PPSC Past Papers & Solved MCQs

To find the smallest integer, let's represent the three consecutive integers algebraically. If the smallest integer is 'x', then the next two consecutive integers would be 'x + 1' and 'x + 2'. The problem states that their sum is 33. So, we set up the equation: x + (x + 1) + (x + 2) = 33. Combining like terms, we get 3x + 3 = 33. Subtracting 3 from both sides gives 3x = 30. Dividing by 3, we find x = 10. Therefore, the smallest integer is 10. The other options would not satisfy the condition of summing to 33 with their consecutive counterparts.

The correct preposition to use in this sentence is 'For'. The preposition 'for' is used to indicate a duration or length of time. In the phrase 'We discussed the issue ___ an hour,' 'an hour' specifies the total period over which the discussion took place. Therefore, 'for an hour' accurately conveys this duration. 'Since' is used to indicate a starting point in time (e.g., since 9 AM). 'From' typically indicates a starting point or origin. 'During' means throughout the course of, but 'for' is more precise when stating the exact length of time something occurred.

This question assesses the correct usage of prepositions of movement. The verb "sprang" denotes a sudden, forceful leap.

• "upon" is the correct choice because it precisely conveys movement to a higher position on something, often implying impact or landing. It accurately describes the lion leaping onto the cow.
• "on" is a distractor; while sometimes interchangeable, "upon" often carries a slightly more formal or emphatic nuance for such dynamic actions.
• "over" is incorrect as it suggests movement above something, typically without making contact, or crossing from one side to another. The lion landed on the cow, not merely passed above it.
• "into" is incorrect as it signifies movement inside an enclosed space, which is not relevant to the context of a lion attacking a cow.

This question tests the appropriate use of prepositions to describe movement in and out of spaces.

• "out of, into" is the correct option. "Out of" is used to express movement from the interior of an enclosed space, such as a room. "Into" is used to express movement towards the inside of a place or thing, especially when there is motion, like jumping into a swimming pool.
• "out, into" is a distractor because "out of" is the standard prepositional phrase for exiting an enclosed space.
• "out of, in" is a distractor because "in" indicates position within something, not movement into it. "Jumped in" would imply being already inside or a less dynamic entry than "jumped into."

This question requires choosing the correct connector to combine two elements in an instruction.

• "Both" is the correct answer. The instruction "Write down your name and roll number" clearly indicates that two pieces of information are required. The connector "Both...and..." is used to emphasize that two items are included or apply, making it the most suitable choice here to ensure both name and roll number are provided.
• "Either" is a distractor because "Either...or..." implies a choice between two options, meaning only one is necessary, which contradicts the instruction.
• "Neither" is a distractor because "Neither...nor..." implies that neither of the two options is applicable or required, which is the opposite of the instruction.
• "Not only" is a distractor; while it includes the first item, "Not only...but also..." is used for emphasis and adding information, not simply listing two required items as effectively as "Both."

The Tropical Rainforest biome exhibits the greatest biodiversity on Earth. These regions, characterized by high temperatures, abundant rainfall, and consistent sunlight year-round, provide stable and favorable conditions that support an immense variety of plant and animal life. They cover a small percentage of the Earth's land but harbor over half of the world's species.

• Deserts have extreme conditions and scarce water, limiting biodiversity.
• Tundra regions are cold with permafrost and short growing seasons, resulting in low biodiversity.
• Grasslands, while supporting large animal populations, generally have lower overall species diversity compared to rainforests due to less complex vegetation structure and seasonal variations.

Acid rain causes extensive damage to All of these options. It is precipitation with elevated levels of hydrogen ions, primarily from sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions.

• It harms flora and fauna by acidifying aquatic ecosystems, damaging forests, and leaching vital nutrients from soil.
• It impedes the growth of trees by weakening them, making them susceptible to disease and direct foliage damage.
• It erodes sculptures and marble constructions, as the acids react with calcium carbonate, causing deterioration of historical monuments and buildings.

Therefore, its impact is widespread and affects all listed categories.

During hibernation, a frog's metabolic rate significantly slows down, and it often buries itself in mud or under leaves. In this state, the frog primarily respires through its skin only. The skin is highly permeable and vascularized, allowing for efficient absorption of oxygen from the surrounding environment (e.g., water in mud) and release of carbon dioxide, while the lungs are largely inactive.

• Lungs only: Lungs are less efficient during hibernation due to reduced activity and often being submerged.
• Both skin and lungs: While true for active frogs, during deep hibernation, skin respiration becomes dominant and often exclusive.
• Partly lungs, partly skin: This describes normal active respiration, not the specialized mode during hibernation.

Pasteurization is a heat treatment process primarily developed and widely used for milk. The process involves heating milk to a specific temperature for a set period (e.g., 72°C for 15 seconds) to kill harmful bacteria like E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella, without significantly altering its nutritional value or taste. This extends its shelf life and makes it safer for consumption.

• While water can be purified by boiling, the specific term
  

The length and complexity of an animal's digestive system are directly related to its diet. Herbivores (B) consume plant matter, which contains cellulose, a complex carbohydrate that is difficult to break down. To efficiently extract nutrients, their intestines are typically long, coiled, and have many folds, providing an extended surface area and longer transit time for microbial fermentation and absorption.

• Carnivores (A) eat meat, which is relatively easy to digest, so they possess shorter, simpler digestive tracts.
• Omnivores (C) consume both plants and animals, and their digestive systems are generally intermediate in length and complexity, adapted to process a varied diet.

The Liver (B) is indeed the largest gland in the human body, weighing about 1.5 kg in adults. It performs over 500 vital functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of biochemicals necessary for digestion. Its extensive role in metabolism and detoxification makes it a crucial organ.

• The Pancreas (A) is a gland involved in digestion and hormone production, but it is much smaller than the liver.
• The Thyroid (C) is an endocrine gland in the neck that regulates metabolism, also significantly smaller.
• The Pituitary (D) is a small, pea-sized gland at the base of the brain, often called the "master gland," but it is tiny compared to the liver.

Notepad is a basic text editor included with Microsoft Windows, designed for creating and editing plain text files. Its default file extension is .txt (C), which signifies a plain text document without any special formatting or embedded objects.

• .docx (A) is the file extension for Microsoft Word documents, which support rich text formatting and various document features.
• .html (B) is used for HyperText Markup Language files, which are web pages, though Notepad can be used to edit them.
• .xlsx (D) is the file extension for Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, used for tabular data and calculations.

This question tests general knowledge about national symbols.

• "Mahseer" is the correct answer. The Mahseer, specifically the Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora), is officially recognized as the National Fish of Pakistan. It is a significant freshwater fish species found in the rivers and lakes of the region, valued for its ecological importance and as a game fish.
• "Blue Marlin" is a distractor; it is a large oceanic fish, not native to Pakistan's freshwater systems and not designated as its national fish.
• "Hogfish" is a distractor; these are marine fish primarily found in the Atlantic Ocean and are not associated with Pakistan's national symbols.
• "Flounder" is a distractor; flounders are a type of flatfish found in various marine and estuarine environments globally, but they are not Pakistan's national fish.

To find the curved surface area of a hemisphere, we use the formula for half the surface area of a full sphere. The surface area of a sphere is 4πr², so the curved surface area of a hemisphere is 2πr². Given the radius (r) is 7 cm, the calculation is 2 × (22/7) × 7 × 7 = 2 × 22 × 7 = 44 × 7 = 308 square centimeters (B).

• 154 cm² (A) is the area of the flat circular base of the hemisphere (πr²).
• 616 cm² (C) is the total surface area of a full sphere with a radius of 7 cm (4πr²).
• 77 cm² (D) does not correspond to any standard surface area calculation for a hemisphere or sphere with radius 7 cm.

Pakistan won its first Olympic gold medal in 1960 at the Rome Olympics. This historic achievement was in Field Hockey, where the Pakistani team defeated India in the final. This victory marked a significant milestone for the newly independent nation on the international sports stage. Options A (1948) and B (1952) were earlier Olympic appearances for Pakistan, but they did not secure a gold medal. Option D (1964) saw Pakistan win a silver medal, losing to India in the final, making 1960 the correct year for their inaugural gold.

The first Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Air Force (then Royal Pakistan Air Force) was Air Vice Marshal Allan Perry Keene. He was a British officer who served from 1947 to 1949, playing a crucial role in establishing the nascent air force after Pakistan's independence. Air Marshal Frank Murphy was also a British officer but served later. Air Marshal Asghar Khan was the first native Pakistani to hold the position, but not the first overall. Air Vice Marshal Zafar Khan is not recognized as the initial C-in-C.

China is the country that practices "panda diplomacy." This unique diplomatic strategy involves gifting or loaning giant pandas to other nations as a gesture of goodwill and to foster stronger international relations. The tradition dates back centuries but gained significant prominence in the 20th century, particularly after the establishment of the People's Republic of China. Pandas symbolize friendship and peace. While Japan, South Korea, and Thailand have received pandas, they are not the originators of this specific diplomatic practice.

The world's first deep sea-based radar system was developed in China. This advanced technological innovation is vital for enhancing maritime surveillance, national security, and scientific research in vast ocean territories. It represents a significant advancement in naval and defense capabilities, allowing for unprecedented monitoring of underwater and surface activities. While the United States, Russia, and Japan are prominent in defense technology, China has been at the forefront of developing this specific deep-sea radar system, showcasing its growing prowess in marine science and defense.

President Ayub Khan of Pakistan paid a significant state visit to China in 1965. Specifically, this landmark visit occurred in March 1965. This trip was instrumental in solidifying the strategic alliance between Pakistan and China, fostering closer economic, political, and military cooperation, especially in the context of regional geopolitical dynamics and the impending 1965 Indo-Pakistani War. Options A (1961), B (1963), and D (1968) are incorrect dates for this pivotal state visit that strengthened bilateral ties.

The Indian National Congress first recognized the All-India Muslim League as the political party representing Muslims in 1916. This recognition occurred with the signing of the Lucknow Pact, a historic agreement where both parties presented joint demands for constitutional reforms to the British government. This period marked a rare instance of Hindu-Muslim unity in the struggle for independence. Option A (1906) was the year the Muslim League was founded. Options C (1930) and D (1940) represent later periods when relations between the two parties had significantly deteriorated, leading to increased communal tensions.