ISAAC ASIMOV’S SUPER QUIZ

Take this Super Quiz to a PhD. Score one point for each correct answer on the Freshman Level, two points on the Graduate Level and three points on the PhD Level.

SUBJECT: DERIVATION OF MILITARY TERMS

Use the clue to identify the term for military designation of personnel. (e.g., Soldier armed with steel against which a flint strikes a flame. Answer: Fusilier.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. From the Greek word meaning ‘one who attacks’ (ships).

2. From the French word for a soldier armed with a long, pointed weapon.

3. Originally a word for soldiers armed with bombs thrown by hand.

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. From the Italian word meaning ‘square.’

5. From the Italian word for mounted militia.

6. So named because the guns that were carried ‘breathed fire’ like dragons.

PHD LEVEL

7. From the Hungarian word meaning ‘light horseman.’

8. From the pronunciation of the abbreviation of ‘construction battalion.’

9. A cavalryman equipped with armor protecting both breast and back.

ANSWERS FOR SAT, APRIL 21:

1. Lake Superior. 2. Great Salt Lake. 3. Lake Tahoe. 4. Amazon River. 5. Hudson Bay. 6. Lake George. 7. Great Bear Lake. 8. California. 9. Finger Lakes. 10. Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.

11. Strait of Magellan. 12. Lake Titicaca. 13. Lake Huron. 14. Lake Maracaibo. 15. Orinoco River.

SCORING:

18 points – congratulations, doctor; 15 to 17 points – honours graduate; 10 to 14 points – you’re plenty smart, but no grind; 4 to 9 points – you really should hit the books harder; 1 point to 3 points – enrol in remedial courses immediately; 0 points – who reads the questions to you?