PPSC Past Papers & Solved MCQs

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This question assesses proficiency in Urdu orthography, specifically identifying an incorrectly spelled common pronoun. Correct spelling is crucial for maintaining grammatical accuracy and clarity in written Urdu.

• Correct Option D: انہوں (Unhon) is the incorrect spelling. The standard and grammatically correct spelling for the plural oblique pronoun meaning "they" or "them" (when used with a postposition or in certain contexts) is انھوں. The inclusion of the 'و' (waw) in "انہوں" is superfluous and deviates from established Urdu orthographic rules.
• Option A: جنھوں (Jinhon) is a correctly spelled relative pronoun.
• Option B: انھوں (Unhon) is the correct spelling for the plural oblique pronoun.
• Option C: تمھیں (Tumhein) is a correctly spelled second-person plural oblique pronoun. Mastering these spellings is vital for accurate Urdu writing.

The question asks for the antonym of "QUELL." The word "quell" means to suppress, put an end to, or subdue something, often a feeling or a disturbance. Therefore, its antonym should mean to stir up, provoke, or encourage. Option B, "Incite," accurately captures this opposite meaning, as "incite" means to encourage or stir up violent or unlawful behavior or strong feelings.

• Option A, "Deny," means to refuse to admit or accept, which is not the opposite of quell.
• Option C, "Entire," means whole or complete, and is unrelated to the meaning of quell.
• Option D, "Reduce," means to make smaller or less in amount, which is not the direct opposite of suppressing or subduing.

Understanding the core meaning of "quell" as suppression is key to identifying "incite" as its direct antonym, representing the act of provoking or stimulating.

This question requires identifying the grammatical classification of the phrase "ماورہ کا نور ہو جاتا." Understanding the distinction between literal and figurative language is fundamental to grasping the nuances of Urdu grammar and expression.

• Correct Option A: محاورہ (Muhawara) is the correct classification. A محاورہ is an idiom, a phrase whose meaning is not literal but rather figurative, derived from common usage. "ماورہ کا نور ہو جاتا" is an idiomatic expression, implying "to become very clear or enlightened," which is not its direct word-for-word meaning. Idioms enrich language by conveying complex ideas concisely.
• Option B: روزمرہ (Rozmarra) refers to common, everyday usage, which can be part of an idiom but isn't the overarching category.
• Option C: تلمیح (Talmeeh) is an allusion, a reference to a historical or literary event.
• Option D: صنعت (San'at) is a general term for a literary device.

The proverb "You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours" is a common idiom that describes a reciprocal relationship or a mutual exchange of favors. It implies that if one person helps another, the favor will be returned. Option A, "If you do me a favor, I’ll return it," perfectly encapsulates this concept of mutual benefit and reciprocity.

• Option B, "Pre-conventional morality," refers to a stage in moral development where individuals make decisions based on self-interest and avoiding punishment, which is a psychological concept, not the direct meaning of the proverb.
• Option C, "Realism," is a philosophical or artistic movement, unrelated to the proverb's meaning.
• Option D, "Not related to moral concern," is incorrect because the proverb often implies a social contract or an understanding of fairness in exchange, which can have moral dimensions.

The proverb highlights the practical aspect of give-and-take in human interactions.

This question tests knowledge of prominent Urdu short story collections and their authors. Recognizing the creators of significant literary works is essential for understanding the landscape of Urdu fiction.

• Correct Option B: احمد ندیم قاسمی (Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi) is the celebrated author of "چوپال" (Chaupal), a renowned collection of short stories. Qasmi was a prolific writer, poet, and journalist, highly regarded for his realistic portrayal of rural life, social issues, and human emotions in his fiction. "Chaupal" stands as a testament to his mastery of narrative and character development in Urdu literature.
• Option A: پریم چند (Premchand) was a legendary Hindi and Urdu writer, but "Chaupal" is not attributed to him.
• Option C: ابن انشا (Ibn-e-Insha) was a famous poet and travelogue writer, not primarily known for short story collections like "Chaupal."
• Option D: "ان میں سے کوئی نہیں" (None of these) is incorrect, as Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi is indeed the author.

This question explores the structure of Earth and the significance of its layers. While all layers are crucial for Earth's overall dynamics, the Earth's crust is arguably the "most important" layer from a human and biological perspective. It is the outermost solid layer where all known life exists, providing the landforms, oceans, resources, and environment necessary for human civilization and ecosystems. It directly supports all terrestrial and aquatic life.

• The Mantle is the thickest layer, driving plate tectonics, but is uninhabitable.
• The Core (outer and inner) generates Earth's magnetic field but is deep within and uninhabitable.
• "None of these" is incorrect as the crust is fundamentally important for life.

The question asks for the antonym of "APPROBATE." To "approbate" means to approve formally or sanction something. Therefore, its antonym should mean to express strong disapproval or to condemn. Option A, "Condemn," is the correct antonym, as it means to express complete disapproval of, typically in public; censure.

• Option B, "Ingratitude," means a lack of thankfulness, which is unrelated to approval or disapproval.
• Option C, "Master," can mean a skilled person or to gain control over something, neither of which is an antonym for approbate.
• Option D, "Permit," means to allow or authorize, which is a synonym or closely related concept to approbate, not an antonym.

Understanding "approbate" as formal approval helps in identifying "condemn" as its direct opposite, signifying strong disapproval.

This question assesses general knowledge about major religious texts and their associated religions. The Mahabharata is a foundational epic, and understanding its religious context is key to comprehending its cultural significance.

• Correct Option A: The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India and is intrinsically linked to Hinduism. It is a sacred text that delves into philosophical and devotional themes, including the Bhagavad Gita, a revered scripture within Hinduism. The epic narrates the Kurukshetra War, embodying core Hindu values, dharma, and ethical principles.
• Option B: Judaism is an Abrahamic religion, distinct from the traditions of the Mahabharata.
• Option C: Christianity is also an Abrahamic religion, with its own unique scriptures and beliefs.
• Option D: Buddhism, while originating in India, has its own separate scriptures and philosophical framework.

This question addresses a fundamental concept in chemistry and biology concerning molecular movement. Diffusion is defined as the net movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. This passive process occurs due to the random kinetic energy of molecules and continues until an equilibrium state is reached. It is vital for many biological processes, such as gas exchange in the lungs and nutrient absorption.

• Evaporation is the process of a liquid turning into a gas from its surface.
• Sublimation is the direct transition from solid to gas.
• Condensation is the process of a gas turning into a liquid.

These distractors describe phase changes, which are distinct from the movement of molecules down a concentration gradient.

The phrase "pencil you in" is an idiomatic expression. When someone says, "I will pencil you in for Tuesday the 18th," they mean they are making a provisional or tentative arrangement or booking for that time. It suggests that the arrangement is not yet finalized but is noted down. Option A, "Appointment," is the most accurate meaning, as it refers to a scheduled meeting or arrangement.

• Option B, "Particular," means specific or precise, which doesn't capture the essence of making a tentative booking.
• Option C, "Respect," refers to admiration or esteem, which is entirely unrelated to scheduling.
• Option D, "Independent," means self-reliant or not controlled by others, which has no connection to the idiom.

The idiom implies a flexible, preliminary booking, commonly used in scheduling appointments or meetings.

This question tests knowledge of a pivotal event in Islamic history that marks the commencement of the Islamic Hijri calendar. Understanding this foundational event is crucial for comprehending Islamic chronology and its historical significance.

• Correct Option B: The Islamic Hijri calendar begins with the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW)'s migration (Hijrat) from Makkah to Madina in 622 CE. This momentous event, known as the Hijra, established the first Muslim community-state in Madina, marking a new era for Islam and signifying a turning point in its history and the development of the Muslim Ummah.
• Option A: The conquest of Makkah occurred much later (8 AH) and is not the calendar's starting point.
• Option C: The birth of the Holy Prophet (SAW) predates the Hijra by many decades.
• Option D: The Treaty of Hudaibiya was signed in 6 AH, after the calendar's inception.

This question relates to plant physiology, specifically the processes of photosynthesis and respiration. During the day, plants perform photosynthesis, consuming carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. However, at night, photosynthesis ceases due to the absence of sunlight, and plants continue to respire. Respiration involves taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide, similar to animals. Therefore, sleeping under a tree at night means being in an area where carbon dioxide concentration might be elevated, which can be detrimental to health in poorly ventilated conditions.

• "More oxygen is released" is incorrect; oxygen release stops at night.
• "Less oxygen" is true, but the primary concern is the active release of CO2.
• "Carbon monoxide released" is false; plants do not produce carbon monoxide.

In the sentence "Her parents are walking on the road in the morning," the group of words "in the morning" functions as a unit. A fundamental concept in grammar is distinguishing between clauses and phrases. A clause contains both a subject and a verb, while a phrase is a group of words that lacks either a subject, a verb, or both, and functions as a single part of speech. Option C, "Phrase," is correct because "in the morning" is a prepositional phrase (starting with the preposition "in") that acts as an adverb, telling us when the action occurs. It does not contain a subject-verb pair.

• Option A, "Independent clause," is incorrect because it lacks a subject and a verb that could stand alone as a complete sentence.
• Option B, "Dependent clause," is also incorrect as it requires a subject and a verb, which "in the morning" does not have.
• Option D, "None of these," is false because "Phrase" is the correct classification.

Recognizing the absence of a subject-verb combination is key to identifying a phrase.

The correct answer is Hazrat Ibrahim AS.

Hazrat Ibrahim (Abraham) is profoundly revered in Islam as the patriarch of monotheism and is explicitly referred to as the "Father of Muslims" in the Holy Quran (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:78). His unwavering faith, submission to Allah, and willingness to sacrifice his son set an unparalleled example for all believers, establishing a spiritual lineage for the Muslim community.

• Hazrat Adam AS was the first human and prophet, but not specifically called the "Father of Muslims" in this context.
• Hazrat Musa AS (Moses) was a great prophet who received the Torah, primarily for the Children of Israel.
• Hazrat Isa AS (Jesus) was also a significant prophet, who received the Injeel (Gospel), also primarily for the Children of Israel.

Therefore, Hazrat Ibrahim's unique status as the spiritual father of the monotheistic tradition makes him the correct choice.

This question tests knowledge of the unique physical properties of water. Unlike most substances, water exhibits anomalous expansion when it freezes. When water turns into ice, its volume increases by approximately 9%. This occurs because the hydrogen bonds in liquid water form a more open, crystalline lattice structure in ice, holding the molecules further apart. This property is crucial for life on Earth, as it causes ice to float, insulating aquatic environments and preventing entire bodies of water from freezing solid.

• 3%, 6%, and 10% are incorrect percentages. The widely accepted and scientifically accurate value for water's expansion upon freezing is around 9%.

The sentence "The house is large ___ is quite old-fashioned" requires a conjunction to connect two contrasting ideas. The house being large is generally a positive attribute, while being old-fashioned can be seen as a negative or contrasting one. Option D, "But," is the correct coordinating conjunction to use here because it introduces a contrast or something contrary to what has just been stated. It effectively highlights the difference between the house's size and its style.

• Option A, "And," is used to add information or connect similar ideas, not contrasting ones.
• Option B, "Or," is used to present an alternative or choice.
• Option C, "Which," is a relative pronoun used to introduce a dependent clause, and its usage here would be grammatically incorrect without a comma and a different sentence structure (e.g., "The house, which is large, is quite old-fashioned.").

The contrast between "large" and "old-fashioned" necessitates the use of "but" for proper grammatical flow and meaning.