. Identify the correct spelling:
AAccomodation
BAcommodation
CAccommodation
DAcomodation
47. Choose the correct meaning of the idiom "bite off more than you can chew":
ATo be very hungry
BTo eat quickly
CTo share food generously
DTo take on more responsibility than you can manage
48. Select the one-word substitute for "a person who loves and collects books":
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