SSC Challenge rd 3 Quarter SSC 77 There

SSC Challenge rd 3 Quarter

SSC #77 • There are how many time zones in the world? • A) 15 B) 18 • C) 20 D) 24 • Scarcity- insufficient supply or rarity • Time zones- divisions of the Earth's surface, each 15° of longitude wide, within which the time of day is reckoned to be the same. At a conference held in Washington, D. C. , in 1884, the meridian of Greenwich was adopted as the zero of longitude, and zones of longitude were established.

SSC #78 • What is the most populated country in Europe? • A) Germany B) United Kingdom • C) France D) Spain • Somber- dark and gloomy; serious and melancholy *History- The continent of Europe is named after Europa who was a beautiful young princess in Greek mythology.

SSC #79 • Which one of these is not a country in Europe? • A) Slovenia B) Slovakia • C) San Marino D) Laos • Stamina- ability to do things: the ability or power to work or make an effort *Landforms/Population- Europe is the 2 nd smallest continent size wise but the third highest in population.

SSC #80 • What is the body of water between U. K. and mainland Europe? • A) English Channel B) Spanish Channel • C) French Channel D) Irish Channel • Swagger- strut around: to walk in an arrogant or proud way; Brag Culture- Europe is the birthplace of western civiliziation. The civilizations of U. S. , Canada, Australia, and the Latin American countries were largely developed from European civilization.

SSC #81 • Which country is the leading oil producer in Europe? • A) United Kingdom B) Germany • B) Republic of Ireland D) France • Tactic- means to goal: a method used or a course of action followed in order to achieve an immediate or short-term goal Language- About 50 languages are spoken in Europe and more than 100 dialects.

SSC #82 • What is the main religion of Ireland? • A) Roman Catholic B) Protestant • C) Hinduism D) Judaism • Translucent- glowing: having a glowing appearance, as if light were coming through. Major mountain ranges in Europe- Alps, Apennines, Balkans, Carpathians, Caucasus, Pyrenees. Major rivers- Danube, Don, Elbe, Oder, Rhine, Rhone, Seine, Volga.

SSC #83 • Which one of these isn’t a country in Scandinavia? • A) Norway B) Iceland • C) Greece D) Denmark • Unsightly- ugly: not pleasant to look at, or spoiling the appearance of something History- Scientists have found fossils and stone tools that indicate early human beings lived in Europe more than 700, 000 years ago.

SSC # 84 • Which country rules the island of Greenland? • A) Iceland B) Greenland • C) Sweden D) Denmark • Vigilant- watchful: watchful and alert, especially to guard against danger, difficulties, or errors. History- Ancient Greece civilization reached its height in 400 -300’s B. C. with the rise of Sparta, Athens and other powerful city states. (idea of democracy spread, Greek art and learning)

SSC # 85 • Democracy (rule by the people) first appeared 2500 years ago in what country? • A) United States B) Greece • C) Cuba D) Republic of Ireland • Waft- float gently: to float gently through the air, or move something gently through the air History- Ancient Rome was the next major European Civilization. Romans built an empire from what is now Spain into SW Asia and northern Africa. (Built cities, roads, latin language, and legal principles)

SSC #86 • If it is 9 A. M. in Florence, Kentucky what time would it be in Los Angeles, California? • A) 9 A. M. B) 8 A. M. • C) 7 A. M. D) 6 A. M. • Weather- state of atmosphere: the state of the atmosphere with regard to temperature, cloudiness, rainfall, wind, History- Major events in European history: Renaissance, French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, World War 1, World War 2, European Union

SSC #87 • Barack Obama is the _______ president of the United States. • A) 43 rd B) 44 th • C) 45 th D) 46 th • Caricature- comic exaggeration: a drawing, description, or performance that exaggerates somebody's or something's characteristics for humorous effect History- Berlin Wall, which had divided Communist East Berlin and non-communist West Berlin since 1961, was knocked down in 1989. This symbolized the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe.

SSC #88 • Mt. Olympus (9, 750 ft. ) is located in what country? • A) Greece B) Italy • C) Hungary D) Spain • Aplomb- confident poise: confidence, skill, and poise, especially in difficult or challenging circumstances. The Black Death - Killed many of Europe’s people in 1347 -1352. (25 -60% of all people)

SSC #89 • About how many miles above sea level is 9, 570 feet? • A) 1 mile B) 2 miles • C) 3 miles D) 5 miles • Banish- send somebody away: to exile somebody from a place European Union- is an economic and political federation consisting of twenty-eight member countries that make common policy in several areas to unify Europe.

SSC #90 • Which country held the first Olympics? • A) Greece B) U. S. • C) Canada D) Italy • Bluff- deceive somebody: to deceive, mislead, or instill fear or doubt in somebody by a false show of strength or confidence. Euro-The euro is the single currency shared by (currently) 17 of the European Union's Member States, which together make up the euro area. The introduction of the euro in 1999 was a major step in European integration: around 330 million EU citizens now use it as their currency.

SSC #91 • The leaning tower of Pisa and the Colosseum are in what country? A) Hungary B) Italy • C) Canada D) Greece • Brandish- wave something about: to wave something about, especially a weapon, in a menacing, theatrical, or triumphant way. Places- Eiffel Tower-The Eiffel Tower was built for the Paris Exposition of 1889. The Eiffel tower was finished in 1889 and was nearly torn down 20 years later after its lease expired. However, it was kept because many thought its antenna for telegraphy would be useful. Visited by many people every yr.

SSC #92 • Go to Pamplona in this country and you can run with the bulls. • A) Slovakia B) Spain • C) Germany D) Brazil • Commotion- ruckus: a scene of noisy confusion or activity • Running of the Bulls- Takes place every morning at 8 AM from July 7 th-July 14 th. Run last about three minutes. Six fighting bulls and two herds of bullocks are chasing you.

SSC # 93 • Mont Blanc, tallest mountain in Europe, is on the border between France and _____. • A) Greece B) Italy • C) Germany D) Switzerland • Conspicuous-attracting attention: attracting attention through being unusual or remarkable. People- Adolf Hitler ruled Germany as a dictator from 1933 -1945. Hitler’s forces killed about 6 million European Jews and 5 million other people that Hitler regarded as racially inferior or politically dangerous. Committed suicide in 1945 and Germany surrendered 7 days later.

SSC # 94 • Which one is NOT one of the 3 largest countries in North America? • A) United States B) Canada • C) Mexico D) Sweden • Counter-flat surface: a flat surface on which food or drink is served, merchandise is displayed, or business is transacted. History- U. S. S. R. - Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (Soviet Union) was the world’s first and most powerful Communist Country. It existed from 1922 -1991.

SSC #95 • Tell me a country through which the Prime Meridian (0 degrees longitude) passes. • (There are 7 possible answers) • Debris- fragments: fragments of something that has been destroyed or broken into pieces. Land- Before its break up, the Soviet Union was the largest country in the world (size). Covered more than ½ of Europe and 2/5 of Asia.

SSC #96 • Russia is located in what continent? • A) Europe and Asia B) Europe and Africa • C) Asia D) Europe • Deft- quick and skillful: moving or acting in a quick, smooth, and skillful way Joseph Stalin- Dictator of the Soviet Union from 1929 -1953. Ruled by terror, he allowed no one to oppose his decisions. Stalin was responsible for the death of millions of his own people. Died of a brain hemorrhage on March 5, 1953,

SSC #97 • What is the United State’s national flower? • A) Rose B) Dandelion • C) Tulip D) Sunflower • Diminish- make or become smaller: to make something smaller or less important, or become smaller or less important. Mikhail Gorbachev- Leader of the Soviet Union from 1985 -1991. Gained worldwide fame for his efforts to change his country and relations with other countries. 1990 won the Nobel Peace Prize for world peace.

SSC #98 • What separates the continents of Europe and Asia in Russia? • A) Sayan Mts. B) Ural Mts. • C) Alps Mts. D) Rocky Mts. • Dismal- Depressing; hopeless; of poor quality 1991 - By the end of 1991 the Soviet Union had broken apart into 15 independent republics.

SSC #99 • This country tried to force communism on the world? A) Canada B) Ukraine • C) Moldova D) Soviet Union (USSR) • Eavesdrop- listen secretly: to listen to a conversation without the speakers being aware of it. Russia was the largest of the 15 independent republic countries and is the largest country in the world based on size. It is located in Europe and Asia.

SSC #100 • Many people call this country Holland. A) Norway B) Finland C) Netherlands D) Sweden Ember-remains of fire: the glowing or smoldering remains of a dying fire Vladimir Putin- Was elected president of Russia in 2012. In the days of the USSR, he worked as a spy. Does not get along real well with U. S. gov’t. As a kid practiced judo (black belt) and was a troublemaker in middle school.

SSC #101 • What day is the United State’s Independence day celebrated? • A) December 31 B) June 4 • C) July 4 D) July 3 • Engross-occupy somebody's attention: to take up somebody's whole attention • Sports- 1980 U. S. vs USSR hockey game-From 1964 to 1988 USSR won gold every year except 1980. A bunch of college kids for the U. S. defeat the pros from U. S. S. R. in the semifinals. Biggest upset in sports history! U. S. went onto win gold!

SSC #102 • J. K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, is a citizen of what country? • A) Belarus B) United Kingdom • C) Moldova D) Canada • Exhilarate- make somebody feel happy and alive Transsiberian Railroad-The first spike of the railroad was laid by then Tsesarevich Nicholas on May 19, 1891 at Vladivostok. Started at both ends at worked toward the center. Completed in 1901 and it enabled millions of peasants to migrate over the Urals. About 6, 000 miles from Moscow to Vladivostock (7 days nonstop)

SSC #103 • Which one is the correct spelling? • A) Kazackhaastan B) Kazakstan • C) Kazackstaan D) Kazakhstan • Foresight- ability to think ahead: the ability to envision possible future problems or obstacles • Kazakhstan tea drinking- Many people drink tea 6 -7 times a day, (always hot) people believe if you drink it cold, you will get sick. Drink it out of a Kasir (wide mouthed saucer) only a ¼ full, never more than ½ full. Reason to keep the women interacting and showing respect.

SSC #104 • This is the study of the Earth and its land, water, animal, and plant life. • A) Science B) Geography • C) Zoology D) History • Furtive- secretive: done in a way that is intended to escape notice Valley of Geysers- Situated on the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Russian Far East, the Valley of Geysers is the second largest geyser field in the world. The Valley of Geysers was discovered in 1941 by local scientist Tatyana Ustinova. Since then it became a popular tourist attraction in Kamchatka and attracts a lot of interest from scientists and tourists.

SSC #105 • What country has the largest population? • A) Antarctica B) United States • C) China D) Russia • Gusto- hearty enjoyment: lively enthusiasm or enjoyment Southwest Asia is comprised of countries: Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, Oman, Yemen, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

SSC #106 • Marco Polo was born in what country? • A) Italy B) Poland • C) Brazil D) Europe • Hasten- speed something up: to make something happen more quickly Christianity-Started in Southwest Asia and eventually spread into Western Civilization. Most popular religion in the world today (2+ billion followers).

SSC #107 • The United States gained its independence from what country? • A) Iraq B) Spain • C) Poland D) Great Britain • Ignite- light or catch fire: to set fire to something, or catch fire Islam- 2 nd most popular religion in world. (1. 5+ billion people) People who follow this religion are called “Muslims”. Pray five times a day. During holy month of Ramadan, all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk.

SSC #108 • Approximately how many years was the Cold War? • A) 10 years B) 30 years • C) 45 years D) 75 years • Impending- imminent or threatening: about to happen Judaism- Oldest of the three world religions. First practiced by a group of Israelites. Followers of Judaism are known as Jews. Approximately 15 million people follow this religion in the world.

SSC #109 • Ukraine, Romania, and Turkey all border what body of water? • A) Black Sea B) Caribbean Sea • C) Europe D) Lake Baikal • Jabber-rapid speech: rapid speech that is incomprehensible Saudi Arabia has about 20% of the world’s oil reserves. Avg. cost of gas (per gallon) in countries around world: U. S. $3. 54, Saudi Arabia $. 61, Iran $1. 44, Brazil $5. 98, Canada $5. 56, France $8. 29, Japan $6. 62, Turkey $9. 98, and Venezuela $. 08.

SSC #110 • What is the lowest place on Earth? • A) Caspian Sea B) Dead Sea • C) Death Valley D) Bottom of the Alps Mts. • Jostle- knock against others: to knock or bump against somebody, or push or elbow somebody deliberately. • Dead Sea Scrolls- ancient leather and papyrus scrolls first discovered in 1947 in caves on the NW shore of the Dead Sea. Most of the documents were written or copied between the 1 st cent. BC and the first half of the 1 st cent. AD.

SSC #111 • Damascus is the capital city of what country? • A) Jordan B) Lebanon • C) Syria D) Jerusalem • Kindle- brighten or glow: to begin to glow, or make something begin to glow • Bashar al Assad- Assumed control of Syria’s gov’t in 2000 upon the death of his dad. Assad’s regime has been at war with rebels who demand his ouster. Syria’s civil war has killed many people and forced millions to leave their homes (refugees).

SSC #112 • What is the only city in the world that is on 2 continents? • A) Jerusalem B) Turkey • C) Tel Aviv D) Istanbul • Luminous-light-emitting: emitting or reflecting light • Kuwait- Most marriages in Kuwait are arranged. Most marriages occur within clans, but not between social classes. Women, regardless of their age, need their father's permission to marry. Also, a woman cannot marry a non-Muslim, although a man is afforded this privilege. In addition, a woman can only marry one spouse, while a man has the legal right to four wives.

SSC #113 • The Dead Sea, the lowest point in the world, is located in Jordan and _______. • A) Turkey B) Iraq • C) Iran D) Israel • Materialize- become real: to become real or become fact • Jerusalem-the capital of Israel and its largest city in terms of both geographical area and population size. A holy city for three of the world's major religions— Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—Jerusalem has a long and tumultuous history, during which it has been home to people of many nationalities and faiths.

SSC #114 • What chapter in your book is Southwest Asia? • A) Chapter 15 B) Chapter 17 • C) Chapter 14 D) Chapter 18 • Meticulous- precise and painstaking: extremely careful and precise Camel Racing- The sport is extremely popular in the Arab countries of the Middle East. Distances range from 2. 5 - 6 miles. Camels can reach speeds up to 27 mph. Female camels are raced more often by jockeys.

SSC #115 • What Middle East country is in constant conflict with the Palestinians? • A) Turkey B) Iraq • C) Iran D) Israel • Momentum- forward movement: the speed or force of forward movement of an object • Osama bin Laden- Born in Riyadh, S. A. in 1957. When the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979, bin Laden joined the Afghan resistance. After the Soviet withdrawal, bin Laden formed the al-Qaeda network which carried out global strikes against Western interests. Was responsible for September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Killed by American special forces in 2011.

SSC #116 • The Tigris and Euphrates are important rivers to what country? • A) Afghanistan B) Iran • C) Israel D) Iraq • Multitude-large number: a very large number of things or people • Persian Gulf War- Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990. Iraq’s leader Saddham Hussein wanted the oil reserves. U. S and western Europe country allies got involved. Operation Desert Storm (aerial bombardment) destroyed Iraq’s air defenses. Ended on February 28 th 1991.

SSC #117 • Istanbul is the largest city in this country. • A) Turkey B) Israel • C) Italy D) Brazil • Narrate- tell story of something: to tell a story or give an account, usually in detail • Countries that spend the most on U. S. - made weapons, 2012: 1) S. Korea 980 mill. 2) U. A. E. 801 mill. 3) Turkey 772 mill. 4) Australia 643 mill. 5) Afghanistan 469 mill.

SSC #118 • What region of the world has 64. 1% of the world’s oil reserves? • A) Latin America B) Southwest Asia (: • C) U. S. and Canada D) Africa • Ominous- threatening: suggesting or indicating that something bad is going to happen or be revealed • Countries that received the most U. S. aid, 2011: 1) Afghanistan 2. 9 billion 4) Iraq 1. 26 billion

SSC #119 • What body of water separates Europe and North America? A) Atlantic Ocean B) Pacific Ocean • C) Arctic Ocean D) Nile River • Persistent- incessant or unrelenting: existing or continuing for an unpleasantly long time • The 2022 Soccer World Cup will be held in the country of Qatar. It is possible that this tournament might be held in the wintertime due to the extreme high temps in the summer.