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
1
She poured . . . . . . . . milk that had been warmed on the stove.
Answer:
The relative clause 'that had been warmed on the stove' specifies the milk, rendering it definite. Even though 'milk' is uncountable, definiteness is licensed by the modifier. No article would be too general. Thus, 'the milk' is appropriate.
2
We reached . . . . . . . . conclusion that further research is needed.
Answer:
The conclusion is uniquely determined by the discussion context, making it definite. Academic writing often uses 'reach the conclusion' for this reason. Using 'a' would suggest one among several unspecified conclusions. Therefore, 'the conclusion' is correct.
3
He sent . . . . . . . . SMS to confirm the appointment time.
Answer:
The initialism 'SMS' begins with 'es', a vowel sound, so 'an' is proper. Article choice follows pronunciation. 'A SMS' would be phonetically incorrect. The message is a first mention and indefinite.
4
They hiked along . . . . . . . . river until dusk fell.
Answer:
a
The river is not specified and is introduced for the first time, so the indefinite article 'a' is correct. 'An' is phonetically incompatible with 'river'. 'The' would imply a particular, known river. Hence, 'a river' fits.
5
She is reading . . . . . . . . interesting book about migration patterns.
Answer:
'Interesting' begins with a vowel sound, so 'an' is required. This is a non-specific first mention, which suits an indefinite article. 'A' would be phonetically inappropriate. 'The' would imply a particular book already known.
6
I don’t have . . . . . . . . information you requested yet.
Answer:
The postmodifier 'you requested' renders the noun phrase definite by specifying which information. The definite article marks this specificity. Using no article would be inappropriately generic. Therefore, 'the information' is correct.
7
They sat on . . . . . . . . bench under the old oak tree.
Answer:
a
The noun 'bench' is singular, countable, and first mention, so 'a' is used. The initial consonant sound supports 'a'. 'The bench' would imply a specific bench already identified. Thus, 'a bench' is appropriate.
8
He gave . . . . . . . . best presentation in the entire conference.
Answer:
Superlatives ('best', 'most effective') require the definite article. They select the top member from a set and are uniquely identifying. Indefinite articles are ungrammatical in this context. Hence, 'the best presentation' is correct.
9
She has . . . . . . . . fever and should rest today.
Answer:
a
With some common ailments, idiomatic English uses 'a' (e.g., 'a fever', 'a cold', 'a headache'). Here, the countable sense indicates an episode of fever. 'The fever' would imply a specific, known condition. Therefore, 'a fever' is appropriate.
10
We climbed to . . . . . . . . top of the tower for a better view.
Answer:
The phrase 'the top' denotes a unique, contextually defined location within the tower. It is therefore definite. Using 'a top' would be illogical, as there is only one top per structure. Hence, 'the top' is required.