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
261
Ayesha recited . . . . . . . . Holy Quran during Ramadan.
Answer:
Religious texts like the Quran are unique and always take the definite article 'the'. This shows respect and accuracy in usage. 'A Quran' or 'an Quran' would be ungrammatical. 'No article' would also be incomplete. Therefore, 'the Holy Quran' is correct.
262
Sheikh Salman gave me . . . . . . . . useful idea.
Answer:
a
Although 'useful' begins with a vowel letter, it starts with the consonant sound 'yoo'. This makes 'a' the correct article. 'An useful' would be grammatically incorrect. Since it is the first mention, the indefinite article fits. Therefore, 'a useful idea' is correct.
263
They traveled across . . . . . . . . River Nile.
Answer:
Names of rivers always take the definite article 'the'. The River Nile is a specific geographical name. 'A River Nile' or 'an River Nile' would be ungrammatical. 'No article' would also make the sentence incorrect. Hence, 'the River Nile' is correct.
264
Sheikh Karim told us about . . . . . . . . hour-long journey.
Answer:
The word 'hour' begins with a silent 'h' and therefore starts with a vowel sound. This requires the use of 'an'. 'A hour' would be grammatically incorrect. 'The hour' would mean a specific one already mentioned. Thus, 'an hour-long journey' is correct.
265
We studied about . . . . . . . . Battle of Badr in class.
Answer:
Historical events always take the definite article 'the'. The Battle of Badr is a specific event, so it must be introduced with 'the'. 'A' or 'an' would be ungrammatical. 'No article' would also make the phrase incomplete. Therefore, 'the Battle of Badr' is correct.
266
Sheikh Junaid saw . . . . . . . . owl sitting on the wall.
Answer:
The noun 'owl' begins with a vowel sound, so 'an' is required. This is the first mention, making the indefinite article correct. 'A owl' would be grammatically incorrect. 'The owl' would imply one already known. Hence, 'an owl' is correct.
267
Hassan bought . . . . . . . . loaf of bread from the bakery.
Answer:
a
The noun 'loaf' begins with a consonant sound, so 'a' is correct. Since the loaf is being mentioned for the first time, the indefinite article is appropriate. 'An' would be wrong due to pronunciation. 'The' would imply a specific loaf already known. Thus, 'a loaf of bread' is correct.
268
The teacher told us . . . . . . . . truth about the incident.
Answer:
Abstract nouns like 'truth' take the definite article when used in a specific sense. Here, it refers to a particular truth about an incident. 'A truth' would suggest one among many, which is not intended. 'No article' would be incomplete. Therefore, 'the truth' is correct.
269
Ibrahim found . . . . . . . . apple in the bag.
Answer:
The word 'apple' begins with a vowel sound, so 'an' is required. It is mentioned for the first time, making the indefinite article suitable. 'A apple' would be grammatically wrong. 'The apple' would mean one already known in the context. Hence, 'an apple' is correct.
270
She went to . . . . . . . . United States last summer.
Answer:
Countries that are plural or contain descriptors take the definite article 'the'. The phrase 'United States' falls into this category. 'A United States' or 'an United States' would be ungrammatical. 'No article' would also be incorrect here. Therefore, 'the United States' is correct.