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
491
He lives on ___ fifth floor of this building.
Answer:
the
**Rule: The definite article 'the' is used before ordinal numbers.** Ordinal numbers (like first, second, third, fifth) specify a particular item in a sequence, making it definite. Therefore, 'the fifth floor' is the correct form. Options (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect.
492
The manager put forward ___ number of proposals at the meeting.
Answer:
a
**Rule: 'A number of' is a quantifier phrase meaning 'many' and takes a plural verb.** This is a fixed expression. It contrasts with 'the number of', which means the total count and takes a singular verb. Since the meaning is 'many proposals', 'a number of' is correct. Option (b) is wrong by sound. Option (c) would change the meaning. Option (d) is ungrammatical.
493
___ virtue has its own reward.
Answer:
No article
**Rule: Abstract nouns used in a general or universal sense do not take an article.** 'Virtue' is an abstract noun used here to represent the general concept of moral excellence. The statement is a proverb expressing a universal truth. Therefore, no article is used. Options (a), (b), and (c) are incorrect.
494
Do not make ___ noise in the library.
Answer:
a
**Rule: 'Make a noise' is a fixed collocation.** In this common expression, the noun 'noise' is preceded by the indefinite article 'a'. 'Noise' begins with a consonant sound. Option (b) is wrong by sound. Option (c) would refer to a specific, known noise. Option (d) is incorrect for this fixed phrase.
495
___ man you met at the party is a famous author.
Answer:
The
**Rule: Use the definite article 'the' when a noun is made specific by a defining phrase or clause.** The noun 'man' is not just any man; it is the specific one 'you met at the party'. This clause makes the noun definite, requiring 'the'. Option (a) would be incorrect because the man is clearly specified. Option (b) is wrong by sound. Option (d) is incorrect.
496
She wants to buy ___ X-ray machine for her clinic.
Answer:
an
**Rule: The article choice depends on the pronunciation of the following word.** The letter 'X' is pronounced 'eks', which starts with a vowel sound. Therefore, the article 'an' is correct. Option (a) is a common mistake. Option (c) would refer to a specific machine. Option (d) is incorrect.
497
He is ___ only son of his parents.
Answer:
the
**Rule: 'The' is used before words like 'only', 'first', 'same' that specify a noun as unique.** The word 'only' singles out the 'son' as being the one and only one, making him definite. Therefore, the definite article 'the' is required. Options (a), (b), and (d) are grammatically incorrect.
498
___ Romans were known for their engineering skills.
Answer:
The
**Rule: 'The' is used before a nationality or group of people to refer to them as a whole.** 'The Romans' refers to the people of ancient Rome as a collective group. This usage applies to many nationalities (The French, The Japanese). Options (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect.
499
I need ___ advice on this matter.
Answer:
some
**Rule: 'Advice' is an uncountable noun and cannot take 'a' or 'an'.** To express an indefinite quantity of an uncountable noun, we use 'some' or 'a piece of'. Options (a) and (b) are grammatically incorrect. Option (c) could be used if referring to specific advice already mentioned ('the advice you gave me'), but for a general request, 'some' is the best choice.
500
It took them ___ whole day to clean the house.
Answer:
the
**Rule: The definite article 'the' is used before the word 'whole' to mean the entire duration.** The expression 'the whole day' or 'the whole time' is a fixed construction that uses 'the' to emphasize completeness. Option (a) is sometimes used colloquially ('a whole day') but 'the' is more standard and correct. Options (b) and (d) are incorrect.