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
51
He is studying . . . . . . . . Renaissance for his art history exam.
Answer:
Historical periods and epochs often take the definite article, e.g., 'the Renaissance' or 'the Industrial Revolution'. The reference is to a unique, recognized period. 'A' or 'an' would be inappropriate. Hence, 'the Renaissance' is correct.
52
We camped beside . . . . . . . . Lake Superior last summer.
Answer:
Proper names of lakes used with 'Lake + Name' typically take no article. 'Lake Superior' functions as a fixed proper noun. Adding 'the' would be nonstandard in this structure. Therefore, no article is correct.
53
They crossed . . . . . . . . Sahara during their expedition.
Answer:
Deserts take the definite article, e.g., 'the Sahara' and 'the Gobi'. The referent is unique and universally identifiable. An indefinite article would incorrectly imply one of many Saharas. Thus, 'the Sahara' is standard usage.
54
She speaks . . . . . . . . English and Spanish fluently.
Answer:
Names of languages are used without articles when referenced generally. The sentence describes her ability, not a specific dialect or course. 'The English' would refer to people from England or a specific variety. Therefore, no article is needed.
55
He plays . . . . . . . . guitar in a local band.
Answer:
With musical instruments, English idiomatically uses the definite article: 'play the guitar'. This does not mean a particular guitar; it is a conventional pattern. Using 'a' sounds nonstandard in this context. Hence, 'the guitar' is correct.
56
We scheduled . . . . . . . . meeting for Friday afternoon.
Answer:
a
'Meeting' is a singular, countable noun introduced for the first time, so 'a' is appropriate. The initial consonant sound supports 'a' over 'an'. 'The' would imply the participants already know which specific meeting it is. Therefore, 'a meeting' fits the indefinite first mention.
57
She had . . . . . . . . breakfast before leaving for work.
Answer:
Meals used in a general sense (breakfast, lunch, dinner) typically take no article. The sentence refers to the routine meal, not a specific instance identified earlier. Using 'the' would suggest a particular, previously mentioned breakfast. Indefinite articles are unidiomatic with routine meal names.
58
We looked at . . . . . . . . sun setting in the west.
Answer:
Unique natural elements like the sun always take 'the'. This shows we are referring to one known celestial body. 'A sun' or 'an sun' would be grammatically wrong. 'No article' would also be incomplete. Hence, 'the sun' is correct.
59
Mariam gave me . . . . . . . . honest opinion.
Answer:
The word 'honest' begins with a silent 'h' and thus has a vowel sound. This requires 'an'. 'A honest opinion' would be wrong. 'The opinion' would mean one already specified. Therefore, 'an honest opinion' is correct.
60
Hassan is . . . . . . . . tallest boy in his class.
Answer:
Superlatives like 'tallest' always require 'the'. This indicates that Hassan is the unique example among his peers. 'A tallest boy' would be ungrammatical. 'No article' would make the sentence incomplete. Hence, 'the tallest boy' is correct.