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
351
He found . . . . . . . . wallet on the ground and took it to the police.
Answer:
a
The article 'a' is appropriate because the noun 'wallet' begins with a consonant sound and the object is being mentioned for the first time. 'An' would not be correct due to the initial consonant sound. 'The' would suggest prior mention or shared knowledge, which is not applicable here. Therefore, 'a wallet' fits best.
352
They live in . . . . . . . . apartment near the university.
Answer:
The noun 'apartment' begins with a vowel sound, and it is being introduced for the first time, making 'an' the suitable indefinite article. 'A' would not be correct due to the vowel sound of the following word. 'The' would imply a specific apartment known to the listener, which is not indicated here. Hence, 'an apartment' is grammatically accurate.
353
He always wanted to be . . . . . . . . engineer.
Answer:
Since 'engineer' starts with a vowel sound, the indefinite article 'an' is grammatically correct. The sentence talks about any engineer, not a specific one, hence an indefinite article is suitable. Using 'a' would be phonetically incorrect. 'The' is reserved for specific references. Therefore, 'an engineer' is appropriate here.
354
. . . . . . . . sun rises in the east.
Answer:
The definite article 'the' is used before singular nouns that are unique or one of a kind, such as 'sun'. The sun is a specific celestial body known universally, justifying the use of 'the'. Indefinite articles do not suit unique nouns. Omitting the article would render the sentence grammatically incorrect. Hence, 'the sun' is the proper usage.
355
He took . . . . . . . . umbrella with him because it looked like rain.
Answer:
The word 'umbrella' starts with a vowel sound, which necessitates the use of 'an'. This is also a first mention of the object, making the indefinite article appropriate. 'A' would not fit phonetically due to the vowel sound. 'The' would suggest a previously specified umbrella. Therefore, 'an umbrella' is correct.
356
I saw . . . . . . . . owl perched on the old tree.
Answer:
The noun 'owl' begins with a vowel sound, so the correct article is 'an'. The indefinite article is appropriate here because the owl is being introduced for the first time and is not yet known to the listener. Using 'a' would be incorrect due to the vowel sound. 'The' would imply prior knowledge of the owl. Thus, 'an owl' is the correct usage.
357
He was looking for . . . . . . . . job in marketing.
Answer:
a
The phrase refers to a non-specific job and 'job' begins with a consonant sound, making 'a' the correct choice. 'An' would be incorrect due to the consonant sound at the beginning of 'job'. 'The' would indicate a specific job, which is not implied here. Since the job has not been previously mentioned, the indefinite article 'a' is appropriate.
358
We were walking along . . . . . . . . river when it started to rain.
Answer:
The article 'the' is used before singular countable nouns that are specific or known to the speaker and listener. In this context, the river being walked along is specific to the situation. Using 'a' or 'an' would make it unclear which river is being referenced. No article would be grammatically incorrect. Hence, 'the river' is the appropriate phrase.
359
They went on . . . . . . . . hour-long hike through the forest.
Answer:
Although 'hour' starts with the consonant letter 'h', it is silent, and the word begins with a vowel sound. Thus, 'an' is required according to pronunciation rules. 'A' would be incorrect because it does not align with the initial vowel sound. Since this is the first mention and not specific, 'the' is not suitable. Therefore, 'an hour-long hike' is grammatically correct.
360
There is . . . . . . . . university in the city center.
Answer:
a
Despite 'university' beginning with the vowel 'u', it actually starts with a consonant 'yoo' sound. Therefore, 'a' is the correct article due to pronunciation. 'An' is reserved for vowel sounds, not vowel letters. Since the university is introduced for the first time and is not specific, 'the' would be inappropriate. Hence, 'a university' is the correct usage here.