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
461
The Prime Minister has said, "The government will extend help to the unorganized sector."
Answer:
The Prime Minister has said that the government will extend help to the unorganized sector.
** **Present perfect reporting ("has said") → no backshift**; keep **will**. Others mis-tense or alter meaning. ---
462
Mother said to her, "Paint the river blue."
Answer:
Mother said her …
** **Imperative → told + object + to-infinitive.** (a)(c) wrong verb pattern; (d) _asked_ is for requests, not commands. ---
463
My brother told me that I could see any film I wanted on TV.
Answer:
My brother said to me, "You can see any film you want on TV."
** **Reverse backshift:** **could → can**; keep **you** addressing the listener; maintain generic present **want**. ---
464
The policeman told the inspector that he had arrested a man for breaking the lock-down rules.
Answer:
The policeman said to the inspector, "I have arrested a man for breaking the lock-down rules."
** **Reverse backshift:** **had arrested → have arrested**; keep first person **I** from the speaker. ---
465
Garima told her friends that she couldn't go with them to the movie that night as she was very busy.
Answer:
… mixes _them/that night/was_.
** **Indirect → Direct (reverse backshift):** **couldn't→can't**, **them→you**, **that night→tonight**, **was→am**. (b)(c)(d) have pronoun/tense mismatches. ---
466
The teacher said to the parents, "Young children are very restless."
Answer:
… had been …
** **Said to → told + object**; **present → past** backshift (**are → were**). (a) over-backshifts to past perfect. (b) wrong verb pattern. (d) turns statement into a question and keeps present. ---
467
The thief said to the judge, "Pardon me."
Answer:
The thief begged the judge to pardon him.
** **Request for mercy → begged/entreated + object + to-infinitive**; pronoun **me→him**. Others are unidiomatic/ungrammatical. ---
468
I said to you, "He should be trusted."
Answer:
… I should …
** **Statement reporting** with **told + object + that-clause**; modal **should** generally **no backshift**. (a)(b) wrong pronouns. (d) wrongly turns into a question. ---
469
The professor said to Piyush, "Will you clean the data and get back to me tomorrow?"
Answer:
… told … clean …
** **Yes/No question → asked + if/whether + clause**; **will → would**, **me→him**, **tomorrow→the next day**. (b) missing _to_ and not a question; (d) keeps question order. ---
470
I said to my friend, "Please help me arrange these books on the shelf."
Answer:
I asked my friend to help me arrange these books on the shelf.
** **Imperative with "please" → requested + object + to-infinitive**; **deictic shift**: _these → those_. (b) uses _asked_ (weaker fit with "please") and keeps _these_. (c) tone changes to _ordered_. (d) ungrammatical "told to my friend". ---