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
80501
My father reads ___ Times of India every morning.
Answer:
the
**Rule: The definite article 'the' is used before the names of newspapers.** 'The Times of India', 'The Guardian', 'The New York Times' are all proper names of newspapers and require 'the'. Options (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect.
80502
___ Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.
Answer:
The
**Rule: The definite article 'the' is used before the names of canals.** Similar to rivers and oceans, canals are specific geographical features that require 'the'. Examples include 'the Suez Canal' and 'the Panama Canal'. Options (a), (b), and (d) are therefore incorrect.
80503
It is ___ pity that he failed the exam.
Answer:
a
**Rule: The abstract noun 'pity' takes the article 'a' in the expression 'it is a pity'.** This is a fixed phrase used to express regret. 'Pity' in this construction functions like a singular countable noun. Option (b) would imply a specific, known pity. Option (c) is wrong by sound. Option (d) is incorrect for this idiom.
80504
I need to buy ___ new pair of shoes.
Answer:
a
**Rule: Use 'a' before singular count nouns used with 'pair of'.** Even though 'shoes' is plural, the head noun of the phrase is the singular 'pair'. Therefore, the article must agree with 'pair'. 'New' starts with a consonant sound, so 'a' is correct. Option (b) is wrong by sound. Option (c) would mean a specific pair. Option (d) is not typically used with 'pair of' in this singular context.
80505
He always speaks ___ truth.
Answer:
the
**Rule: Certain abstract nouns in fixed expressions take 'the'.** 'Speak the truth' and 'tell a lie' are fixed idiomatic expressions. In 'speak the truth', 'truth' is considered a unique, definite concept. Therefore, 'the' is always used. Options (a), (c), and (d) are incorrect for this fixed phrase.
80506
___ Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world.
Answer:
The
**Rule: The definite article 'the' is used before the names of deserts.** Just like with oceans and rivers, the names of deserts (e.g., the Sahara, the Gobi, the Mojave) are preceded by 'the'. Options (a), (c), and (d) are incorrect.
80507
He earns two thousand rupees ___ month.
Answer:
a
**Rule: The indefinite article 'a' can mean 'per' in expressions of rate, frequency, or price.** In this sentence, 'a month' means 'per month' or 'each month'. This is a standard use of the indefinite article. Option (b) is wrong by sound. Option (c) would refer to a specific month. Option (d) would be ungrammatical.
80508
___ life of a soldier is very tough.
Answer:
The
**Rule: Use 'the' when a general abstract noun is made specific by a modifying phrase.** 'Life' is an abstract noun, but here it is not life in general; it is the specific life 'of a soldier'. The phrase 'of a soldier' restricts the meaning, making it definite. Therefore, 'the' is required. Option (a) would imply one life out of many. Option (b) is wrong by sound. Option (d) is incorrect because the noun is specified.
80509
It was ___ unanimous decision to close the factory.
Answer:
a
**Rule: Article choice depends on sound, not spelling.** The word 'unanimous' begins with the letter 'u', a vowel, but its pronunciation starts with a 'y' sound ('yoo-nan-i-mous'), which is a consonant sound. Therefore, the article 'a' is correct. Option (b) is a common mistake for those who only look at the letter. Option (c) would imply a specific, previously mentioned decision. Option (d) is incorrect.
80510
We sailed down ___ River Thames when we were in London.
Answer:
the
**Rule: 'The' is used before the names of rivers.** The names of rivers, such as the Thames, the Nile, the Amazon, are always preceded by the definite article. The structure 'River' followed by the name doesn't change this rule. Options (a), (c), and (d) are incorrect.