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
251
They went to see . . . . . . . . Taj Mahal during their trip.
Answer:
The definite article 'the' is used for unique landmarks such as the Taj Mahal. Both the speaker and listener are aware of its identity, so definiteness is required. Indefinite articles would incorrectly suggest one among many. Therefore, 'the Taj Mahal' is correct.
252
She saw . . . . . . . . eagle soaring above the mountains.
Answer:
The noun 'eagle' begins with a vowel sound, so 'an' is the correct indefinite article. This is a first mention, so the indefinite form is required. 'A' would not be phonetically correct. Thus, 'an eagle' is the right structure.
253
The children are playing in . . . . . . . . park.
Answer:
The definite article 'the' is used because the park is specific and known to both speaker and listener by context. 'A' would imply an unspecified park, which does not match the situation. Thus, 'the park' is the proper usage here.
254
He was late because he missed . . . . . . . . bus.
Answer:
The definite article 'the' is correct because 'bus' refers to a specific, expected bus in the given context. The speaker and listener both understand which bus is being discussed. Using 'a' would imply any bus, which changes the meaning. Thus, 'the bus' is the appropriate phrase.
255
She likes to drink . . . . . . . . coffee in the morning.
Answer:
Uncountable nouns like 'coffee' generally do not take an article when discussed in a general sense. Here, the speaker refers to coffee as a substance, not a specific cup. Adding 'the' would imply particular coffee, and 'a' or 'an' would be incorrect for uncountables. Therefore, no article is used.
256
He works as . . . . . . . . accountant in a large firm.
Answer:
The word 'accountant' begins with a vowel sound, making 'an' the correct indefinite article. The job is mentioned for the first time, so it should not take 'the'. 'A' would be phonetically inappropriate. Thus, 'an accountant' is grammatically accurate.
257
We saw . . . . . . . . stars shining brightly last night.
Answer:
When referring to celestial bodies in a general but universally understood sense, the definite article 'the' is often used, as in 'the stars'. This is because stars as a category are collectively identifiable phenomena. Omitting the article would sound incomplete in this context. Therefore, 'the stars' is the proper form.
258
She wants to buy . . . . . . . . house with a garden.
Answer:
a
The noun 'house' begins with a consonant sound, and since it is introduced for the first time, the indefinite article 'a' is appropriate. 'An' would be incorrect because the initial sound is consonantal. 'The' would imply a particular house already known to both parties. Hence, 'a house' is correct.
259
The students visited . . . . . . . . Great Mosque of Cordoba.
Answer:
Famous religious places like the Great Mosque of Cordoba always take 'the'. The definite article emphasizes their uniqueness and identity. 'A Great Mosque' or 'an Great Mosque' would be incorrect. 'No article' would also make the sentence wrong. Hence, 'the Great Mosque of Cordoba' is correct.
260
Haleema bought . . . . . . . . egg for breakfast.
Answer:
The word 'egg' begins with a vowel sound, so 'an' is correct. This is the first mention of the egg, making the indefinite article suitable. 'A egg' would be grammatically wrong. 'The egg' would mean one already known. Thus, 'an egg' is the right choice.