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
61
The teacher had given the students a difficult assignment.
Answer:
The students had been given a difficult assignment by the teacher.
**Rule**: For Past Perfect Tense, the passive voice structure is **Object + had + been + V3 + by + Subject**. When a sentence has two objects (an indirect object and a direct object), either can become the subject of the passive sentence.
- **Correct Answer (a)**: The indirect object 'the students' is made the subject. The verb form 'had been given' correctly reflects the Past Perfect Tense in passive voice.
- **Incorrect Answer (b)**: This option correctly uses the direct object 'A difficult assignment' as the subject but incorrectly changes the tense to Simple Past ('was given').
- **Incorrect Answer (c)**: This option incorrectly changes the tense to Simple Past Tense ('were given').
- **Incorrect Answer (d)**: This option incorrectly changes the tense to Present Perfect Tense ('has been given').
62
The pilot landed the plane safely.
Answer:
The plane was landed safely by the pilot.
**Rule**: For a sentence in the Simple Past Tense, the passive voice structure is **Object + was/were + V3 + by + Subject**. Adverbs of manner (like 'safely') are usually placed after the main verb.
- **Correct Answer (a)**: The object 'the plane' becomes the subject. Since it's singular, 'was' is used, followed by the past participle 'landed'. The adverb 'safely' is correctly placed.
- **Incorrect Answer (b)**: This incorrectly changes the tense to Simple Present.
- **Incorrect Answer (c)**: This incorrectly changes the tense to Past Continuous.
- **Incorrect Answer (d)**: This incorrectly changes the tense to Past Perfect.
63
We must respect our elders.
Answer:
Our elders must be respected by us.
**Rule**: When using modal verbs (like must, can, should, etc.) in the passive voice, the structure is **Object + modal verb + be + V3 + by + Subject**.
- **Correct Answer (a)**: The object 'Our elders' becomes the subject. The modal 'must' is followed by 'be' and the past participle 'respected'.
- **Incorrect Answer (b)**: 'Should' is a different modal verb and implies advice rather than the strong obligation conveyed by 'must'.
- **Incorrect Answer (c)**: 'are to be' changes the nuance of the sentence and is not the direct passive equivalent of 'must'.
- **Incorrect Answer (d)**: 'have to be' also conveys obligation but is a different construction. The direct passive of 'must' is 'must be'.
64
I don't know the answer.
Answer:
The answer is not known to me.
**Rule**: The verb 'know' in the passive voice is followed by the preposition **'to'**, not 'by'. The active sentence is in the Simple Present Tense.
- **Correct Answer (a)**: The object 'the answer' becomes the subject. The passive verb form 'is not known' is correct for the negative Simple Present. The preposition 'to' is used correctly before the new object 'me'.
- **Incorrect Answer (b)**: This incorrectly changes the tense to Simple Past.
- **Incorrect Answer (c)**: The preposition 'by' is incorrect with the verb 'know' in this context.
- **Incorrect Answer (d)**: This incorrectly changes the tense to Present Perfect.
65
They have informed him of his mother's death.
Answer:
He has been informed of his mother's death.
**Rule**: To convert a Present Perfect Tense sentence to passive voice, use **Object + has/have + been + V3**. The agent 'by them' can be omitted when it is vague or unimportant.
- **Correct Answer (c)**: The object 'him' becomes the subject 'He'. The verb 'has been informed' is the correct passive form for the Present Perfect Tense. Omitting 'by them' is natural and correct in this context.
- **Incorrect Answer (a)**: While grammatically correct, including 'by them' is often considered redundant when the agent is a vague pronoun like 'they'. Option (c) is more concise.
- **Incorrect Answer (b)**: This incorrectly changes the tense to Simple Past.
- **Incorrect Answer (d)**: This incorrectly changes the tense to Past Perfect.
66
Do not disturb the sleeping dog.
Answer:
Let the sleeping dog not be disturbed.
**Rule**: For negative imperative sentences (commands or advice), the passive voice can be formed using the structure **Let + object + not + be + V3**.
- **Correct Answer (b)**: This option correctly follows the 'Let' structure for a negative command. 'the sleeping dog' is the object, followed by 'not be' and the past participle 'disturbed'.
- **Incorrect Answer (a)**: This structure ('is not to be') is grammatically awkward and not the standard passive form for this imperative.
- **Incorrect Answer (c)**: 'Advised' is possible, but the original sentence sounds more like a warning or command, for which 'Let' is a better fit.
- **Incorrect Answer (d)**: 'Should' introduces a sense of moral obligation or advice, changing the tone from a direct command.
67
The author is writing a new book.
Answer:
A new book is being written by the author.
**Rule**: To convert a Present Continuous Tense sentence to passive voice, the structure is **Object + is/am/are + being + V3 + by + Subject**.
- **Correct Answer (d)**: The object 'a new book' becomes the subject. Since it is singular, 'is' is used, followed by 'being' and the past participle 'written'.
- **Incorrect Answer (a)**: This incorrectly changes the tense to Past Continuous.
- **Incorrect Answer (b)**: This incorrectly changes the tense to Present Perfect.
- **Incorrect Answer (c)**: This incorrectly changes the tense to Simple Present.
68
I will have to consult a doctor.
Answer:
A doctor will have to be consulted by me.
**Rule**: When the active sentence uses a modal-like structure such as 'will have to', the passive form is **Object + will have to + be + V3**.
- **Correct Answer (a)**: The object 'a doctor' becomes the subject. The structure 'will have to be consulted' is the correct passive form for the future obligation expressed by 'will have to'.
- **Incorrect Answer (b)**: This omits 'have to', changing the meaning from future obligation to a simple future action.
- **Incorrect Answer (c)**: 'would' is an incorrect modal change.
- **Incorrect Answer (d)**: 'is to be' changes the tense and meaning to a present plan or arrangement.
69
The event manager is arranging the chairs for the concert.
Answer:
The chairs are being arranged by the event manager for the concert.
**Rule**: To change a Present Continuous Tense sentence from active to passive voice, we use the structure: **Object + is/am/are + being + V3 + by + Subject**.
- **Correct Answer (a)**: The object 'the chairs' becomes the subject. Since 'chairs' is plural, 'are' is used, followed by 'being' and the past participle of 'arrange' which is 'arranged'. The original subject 'the event manager' becomes the object of the preposition 'by'.
- **Incorrect Answer (b)**: This option incorrectly changes the tense to Past Continuous by using 'were being'. The original sentence is in the Present Continuous Tense.
- **Incorrect Answer (c)**: This option incorrectly changes the tense to Future Simple by using 'will be'.
- **Incorrect Answer (d)**: This option incorrectly changes the tense to Present Perfect by using 'have been'.
70
His behavior disappoints me.
Answer:
I am disappointed with his behavior.
**Rule**: Certain verbs, especially those related to feelings, take prepositions other than 'by' in the passive voice. The verb 'disappointed' is often followed by **'with'** or **'at'**. The active sentence is in the Simple Present Tense.
- **Correct Answer (c)**: The object 'me' becomes 'I'. The passive verb form 'am disappointed' is correct for the Simple Present. The preposition 'with' is idiomatically correct here.
- **Incorrect Answer (a)**: While 'by' is sometimes used, 'with' is a common and correct alternative in this context.
- **Incorrect Answer (b)**: This incorrectly changes the tense to Simple Past.
- **Incorrect Answer (d)**: This incorrectly changes the tense to Present Perfect.