Select the appropriate option to fill in the blank:
The mob was _____________ to indulge in a series of acts of arson.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → instigated
Instigate means to urge or provoke someone to do something wrong or violent. A mob led into acts of arson (setting property on fire) was instigated.
Example: The leader was arrested for instigating the crowd to violence.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: inspired — Incorrect. Inspire means to fill someone with the wish to do something good or creative; it is used in a positive sense, not for crimes like arson.
Example: The teacher inspired the students to work harder.
Option 3: motivated — Incorrect. Motivate means to give someone a reason or the eagerness to act; it is neutral or positive and does not carry the sense of stirring people up to do wrong.
Example: The coach motivated the players before the final.
Option 4: animated — Incorrect. Animated means lively and full of energy; it describes a manner, not provoking someone to act.
Example: The discussion became animated.
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| instigate | – | 23-05 S2 | – | 11-06 S1 | – |