All Categories MCQs
Topic Notes: All Categories
General Description
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
83901
Please stop by . . . . . . . . post office on your way home.
Answer:
In local context, institutions like 'the post office' take the definite article to denote the specific, contextually understood location. The listener can identify which one is meant. Using 'a' would imply any post office, which is less natural here. Therefore, 'the post office' is appropriate.
83902
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.
83903
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.
83904
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.
83905
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.
83906
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.
83907
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.
83908
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.
83909
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.
83910
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.