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
281
Ayesha bought . . . . . . . . kilo of rice from the shop.
Answer:
a
The noun 'kilo' begins with a consonant sound, so 'a' is correct. Since it is the first mention of the rice quantity, the indefinite article is appropriate. 'An' would be wrong due to pronunciation. 'The' would only fit if it were a specific kilo already known. Thus, 'a kilo of rice' is correct.
282
We must save . . . . . . . . water for the future.
Answer:
When speaking of substances like water in a general sense, no article is used. Saying 'a water' or 'an water' would be incorrect because water is uncountable. 'The water' would only be used if a specific source were mentioned. In this case, the sentence refers to water generally. Hence, no article is correct.
283
She gave me . . . . . . . . honest opinion.
Answer:
The word 'honest' starts with a silent 'h' and thus begins with a vowel sound. This requires the use of 'an'. 'A honest opinion' would be grammatically incorrect. The indefinite article is correct since the opinion is introduced for the first time. Therefore, 'an honest opinion' is proper.
284
The children are playing in . . . . . . . . park near our school.
Answer:
The definite article 'the' is used when talking about a specific park already understood by context. It narrows down the meaning to one particular location. 'A park' would mean any park in general. 'No article' would make the sentence sound incomplete. Therefore, 'the park' is correct.
285
Sheikh Omar told us . . . . . . . . story about his travels.
Answer:
a
The noun 'story' begins with a consonant sound, so 'a' is the correct article. It is the first mention of the story, which makes the indefinite article appropriate. If it had been a specific story mentioned earlier, 'the' would be correct. 'An' would not fit the consonant sound. Thus, 'a story' is correct here.
286
Sheikh Salman has bought . . . . . . . . European car.
Answer:
a
Although 'European' begins with the vowel letter 'E', its pronunciation starts with a consonant 'yoo' sound. Therefore, the correct article is 'a'. Using 'an' would be grammatically wrong due to sound rules. Since the car is mentioned for the first time, the indefinite article is correct. Hence, 'a European car' is proper.
287
We studied about . . . . . . . . Indus Valley Civilization.
Answer:
Historical events, civilizations, and periods are introduced with the definite article 'the'. This emphasizes their unique identity in history. 'A Indus Valley Civilization' would be wrong because 'Indus' starts with a consonant sound. 'An' would also be incorrect here. Therefore, 'the Indus Valley Civilization' is correct.
288
She bought . . . . . . . . umbrella for the rainy season.
Answer:
The noun 'umbrella' begins with a vowel sound, requiring 'an'. The umbrella is mentioned for the first time, so the indefinite article is suitable. 'A umbrella' would be grammatically wrong because of pronunciation rules. 'The umbrella' would suggest a particular one known already. Hence, 'an umbrella' is correct.
289
We listened to . . . . . . . . call to prayer in the mosque.
Answer:
The call to prayer (Adhan) is a specific and unique religious act, so 'the' is required. The definite article emphasizes that it is not just any sound, but a particular one. Using 'a' or 'an' would suggest one among many random calls, which is not intended. Therefore, 'the call to prayer' is correct. It specifies the known act in the context.
290
Imran is . . . . . . . . best student in his class.
Answer:
Superlatives like 'best' always require the definite article 'the'. This is because they refer to one unique person or thing among many. 'A best student' would be ungrammatical. 'No article' would make the sentence incorrect. Therefore, 'the best student' is the right phrase.