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
341
She went to . . . . . . . . hospital after the accident.
Answer:
The article 'the' is used here because the hospital is specific, either known to both speaker and listener or specified by context (e.g., the one she was taken to). 'A' or 'an' would indicate any hospital, which would not fit if the hospital has been mentioned before or implied. Since a definite place is intended, 'the hospital' is appropriate.
342
They climbed . . . . . . . . hill before sunset.
Answer:
a
The noun 'hill' begins with a consonant sound, and since it is introduced for the first time, the indefinite article 'a' is appropriate. 'An' would be incorrect phonetically. 'The' would suggest the hill is already known, which is not indicated here. Therefore, 'a hill' fits the context correctly.
343
She is . . . . . . . . European citizen.
Answer:
a
Although 'European' begins with the vowel letter 'e', it starts with the consonant 'yoo' sound. Therefore, the correct article is 'a', not 'an'. Article choice depends on phonetics, not just spelling. 'An European' would be incorrect due to the initial consonant sound. Thus, 'a European citizen' is grammatically proper.
344
. . . . . . . . patience is a virtue.
Answer:
Abstract nouns such as 'patience' are generally used without articles when they are being discussed in a general, non-specific sense. Here, the sentence refers to the concept of patience, not a specific instance of it. Using 'the' or 'a' would be grammatically and semantically inappropriate. Therefore, the correct structure omits the article.
345
Do you have . . . . . . . . pencil I could borrow?
Answer:
a
The noun 'pencil' begins with a consonant sound, so 'a' is the appropriate indefinite article. The speaker is referring to any pencil, not one previously mentioned. Using 'an' would be phonetically incorrect. 'The' would imply that the speaker and listener both know which pencil is being referenced, which is not the case. Therefore, 'a pencil' is correct.
346
I need to buy . . . . . . . . new phone before the semester starts.
Answer:
a
The word 'new' begins with a consonant sound, so the article 'a' is used. The phone being referenced has not been introduced previously and is therefore indefinite. 'An' would be incorrect due to the consonant sound. 'The' would incorrectly indicate prior mention. Hence, 'a new phone' is grammatically correct.
347
She is reading . . . . . . . . book I lent her last week.
Answer:
The definite article 'the' is used here because the speaker and listener both know which book is being referred to — the one that was lent last week. The use of 'a' or 'an' would imply an unknown or unspecified book. Because the book has already been introduced in previous discourse, specificity requires the use of 'the'. Thus, 'the book' is appropriate.
348
. . . . . . . . Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
Answer:
Names of mountains, especially well-known and unique ones like 'Mount Everest', require the definite article 'the' when used in general statements about uniqueness or record-holding features. Since the statement references a singular, specific entity known globally, 'the' is necessary. Omitting the article would make the sentence grammatically incorrect. Therefore, 'the Mount Everest' is the proper form in this context.
349
I saw . . . . . . . . moon through the telescope.
Answer:
The noun 'moon' refers to a unique celestial body, so it requires the definite article 'the'. This article is used when referring to something specific and known to all. Using 'a' or 'an' would imply there are multiple moons being discussed, which is misleading in this context. Therefore, 'the moon' is the correct and conventional usage.
350
He gave me . . . . . . . . honest answer, which I appreciated.
Answer:
Although 'honest' starts with the consonant 'h', the 'h' is silent, and the word begins with a vowel sound, making 'an' the correct article. Indefinite articles are used here since the answer is being mentioned for the first time. Using 'a' would be incorrect due to the vowel sound at the beginning. 'The' would suggest prior knowledge or specificity. Thus, 'an honest answer' is grammatically proper.