Linguistics
What does it mean when writing is described as “choppy” — and how do you fix it?
Choppy writing consists of too many short, disconnected sentences with no flow. Fix by combining sentences using conjunctions, subordinate clauses and varied structure.
Which American president was also a licensed bartender?
Abraham Lincoln — he co-owned a tavern in Illinois in the 1830s before entering politics.
What does “apartheid” mean literally — and in which language?
“Separateness” — in Afrikaans.
If you threw a diamond into a fire, what would happen?
It would burn. Despite being the hardest natural substance, diamond is pure carbon and is combustible — it burns at around 800°C in open air, producing CO₂. Hardness and resistance to heat are completely different properties.
Complete the quote by George Orwell: “In our age there is no such thing as ‘keeping out of politics. … .“
“In our age there is no such thing as ‘keeping out of politics.’ All issues are political issues.”
What is the difference between “further” and “farther”?
“Farther” refers to physical distance; “further” refers to figurative or metaphorical distance.
“He walked farther.”
“We need to discuss this further.”
How many times has the US been attacked on its own soil by a foreign power?
Once — Pearl Harbor, 1941. And arguably 9/11.
What is Africa’s great geographical paradox that impeded the continent‘s development?
Despite dwarfing Europe in size by nearly four times, Africa has a coastline six times shorter — a geographical paradox with profound consequences for trade, access, and development.
What is the Kimberley Process?
The Kimberley Process (2003) is an international certification scheme requiring governments to certify diamonds as conflict-free — widely criticised as insufficient due to self-reporting and loopholes.
Which country has the oldest written constitution still in use today?
The United States — the Constitution of 1787, in use for over 230 years. Though it has been amended 27 times, the original document remains the foundation of American law.
What is the difference between “historic” and “historical”?
“Historic” = momentous, famous (“a historic speech”); “historical” = relating to history (“a historical novel”).
What are the three unalienable rights named in the American Declaration of Independence?
Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” is one of the most famous songs in Hollywood history. What actress sang it originally?
Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)
How deep in the earth do diamonds originate?
Formed under extreme heat and pressure approximately 150-200 km below the earth’s surface, in the mantle. Brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions through pipes of a rock called kimberlite.
What is the difference between a direct democracy and a representative democracy — and which does Germany have?
Direct democracy = citizens vote on every decision themselves (ancient Athens, Swiss referendums). Representative democracy = citizens elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf. Germany has a representative democracy — citizens vote for parties in the Bundestag, not directly on laws.)
What do “shampoo,” “jungle,” and “pyjamas” have in common?
All borrowed from Hindi
The CIA once spent $20 million trying to teach a cat to spy on the Soviet Union. What went wrong?
Operation Acoustic Kitty — the CIA surgically implanted a microphone and antenna in a cat to eavesdrop on Soviet conversations. On its first mission, the cat was immediately run over by a taxi. The project was abandoned. Declassified in 2001
Ethiopia has its own alphabet, its own calendar and its own time system. What year is it currently in Ethiopia?
Ethiopia follows the Coptic calendar — it is approximately 7-8 years behind the Gregorian calendar. Currently around 2016-2017 in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian day also starts at dawn rather than midnight — so 7am Ethiopian time = 1 o’clock.)
What do a pencil and a diamond have in common?
Graphite and diamond are both made entirely of carbon — just arranged differently. In a diamond, carbon atoms are arranged in a rigid crystal lattice, making it the hardest natural substance on earth. In graphite, carbon atoms are arranged in loose layers that slide apart easily — which is why it writes and feels slippery to the touch.)
Name six government forms by Aristotle.
Monarchy — rule by one, in the interest of all Tyranny — rule by one, in self-interest Aristocracy — rule by the few best, in the interest of all Oligarchy— rule by the few wealthy, in self-interest
Polity — rule by the many, in the interest of all
Democracy — rule by the many poor, in their own interest
“Sentimental” — is it a compliment or a criticism in a film review? Explain.
Usually a criticism — it implies emotion that is excessive, manipulative or unearned. A film that makes you cry through genuine storytelling is “moving” or “emotionally powerful.” A film that manipulates you cheaply is “sentimental.” The distinction lies in whether the emotion is earned.
45 million Americans claim German ancestry — making it the largest ethnic group in the country. Yet German Americans are almost invisible as a cultural group today compared to Irish or Italian Americans. Why?
Two World Wars — anti-German sentiment during WWI and WWII caused German Americans to rapidly assimilate, anglicise their surnames, abandon their language and downplay their heritage. Names like Müller became Miller, Schmidt became Smith. A community of 45 million essentially made itself invisible out of survival instinct.
Which African country was founded by freed American slaves?
Liberia — founded in 1822.
What did Archer promise Solomon he would do if they found the diamond?
He promises Solomon that if they find the diamond, he will quit smoking right then and there. He doesn’t keep it — moments later he asks for a cigarette.
What government form is Orania?
Orania presents itself as a polity — self-governing, elected council, rule of law, stable middle class.