Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the five questions that follow:-
The concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved from a speculative idea into a transformative force shaping nearly every sector of human life. From healthcare and education to transportation and entertainment, AI-driven technologies are redefining efficiency, accuracy, and innovation. The ability of machines to analyze vast amounts of data, recognize patterns, and make independent decisions has made them indispensable in fields like medical diagnosis, climate modeling, and financial forecasting. For example, AI algorithms can now detect diseases such as cancer with accuracy levels comparable to human specialists.
However, the rise of AI also raises complex ethical and socio-economic questions. Automation threatens to displace millions of workers in traditional countries, while bias in algorithms can reinforce discrimination if not properly monitored. Governments and organizations worldwide are therefore focusing on creating regulatory frameworks that ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI applications. The debate is no longer about whether AI should be used, but how it should be used responsibly.
Interestingly, some experts argue that the real power of AI lies not in replacing humans, but in augmenting human intelligence--helping people make better, faster and more informed decisions. Hybrid intelligence systems, where humans and machines collaborate, are being explored as a model for the future. Ultimately, the trajectory of AI will depend not just on technological advancement, but on the ethical choices humanity makes today. If guided wisely, AI could become one of the greatest tools ever created for human progress.
Replace the underlined group of words with a word from the passage:-
To form an opinion about something without knowing all the facts.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → speculative
Speculative (from the Latin speculari, to watch, to spy out) means based on guesses rather than on facts or full knowledge. The verb "speculate" means to form an opinion without knowing all the facts; the passage uses the adjective when it says AI began as "a speculative idea". It is the word among the options that carries this meaning.
Example: The news report was largely speculative.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: indispensable — Incorrect. Indispensable means absolutely necessary.
Example: Water is indispensable to life.
Option 3: innovation — Incorrect. Innovation means a new idea, method or invention.
Example: The company is known for innovation in mobile phones.
Option 4: augmenting — Incorrect. Augmenting means increasing or making greater.
Example: He took a second job to augment his income.
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| indispensable | 20-05 S2 | 21-05 S1 | – | – | – |