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
301
Please open . . . . . . . . window; it’s too hot in here.
Answer:
The definite article 'the' is correct because the speaker is referring to a particular window known to both parties, likely in the same room. Indefinite articles would imply any window, which is not the intended meaning. Thus, 'the window' is the accurate form.
302
I’ve never eaten . . . . . . . . avocado before.
Answer:
The noun 'avocado' begins with a vowel sound, requiring the article 'an'. This is also a general, first-time mention, so the indefinite article is appropriate. 'A' would not conform to the vowel sound. Hence, 'an avocado' is correct.
303
She wants to become . . . . . . . . artist when she grows up.
Answer:
The noun 'artist' starts with a vowel sound, making 'an' the correct indefinite article. The phrase refers to a general aspiration rather than a specific person, so the indefinite article fits. 'A' would be incorrect phonetically. Therefore, 'an artist' is the grammatically correct usage.
304
He accidentally broke . . . . . . . . vase in the living room.
Answer:
The definite article 'the' is used here because the vase is likely known to both speaker and listener, especially since its location is specified. 'A' would introduce a new or unknown vase, which would not align with the context. Therefore, 'the vase' is the appropriate phrase.
305
We stayed at . . . . . . . . hotel near the beach.
Answer:
a
The article 'a' is used because the hotel is mentioned for the first time and begins with a consonant sound. 'An' would be phonetically incorrect, and 'the' would suggest the listener already knows about the hotel, which is not implied. Therefore, 'a hotel' fits the context.
306
Have you ever seen . . . . . . . . elephant in real life?
Answer:
The noun 'elephant' starts with a vowel sound, requiring the article 'an'. Since this is a general reference and not a specific elephant, the indefinite article is appropriate. 'A' would be incorrect due to phonetics. Therefore, 'an elephant' is the correct phrase.
307
He looked at me with . . . . . . . . expression of surprise.
Answer:
Since 'expression' begins with a vowel sound, 'an' is the correct article. The expression is being introduced here for the first time, so the indefinite article is appropriate. Using 'a' would not follow the vowel sound rule. Hence, 'an expression' is grammatically proper.
308
They have built . . . . . . . . hotel on the island.
Answer:
a
The noun 'hotel' begins with a consonant sound, so 'a' is the appropriate indefinite article. The hotel is being introduced for the first time and is therefore not specific. 'An' would be phonetically incorrect, and 'the' implies prior knowledge. Thus, 'a hotel' is correct.
309
I found . . . . . . . . error in the report.
Answer:
The noun 'error' starts with a vowel sound, so the correct article is 'an'. The indefinite article is used because the error is being mentioned for the first time. 'A' would be incorrect due to phonetics. Thus, 'an error' is the grammatically sound choice.
310
. . . . . . . . honesty is the best policy.
Answer:
Abstract nouns like 'honesty' are used without an article when referred to in a general, non-specific sense. This sentence presents a proverb or general truth, making the absence of an article grammatically correct. 'The' or 'a' would incorrectly imply specificity. Therefore, no article should be used.