General Knowledge MCQs
Topic Notes: General Knowledge
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
41
Which novel holds the record for being the longest book (by page count) to win the Booker Prize?
Answer:
The Luminaries
Eleanor Catton's 'The Luminaries' is over 800 pages long, making it the longest winner in the prize's history.
42
Who is the youngest author to ever win the Booker Prize?
Answer:
Eleanor Catton
Eleanor Catton was 28 years old when she won in 2013 for 'The Luminaries'.
43
What is the monetary value of the Booker Prize for the winner (as of recent years)?
Answer:
£50,000
The winner receives £50,000, and each shortlisted author receives £2,500.
44
Hilary Mantel won the Booker Prize twice for books in the same trilogy. Which historical figure is the protagonist of these books?
Answer:
Oliver Cromwell
Mantel won for 'Wolf Hall' and 'Bring Up the Bodies', both centering on the life of Thomas Cromwell (often referred to as Oliver Cromwell's ancestor, though the books focus on Thomas).
45
Which two authors famously shared the Booker Prize in 2019, breaking the rules against ties?
Answer:
Margaret Atwood and Bernardine Evaristo
The judges refused to choose between 'The Testaments' and 'Girl, Woman, Other', awarding the prize to both despite rules established in 1993 prohibiting ties.
46
Who was the first American author to win the Booker Prize after the rules were expanded?
Answer:
Paul Beatty
Paul Beatty won in 2016 for his satirical novel 'The Sellout', becoming the first American winner.
47
In 2014, a major rule change occurred regarding eligibility. What was it?
Answer:
The prize was opened to any author writing in English, regardless of citizenship.
Previously, the prize was restricted to citizens of the Commonwealth, the Republic of Ireland, and Zimbabwe. After 2014, any novel written in English and published in the UK was eligible.
48
Which novel was awarded the special 'Booker of Bookers' prize in 1993, celebrating the first 25 years of the award?
Answer:
Midnight's Children
Salman Rushdie's 'Midnight's Children' (1981 winner) was voted the best novel to have won the prize in its first quarter-century.
49
Who was the first author to win the Booker Prize twice?
Answer:
J.M. Coetzee
J.M. Coetzee became the first double winner in 1999 when he won for 'Disgrace'; he had previously won in 1983 for 'Life & Times of Michael K'.
50
In which year was the Booker Prize first awarded?
Answer:
1969
The Booker Prize was established in 1969, with P.H. Newby winning the inaugural award for 'Something to Answer For'.