1.
Child star Shirley Temple died last week at age 85. What was she known for in later life?
Correct Answer
D. Ambassador to Czechoslovakia.
Explanation
Shirley Temple was known for being the Ambassador to Czechoslovakia in her later life. After retiring from acting, Temple pursued a career in diplomacy and served as the United States Ambassador to Czechoslovakia from 1989 to 1992. She played a crucial role in the peaceful transition from communism to democracy in the country.
2.
What was significant about U.S. teenager Sarah Hendrickson’s ski jump at the Sochi Olympics?
Correct Answer
A. She is the first woman ever to compete in this event.
Explanation
Sarah Hendrickson's ski jump at the Sochi Olympics was significant because she became the first woman ever to compete in this event. This achievement marked a milestone for women in the sport and showcased the progress and inclusivity in the Olympics.
3.
What could have prevented the first ever tie for the gold medal in an Alpine Olympic event?
Correct Answer
B. A rule change to allow more precise timing.
Explanation
A rule change to allow more precise timing could have prevented the first ever tie for the gold medal in an Alpine Olympic event. This suggests that the existing timing rules were not precise enough to accurately determine the winner, resulting in a tie. By implementing a rule change that allows for more precise timing, the event organizers would be able to accurately determine the winner and avoid any ties in the future.
4.
What argument is being used by critics of a proposal to replace live court reporters with digital recorders?
Correct Answer
D. Court reporters are more accurate.
Explanation
Critics of the proposal to replace live court reporters with digital recorders argue that court reporters are more accurate. This suggests that they believe digital recorders may not be able to accurately capture all the details and nuances of courtroom proceedings, which could potentially lead to errors or omissions in the official record.
5.
Actor Henry Winkler is co-author of a children’s book series that stems from his own childhood struggle with what?
Correct Answer
B. Dyslexia
Explanation
Henry Winkler is co-author of a children's book series that stems from his own childhood struggle with dyslexia. Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects reading, writing, and spelling abilities. Winkler, who is also known for his role as "The Fonz" on the television show Happy Days, has been open about his struggles with dyslexia and has used his experiences to inspire and educate children who face similar challenges. Through his book series, Winkler aims to provide support and encouragement to dyslexic children, helping them to overcome their difficulties and achieve success.
6.
Visitors to the Sochi Olympics have been enjoying what activity seldom seen at the winter games?
Correct Answer
B. Sunbathing
Explanation
Visitors to the Sochi Olympics have been enjoying sunbathing, which is a rare activity at the winter games. Typically, winter games are associated with cold weather and snow, making it unlikely for visitors to engage in sunbathing. However, Sochi, being a coastal city, has a subtropical climate which allows visitors to enjoy the sun and warm weather during the Olympics. This unique combination of winter sports and sunbathing makes the Sochi Olympics stand out from other winter games.
7.
Gov. Pat McCrory’s proposal to raise teacher pay is being criticized because it is limited primarily to which teachers?
Correct Answer
A. Beginning teachers.
Explanation
The correct answer is "Beginning teachers." Governor Pat McCrory's proposal to raise teacher pay is being criticized because it primarily focuses on increasing the salaries of beginning teachers. This means that more experienced teachers may not receive the same level of pay increase, leading to concerns about fairness and retention of experienced educators. The proposal does not specifically mention graduates of the UNC system, teachers moving in from other states, or science and math teachers, making them less relevant to the criticism surrounding the pay raise.
8.
The Wake schools Twitter account @wcpss has gained national attention for being what?
Correct Answer
C. Sassy
Explanation
The Wake schools Twitter account @wcpss has gained national attention for being sassy. This means that the account is known for its witty, clever, and sometimes sarcastic responses or comments. The account's sassy nature has caught the attention of people across the country, making it stand out among other school Twitter accounts.
9.
What was found by an archaeological team in Egypt?
Correct Answer
C. A mummy.
Explanation
An archaeological team in Egypt found a mummy.
10.
What big step did Taylor Swift take, an event which was chronicled by social media?
Correct Answer
B. Got a haircut.
Explanation
The correct answer is "Got a haircut." This can be inferred from the phrase "an event which was chronicled by social media." Getting engaged, visiting her old high school, and getting her pilot's license are not typically events that would be widely chronicled on social media. However, a celebrity getting a haircut is often a topic of discussion and coverage on social media platforms.