PPSC Past Papers & Solved MCQs

A muscle pull, in technical medical terms, is referred to as a strain. This injury involves the stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon, which is the fibrous tissue connecting muscle to bone. Strains typically occur when a muscle is overstretched or contracts too quickly, leading to damage to its fibers.

• Option A, "Sprain," is incorrect because a sprain refers specifically to the stretching or tearing of ligaments, which are the fibrous tissues connecting bones to other bones at a joint.
• Option C, "Abrasion," is a superficial injury to the skin caused by rubbing or scraping.
• Option D, "Tear," is a general term that can apply to various tissues but "strain" is the precise medical term for a muscle or tendon tear.

The question asks through which medium sound travels fastest. The correct answer is Solid. Sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium to propagate by vibrating its particles. In solids, particles are much closer together and more tightly packed than in liquids or gases. This close proximity and strong intermolecular forces allow vibrations to be transmitted more efficiently and rapidly from one particle to the next, resulting in the fastest sound transmission.

• In Liquid, particles are further apart, leading to slower sound.
• In Gas, particles are widely dispersed, causing the slowest sound speed.
• Vacuum has no particles, so sound cannot travel at all.

The literal meaning of philosophy is derived from ancient Greek words: "philos," meaning love, and "sophia," meaning wisdom. Thus, philosophy literally translates to "love of wisdom." This foundational understanding reflects the discipline's core pursuit: a deep and rational inquiry into fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.

• While "love of truth," "love of history," and "love of values" are related to philosophical inquiry, they do not capture the precise etymological origin and comprehensive scope implied by "love of wisdom."

The term emphasizes the pursuit and appreciation of profound understanding.

The Fosbury Flop is a revolutionary high jump technique introduced by American athlete Dick Fosbury. He famously used this technique to win the gold medal in the high jump event at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. This method involves approaching the bar diagonally, leaping off the outside foot, and going over the bar head-first with the back facing the bar, which was a radical departure from previous techniques.

• Option A, "Triple jump," involves three distinct phases: a hop, a step, and a jump.
• Option C, "Long jump," is a single horizontal jump for distance.
• Option D, "Pole vault," involves using a long, flexible pole to clear a high bar. These events utilize entirely different techniques and equipment.

The question asks for the country where Alhaurín el Grande is located. The correct answer is Spain. Alhaurín el Grande is a municipality situated in the province of Málaga, within the autonomous community of Andalusia, in southern Spain. The name itself, with its Spanish linguistic characteristics and the suffix "el Grande" (the Great), is indicative of its Spanish origin and location.

• Italy, Poland, and Germany are European countries with distinct geographical locations and naming conventions for their towns and cities. Alhaurín el Grande is not located in any of these nations.

Geographical knowledge of European towns and their linguistic patterns helps identify the correct country.

A severe deficiency of Vitamin D primarily results in Rickets in children. Rickets is a condition characterized by soft, weak bones, bone pain, and impaired growth, caused by the body's inability to properly absorb calcium and phosphate, which Vitamin D facilitates.

• Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin C.
• Night blindness is typically associated with Vitamin A deficiency.
• While Osteoporosis involves bone density loss, it is primarily an adult condition, and severe Vitamin D deficiency in adults leads to osteomalacia, which is distinct from childhood rickets.

Understanding the specific health consequences of vitamin deficiencies is crucial for health and nutrition knowledge.

The Sufi philosophy of Wahdat-ul-Wujud, meaning "Unity of Being" or "Oneness of Existence," posits that there is no true existence apart from God. The most prominent and influential proponent of this profound metaphysical concept was the Andalusian Muslim scholar and mystic, Ibn Arabi (1165–1240). His extensive writings deeply explored the idea that all creation is a manifestation of the divine essence.

• Option A, "Al-Farabi," was a renowned philosopher and polymath, but his primary contributions were in logic, political philosophy, and music.
• Option B, "Al-Hussin," is not a widely recognized figure associated with this specific philosophy.
• Option C, "Shah Wali Ullah," was an 18th-century Indian Islamic scholar who attempted to reconcile Wahdat-ul-Wujud with Wahdat-ush-Shuhud, but he was not its original proponent.

The question refers to the number of states demanded in the Lahore Resolution. The correct answer is 2. The Lahore Resolution, passed on March 23, 1940, by the All-India Muslim League, called for the creation of "Independent States" in the Muslim-majority areas of British India. While the wording was initially somewhat ambiguous, it was widely interpreted as a demand for two separate Muslim-majority states: one in the North-Western zone and another in the Eastern zone, which eventually led to the formation of Pakistan (comprising West and East Pakistan).

• 8 and 4 are incorrect numbers.
• None of these is false, as the resolution clearly demanded independent states.

The conquest of Orpris, commonly known as Cyprus, by Muslim forces occurred in the 28th Hijri year (28 H). This significant historical event took place during the caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan, specifically around 649 CE. The island of Cyprus was strategically important in the Mediterranean, and its conquest marked an expansion of early Islamic influence and naval power.

• The other options, 30 H, 32 H, and 29 H, are incorrect dates for this specific historical conquest.

Accurate knowledge of key historical dates and events is essential for understanding the timeline of early Islamic history and its geographical expansion.

Protein digestion begins in the stomach with pepsin, but its completion primarily occurs in the small intestine. Specifically, the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine, is where the bulk of protein digestion is completed. Here, pancreatic enzymes like trypsin and chymotrypsin, along with brush border enzymes, break down polypeptides into smaller peptides and amino acids, which are then absorbed.

• Option B, "Stomach," initiates protein digestion but does not complete it.
• Options C, "Jejunum," and D, "Ileum," are subsequent parts of the small intestine where absorption of nutrients, including amino acids, predominantly takes place, but the major enzymatic breakdown of proteins into absorbable units is largely finished in the duodenum.

The question asks which greenhouse gas primarily causes an increase in environmental temperature. The correct answer is Carbon dioxide (CO2). CO2 is the most significant anthropogenic greenhouse gas, meaning it is largely produced by human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels. It traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere, enhancing the natural greenhouse effect and leading to global warming and climate change.

• Nitrogen is the most abundant atmospheric gas but is not a greenhouse gas.
• Carbon monoxide is a toxic air pollutant but not a primary direct greenhouse gas contributing to global warming.
• Sulfur compounds contribute to acid rain and aerosols, but elemental sulfur is not a greenhouse gas responsible for temperature increases.

According to the official rules of World Athletics, the standard width for the javelin runway is 4 meters. This specific dimension is crucial for ensuring fair competition and athlete safety in the javelin throw event. The runway provides the athlete with a defined area to build momentum before releasing the javelin, and its precise width is part of the standardized regulations that govern track and field sports globally.

• Options such as 2 meters, 1.5 meters, and 2.5 meters are incorrect widths according to international athletic standards.

Adhering to these specifications is vital for the integrity and consistency of athletic competitions.

The question tests geographical knowledge, specifically identifying cities with their respective countries. Salgótarján is indeed a city located in northern Hungary, serving as the capital of Nógrád county. It is an important industrial and administrative center within Hungary, known for its historical mining activities and post-war reconstruction. Understanding the location of significant cities is a fundamental aspect of geography.

• Maldives is an island nation in South Asia, with its capital being Malé.
• Albania is a country in Southeast Europe, whose capital is Tirana.
• Finland is a Nordic country, with its capital being Helsinki.

These distractors represent distinct countries with their own unique urban centers, none of which include Salgótarján.

The word "callous" describes someone who is insensitive, unfeeling, or shows a cruel disregard for others' feelings. Therefore, its direct antonym would be a word that expresses the opposite quality: compassion, empathy, or benevolence. "Kind" perfectly fits this description, meaning friendly, generous, and considerate.

• While "sensitive" implies awareness of feelings, "kind" more directly contrasts the lack of compassion in "callous."
• "Tender" can mean delicate or gentle, but "kind" is a stronger antonym for the emotional disposition.
• "Careless" is unrelated to the meaning of callous, referring to a lack of attention or concern for consequences, not feelings.

Understanding antonyms enhances vocabulary and comprehension.

The amount of blood the heart pumps with each beat is precisely defined as the stroke volume. This fundamental physiological measurement is crucial for assessing cardiac function and overall cardiovascular health. It represents the volume of blood ejected from the left ventricle (or right ventricle) during a single contraction.

• Option A, "Tidal volume," refers to the amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing, related to respiratory function, not cardiac.
• Option B, "Cardiac output," is the total volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, which is calculated by multiplying stroke volume by heart rate.
• Option D, "Blood volume," refers to the total amount of blood circulating in the body, not the amount pumped per beat.

This question delves into the historical origins of organized leisure and public recreation. The United States is widely recognized as the pioneer in the modern recreation movement, particularly from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This era saw the establishment of national parks, playgrounds, and organized leisure activities, driven by social reformers and urban planning initiatives. The concept of public recreation for all citizens gained significant traction here, laying the groundwork for contemporary recreation services.

• Algeria, Finland, and Germany, while having their own cultural and recreational practices, were not the primary historical pioneers of the comprehensive, organized recreation movement on a global scale.

Energy is the fundamental capacity to do work, which is defined as the transfer of energy that occurs when a force is applied over a distance. This foundational concept in physics explains that any action requiring effort or causing a change in state involves energy. Therefore, option A is precisely accurate.

• Force (B) is a push or pull that can cause an object to accelerate, but it is not the capacity to do work itself; it is what performs the work.
• Motion (C) is the act of changing position or location, which is often a result of work being done, rather than the capacity to do it.
• Momentum (D) is a measure of the mass and velocity of an object, indicating its quantity of motion, but it does not represent the inherent capacity to perform work.

Muscle fatigue, particularly during intense exercise, is primarily attributed to the accumulation of lactic acid. When muscles work anaerobically (without sufficient oxygen), glucose is broken down into pyruvate, which is then converted to lactate (lactic acid). This buildup lowers the pH within muscle cells, interfering with muscle contraction mechanisms and leading to the sensation of fatigue and soreness.

• Option A, "Carbon dioxide," is a waste product of aerobic respiration, but its accumulation primarily affects blood pH and respiratory drive, not directly causing muscle fatigue in the same way as lactic acid.
• Option C, "Alcohol," is a metabolic byproduct not typically produced in significant amounts by muscle cells during exercise.
• Option D, "Urea," is a waste product of protein metabolism, excreted by the kidneys, and not directly linked to acute muscle fatigue.

This question pertains to document formatting and academic citation styles. An end note is a reference, explanation, or comment placed specifically at the end of a document, chapter, or section. Its purpose is to provide additional information or cite sources without interrupting the main text flow on the page where the reference occurs. This placement at the very end distinguishes it from other document elements.

• A footer is a section at the bottom of every page, typically for page numbers or document titles.
• A header is a section at the top of every page, similar to a footer but at the top.
• A footnote is placed at the bottom of the specific page where the referenced text appears.

These distractors are incorrect because they are either page-specific or serve different formatting purposes.

Summative assessment aims to evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional unit, course, or academic year. Its primary purpose is to summarize what students have learned and to assign grades or certify competence. Therefore, option B, 'End of course,' accurately describes its main objective.

• Instruction before class (A) is not an aim of summative assessment; this might relate to pre-assessment or diagnostic activities.
• Find problem (C) is typically a goal of diagnostic assessment, which identifies learning difficulties.
• Check student weakness (D) is more aligned with formative assessment, which provides ongoing feedback to improve learning during instruction, rather than summarizing it at the end.

The French Open, one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, is famously known by its alternative name, Roland Garros. This name honors Roland Garros, a pioneering French aviator who was the first to fly solo across the Mediterranean Sea. The tournament is held annually at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France, and is the only Grand Slam played on clay courts, making it unique and challenging for players.

• Option A, "US Open," and Option D, "Australian Open," are distinct Grand Slam tournaments held in different countries and on different surfaces (hard court).
• Option B, "French Open," is simply the common English name for the tournament, while "Roland Garros" is its official and widely used French name, referring to the venue and the person it commemorates.

This question tests English grammar, specifically subject-verb agreement and the passive voice. The sentence "The thief ___ caught" requires a singular past tense auxiliary verb because "thief" is a singular subject and the action "caught" is in the passive voice, meaning the thief was acted upon. "Was" correctly forms the past simple passive construction, indicating a completed action in the past. The second clause, "the police recovered the stolen goods," is also in the past simple, maintaining tense consistency.

• "Had" forms the past perfect ("had been caught"), which is incorrect for a simple past event.
• "Has" forms the present perfect ("has been caught"), which is incorrect for a past event.
• "Were" is a plural past tense auxiliary verb, incorrect for the singular subject "thief."

The question asks for the full designation of a US theatre-level unified combatant command of the Department of Defense. The correct answer is USCENTCOM, which stands for United States Central Command. This foundational concept relates to the organizational structure of the US military, where unified combatant commands are established to provide command and control of military forces for specific geographic regions or functional areas. USCENTCOM is responsible for US security interests in 21 nations, including the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia. Distractor CENTCOM is merely an abbreviation and not the full, official designation as requested. Therefore, "Both" is incorrect because CENTCOM is not the complete name. "None" is incorrect as USCENTCOM is a valid and correct option.

The Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD) was a significant political alliance formed in Pakistan in 1981. Its primary objective was to oppose the military government and dictatorship of General Zia-ul-Haq, advocating for the restoration of democratic rule and the 1973 Constitution. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

• Yahya Khan (B) was a military ruler before Zia-ul-Haq, but the MRD specifically targeted Zia's regime.
• Ayub Khan (C) was another military dictator, but his rule preceded the formation of the MRD.
• Pervaiz Musharraf (D) came to power much later, and the MRD had largely dissolved by then, though similar movements emerged against his rule.