Choose the correct word from the options given to fill in the blank.
The media has to be mindful of showing ________ violence on the television.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → gratuitous
Gratuitous means done without any good reason; unnecessary and uncalled for. "Gratuitous violence" is violence shown on screen only for shock value, not because the story needs it, which is why the media must be careful about it.
Example: The film was criticised for its gratuitous violence.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: grouchy — Incorrect. Grouchy means bad-tempered and complaining; it describes a person's mood, not violence on television.
Example: He is always grouchy before his morning tea.
Option 3: gratis — Incorrect. Gratis means free of charge; "gratis violence" makes no sense.
Example: The first issue of the magazine was given away gratis.
Option 4: grotesque — Incorrect. Grotesque means ugly or distorted in a strange, frightening way; violence may be grotesque, but the point of the sentence is violence shown without need, which is gratuitous.
Example: The old church walls are decorated with grotesque stone faces.
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| gratuitous | – | – | – | 21-05 S1 | – |
| gratis | – | – | – | 02-06 S1 10-06 S2 | – |
| grotesque | – | 23-05 S2 | – | – | – |