JH WEEKLIES ISSUE #6
2012-2013
TOSS-UP QUESTIONS
1. SOCIAL STUDIES (Economics)
This business term was heavily used in the court cases United States vs. AT&T and United
States vs. Microsoft. It was deemed to be an unfair business practice, one that was outlawed in the
U.S. by competition laws. What is this term that refers to the complete control that a person or
company can obtain when there is no competition, and also serves as the name of a popular Parker
Brothers board game?
ANSWER: monopoly
2. MATHEMATICS (Algebra) COMPUTATION
Find the point of intersection of the lines 2x + 1 = y and x - y = 3
ANSWER: (-4, -7)
3. MISCELLANEOUS (Popular Music)
This R&B singer’s debut album Songs in A Minor sold over 12 million copies worldwide and
launched a career that has produced three Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles. What is the name of
this soulful young singer, whose hits “Fallin,” “If I Ain’t Got You,” and “No One” established her as a
songwriter to be heard for years to come?
ANSWER: Alicia Keys
4. SCIENCE (Life Science)
These often microscopic creatures are one of the main food sources of large aquatic animals
known as filter feeders. The filter feeders, such as the basking and whale sharks, slowly swim with
their mouth agape against a water’s current and swallow these organisms that are unable to swim
against such a strong current. What is the name of these small structures that include algae, bacteria,
and plants?
ANSWER: plankton
© Questions Galore 2012
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5. LANGUAGE ARTS (Grammar)
This type of punctuation mark is placed after the salutation in a business letter and is used to
indicate that information following the mark refers to what preceded it. What is the name of this mark
that consists of two equally sized dots centered vertically?
ANSWER: colon
6. SOCIAL STUDIES (History)
Ironically, former Prime Minister of Israel David Ben-Gurion called this politician “the best
man in the government.” This future Prime Minister took office in Israel in 1969 and resigned from
her position in 1974 at the conclusion of the Yom Kippur War. What is the name of this prolific leader
who served as Israel’s first, and the world’s third female prime minister?
ANSWER: Golda Meir
7. FINE ARTS (Music)
This impressive musical technique is notably featured at the beginning of George Gershwin’s
Rhapsody in Blue, performed by the clarinet. It is noted on a score as two individual notes separated
by a long, swirling tie. What is this musical term that describes a glide or sweep from one note to
another, often over an octave in length?
ANSWER: glissando
8. SCIENCE (General Science)
Many students are familiar with this American’s most popular invention, but are unaware that
he also, at one time, held nearly 1,100 U.S. patents. These patents covered such contributions as a
stock ticker, an electric car battery, and the original format for recording music. What is the name of
this “Wizard of Menlo Park” who most famously invented the practical electric light bulb?
ANSWER: Thomas Edison
9. SOCIAL STUDIES (Geography)
Located deep into Lakota Indian territory, this enormous natural monument was dubbed
“brown buffalo horn” by the natives, due to its dramatic and sharp rise out of the earth. The rock
intrusion can be viewed from a nearby highway or up close if a hiker wishes to navigate their way
through the Black Hills, the isolated mountain range that is home to the attraction. What is the more
common name given to this 1,267-foot monolith in Crook County, Wyoming?
ANSWER: Devils Tower
10. MATHEMATICS (Geometry) COMPUTATION
What is the area of a parallelogram that has a base of 9.5 centimeters, sides that measure 5.3
centimeters, and a height, or altitude, of 4 centimeters?
ANSWER: 38 square centimeters
© Questions Galore 2012
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11. MISCELLANEOUS (Sports)
The number one overall pick in the 1999 MLB draft, this powerful slugger didn’t make his
major league debut until 2007. Despite having prolific skills, injuries and a harmful addiction to drugs
caused this promising player to nearly miss his chances at playing pro baseball. Despite his troubled
past, he went on to win the American League batting title in 2010 and was named to the All-Star team
four seasons in a row, from 2008-2012. What is the name of this now celebrated outfielder for the
Texas Rangers?
ANSWER: Josh Hamilton
12. LANGUAGE ARTS (Vocabulary)
This word can be seen affixed in front of two notable New York locations; a museum of art and
a large opera house. What is this five-syllable English word that is given to these Big Apple
landmarks to describe the region of densely populated industry and housing?
ANSWER: metropolitan
13. SCIENCE (Earth Science)
One of the three main rock families contains the very first rocks on earth, thus earning the
nickname “the parents of all rocks.” This group earns this right due to its ability to form rocks
intrusively, or under the surface of the earth. The rocks can also be formed on top of the earth’s
surface as extrusive, or volcanic, rocks. What is the name of this rock type that is most commonly
formed through the cooling of magma or lava?
ANSWER: igneous
14. FINE ARTS (Art)
The muse of this legendary piece of artwork is believed to be the wife of Francesco del
Giocondo, a friend of the artist. She was painted in the early 1500s and the resulting finished painting
was quickly purchased by the King of France. Since its purchase, it has been owned by the French
Republic in one form or another and is on permanent display in the Musée du Louvre. What is the
name of this da Vinci piece, often listed as the greatest painting in history?
ANSWER: Mona Lisa
15. MATHEMATICS (Computer Science)
Give the acronym that describes the following type of digital coding. This computer language
was developed by John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz and is the most commonly and widely used of all
computer languages. When it was created, most computers were only operated by academics such as
scientists and mathematicians due to a computer’s inability to read universal software. What is the
name for this programming language that was the first to allow microcomputers to be used by
beginners?
ANSWER: BASIC
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16. SOCIAL STUDIES (Civics)
Recent holders of this high-ranking office have included Newt Gingrich, Dennis Hastert, and
Nancy Pelosi. The duties of the position include presiding over the House of Representatives while
still representing their district and leading the majority party in regards to their agenda. They are
officially listed as second in the presidential line of succession. What is the full name of this United
States office designation that is currently held by Ohio’s John Boehner?
ANSWER: Speaker of the House
17. MISCELLANEOUS (Movies)
Featuring an all-star cast of Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner, and Samuel L. Jackson, this 2012
blockbuster has earned over $1.5 trillion, making it the third most successful movie of all time. The
film brings together numerous superheroes of the Marvel Universe including Hawkeye, Captain
America, and Thor. What is the name of this hit movie that featured Robert Downey Jr. in the lead
role of Iron Man?
ANSWER: The Avengers
18. LANGUAGE ARTS (Spelling)
Spell the word in the following sentence that describes a grammatical term. Roar, boom, and
meow are all forms of onomatopoeia. Spell onomatopoeia.
ANSWER: o-n-o-m-a-t-o-p-o-e-i-a
19. SCIENCE (Health)
This essential vitamin is made internally in most organisms, but can be supplemented by those
who wish to prevent the common cold. In animals, the vitamin helps to start wound-healing and
prevents the capillaries from unnecessary bleeding. What is this vitamin that, when deficient, can
cause a human to suffer from scurvy and is commonly seen in the form of ascorbic acid?
ANSWER: Vitamin C
20. FINE ARTS (Theater)
Claude-Michel Shonberg adapted this Victor Hugo novel into a stage show that has become
one of the most successful musicals of all time. The show is set in 19th-century France during a series
of student revolutions and features the young characters of Cosette, Marius, and Eponine. What is the
name of this award-winning production that also features the adult characters of Fantine, Javert, and
Jean Valjean?
ANSWER: Les Miserables
© Questions Galore 2012
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BONUS QUESTIONS
1. SCIENCE (4 Parts in Life Science)
Identify the scientific order into which each of these mammals is classified.
1. squirrel
2. kangaroo
3. gorilla
4. platypus
ANSWERS: 1. Rodentia (rodents)
2. Marsupialia (marsupials)
3. Primates
4. Monotremata (monotremes)
2. LANGUAGE ARTS (4 Parts in Grammar)
Identify the adverbial clause in each of the following sentences.
1. If you are careful, you will be able to see the hawk that builds its nest in the oak tree.
2. I talked to a young man who wants to be a racecar driver when he becomes
old enough.
3. The man fainted when he saw the blood.
4. The wind blew so hard that the fire went out.
ANSWERS: 1. If you are careful
2. when he becomes old enough
3. when he saw the blood
4. that the fire went out
3. MATHEMATICS (4 Parts in Algebra)
Evaluate each of the following expressions if x = 6, y = 8 and z = 9.
1. y(3x – z)
2. 9x + 5y – 10z
3. yz/x
4. 5xyz
ANSWERS: 1. 72
2. 4
3. 12
4. 2,160
4. MISCELLANEOUS (4 Parts in Home Economics)
Mexican food has become an American favorite. Give the name of each of the following
unique Mexican foods after hearing their descriptions.
1. Toasted tortillas or chips topped with melted cheese and chili peppers.
2. A popular dessert made of breaded ice cream and a crispy shell.
3. The avocado-based dip composed of tomato, onion, and lime juice.
4. A corn tortilla wrapped around meat or cheese and served with chili pepper sauce.
ANSWERS: 1. nachos
2. fried ice cream
3. guacamole
4. enchilada
© Questions Galore 2012
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5. SOCIAL STUDIES (4 Parts in Civics)
Answer these questions, which might be found on the U.S. Constitution test.
1. What is the only crime mentioned in the U.S. Constitution?
2. What are the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution called?
3. Because it moved the presidential and vice presidential inauguration dates from March 4 to
January 20, what amendment to the U.S. Constitution is also known as the Lame Duck Amendment?
4. Which article in the Constitution states the policies that must be followed when ratifying the
Constitution?
ANSWERS: 1. treason
2. Bill of Rights
3. 20th Amendment
4. seven
6. SCIENCE (4 Parts in Health)
There are six basic nutrients that should be consumed to keep our bodies functioning properly.
Identify four of these nutrients based on two ingredients that represent each category.
1. carotene and riboflavin
2. lard and butter
3. eggs and lean meats
4. starches and sugars
ANSWERS: 1. vitamins
2. fat
3. proteins
4. carbohydrates
7. MATHEMATICS (4 Parts in General Mathematics)
Identify these math terms that begin with the letter “b.”
1. To divide a line segment or an angle into two equal parts.
2. A polynomial expression with two terms usually joined by a plus or minus sign.
3. Term for the two parallel sides in a trapezoid.
4. The shape of the graph that indicates the normal distribution.
ANSWERS: 1. bisect
2. binomial
3. base
4. bell curve
8. LANGUAGE ARTS (4 Parts in Vocabulary)
Identify the following palindromes based on their definitions.
1. A type of canoe that covers the legs of the operator.
2. A system of airfoils that provide lift for a helicopter.
3. A document that displays the ownership of real estate.
4. A polite way to address a woman.
ANSWER: 1. kayak
2. rotor
3. deed
4. madam
© Questions Galore 2012
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9. SOCIAL STUDIES (4 Parts in Geography)
Give the name of the country that is home to each of these New Seven Wonders of the World.
1. Christ the Redeemer
2. Chichen Itza
3. Machu Picchu
4. Petra
ANSWER: 1. Brazil
2. Mexico
3. Peru
4. Jordan
10. MISCELLANEOUS (4 Parts in Television)
After hearing a grouping a television shows, identify the channel that broadcasts the original
runs of each grouping.
1. Grey’s Anatomy and Dancing with the Stars
2. The Office and 30 Rock
3. American Idol and New Girl
4. The Big Bang Theroy and How I Met Your Mother
ANSWER: 1. ABC
2. NBC
3. Fox
4. CBS
© Questions Galore 2012
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