MEXICO & LATIN AMERICA
Which Mexican city is known as the birthplace of the Mexican Revolution in 1910?
San Luis Potosí.
If someone says, “It’s raining cats and dogs,” what do they mean?
It is raining very heavily.
Which country has territory in both Europe and Asia?
Turkey.
Which fictional character says, “Elementary, my dear Watson”?
Sherlock Holmes.
Which came first: the invention of the telephone or the invention of the light bulb?
The telephone.
Which Mexican writer won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1990?
Octavio Paz.
What is the difference between “borrow” and “lend”?
You borrow something from someone; you lend something to someone.
Which ancient civilization used a writing system called cuneiform?
The Sumerians.
Which American sitcom takes place mainly in the fictional town of Springfield?
The Simpsons.
What is the only letter that does not appear in the name of any U.S. state?
Q
Which Mexican state is home to the ancient archaeological site of Palenque?
Chiapas.
What does the expression “break a leg” mean before a performance?
Good luck!
Which empire was ruled by Julius Caesar and Augustus?
The Roman Empire.
What is the name of the fictional language spoken in Avatar?
Na'vi.
Why does a metal spoon feel colder than a wooden spoon when both have been sitting in the same room?
Metal conducts heat away from your hand faster than wood.
What was the original name of Mexico City before the Spanish conquest?
Tenochtitlan.
What English word comes from the Greek word meaning “one who hates people”?
Misanthrope.
Which country was formerly known as Persia?
Iran.
Which director is known for films such as Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, and Inglourious Basterds?
Quentin Tarantino.
Which came first: Oxford University or the Aztec Empire?
Oxford University.
* Oxford began teaching in the 11th century; the Aztec Empire was founded in the 15th century.
Which ancient civilization created the famous city of Teotihuacán?
This is a trick question. We don't know for certain. The city's builders are not definitively identified.
What is the only common English word that ends in “-gry”?
Angry.
Which African country was never formally colonized by a European power, except for a brief Italian occupation?
Ethiopia.
Which actor has played both a Marvel superhero and Sherlock Holmes?
Robert Downey Jr.
A student says:
“I have worked here for 10 years.”
How would you say it if you wanted to give the exact starting year?
I have worked here since 2016.