The CSS (Central Superior Services) Exam MCQs
Topic Notes: The CSS (Central Superior Services) Exam
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
151
She delivered . . . . . . . . lecture on phonology to first-year students.
Answer:
a
The noun 'lecture' starts with a consonant sound, so 'a' is correct. It is introduced for the first time, warranting an indefinite article. 'The' would imply a specific, previously known lecture. 'An' would be phonetically wrong.
152
They rented . . . . . . . . car for the weekend trip to the countryside.
Answer:
a
The noun 'car' begins with a consonant sound and is mentioned for the first time, so 'a' is appropriate. 'An' would not fit phonetically. 'The' would suggest a specific car identified earlier. Hence, 'a car' is correct.
153
He looked at me with . . . . . . . . expression of disbelief.
Answer:
The noun 'expression' begins with a vowel sound, necessitating 'an'. The expression is newly introduced and non-specific. 'A' would be phonetically incorrect. 'The' would imply a particular expression already known.
154
She found . . . . . . . . error in the dataset and corrected it immediately.
Answer:
The noun 'error' begins with a vowel sound, so 'an' is required. The error is introduced for the first time, supporting the indefinite article. 'A' would conflict with phonetics. 'The' would indicate a previously identified error.
155
They arrived at . . . . . . . . airport two hours early for security checks.
Answer:
In travel contexts, 'the airport' typically refers to the specific airport relevant to the situation, which is understood by both parties. This situational definiteness licenses the definite article. Using 'a' would imply any airport, which is not intended. Therefore, 'the airport' is suitable.
156
He is writing . . . . . . . . thesis on article usage in academic English.
Answer:
a
In academic contexts, 'a thesis' is standard when first introducing the work. The noun begins with a consonant sound, supporting 'a'. 'The thesis' would suggest a specific, previously mentioned thesis. Hence, 'a thesis' fits.
157
She gave me . . . . . . . . one-time code to access the portal.
Answer:
a
Although 'one' begins with the letter 'o', it starts with the consonant 'w' sound. Therefore, 'a' is correct. 'An' would be phonetically incorrect. The code is first mentioned, so an indefinite article is appropriate.
158
. . . . . . . . water in the reservoir has dropped significantly.
Answer:
The prepositional phrase 'in the reservoir' specifies which water is meant, making it definite. Thus, 'the water' is required. Without 'the', the referent would be overly general. Indefinite articles are not used with uncountable nouns here.
159
We rented . . . . . . . . apartment overlooking the harbor.
Answer:
The noun 'apartment' starts with a vowel sound, necessitating 'an'. The reference is indefinite and first mention. 'A' would conflict with the vowel sound. 'The' would imply a previously identified apartment.
160
She was appointed . . . . . . . . chair of the ethics committee.
Answer:
A unique role within a specific body is definite by context. The definite article 'the' marks this singular office. Using an indefinite article would imply one among several chairs, which is inaccurate. Therefore, 'the chair' is correct.