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
1
A 'Cordon sanitaire' is:
Answer:
A quarantine line or buffer zone
Originally used to stop the spread of disease; now often used metaphorically in politics to isolate an ideology.
2
A 'Je ne sais quoi' refers to:
Answer:
I know not what (An elusive quality)
It describes an appealing quality that is hard to name or describe (e.g., 'She has a certain je ne sais quoi').
3
To go on 'Ad infinitum' means to go on:
Answer:
Endlessly / To infinity
Describes a process or list that has no end.
4
If something is your 'Bête noire', it is:
Answer:
Your black beast (something you particularly dislike or fear)
Refers to a person or thing that one finds specifically persistent or annoying.
5
A 'Deus ex machina' refers to:
Answer:
God from the machine (an unexpected, artificial solution to a problem)
Originally a plot device in Greek tragedy where a god was lowered by a crane to solve the plot; now refers to any contrived happy ending.
6
An 'Ex post facto' law is one that:
Answer:
Applies retroactively (after the fact)
It changes the legal consequences of actions that were committed before the enactment of the law.
7
Something found 'In situ' is found:
Answer:
In its original place
Used in archaeology (finding an artifact where it was left) or medicine (cancer in situ).
8
If you order 'À la carte', you are ordering:
Answer:
Separate items from the menu, individually priced
Contrasts with 'Table d'hôte' or 'Prix fixe' (set menu).
9
An 'Au pair' is:
Answer:
A young foreign person helping with childcare in exchange for room and board
From French 'on equal terms', implying they are treated as family, not servants.
10
When someone says 'Touché' during an argument, they mean:
Answer:
Good point / You have made a hit
Originally a fencing term acknowledging a hit; now used to admit that an opponent has made a clever or valid point.