Sunday Quiz: Test Your Knowledge on Literature, Words and General Facts
Sunday Quiz: Literature, Words and General Knowledge

Welcome to this week's Sunday quiz, where you can test your knowledge across a range of fascinating topics. From literary classics to historical milestones and general trivia, there's something to challenge every mind.

Literature and Words Section

Dive into the world of books and language with these thought-provoking questions. How well do you know your literary history and word origins?

Playboy History

Who was the first man to appear on the cover of Playboy magazine? This landmark moment in publishing history marked a significant shift in magazine cover conventions.

Newspaper Innovation

In what year did The Sunday Times become the first newspaper to produce a colour supplement? Was it 1952, 1962 or 1972? This innovation changed newspaper publishing forever.

Dickensian Nicknames

Thanks to the popularity of Charles Dickens' character Sarah Gamp from Martin Chuzzlewit, Victorian times saw an unusual item nicknamed a "Gamp." What was this everyday object?

Dickens Characters

Betsey Trotwood, Mrs Gummidge and Little Em'ly are all characters from which classic Dickens novel? These memorable figures come from one of literature's most beloved stories.

Mysterious Books

What does one find in a book called a Grimoire? These ancient texts contain secrets that have fascinated readers for centuries.

Banned Books

The Librorum Index is a list of books that are prohibited or banned by which authority? This controversial list has shaped reading habits throughout history.

Literary Publication

In what decade was the first book in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, "The Fellowship of the Ring," published? J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece began its journey to becoming a cultural phenomenon.

School Stories

What was the name of the school which features in James Hilton's 1934 novella and the Oscar-winning 1939 movie "Goodbye Mr Chips"? This educational institution became famous through both page and screen.

Dystopian Numbers

What was the room number that was feared in George Orwell's classic book 1984? This numerical reference has become synonymous with oppression and control.

Sweet Origins

The words Candy, Sugar, Syrup and Marzipan all originate from which language? Discover the linguistic roots of these sweet treats.

General Knowledge Section

Expand your horizons with these questions covering geography, history, science and everyday facts. How broad is your knowledge base?

European Geography

What is the closest capital city to Prague? Test your knowledge of European geography with this proximity question.

Broadcasting History

In what year was the Radio Licence scrapped in the UK? Was it 1871, 1972 or 1973? This marked the end of an era in British broadcasting regulation.

Television Costs

In 1968, a colour TV license cost £10. In what year did it reach £100 for the first time? Track the inflation of this household expense.

Road Regulations

According to the Highway Code, what is the maximum speed limit for a HGV on a motorway? Essential knowledge for all road users.

Driving History

In what decade were the first driving licences introduced in the UK, costing 25p? This affordable beginning started a system that continues today.

Circus Origins

In what year did James Chipperfield first introduce his performing animals to England at the Frost Fair on the Thames, marking the beginning of Chipperfield's Circus? Was it 1599, 1625 or 1684? Discover the origins of this entertainment tradition.

Planetary Extremes

Which planet in our Solar System has the widest fluctuation in temperature between day and night? With temperatures ranging from -180°C to 610°C, this world experiences extreme variations.

Historical Treaties

The Treaty of Zamora, signed on October 5, 1143, gave which European country its independence? This medieval agreement shaped national borders.

Numerical Symbolism

What number between 30-60 in Astrology is considered a lucky number called the 'Angel Number' and in Egyptian Mythology was known as the 'Abundance Spiritual Number' representing The Gateway to higher State of Being? Explore the mystical significance of numbers.

Medical History

In what decade was the Iron Lung used for the first time to treat an 8-year-old girl paralyzed by Polio? This large, cylindrical, negative-pressure ventilator represented a major medical advancement.

Previous Quiz Answers

Here are the answers to the quiz from January 31st, covering general knowledge and cryptic metal clues:

General Knowledge Answers

  1. An EP of ABBA covers in 1992 became Erasure's only UK number one.
  2. The River Tamar forms the border between Devon and Cornwall.
  3. Anna Sewell's only published work was Black Beauty.
  4. Sodium and Chlorine combine to make Common Salt.
  5. The lion in the TV series "The Herbs" was named Parsley.
  6. St Wenceslas Square is located in Prague.
  7. A pickled cucumber is known as a Gherkin in the UK.
  8. Shirley Bassey sang "Goldfinger," "Moonraker" and "Diamonds are Forever" as Bond movie themes.
  9. The Battle of Sedgemoor took place in Somerset.
  10. Five dice are used in a game of Yahtzee.

Cryptic Metal Answers

Solve the clues to find different metals:

  1. Platinum - "I know it sounds obvious but is this what girls with long shiny hair braids have been doing?"
  2. Tin - "Can I use this to preserve food?"
  3. Brass - "According to old fashioned rumour, this metal is wide-spread in pig-sties"
  4. Silver - "The country built on this has Latin to thank for its name"
  5. Steel - "Take things literally by the sound of it"
  6. Bronze - "Maybe using Factor 30 will help you do this"
  7. Iron - "As domestic use of this is increasing, the more it is decreasing!"
  8. Copper - "Not a very PC form of address"
  9. Gold - "The main aim at an archery contest"
  10. Lead - "Was in first place all the way"

Don't forget to explore our other regular features on InYourArea, including gardening tips with InYourGarden, money-saving advice with InYourPocket, and weekly horoscopes to see what the future holds.