General Knowledge MCQs
Topic Notes: General Knowledge
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
The 'Inkhorn Controversy' of the 16th century involved:
Answer:
A debate over the excessive use of foreign (Latin/Greek) borrowings in English
Purists argued that 'inkhorn terms' corrupted the English language, while others argued they enriched it.
52
Noah Webster learned 26 languages primarily to:
Answer:
Research the etymology (origin) of words for his dictionary
Webster was obsessed with proving the origins of words and tracing them back to biblical sources (though much of his etymology was later proven wrong).
53
The 'Port-Royal Grammar' (1660) was famous for proposing:
Answer:
The idea of a 'Universal Grammar' underlying all languages
The Port-Royal logicians argued that since human reason is universal, the deep structure of grammar must also be universal—a precursor to Chomsky.
54
Which of these is considered a 'Learner's Dictionary' feature?
Answer:
IPA phonetics, example sentences, and usage notes for non-native speakers
Learner's dictionaries (like Oxford, Longman, Cambridge) prioritize help with production (speaking/writing) over history.
55
Samuel Johnson's famous letter to Lord Chesterfield was regarding:
Answer:
Rejection of patronage for his dictionary
Chesterfield ignored Johnson for years, then praised him when the dictionary was done. Johnson wrote a stinging rebuke asserting his independence.
56
The term 'Prescriptivism' in grammar refers to:
Answer:
The belief that there is a correct way to speak and write, and rules must be enforced
Prescriptivists (like Lowth and Murray) set rules; Descriptivists observe usage.
57
Henry Sweet, a phonetician and grammarian, was the inspiration for which fictional character?
Answer:
Professor Henry Higgins (Pygmalion/My Fair Lady)
George Bernard Shaw based the character of Higgins, the phonetics obsessionist, largely on Henry Sweet.
58
The 'Gloss' in 'Glossary' originally referred to:
Answer:
An interlinear explanation or translation of a difficult word in a manuscript
Monks would write 'glosses' (notes) between the lines of Latin texts, which were the precursors to dictionaries.
59
In 1693, John Locke criticized the way grammar was taught, arguing against:
Answer:
Rote memorization of Latin rules applied to other languages
Locke believed language should be learned through usage and conversation, not by forcing Latin strictures onto English.
60
Who is the author of the 'Dictionary of Modern American Usage', a modern successor to Fowler?
Answer:
Bryan Garner
Bryan Garner is a leading authority on legal writing and American usage, following in the prescriptive/descriptive balance of Fowler.