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
361
I have read . . . . . . . . interesting article about climate change.
Answer:
The indefinite article 'an' is used before words that begin with vowel sounds, and 'interesting' starts with such a sound. Since this is the first mention of the article and it is not specified which one, an indefinite article is required. 'A' would be phonetically incorrect due to the vowel sound. 'The' would imply a previously mentioned or specific article. Therefore, 'an interesting article' is the appropriate phrasing.
362
She doesn't like . . . . . . . . milk in her tea.
Answer:
When discussing things in general, especially uncountable nouns like 'milk', no article is used. In this case, the sentence refers to milk as a substance, not a particular quantity or type. Using 'the' would suggest a specific milk, while 'a' or 'an' is incorrect for uncountable nouns. The absence of an article properly conveys the general idea. Therefore, the correct structure is to omit the article.
363
Can you pass me . . . . . . . . salt, please?
Answer:
The definite article 'the' is appropriate when referring to a specific item known to both the speaker and listener. In this case, 'salt' refers to a specific container of salt that is presumably on the table. Since the listener knows which salt is being referenced, 'the' is needed. Indefinite articles would suggest any salt, which would be unclear in this context. Hence, 'the salt' is the correct usage.
364
He dreams of becoming . . . . . . . . astronaut one day.
Answer:
The article 'an' is used before singular countable nouns that start with a vowel sound, which 'astronaut' does. It also indicates a non-specific reference, which is appropriate as the speaker refers to any astronaut, not a particular one. Using 'a' would be incorrect due to the vowel sound beginning. 'The' would imply a specific astronaut already known, which is not the intent. Therefore, 'an astronaut' is the grammatically accurate choice.
365
We visited . . . . . . . . Eiffel Tower during our trip to Paris.
Answer:
The definite article 'the' is used before names of specific, well-known landmarks or monuments. 'Eiffel Tower' is a unique, specific structure, and both the speaker and listener understand which monument is being referred to. Using 'a' or 'an' would incorrectly imply one among many, which does not apply here. Omitting the article would result in a grammatically incomplete expression. Thus, 'the Eiffel Tower' is the correct form.
366
She adopted . . . . . . . . puppy from the shelter last week.
Answer:
a
The indefinite article 'a' is used before a singular, countable noun that is being introduced for the first time and begins with a consonant sound. The word 'puppy' fits this criteria, as it starts with a consonant and is not previously mentioned. The article 'an' would be inappropriate because 'puppy' does not begin with a vowel sound. The definite article 'the' cannot be used because the puppy is not yet known to the listener. Therefore, 'a puppy' is the correct usage.
367
Zainab is reading . . . . . . . . Quran with translation.
Answer:
Religious texts take the definite article 'the'.
368
We traveled by . . . . . . . . bus to Lahore.
Answer:
Modes of transport like 'by bus' do not require an article.
369
She wore . . . . . . . . beautiful dress to the party.
Answer:
a
The word 'beautiful' begins with a consonant sound, so 'a' is correct.
370
We are going to watch . . . . . . . . movie tonight.
Answer:
a
For a general, singular, countable noun like 'movie', 'a' is correct.