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
331
Children need . . . . . . . . love and care to grow happily.
Answer:
Abstract, uncountable nouns such as 'love' and 'care' generally do not require articles when used in a general sense. Adding 'a' or 'an' would be ungrammatical because these words are not countable. 'The' would limit the meaning to specific love or care, which is not intended here. Thus, no article is correct. The sentence speaks of love in general.
332
Bilal bought . . . . . . . . umbrella to keep dry in the rain.
Answer:
The noun 'umbrella' begins with a vowel sound, so 'an' is the correct article. This is the first mention of the umbrella, making the indefinite article appropriate. If it were a particular umbrella already discussed, 'the' would be correct. 'A' would not work due to the vowel sound. Thus, 'an umbrella' fits best.
333
She visited . . . . . . . . Great Wall of China last year.
Answer:
Famous monuments such as the Great Wall of China always take 'the'. This is because they are unique, singular, and widely recognized. Using 'a' or 'an' would be ungrammatical in this context. The definite article makes the sentence precise. Therefore, 'the Great Wall of China' is correct.
334
Ali saw . . . . . . . . owl on the tree last night.
Answer:
The noun 'owl' begins with a vowel sound, requiring the use of 'an'. Since this is the first mention of the owl, the indefinite article is appropriate. Using 'a' would be grammatically incorrect due to pronunciation. 'The' would suggest a specific owl known earlier. Thus, 'an owl' is the right choice.
335
We must protect . . . . . . . . environment for future generations.
Answer:
The word 'environment' in this sentence refers to the global and specific concept we all share. The definite article 'the' is necessary because there is only one environment in this sense. Using 'a' would incorrectly suggest multiple environments. Hence, 'the environment' is the proper usage. It highlights a universal truth.
336
She wore . . . . . . . . beautiful dress to the wedding.
Answer:
a
The adjective 'beautiful' begins with a consonant sound, so 'a' is correct. The dress is introduced for the first time, making the indefinite article appropriate. If it were already mentioned earlier, 'the' would be used. This sentence refers to one dress among many possible ones. Therefore, 'a beautiful dress' is the right phrase.
337
Please close . . . . . . . . door behind you.
Answer:
The definite article 'the' is used because the door being referred to is specific — likely the one the listener just walked through. This makes it identifiable to both speaker and listener. 'A' or 'an' would suggest an unspecified door, which doesn't fit the context. Therefore, 'the door' is appropriate here.
338
He is studying to become . . . . . . . . historian.
Answer:
a
The noun 'historian' starts with a consonant sound 'h', which is pronounced. Therefore, the correct article is 'a'. Although some words with 'h' are silent, 'historian' does not fall into that category. Using 'an' would be incorrect here. Thus, 'a historian' is the proper form.
339
She wore . . . . . . . . uniform to school every day.
Answer:
a
Although 'uniform' begins with the vowel letter 'u', it starts with a 'yoo' sound, which is phonetically a consonant. Therefore, the correct article is 'a', not 'an'. This is a common phonetic exception in English. 'An uniform' would be grammatically incorrect. Hence, 'a uniform' is the correct usage.
340
He was appointed as . . . . . . . . director of the company.
Answer:
When referring to official titles within a specific organization, 'the' is typically used, particularly when there is only one person in that role. The noun 'director' is made specific by the context of 'the company'. Using 'a' would imply any director, not necessarily within the mentioned organization. Therefore, 'the director' is the correct phrase.