If You Can Get 100% On This Trivia Quiz Then You're Smarter Than 80% Of The Population
- by Rose Moore
- – on
- in Entertainment
How is your general trivia knowledge - are you the kind of person who thrives on pub trivia nights, and collecting as many tidbits of information as you possibly can? Maybe you love trivia, but your knowledge is more niche... or maybe you have a brain like a sieve, and struggle to retain any information at all!
These trivia questions cover all kinds of subjects, from movies, TV, music and literature (including comic books, of course), to sport, geography, history, and more. Which is one of the best, and worst, things about the general knowledge trivia game - there is an entire world's worth of information out there to choose from, and only the very best of the best have devoted enough brain space to these kind of factoids to be able to answer all of the questions correctly across such a wide range of categories. If you can manage to answer all of them, you must be a total Trivia Master, able to pull out random facts about just about any subject that might come up!
Take our quiz to see whether you are a Trivia Master, that will always be the kind to win at Trivial Pursuit, or if you are more the kind to enjoy pub quizzes for the beer and the ambience, and not because you can actually answer any of the questions...
What is the name of the monk who invented champagne?
That's right, it was a monk, and not a party person, who invented the alcoholic beverage that we now drink at any celebration - champagne! This monk lived at the Benedictine abbey in Hautvillers, where he was cellar master as well as a monk, and he pioneered several methods of wine making during his time there... including (according to popular legend), the creation of champagne itself! While some may argue that others came up with the same process, his name still graces one brand of bubbly.
What is the largest freshwater lake in the world?
This lake is largest freshwater lake in the world, if taken by area, although it is only the third largest when it comes to total volume. Located on the border between Canada and the United States of America, it is bordered by the province of Ontario and the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan. It it the largest of the Great Lakes, as well (obviously, given that it is the largest in the world!) and definitely suits the name it is given.
Which is the only state that starts with the letter P?
There are fifty states in the United States of America (and a federal district, Washington), but many people struggle to remember the name of all fifty... even though they were drummed into every student's brain in school! Even if naming all fifty is a little much, though, can you remember the names of them all well enough to pick which of these four is the only state whose name starts with the letter P, and which are made up state names?
What is the Earth's diameter?
The planet that we live on is absolutely massive, and teeming with all kinds of life - from the vast oceans to the polar ice caps, to the land that we have managed to tame (almost), and build human civilization on. It can be difficult to truly grasp the sheer size of the Earth, however, especially when living on its surface - but scientists have calculated the diameter of the planet, and it is absolutely mind-boggling to try and conceive of this distance.
Which garden is one of the seven wonders of the world?
While there are many 'wonders' of the world, the phrase 'Seven Wonders of the World' usually refers to the first known list of wonders, compiled by the historian Herodotus and the scholar Callimachus of Cyrene, at the Museum of Alexandria. Their list includes the Pyramids at Giza, the Colossus at Rhodes, the Lighthouse at Alexandria, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, and the Temple of Artemis - as well as the seventh, a truly famous garden.
Which chess piece can only move diagonally?
The game of chess is a complicated one, with multiple different types of pieces that each have their own rules - some can only move in a specific direction or in a certain way, some change if they reach the other side of the board and continue to move, and of course, there is the Queen, the most important piece in the entire game. In total, there are six types of piece; pawn, rook, bishop, knight, king and queen. Which moves diagonally?
What is the painting 'La Gioconda' more usually known as?
Possibly the most famous painting in the world, this oil portrait of a mysterious woman was painted by the famous Leonardo Da Vinci in 1503. The half-smile of the woman in the painting has made it the most talked-about painting ever, with crowds of fans going to the Louvre in Paris to see it every day. The painting is technically titled La Gioconda, but almost no one calls it by that name on a regular basis, instead calling it what?
Who was Henry VIII's first wife?
Henry the Eighth is one of the most famous Kings of England, ruling from 1509 until his death in 1547. His exploits are famous, but he is probably best known for having no fewer than six wives - and a bad habit of killing them off. He didn't only murder his wives, though, he also broke with the Catholic Church and created his own Church largely so that he would be able to divorce a wife and take another! Who was the first to marry him?
Who wrote the Vampire Chronicles?
This author is famous for writing novels about vampires - and has written several interconnected series on the subject of the undead. She is probably best known for the Vampire Chronicles, though, a series that spans twelve novels (as of now), all about the Vampire Lestat and the world he lives in. Most famous of these is Interview With The Vampire, which has even been made into a successful live action movie starring Tom Cruise, Kirstin Dunst and Brad Pitt.
What is Absinthe also known as?
Absinthe is a famous bright green drink, associated with the bohemians of fin de siecle Paris. Flavored with anise, it is consumed with sugar and either water or fire (which is a modern, flashier way to do it!). It is also famous for having been a hallucinogen, and was banned for many years, although this is less to do with any actual hallucinogenic properties, and more that social conservatives hated the association with the boho artists known to drink it!
Who discovered penicillin?
The story of the discovery of penicillin is well-known - because it was (reportedly) a happy accident! This Scottish scientist noticed one day that a petri dish had been left open, and that mould had grown on it. Excitingly, the mould seemed to be inhibiting the growth of the bacteria on the petri dish, allowing him to do some more experimentation and discover that this particular mould could be used as an antibacterial agent - and thus creating one of the most important drugs of history.
What year did the First World War begin?
The First World War was originally known as the Great War - as no one involved believed that the countries of the world would ever want to repeat the experience, meaning it was also called the War to end all Wars. Obviously, that didn't happen, and instead it has simply gone down in history as the first of many global conflicts that caused massive loss of life. The war began when the Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo - which year did this happen?
Where is the smallest bone in the body?
There are a total of two hundred and six bones in the human skeleton, which range in size from the largest (the femur, or thighbone) to the smallest. This teeny tiny bone is known as the stapes, and is shaped a little like a stirrup. This bone measures approximately two and a half by three millimeters, making it absolutely tiny - and extremely delicate, on top of that. Where in the human body is this little bone called the stapes found?
Who lived at 221B, Baker Street, London?
This fictional detective is known for his address in London, and the flat where he lived with his housekeeper Mrs Hudson, who was also his landlady. This character (created by author Arthur Conan Doyle) is probably the world's best known detective, who works in partnership with a Doctor Watson. His exploits have been adapted multiple times in both film and television, including a current BBC series starring Martin Freeman and the incomparable Benedict Cumberbatch as the brilliant (but troubled) man himself.
Which star sign is represented by a ram?
The twelve signs of the zodiac are all associated with several different things; from personality traits to a symbol, one of the four elements, and a creature or item (usually an animal). One of the signs is represented by a bull, which says a lot about the dominant traits of people who are this sign! They tend to be stubborn and headstrong, and often have something of a temper and explosive emotions. In fact, they can be described perfectly as bullheaded!
What are the first three words in the Bible?
The Bible may be the most famous book in the world, as well as the best selling and most widely distributed book in the world, but that doesn't mean that most people have actually sat down to read it! The religious book of the Christian faith, it is divided into the old and new testaments, which tell the story of God's creation of Earth and Heaven, all of the creatures on Earth, and of course, the death of his son, Jesus. What are the first three words?
Which planet is nearest the sun?
The planets in our solar system all revolve around the sun in a series of orbits, most of which are in turn orbited by one or more moons. Although this system is actually quite complex, it is often pictured simply, as a line of planets that range from closest to furthest from the sun itself - and which range in temperature based on their proximity to that giant star that is the center of it all. Which planet is the closes to the sun?
What is the currency in Japan?
The complexity of money changing was made a lot simpler in the early 2000s, when most of the member countries of the European Union ditched their individual currencies and adopted one single currency - the Euro. Life would be much simpler if the rest of the world would follow suit, of course, but instead there are still hundreds of different currencies throughout the world, changing from country to country and making life complicated for travelers. What is the name of the currency used in Japan?
Who sang 'I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas'?
Whether you love Christmas music or you hate it, there are some songs that are quite simply classics - including I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas. This song was originally written by Irving Berlin, and proved that a secular Christmas song could be incredibly popular - so popular, in fact, that it remains one of the most-recorded songs in the world, having been re-recorded over 500 times in multiple different languages. It also became the inspiration for a Christmas film, which starred the man known for singing it.
What year did Elvis Presley die?
Elvis Presley remains one of the world's most famous rock stars and actors, and will forever be known as The King. His career started in 1954, when he began recording the kind of bluesy rock and roll that would make him famous, and of course, where he developed his signature sexy moves. From there, Elvis went on to become a movie star as well as a rock star, finding fame and fortune before his eventual tragic death at the age of 42.
Which river runs through London?
The city of London, England, is known for many landmarks. Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace... and now even the London Eye are all world famous landmarks that people come from all over the world to see, and they are mostly found in close proximity to the large river that runs through the very center of the city, and that used to be a huge part of the industry of the city when it was first built.
Which singer’s real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta?
While some singers choose to use their real names to perform, this world famous popstress has chosen to take on a very different name for the sake of her work - as well as a larger than life persona. Her real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, but wanted to switch things up with a version of her nickname - to create something new, and because she loved the associations and connotations of her new stage name... which is now known the world over.
How many players are there on a baseball team?
Baseball is known as America's national pasttime, and there is no doubting that it is one of the most popular sports in the United States - but the question of how many players there are per team is a complicated one. Major League Baseball teams maintain a roster of twenty five active players, but those players are not all going to be on the pitch at once! How many are going to be on the field at any one time during play, for one team?
What is the name of Batman's butler?
One of the best known superheroes in the world, Batman is only a superhero by night, but by day he spends him time posing as his alter ego, Bruce Wayne. Bruce is a rich playboy, living in Wayne Manor and spending his time (and money) partying, spending, and generally having some fun. He is helped in both identities by his loyal butler, a man who essentially family as well as a part of the team, and who always has his back.
Which instrument did Louis Armstrong play?
Louis Armstrong is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in the world of jazz, with a musical career spanning five decades, from the 1920s through the 1960s. Nicknamed Pops, he is known for his gravelly voice and the way that he shifted the focus of jazz to individual and solo performances. The New Orleans native, nicknamed Pops, was talented and inventive, and known for his singing and for playing one particular instrument - and for his work in jazz he has been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.
The Statue of Liberty was given to the US by which country?
The Statue of Liberty is one of the symbols that is most powerfully associated with the United States of America, and particularly with New York. It is a giant copper (hence the green color) statue of lady Liberty, holding a torch in one hand and a tablet in the other that is inscribed with the date of the Declaration of Independence. However, this statue was not created in the United States, but was given to the country as a gift from another one.
The average human body contains how many pints of blood?
The amount of blood in the human body will vary, depending on which body you look at - someone who is 5ft and weighs a hundred pounds will have less blood than someone who is a foot and a half taller and three times the size! In general, about 7-9% of ideal bodyweight is blood, but there is a generally accepted number of pints of blood that the average human body will contain - assuming that they are healthy, of course!
What is ‘Tiger’ Woods’s first name?
Tiger Woods is not only one of the world's best golfers, but he is probably the best known professional golfer in the world. He is also one of the highest paid professional athletes in the world, although he is often also in the tabloids for his love life (having had multiple affairs, that were exposed in a scandal in 2009). However, his real name is not actually 'Tiger' - that is a name that he was given as a nickname for a family friend.
How many people have walked on the moon?
Since the first manned flight to the moon in 1969, humans have been fascinated by the idea of walking on the surface of the moon - and following in the legendary footsteps of Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong, the first two met to place their boots down on that lunar surface. Since that historic occasion, there have been several more manned expeditions to the moon, although not all of these involved walking on the surface, and now attention has turned elsewhere in space, especially ISS and Mars.
Which US state capital ends in the letter x?
Anyone who went to school in the United States of America probably spent a lot of time memorizing the state capitals - something that is now only really practically useful for playing trivia games! However, only one of the fifty states has a capital that has a name ending in the letter 'x' - and while it's not too hard to remember the capitals by their first letter or by the state they are connected to, this one might be a little trickier!
Where do Bert and Ernie live?
These two muppets are some of the best-known characters from a beloved children's TV show - best friends and roommates, who live together in a basement apartment (leading to a lot of speculation about their sexuality). The two were created to show that although two people can be very different, they can still be good friends through their differences - and even balance each other out! Bert is the more sensible one, while Ernie is always coming up with crazy ideas that Bert has to talk him out of.
Which fruit inspired Newton's discovery of gravity?
One of the most famous anecdotes in the history of science is that of Issac Newton's discovery of the theory of gravity. According to the oft-repeated tale, the mathematician came up with the theory while sitting out in his garden, under a tree. While he sat, a piece of fruit fell from the tree, and hit him on the head - inspiring him to wonder (possibly with quite a bit of annoyance) why it fell. Obviously, this story is embellished somewhat - but what is the fruit at the center of it?
Which Disney movie was the first to be nominated for an Oscar?
Walt Disney holds a record-breaking twenty six Academy Awards, starting with the Academy Award for Best Short Subject (Cartoon) for the film Flowers and Trees, at the 5th Academy Awards in 1932. However, the majority of his awards are received either for shorts or documentaries, or are honorary awards for achievement. It wasn't until much later than an animated feature length film was nominated for a competitive Oscar for Best Picture - although sadly, it didn't win - and still, no animated feature has.
How many strings does a violin have?
How well do you know your classic instruments? The violin, also known as the fiddle, is possibly the most recognizable of the classical instruments, and certainly of the string section. That said, the violin is an incredibly versatile instrument, and isn't just used in classical music. Violin players can also be found in jazz bands, pop groups, even in heavy metal (where electric violins are very popular). They are also popular in folk music, where they are more commonly referred to as fiddles.
In legend, who turned all that he touched into gold?
Myths and legend are full of magic... and humans who meddle with that magic and learn the consequences of their actions are not always what they expected! This cautionary tale tells of a man who wished that everything he touched would turn to gold. At first, he loved his new power, and enjoyed turning rocks and other objects to the glittering metal, but he then learned that his food would also turn to gold, and he would starve - and even his loved ones couldn't touch him.