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
291
Zainab gave me . . . . . . . . orange from the basket.
Answer:
The word 'orange' begins with a vowel sound, which requires 'an'. This is the first mention of the orange, so an indefinite article is correct. 'A orange' would be grammatically incorrect because it does not match the sound. 'The orange' would mean a specific one known already. Hence, 'an orange' fits best here.
292
The sun is shining brightly in . . . . . . . . sky.
Answer:
Natural objects like the sun, moon, and sky are unique and always take the definite article 'the'. This emphasizes that we are speaking of the only existing sky in context. 'A sky' or 'an sky' would be incorrect because there is only one. 'No article' would also make the sentence sound incomplete. Thus, 'the sky' is correct.
293
Sheikh Ali bought . . . . . . . . horse from the fair.
Answer:
a
The word 'horse' begins with a consonant sound, which requires the article 'a'. Since the horse is being mentioned for the first time, the indefinite article is correct. 'An' would not work because of the consonant sound. If it were a horse already mentioned earlier, 'the' would be used. Hence, 'a horse' is the right option.
294
Hamid read . . . . . . . . newspaper before going to work.
Answer:
When we talk about reading the daily newspaper, we use the definite article 'the'. It refers to the specific newspaper that is available that day. Using 'a' would imply any newspaper in general, but the sentence context suggests a particular one. 'No article' would make the sentence incomplete. Thus, 'the newspaper' is correct.
295
Maryam saw . . . . . . . . eagle flying over the valley.
Answer:
The noun 'eagle' starts with a vowel sound, so the correct article is 'an'. Indefinite articles are used when mentioning something for the first time. 'A eagle' would be incorrect due to pronunciation rules. 'The eagle' would suggest a specific bird already known to the listener. Therefore, 'an eagle' is the proper choice.
296
Can you turn off . . . . . . . . lights before leaving?
Answer:
The definite article 'the' is used because the lights in question are known to both speaker and listener — likely those in the room. Using 'a' or 'an' would indicate an unknown or unspecified set of lights. Therefore, 'the lights' is the proper usage.
297
He took . . . . . . . . shower before going to work.
Answer:
a
'Shower' is a countable noun introduced for the first time, and it begins with a consonant sound. Therefore, the indefinite article 'a' is correct. 'An' would not suit the consonant sound, and 'the' would imply a specific shower. Thus, 'a shower' is the right choice.
298
. . . . . . . . Nile is the longest river in Africa.
Answer:
Proper names of rivers always take the definite article 'the'. Since 'Nile' refers to a unique river, 'the' is necessary. Omitting the article or using an indefinite one would be incorrect. Therefore, 'the Nile' is the appropriate usage.
299
He studied for . . . . . . . . hour before dinner.
Answer:
Though 'hour' starts with the consonant letter 'h', the 'h' is silent, resulting in a vowel sound. Therefore, the correct article is 'an'. 'A hour' would be grammatically incorrect due to pronunciation rules. Hence, 'an hour' is correct.
300
She plays . . . . . . . . piano beautifully.
Answer:
When referring to playing a musical instrument in general, the definite article 'the' is used. This is an idiomatic usage in English. Using 'a' or 'an' would change the meaning or sound unnatural. Therefore, 'the piano' is the correct usage.