General Knowledge 97

Question 1

In Greek mythology who was the goddess of the moon?

Answer 1

Artemis

Artemis is often associated with the moon and hunting.

Question 2

What is the Cockney rhyming slang for flowers?

Answer 2

April showers

Cockney rhyming slang often uses phrases that rhyme with the intended word.

Question 3

In the Harry Potter movies which character is played by Alan Rickman?

Answer 3

Severus Snape

Alan Rickman’s portrayal of Snape is iconic in the film series.

Question 4

What is the national bird of India?

Answer 4

Peacock

The peacock is a symbol of grace and beauty in Indian culture.

Question 5

Yen is the national currency of which country?

Answer 5

Japan

The yen is one of the most traded currencies in the world.

Question 6

In computing, which word is used for a binary digit?

Answer 6

Bit

A bit is the smallest unit of data in computing.

Question 7

How many countries does the Sahara desert cover?

Answer 7

11

The Sahara spans several countries in North Africa.

Question 8

Which short British engineer used to wear a huge top hat in a bid to make himself look taller?

Answer 8

Isambard Kingdom Brunel

Brunel was a prominent figure in engineering during the Victorian era.

Question 9

Who founded the Boy Scouts?

Answer 9

Robert Baden Powell

Baden Powell established the Boy Scouts in the early 20th century.

Question 10

In boxing who was the first to defeat Mike Tyson in a professional bout?

Answer 10

James “Buster” Douglas

This historic fight took place in 1990.

Question 11

Which nursery rhyme character “could eat no fat”?

Answer 11

Jack Sprat

Jack Sprat is a character from a traditional English nursery rhyme.

Question 12

As whom is the fictional character Princess Aurora better known?

Answer 12

Sleeping Beauty

Aurora is the name given to Sleeping Beauty in some adaptations.

Question 13

Captain Hastings is the assistant of which fictional detective?

Answer 13

Hercule Poirot

Hastings is a recurring character in Agatha Christie’s Poirot series.

Question 14

Who discovered Uranus in 1781?

Answer 14

William Herschel

Herschel was an astronomer who made significant contributions to the field.

Question 15

A pintail is what type of bird?

Answer 15

Duck

Pintails are known for their long necks and pointed tails.

Question 16

Actor John Wayne had what nickname?

Answer 16

Duke

The nickname ‘Duke’ was given to him during his childhood.

Question 17

According to the superstition how many lives does a cat have?

Answer 17

9

This superstition varies by culture, but 9 is the most common number.

Question 18

By what name is sportsman Edson Arantes do Nascimento better known?

Answer 18

Pele

Pele is regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time.

Question 19

Saintpaulia is the Latin name for which popular houseplant?

Answer 19

African violet

African violets are known for their beautiful flowers and ease of care.

Question 20

Which Nursery Rhyme character sat on a tuffet?

Answer 20

Little Miss Muffet

Little Miss Muffet is a well-known character in children’s literature.

Question 21

How is the airborne Australian medical service more commonly known?

Answer 21

Flying Doctor

The Flying Doctor Service provides emergency medical care in remote areas.

Question 22

In which yacht did Sir Francis Chichester sail solo around the world?

Answer 22

Gipsy Moth

Chichester’s journey was a significant achievement in sailing history.

Question 23

Goatsucker is the North American name for which bird?

Answer 23

Nightjar

Nightjars are known for their distinctive calls and camouflage.

Question 24

P.C. Wren was the author of which novel about the French Foreign Legion?

Answer 24

Beau Geste

Beau Geste is a classic adventure novel set in the desert.

Question 25

Italian **Reinhold Messner** made the 1st successful solo ascent of Mount Everest in which year?

Answer 25

1980 ## Footnote Messner's ascent was notable for being without supplemental oxygen.

Question 26

How many **periods of play** are there in a game of ice hockey?

Answer 26

3 ## Footnote Each period typically lasts 20 minutes.

Question 27

In literature the character of **Oliver Mellors** is better known as whom?

Answer 27

Lady Chatterley’s Lover ## Footnote Mellors is a central character in D.H. Lawrence's novel.

Question 28

Globe and Jerusalem are types of what?

Answer 28

Artichoke ## Footnote Artichokes are a type of thistle and are edible.

Question 29

Gold Coast was the former name of what **African nation**?

Answer 29

Ghana ## Footnote Ghana was the first African country to gain independence from colonial rule.

Question 30

The word **karaoke** comes from which language?

Answer 30

Japanese ## Footnote Karaoke combines the Japanese words for 'empty' and 'orchestra'.