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
311
He was elected as . . . . . . . . president of the club.
Answer:
When referring to a specific role within a specific organization, the definite article 'the' is required. 'President of the club' indicates a unique position within that group, which makes it a definite noun. Thus, 'the president' is the appropriate structure.
312
She gave me . . . . . . . . advice that helped me a lot.
Answer:
Though 'advice' is uncountable and usually doesn’t take an article, in this context the phrase 'that helped me a lot' specifies the advice, making it definite. Therefore, 'the' is needed. Using no article would result in ambiguity. Hence, 'the advice' is correct.
313
I met . . . . . . . . man who claimed to be a time traveler.
Answer:
a
The article 'a' is appropriate here because 'man' is a singular countable noun introduced for the first time and begins with a consonant sound. 'An' is incorrect because 'man' does not begin with a vowel sound. 'The' would imply prior knowledge of the man. Therefore, 'a man' is the correct choice.
314
She bought . . . . . . . . necklace made of gold.
Answer:
a
The article 'a' is used before the singular countable noun 'necklace' which is being introduced for the first time and begins with a consonant sound. Since it’s not previously known to the listener, the indefinite article is appropriate. 'An' would be incorrect due to the consonant sound. 'The' would suggest a specific necklace, which isn’t implied here.
315
They visited . . . . . . . . museum that opened last month.
Answer:
The article 'the' is used because the noun 'museum' is specified by the modifying clause 'that opened last month'. This makes it a definite reference. Indefinite articles would imply any museum, which is not the speaker’s intention. Therefore, 'the museum' is grammatically appropriate.
316
They traveled by . . . . . . . . bus to Islamabad.
Answer:
Modes of transportation such as 'by bus' or 'by train' do not usually take an article. Saying 'the bus' would imply one particular bus, which is not the case here. The sentence refers to the mode of travel in general. Therefore, no article is required. This keeps the sentence natural and correct.
317
The students respected . . . . . . . . teacher who helped them.
Answer:
A specific teacher is referred to here, so 'the' is necessary. The definite article points to a person known from the context. 'A teacher' would make it sound like any teacher, which is not intended. Therefore, 'the teacher' fits correctly. It emphasizes specificity.
318
Ibrahim gave me . . . . . . . . honor by inviting me to his home.
Answer:
The noun 'honor' begins with a silent 'h' and thus has a vowel sound. For this reason, 'an' is the correct article. 'A honor' would be grammatically wrong. Since this is the first mention, the indefinite article is appropriate. Hence, 'an honor' is correct.
319
Sheikh Usman bought . . . . . . . . horse from the market.
Answer:
a
The noun 'horse' begins with a consonant sound, so 'a' is correct. The horse is introduced for the first time, making the indefinite article suitable. 'An' would not work due to pronunciation. If it were already mentioned, 'the' would be needed. Thus, 'a horse' is the right phrase here.
320
Hamza is . . . . . . . . tallest boy in the class.
Answer:
Superlative adjectives such as 'tallest' always take the definite article 'the'. This is because they refer to one unique example among many. Using 'a' or 'an' would be incorrect in this structure. 'The' emphasizes that Hamza is the one with the highest degree of the quality. Hence, 'the tallest boy' is correct.