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
171
We need to buy . . . . . . . . dozen pencils for the workshop.
Answer:
a
The fixed expression 'a dozen' requires the article 'a'. It functions as a quantifier phrase meaning twelve. Other articles would be unidiomatic. Therefore, 'a dozen pencils' is correct.
172
He took . . . . . . . . taxi because the buses were on strike.
Answer:
a
The noun 'taxi' begins with a consonant sound and is introduced for the first time, so 'a' is appropriate. 'An' would be phonetically incorrect. 'The' would imply a specific taxi already known to both parties. Thus, 'a taxi' is correct.
173
. . . . . . . . patience is essential when learning a new language.
Answer:
Abstract nouns used in a general sense usually omit the article. Here, 'patience' denotes the concept broadly. 'The patience' would imply a specific instance, which is not intended. Indefinite articles are not used with abstract nouns in generic statements.
174
They visited . . . . . . . . Louvre while in Paris.
Answer:
Museums with proper names typically take the definite article 'the'. 'The Louvre' is a unique, well-known institution. Using an indefinite article would imply one among many, which is inaccurate. Hence, 'the' is correct.
175
She bought . . . . . . . . MP3 player for her brother’s birthday.
Answer:
The initialism 'MP3' begins with the letter 'M', pronounced 'em', a vowel sound. Consequently, 'an' is required. Article choice is based on pronunciation, not spelling. 'A MP3 player' would be incorrect.
176
He has . . . . . . . . European passport and a U.S. visa.
Answer:
a
Although 'European' begins with 'e', it is pronounced with an initial 'yoo' sound, which is consonantal. Therefore, 'a' is the correct article. 'An' would be phonetically incorrect. The mention is indefinite, justifying 'a'.
177
We should protect . . . . . . . . environment for future generations.
Answer:
When referring to the environment as a unique, global system, the definite article 'the' is standard. It denotes a singular, shared referent. Indefinite articles would wrongly suggest one environment among many. Hence, 'the environment' is correct.
178
She brought . . . . . . . . apple and a sandwich for lunch.
Answer:
The noun 'apple' starts with a vowel sound, so 'an' is necessary. The item is newly introduced, which suits an indefinite article. 'A' would not align with the vowel sound. 'The' would imply a previously identified apple.
179
They trekked through . . . . . . . . Himalayas last summer.
Answer:
Mountain ranges take the definite article 'the'. 'The Himalayas' refers to a specific range. Omitting the article would be ungrammatical. Thus, 'the' is required.
180
He made . . . . . . . . useful observation during the meeting.
Answer:
a
The adjective 'useful' begins with the consonant 'yoo' sound, so 'a' is correct. The observation is first mentioned and non-specific. 'An' would be phonetically inappropriate here. 'The' would require prior identification.