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
31
She went to . . . . . . . . school to pick up her brother.
Answer:
When referring to the physical building rather than the institution’s function, 'the' is used ('go to the school'). The destination is a specific location identifiable to the speakers. The zero-article form 'go to school' would imply attending as a pupil for its primary purpose. Here, 'the' is correct.
32
We visited . . . . . . . . British Museum during our stay in London.
Answer:
Museums with proper names conventionally take 'the'. 'The British Museum' is a unique, well-known institution. Using an indefinite article would mischaracterize it as one among many unnamed museums. Thus, 'the' is required.
33
She wrote . . . . . . . . thesis on feminist narratology.
Answer:
a
When introducing the existence of an academic work, 'a thesis' is standard. The noun begins with a consonant sound, supporting 'a'. 'The thesis' would imply a previously identified specific project. Therefore, 'a thesis' is appropriate.
34
He made . . . . . . . . MBA application last month.
Answer:
'MBA' is pronounced 'em-bee-ay', starting with a vowel sound, so 'an' is used. Article selection follows pronunciation rather than spelling. 'A MBA' would be phonetically wrong. The noun is also first mention and indefinite.
35
She looked through . . . . . . . . window at the falling rain.
Answer:
In a shared physical setting, 'the window' is uniquely identifiable to both speaker and listener. The definite article marks this situational specificity. Indefinite choice would be less natural. Hence, 'the window' is correct.
36
I watched . . . . . . . . episode before going to bed.
Answer:
The noun 'episode' begins with a vowel sound, so 'an' is required. The reference is to any one episode, not a specific one previously mentioned. 'A' would violate the vowel-sound rule. Thus, 'an episode' is appropriate.
37
They’re traveling to . . . . . . . . Philippines next winter.
Answer:
Plural country names (e.g., 'the Netherlands', 'the Philippines') require the definite article. The article marks the proper noun’s conventional form. Omitting it would be ungrammatical. Therefore, 'the Philippines' is correct.
38
He was elected . . . . . . . . president of the society unanimously.
Answer:
Unique roles within a specified organization take the definite article. 'The president of the society' identifies a single officeholder. 'A' would imply one among several equal options, which is not accurate. Hence, 'the president' is correct.
39
I need . . . . . . . . hour to finish grading these papers.
Answer:
Because the 'h' in 'hour' is silent, the word starts with a vowel sound. The correct article is therefore 'an'. 'A hour' would be phonologically incorrect. The reference is first mention and indefinite.
40
She took . . . . . . . . elevator to the tenth floor.
Answer:
In a building, 'the elevator' is identifiable by situational context. Both parties know it refers to the available elevator system. Using 'a' would be less natural and imply one among many without shared reference. Therefore, 'the elevator' is apt.