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General Knowledge Quiz #48

Answer these random trivia questions.
Quiz by Quizmaster
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Featured Quiz
Last updated: September 21, 2018
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First submittedJuly 10, 2012
Times taken75,898
Average score60.0%
Rating4.18
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Question
Answer
What is the former English name of Beijing?
Peking
What usually has three leaves, but in about 1/5000 cases has four or more?
Clover
What are the first five digits of pi?
3.1415
What fictional character had a mysterious lighting bolt scar on his forehead
from when he was a baby?
Harry Potter
What is the only form of birth control permitted by the Catholic church?
Abstinence
What group sings "Love Shack" and "Rock Lobster"?
The B-52s
What American swimmer won eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympics?
Michael Phelps
What is the capital of Bangladesh?
Dhaka
What word means "to drink" and is a homophone of the word coif?
Quaff
What scientist sailed on the HMS Beagle?
Charles Darwin
From where can you check out anytime you like, but never leave?
The Hotel California
In what country is it customary, although rare, to break plates during celebrations?
Greece
What is the only substance that can harm Superman?
Kryptonite
What dinosaur does Mario sometimes ride?
Yoshi
What is the second most-populous city in New York state?
Buffalo
What does "casa grande" mean in English?
Big House
On what river's left bank would you find the famous "Left Bank"?
Seine
In Hawaii, what does mahalo mean?
Thank You
What type of nut is used to make Nutella?
Hazelnuts
Who wrote "A Farewell to Arms"?
Ernest Hemingway
Sonko
+5
Level 35
Sep 14, 2012
Only 22% knew capital of Bangladesh and only 32% knew former name of Beijing? Always fun to see how americans struggle with geographical questions.
plattitude
+40
Level 89
Feb 22, 2013
Having just read the comments in the States of the US quiz, I find it fascinating that you assume it's Americans who are bringing down the average.
buck1017
+9
Level 76
Nov 17, 2014
Yeah? What is the capital of Alabama? How 'bout the biggest city in Montana? Why is it such a shock that the average American may not know the capital of a country thousands of miles away? Many of our states are geographically the same size or bigger as most of the countries in Europe, so I suppose that means that we should expect you to know all of our state capitals.
sillie
+2
Level 79
Nov 25, 2014
Montgomery, isn't it? Without looking it up. No effing idea about Montana though. - European.
kalbahamut
+22
Level 84
Jan 5, 2015
Knowing something about California or Texas is more relevant than knowing anything about Kiribati or Nauru. Or even Liechtenstein or San Marino. It just is. Condescend all you want to. Regarding Europeans' and Americans' respective knowledge of geography, in my (extensive and relevant) experience, it's about the same. The average European is very poor at geography. The average American is very poor at geography. However there are smart and well-educated people in both places. In the case of both the educated and the ignorant, they will always do better at geography that is relevant and near to them. An American is more likely to know something about Mexico, Canada, or Florida. A European is more likely to know something about Austria, Denmark, or Tuscany. The United States and the European Union are very close in terms of size, population, and GDP and comparing US States to European countries is actually very appropriate.
kalbahamut
+18
Level 84
Jan 5, 2015
When a European gets upset about someone not knowing something about "the rest of the world," almost inevitably what they actually mean is that this person doesn't know as much about Europe as they do. Because Europe is relevant and important to them. But they're just as unlikely to know what the capital of the Philippines is. And less likely to know the capital of Alabama.
jmellor13
+8
Level 67
Feb 8, 2019
I have a serious question: why is it so important for Americans to know the capital of Bangladesh? And don't just say "because otherwise you're ignorant." Everyone is ignorant of certain things (I bet a lot of the people who know every capital don't know how to fix a toilet or how to apply the rule against perpetuities). Ignorance is bad when it regards *something important to know.* The hard truth is that, despite Bangladesh's population, it does not affect world affairs the way other countries do. All countries and capitals are not created equal. Washington, London, Berlin, Paris, Beijing, Tokyo, Moscow, Riyadh...these are the capitals of major world players, and almost everyone knows them, because they are the most worth knowing. I read the news almost every day. I never read or hear anything about Dhaka. Never. Why does an American (or Brit or Brazilian or whoever) need to know it? Do you think memorizing capitals means you understand their cultures? It doesn't.
roleybob
+12
Level 76
Jun 21, 2019
^ to increase your Jetpunk level
dunkinggandalf2
+6
Level 67
Oct 10, 2020
While I agree that there are smart and stupid people on every continent, and very probably in roughly the same proportions, I don't think the comparison between US States and European countries is appropriate. Sure, there are some very small European countries, but there also are some very big and very rich regions within other European countries. North Rhine-Westphalia, in Germany, is more populated than 46 US States, and would be in the top 5 or 6 in terms of GDP (depending on exchange rates). Bavaria is not very much behind. The French region Ile de France, which contains Paris, has more population than 44 US States, and has a GDP comparable to North Rhine Westphalia. The Italian region of Lombardia would be in the top 10 of US States by population. There is no reason why one should expect Europeans to know US States, and Americans to ignore European regions.
dunkinggandalf2
+9
Level 67
Oct 10, 2020
Also, very very little of what we learn on Jetpunk is actually important. I was under the impression that we were doing this to have fun!
kalbahamut
+3
Level 84
Mar 14, 2021
North Rhine-Westphalia is more populated than 48 US states. Cool. California is more populated than 38 European countries, and has a bigger economy than all of them except Germany. Meanwhile the state of Rhode Island is bigger than five different European countries. So by your own arguments the comparison is entirely appropriate. Not that your arguments are ever consistent when it comes to subjects such as this...
kalbahamut
+6
Level 84
Dec 24, 2014
Would be fun to see comments from ignorant non-Americans who try to deflect from their own sense of inadequacy by clinging to false stereotypes, except that it's more pathetic than funny.
ander217
+4
Level 76
Nov 29, 2016
It would be good if all of us knew the answers to both of these, but age probably has something to do with it. When I was learning countries and capitals in school, Peking is the name I was taught. Bangladesh didn't exist then, although Dhaka was also the capital of East Pakistan. I'm not sure that it's important to teach the history of names of every country and capital in the world since some could change again in the future. It's difficult enough for students to keep up with the current countries and capitals. Most of the historical names can be relegated to trivia IMO.
martay
+4
Level 68
Feb 8, 2019
According to Alexa, the US is the country (by far) with the most users on the site but international users outnumber Americans by a ratio of 3 to 2.
camus
+10
Level 77
Feb 8, 2019
If Jetpunk comments prove anything it‘s that Europeans can be just as obnoxious as Americans.
spethspeth
+1
Level 65
Oct 17, 2021
Yeah the geographical questions are always easy and I can't fathom anyone over the age of 25 not knowing Peking. I don't know anything about the hunger games or harry potter though so I always have like 4 or 5 leftover questions on these quizzes.
jennywren21
+3
Level 60
Jan 24, 2022
As someone who didn't get the Dhaka question correct, let me say this. Before taking this quiz, I knew Dhaka because of the 500 biggest cities in the world quiz, but not exactly where it was.

Does that make me an ignorant American? Maybe, but the fact that I and many others come here to learn about geography means that we're a little less ignorant with each quiz.

I wonder if you can say the same thing about a smug attitude?

FreakofNature
+1
Level 21
Sep 16, 2012
Superman can also be harmed by magic.
plattitude
+4
Level 89
Feb 22, 2013
Yes, but is magic a substance?
mtthw
+4
Level 52
Aug 3, 2013
guessed the b51s
fuanacdc
+2
Level 80
Nov 26, 2014
So close
cornflakesfu
+1
Level 84
Sep 18, 2018
. . . seriously?
samiamco
+3
Level 70
Sep 23, 2018
A better guess than my C-52s!
burntfrost
+1
Level 48
May 28, 2014
Can you accept HFCS? I've seen that abbreviation around.
Quizmaster
+1
Level ∞
Nov 12, 2014
Okay
groanman
+7
Level 81
Dec 9, 2014
I spent alot if time wondering what kind of dinosaur Yoshi was.
cyninoregon
+3
Level 36
Dec 24, 2014
I misread the question and thought that's what it asked! Tried all sorts of things like trex, fictional, anthropomorphic, and green. Then read the question again.....*smh*
McKenzieFam
+1
Level 57
Sep 1, 2021
So did I! I spent ages guessing dino species.

What dino does Mario ride? Hmm, I think Yoshi is a t rex. No? Ok maybe there's some other dino I'm forgetting? *facepalm*

JeromesNiece
+5
Level 68
Dec 24, 2014
Coif and quaff aren't homophones at all.
FractalDoom
+3
Level 44
Dec 24, 2014
Yeah, I can't imagine what accent makes that work, I pronounce them 'koi-f' and 'kwa-f'.
Sifhraven
+1
Level 66
Jan 2, 2019
Dont quote me on it, but I see it as kwof and kwaf. Where the kwof tends (strongly) towards kwo-af. So close enough imo.
Sifhraven
+1
Level 66
Jan 2, 2019
Apparently both pronounciations can be correct. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fSZNx9cAZa4
ander217
+1
Level 76
Feb 8, 2019
My Upper South US accent, for one.
dunkinggandalf2
+2
Level 67
Oct 10, 2020
Works very well in a French accent!
Dontforget
+1
Level 55
Jun 11, 2021
In french "oi" makes a "wa" sound, so like dunkinggandalf2 said quaff and coif are homophones! :)
French2010
+5
Level 90
Sep 17, 2018
Don’t know if it’s still the case but the rhythm method was also fully acceptable to the Catholic Church in my parents’ day. You can google that if you wish details.
ander217
+1
Level 76
Feb 8, 2019
That was accepted for me. I'm apparently from your parent's day.
mrnafe
+1
Level 80
Sep 18, 2018
Abstinence? Catholic church? Pshhh less said about that the better...
Jerry928
+1
Level 75
Sep 19, 2018
Also accept "abstaining"?
Quizmaster
+1
Level ∞
Sep 19, 2018
Okay
artemis05
+1
Level 70
Sep 16, 2019
What about chastity?
Yanni47
+2
Level 74
Oct 31, 2018
And how about chastity?
grantdon
+1
Level 74
Feb 8, 2019
and abstention, celibacy
APHill
+4
Level 74
Sep 21, 2018
Sorry, but the abstinence one is just plain wrong. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_family_planning
French2010
+2
Level 90
Sep 21, 2018
Absolutely correct - one of the calendar based methods is the rhythm method that I note above. Hopefully you’ll get some kind of response to your comment.
Quizmaster
+2
Level ∞
Sep 21, 2018
The question and answer are correct. The rhythm/natural/timing method has been classified by the church as intermittent abstinence. By the way, we accept some variations of the above for type-ins.
CardinalSin
+2
Level 75
Oct 31, 2018
I disagree. The rhythm method and abstinence are not the same. Also, though the late Pope Paul in his encyclical "humanae vitae" explained his reasoning why other methods of contraception (e.g. the pill, barrier methods) are to be avoided, that doesn't have the force of an infallible pronouncement and most Catholics, at least in the West, are quite comfortable with using them. The only complete no-no is the use of abortion (includes intra-uterine devices).
jmellor13
+2
Level 67
Feb 8, 2019
I think "abstinence" is an acceptable answer and should count (especially the church surely approves of it outside marriage), but we were definitely taught in school that the rhythm method is the only acceptable form of birth control, so I think it should the answer that shows up. It's more specific to what the church actually says.
findy
+2
Level 73
Mar 14, 2021
And yet natural family planning was not accepted nor the calendar method.
CRey
+1
Level 81
Sep 27, 2018
'Withdrawal' was not acceptable? It's 100% full proof.
IsleAuHaulte
+1
Level 87
Dec 29, 2018
There are 100s of terms for this, plus other contraceptive positions.

urbandictionary.com

ander217
+1
Level 76
Feb 8, 2019
No, it isn't. Look it up, it's only 78% effective.
bb11145
+1
Level 46
Feb 10, 2019
Yeah, but that's why it's acceptable to the church. It says 'control' not 'certainty' in the question. Withdrawal is an accepted method of trying to control pregnancy.
partdavid
+1
Level 68
Nov 16, 2021
Let's remember how effectiveness of a birth control method is measured: as a percentage of sexually active couples using only that method, over the course of a year. And they all have an effectiveness as "perfectly used" (for example, when using condoms--the couple reports that the condom is always correctly fitted, it's used for every intercourse, etc.).

The withdrawal method is 78% effective in average, imperfect usage, and 96% effective when perfectly applied. For comparison, condoms are 82% effective on average, and 98% effective when perfectly used.

But it doesn't really matter for the quiz, because Catholic doctrine prohibits the withdrawal method as a form of contraception.

IsleAuHaulte
+1
Level 87
Dec 29, 2018
Shows how very, very, very little I've paid attention to Harry Potter.
kalbahamut
+2
Level 84
Feb 8, 2019
Accept "prayer" for the birth control method? That was my first guess and it is accepted by the Catholic church, isn't it?
kalbahamut
+2
Level 84
Feb 8, 2019
or change the clue to "effective method" :D
partdavid
+1
Level 68
Nov 16, 2021
In fact, I believe it's simply incorrect. That is, praying to not get pregnant is prohibited. I'm not exactly a Catholic doctrine scholar, but from the famous humanae vitae:

Similarly excluded is any action which either before, at the moment of, or after sexual intercourse, is specifically intended to prevent procreation—whether as an end or as a means.

That document carves out an exception for the rhythm method if justified, and no others. So I think it's technically prohibited.

CraftBananaDuty
+1
Level 38
Feb 8, 2019
the first question was very easy cause in dutch we still call it Peking
roleybob
+3
Level 76
Feb 8, 2019
I haven't read or seen Harry Potter but I assume that the question should read lightning, not lighting
tom88
+5
Level 69
Dec 9, 2019
You didn't know? his scar is in the shape of a lamp
dcfcray
+9
Level 78
Feb 8, 2019
Check out but never leave?

That's the EU if you're British.

ander217
+1
Level 76
Feb 8, 2019
:)
martay
+2
Level 68
Feb 8, 2019
They've gotta pay their minibar tab and the damages for getting black out drunk and apparently mistaking the hot tub for an outhouse.
kalbahamut
+4
Level 84
Feb 8, 2019
Welcome to the European Union

Such a prosperous place (such a prosperous place)

Just don't go to Thrace

Plenty of countries in the European Union

Any time of year (is October near?) Münchners drinking beer

kalbahamut
+1
Level 84
Mar 14, 2021
Nobody sang along to my Eagles/Hotel California homage. :-/ I spent like 4 whole minutes writing it. 2 years later and no likes. shucks..
JackintheBox
+2
Level 77
Mar 22, 2021

vermiciousknid
+1
Level 86
Feb 8, 2019
For the birth control question I tried calendar method, coitus interruptus, pulling out... no dice :(
gillie224
+2
Level 77
Oct 26, 2019
Maybe I drink too much wine, but the left bank of the Gironde is quite famous as well
TurkeyCookTime
+1
Level 73
Mar 5, 2020
Just one punctuation fix: the Left Bank question needs a question mark
Quizmaster
+1
Level ∞
Mar 5, 2020
Fixed
Soucolline
+1
Level 38
Apr 10, 2021
Ugh I live in Paris, but I didn't think to translate "left bank" at all and couldn't figure out the answer. I guess "Rive Gauche" feels like a proper name at this point, not a description of what it is.
stylus
+1
Level 71
May 3, 2021
the 'big house' question should probably not include 'the', and there ought to be a space before the "quote mark"
Ferbin
+1
Level 74
Jun 29, 2021
How about "celibacy" for the birth control one?

Also, typing "B 52" didn't work, yet punctuation and the plural S are conventionally not required in Jetpunk.

FatSpartanJediLlama
+1
Level 59
Jul 30, 2021
17, missed B-52s, Greece, and quaff
DelaBriQue
+1
Level 53
Sep 29, 2021
I am from Paris and I didn't get the question about it haha ! But I am not familiar with the English expression.
tayday
+1
Level 55
Jul 11, 2022
I thought it was quoff hahahaha
Etanna
+1
Level 67
Jul 21, 2022
We also break plates here in Czechia but only during weddings, the new husband and wife then need to clean it up and it is supposed to bring them luck
loni
+1
Level 59
Dec 24, 2022
I would get mad AF if I had to clean something in my wedding.
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