Media Literacy
Research Writing
Vocabulary in Context
Wild Card Trivia (Music Edition)
100

When reading to determine an author's purpose, we should look out for _________.

A) big, complicated words

B) overly positive or negative words and bias

C) small, simple words

B) overly positive or negative words and bias

100

This part of an essay addresses the other side of the argument, shows that it has some valid points, but ultimately demonstrates why your argument is stronger and outweighs the other side.

counterargument

100

The abandoned house was dark and ominous; the broken windows and peeling paint made it look like a place where bad things happened, especially when the wind howled through the empty rooms at night.

A) Bright and cheerful
B) Smelling faintly of dust
C) Giving the impression that something bad is going to happen
D) Full of historical facts

C) Giving the impression that something bad is going to happen

100

Who composed the music for the movie “The Lion King”?

Elton John

200

What is the author's purpose, and what words or phrases help you decide your answer?

Playing a musical instrument is a fantastic activity that does more than just create nice sounds. When you learn music, you are giving your brain an excellent workout. Studies show that practicing music can make it easier to focus in class and help you remember things better.

Persuade/convince the reader that playing music has benefits

Answers will vary but may include:

fantastic, learn, excellent, easier, better

200

Which is an example of a strong thesis statement?

A) I think cities should make more bike lanes because it says online that they are beneficial.

B) Cities should invest in more bike lanes because they make it safer for riders, encourage healthy exercise, and could lead to fewer cars on the roads.

C) The first city to invest in extensive, city-wide bike lanes as a comprehensive network was Copenhagen, Denmark - while earlier cities had individual paths, Copenhagen's investment was the first city-wide approach that prioritized cycling as a primary mode of transportation. 

B) Cities should invest in more bike lanes because they make it safer for riders, encourage healthy exercise, and could lead to fewer cars on the roads.

200

After the difficult exam, there was a consensus among the students that the test was too hard. Not a single person disagreed that the professor had made it unreasonably long and complicated.

A) A general agreement or shared opinion
B) A short summary of notes
C) A heated argument or debate
D) A type of mathematical calculation

A) A general agreement or shared opinion

200

Which Broadway musical (which just had a new movie version come out!) is known for the song “Defying Gravity”?

Wicked

300

Which three of the following can be considered credible sources:

instagram post, primary source (actual first-hand document), opinion piece from a news source, scholarly article (.edu or .gov), article from a reputable news source

1. primary source

2. scholarly article

3. article from a reputable news source

300

Write a thesis statement with three claims about whether all kids should play sports or not.

Answers will vary.

300

Due to a paucity of evidence, the suspect had to be released from jail. The police simply did not have enough clues or witness statements to hold him any longer.

A) A large and overwhelming amount of something
B) An abundance of choices
C) The presence of great wealth
D) small or insufficient quantities or amounts

D) small or insufficient quantities or amounts

300

Who played at the Superbowl halftime show in 2025?

Kendrick Lamar

400

Fred knows an article contains false information, but chooses to share it online with the intent to mislead others. He is guilty of posting ____________. Don't be like Fred!

disinformation/misinformation

400

Which sentence does the best job of explaining the evidence “On the first Earth Day in New York, 250,000 people flooded Fifth Avenue, after the Mayor agreed to bar traffic between 14th and 59th Streets.”

A) This shows that the movement had strong support, and Earth Day was a major event.

B) The mayor closed the streets in 1970 because he supported environmentalism.

C) This shows that 250,000 people went to the streets to support Earth Day.

A) This shows that the movement had strong support, and Earth Day was a major event.

400

Our teacher provided a succinct summary of the Civil War. He managed to cover the main points in just five minutes, rather than the hour he usually takes.

A) Complicated and confusing
B) Briefly and clearly expressed
C) Extremely detailed and thorough
D) Loud and hard to hear

B) Briefly and clearly expressed

400

This grammy-winning R&B artist released the hit album "Lemonade" in 2016.

Beyonce

500

Irma and Elda argue about whether AI is beneficial. Irma says it is useful but can be dangerous when used irresponsibly. Annoyed. Elda searches up "Why AI is good" on Google to try and prove her point, and finds an article. Elda is guilty of  __________.


 confirmation bias

500

What does each letter in the acronym "C.R.A.A.P." test stand for?

Currency

Relevance

Authority

Accuracy

Purpose

500

The hiker had to be wary as she navigated the narrow cliffside trail, watching every step for loose rocks or slippery patches.
What does wary mean?
A. Feeling very tired
B. Showing caution or watchfulness
C. Being brave and reckless
D. Feeling bored with the path

B. Showing caution or watchfulness

500

This New Jersey legend wrote anthems such as "Born to Run," "Badlands," and "Thunder Road." He is also famous for performing marathon concerts often eclipsing three hours in length. A biopic about him called "Deliver Me From Nowhere" just came out.

Bruce Springsteen