General Knowledge MCQs
Topic Notes: General Knowledge
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
1
The Snowy Mountains are found in which country?
Answer:
The Snowy Mountains, in New South Wales, include Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mainland Australian peak. They are part of the Great Dividing Range. The “Snowy” name reflects winter snowfalls rare in Australia.
2
How many career no-hitters did Nolan Ryan throw (an MLB record)?
Answer:
Ryan threw seven no-hitters between 1973 and 1991. No other pitcher has surpassed this record. His longevity and strikeout dominance define his legend.
3
What was the first _Peanuts_ television special?
Answer:
Debuting in 1965, _A Charlie Brown Christmas_ introduced animated versions of Schulz’s comic characters. It became a holiday classic and set the tone for later _Peanuts_ specials. It even won Emmy and Peabody Awards.
4
Which profession was the first to commonly accept what we now call “tips”?
Answer:
In early Europe, barbers accepted gratuities from patrons for extra service and grooming. The practice spread into other trades. Today, tipping is widespread in service industries.
5
Whose first novel was _Hike and the Aeroplane_?
Answer:
Published in 1912, _Hike and the Aeroplane_ was Lewis’s first book, written under a pseudonym. He later won the Nobel Prize in Literature (1930). His mature works include _Main Street_ and _Babbitt_.
6
Who was the only golfer to win the British Open in three different decades of the 20th century?
Answer:
Gary Player of South Africa won the Open Championship in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. He’s part of golf’s “Big Three” with Nicklaus and Palmer. Jones was earlier and Nicklaus didn’t span three decades in the Open.
7
Which U.S. president’s face first appeared on the dime (Jan 30, 1946)?
Answer:
Roosevelt’s portrait was chosen after his death in 1945, honoring his fight against polio and support for the March of Dimes campaign. Lincoln is on the penny, Washington on the quarter, and Jefferson on the nickel.
8
How many continents border the Arctic Ocean?
Answer:
The Arctic Ocean touches North America, Europe, and Asia. Africa, South America, and Oceania are far south of the Arctic. Remembering polar geography helps with map-based questions.
9
Who is the gypsy heroine in _The Hunchback of Notre Dame_?
Answer:
In Victor Hugo’s novel, Esmeralda is a compassionate Romani girl loved by several men, including Quasimodo. She becomes central to the story’s tragedy. Her name is iconic in literature and adaptations.
10
In which major U.S. professional sport does the home team _not_ usually wear white?
Answer:
In the NFL, the home team often wears its colored uniforms, leaving the visitors in white. In baseball, basketball, and hockey, tradition generally reserves white/light jerseys for home teams. Exceptions exist, but the NFL stands out.