United States Academic Decathlon ® Super Quiz™ Relay Practice Test Questions Art, Music, Economics, Literature, Social Science, and Science

Round 1

Which of the following BEST characterizes Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan’s attitude toward the Indian National Congress (“Congress”)? a.He was in full support of the Congress though he never joined it. b.He remained aloof from the Congress. c.He himself joined the Congress. d.He believed that the Congress would help the Muslims. e.He believed that the Congress would help the Sikhs. * Social Science*

Which of the following BEST characterizes Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan’s attitude toward the Indian National Congress (“Congress”)? a.He was in full support of the Congress though he never joined it. b.He remained aloof from the Congress. c.He himself joined the Congress. d.He believed that the Congress would help the Muslims. e.He believed that the Congress would help the Sikhs. * Social Science*

In the Hindustani system, every raga is associated with a(n) a.month b.season c.animal d.year e.time of day * Music*

In the Hindustani system, every raga is associated with a(n) a.month b.season c.animal d.year e.time of day * Music*

The Indian government has played a critical role in agriculture by establishing a “Minimum Support Price” (MSP) that promises to pay for certain staple crops. If the MSP acts as a price floor for staple crops, what happens to the quantity produced of non-staple crops? a.There is a surplus. b.There is a shortage. c.None are produced. d.The right amount is produced. e.The MSP has no effect on quantity produced. * Economics*

The Indian government has played a critical role in agriculture by establishing a “Minimum Support Price” (MSP) that promises to pay for certain staple crops. If the MSP acts as a price floor for staple crops, what happens to the quantity produced of non-staple crops? a.There is a surplus. b.There is a shortage. c.None are produced. d.The right amount is produced. e.The MSP has no effect on quantity produced. * Economics*

All of the following artists were associated with the Baroque period EXCEPT a.Rubens b.Bernini c.Gentileschi d.Caravaggio e.Delacroix * Art*

All of the following artists were associated with the Baroque period EXCEPT a.Rubens b.Bernini c.Gentileschi d.Caravaggio e.Delacroix * Art*

Small scale successional dynamic can be BEST described as a.disturbance events b.climax community c.succession d.gap-phase dynamics e.order of ecology * Science*

Small scale successional dynamic can be BEST described as a.disturbance events b.climax community c.succession d.gap-phase dynamics e.order of ecology * Science*

Round 2

Compared with “Quit India,” Nehru’s “Tryst with Destiny” contains all of the following EXCEPT a.more lofty rhetoric b.more political references c.acknowledgement of past suffering d.more figurative language e.a direct call to action * Literature*

Compared with “Quit India,” Nehru’s “Tryst with Destiny” contains all of the following EXCEPT a.more lofty rhetoric b.more political references c.acknowledgement of past suffering d.more figurative language e.a direct call to action * Literature*

The point of conflict or tension between colonial and Indian views often centered on the a.position of religion in society b.position of caste in society c.position of languages in society d.position of women in society e.position of Indian history in society *Social Science*

The point of conflict or tension between colonial and Indian views often centered on the a.position of religion in society b.position of caste in society c.position of languages in society d.position of women in society e.position of Indian history in society *Social Science*

The detail of a Kerala mural painting illustrated in the Art Study Guide dates from the a.twelfth century b.fourteenth century c.sixteenth century d.eighteenth century e.twentieth century *Art*

The detail of a Kerala mural painting illustrated in the Art Study Guide dates from the a.twelfth century b.fourteenth century c.sixteenth century d.eighteenth century e.twentieth century *Art*

What is the nickname for the Tamil- language film industry? a.Bollywood b.Tamilwood c.Hollywood d.Kollywood e.Chennaiwood *Music*

What is the nickname for the Tamil- language film industry? a.Bollywood b.Tamilwood c.Hollywood d.Kollywood e.Chennaiwood *Music*

The decline of the automotive industry in the U.S. has led to a certain amount of long-term unemployment amongst former auto workers. This type of unemployment is BEST characterized as a.frictional unemployment b.structural unemployment c.seasonal unemployment d.cyclical unemployment e.voluntary unemployment *Economics*

The decline of the automotive industry in the U.S. has led to a certain amount of long-term unemployment amongst former auto workers. This type of unemployment is BEST characterized as a.frictional unemployment b.structural unemployment c.seasonal unemployment d.cyclical unemployment e.voluntary unemployment *Economics*

Round 3

The complex interwoven relationships that occur between trophic levels in an ecosystem can be BEST defined as a(n) a.trophic cascade b.food web c.community d.biome e.biosphere *Science*

The complex interwoven relationships that occur between trophic levels in an ecosystem can be BEST defined as a(n) a.trophic cascade b.food web c.community d.biome e.biosphere *Science*

The injured bullock observed by Rukmani during their trip to the city is MOST reminiscent of a.Rukmani selling her wedding sari for money b.Raja’s death by violent tannery guards c.Nathan laboring in the field he does not own d.Kenny working in a land that is not his e.Muslim workers in charge to the villagers, but scraping to the white manager *Literature*

The injured bullock observed by Rukmani during their trip to the city is MOST reminiscent of a.Rukmani selling her wedding sari for money b.Raja’s death by violent tannery guards c.Nathan laboring in the field he does not own d.Kenny working in a land that is not his e.Muslim workers in charge to the villagers, but scraping to the white manager *Literature*

The red sandstone building to the west of the Taj Mahal is a a. water pumping station b. caretaker’s cottage c. mosque d. stable e. barracks *Art*

The red sandstone building to the west of the Taj Mahal is a a. water pumping station b. caretaker’s cottage c. mosque d. stable e. barracks *Art*

Indian classical music texts are largely products of _______________, the means by which formal rules were transmitted through many generations. a.individual musical innovators b.foreign influences c.modern adaptations d.oral tradition e.British influence *Music*

Indian classical music texts are largely products of _______________, the means by which formal rules were transmitted through many generations. a.individual musical innovators b.foreign influences c.modern adaptations d.oral tradition e.British influence *Music*

Which of the following BEST characterizes the kind of relations that India had with Pakistan and Bangladesh? a.It has had better relations with Pakistan than Bangladesh. b.It has enjoyed very positive relations with both Pakistan and Bangladesh. c.It has had very negative relations with both Pakistan and Bangladesh. d.It has had better relations with Bangladesh than Pakistan. e.It has had ambivalent relations with both Pakistan and Bangladesh. *Social Science*

Which of the following BEST characterizes the kind of relations that India had with Pakistan and Bangladesh? a.It has had better relations with Pakistan than Bangladesh. b.It has enjoyed very positive relations with both Pakistan and Bangladesh. c.It has had very negative relations with both Pakistan and Bangladesh. d.It has had better relations with Bangladesh than Pakistan. e.It has had ambivalent relations with both Pakistan and Bangladesh. *Social Science*

Round 4

Goods for which the quantity demanded falls as income rises are referred to as a.depleted goods b.substandard goods c.average goods d.inferior goods e.normal goods *Economics*

Goods for which the quantity demanded falls as income rises are referred to as a.depleted goods b.substandard goods c.average goods d.inferior goods e.normal goods *Economics*

All of the following themes are explored in Nectar in a Sieve EXCEPT a.east/west conflict b.the cycle of poverty c.traditional vs. modern way of life d.man vs. nature e.the senselessness of communal violence *Literature*

All of the following themes are explored in Nectar in a Sieve EXCEPT a.east/west conflict b.the cycle of poverty c.traditional vs. modern way of life d.man vs. nature e.the senselessness of communal violence *Literature*

Which of the following catastrophic events happened in the Bengal region in the early 1770s? a.tsunami b.landslide c.famine d.flood e.dust storm *Social Science*

Which of the following catastrophic events happened in the Bengal region in the early 1770s? a.tsunami b.landslide c.famine d.flood e.dust storm *Social Science*

The single direct prototype for many churches built in India during the colonial period was a. Canterbury Cathedral b. King’s College Chapel c. Salisbury Cathedral d. St. Martin-in-the-Fields e. Westminster Abbey *Art*

The single direct prototype for many churches built in India during the colonial period was a. Canterbury Cathedral b. King’s College Chapel c. Salisbury Cathedral d. St. Martin-in-the-Fields e. Westminster Abbey *Art*

Litter is broken into progressively smaller pieces in a process known as a.chemosynthesis b.mineralization c.amensalism d.decomposition e.speciation *Science*

Litter is broken into progressively smaller pieces in a process known as a.chemosynthesis b.mineralization c.amensalism d.decomposition e.speciation *Science*

Round 5

Which of the following elements of music is MOST central to the structure of Hindi film songs? a.melody b.harmony c.rhythm d.timbre e.instrumentation *Music*

Which of the following elements of music is MOST central to the structure of Hindi film songs? a.melody b.harmony c.rhythm d.timbre e.instrumentation *Music*

Which of the following is NOT one of the hallmarks of Jawaharlal Nehru’s Prime Ministership? a.He oversaw the development of the Constitution. b.He initiated significant reforms to economic policy. c.He served as Prime Minister for more than 16 years. d.He was an international voice for non-aligned nations. e.He used religious symbolism to achieve political ends. *Social Science*

Which of the following is NOT one of the hallmarks of Jawaharlal Nehru’s Prime Ministership? a.He oversaw the development of the Constitution. b.He initiated significant reforms to economic policy. c.He served as Prime Minister for more than 16 years. d.He was an international voice for non-aligned nations. e.He used religious symbolism to achieve political ends. *Social Science*

How can a problem like the one illustrated in the “Tragedy of the Commons” be resolved? a.by restricting the supply b.by increasing the demand c.by reducing the price d.by assigning property rights e.by creating a free good *Economics*

How can a problem like the one illustrated in the “Tragedy of the Commons” be resolved? a.by restricting the supply b.by increasing the demand c.by reducing the price d.by assigning property rights e.by creating a free good *Economics*

Ezekiel switches from third to first person in “Background, Casually” when he a.went to school as a boy b.left for London c.came home to India on a ship d.got married e.accepted India as his permanent home *Literature*

Ezekiel switches from third to first person in “Background, Casually” when he a.went to school as a boy b.left for London c.came home to India on a ship d.got married e.accepted India as his permanent home *Literature*

For donating to temples, followers of Buddhism are granted a. mandala b. karma c. nirvana d. sanghati e. ushnisha *Art*

For donating to temples, followers of Buddhism are granted a. mandala b. karma c. nirvana d. sanghati e. ushnisha *Art*

Round 6

What did Viceroy Curzon and Governor- General Dalhousie have in common in terms of their style of governance or accomplishment? a.They were very conservative in the way they governed. b.They started and completed many significant infrastructure projects. c.They accommodated the Indians’ demands. d.They attacked their administrations with reforming zeal. e.They were very moderate in the way they governed. *Social Science*

What did Viceroy Curzon and Governor- General Dalhousie have in common in terms of their style of governance or accomplishment? a.They were very conservative in the way they governed. b.They started and completed many significant infrastructure projects. c.They accommodated the Indians’ demands. d.They attacked their administrations with reforming zeal. e.They were very moderate in the way they governed. *Social Science*

In predominately Hindi-speaking North India, a kirtan is a chant featuring a short text sung using a.solos b.government officials c.electric guitars d.call-and-response e.an text in English *Music*

In predominately Hindi-speaking North India, a kirtan is a chant featuring a short text sung using a.solos b.government officials c.electric guitars d.call-and-response e.an text in English *Music*

Which of the following terms states that energy cannot be created or destroyed? a.kinetic energy b.1st law of thermodynamics c.2nd law of thermodynamics d.potential energy e.decomposition *Science*

Which of the following terms states that energy cannot be created or destroyed? a.kinetic energy b.1st law of thermodynamics c.2nd law of thermodynamics d.potential energy e.decomposition *Science*

In the novel, Kenny helps Rukmani’s family in all of the following ways EXCEPT a.recommends Arjun for a job at the tannery b.recommends to Rukmani and Nathan where to work in the city c.helps with Ira’s fertility d.treats Puli’s hands e.hires Selvam *Literature*

In the novel, Kenny helps Rukmani’s family in all of the following ways EXCEPT a.recommends Arjun for a job at the tannery b.recommends to Rukmani and Nathan where to work in the city c.helps with Ira’s fertility d.treats Puli’s hands e.hires Selvam *Literature*

Which of the following BEST describes the type of interaction that occurs when a white- tailed deer drinks from a stream? a.interspecific b.intraspecific c.biotic interaction d.abiotic interaction e.ecology *Science*

Which of the following BEST describes the type of interaction that occurs when a white- tailed deer drinks from a stream? a.interspecific b.intraspecific c.biotic interaction d.abiotic interaction e.ecology *Science*

Round 7

A statement about the way an economy or market works is called a.marginal analysis b.positive economics c.a fallacy of composition d.Keynesian economics e.an externality *Economics*

A statement about the way an economy or market works is called a.marginal analysis b.positive economics c.a fallacy of composition d.Keynesian economics e.an externality *Economics*

In Western countries, many practitioners of kirtan are _______________, or they see kirtan as being a healing and soothing practice outside of religious groups. a.gurus b.non-sectarian c.zealots d.non-denominational e.evangelists *Music*

In Western countries, many practitioners of kirtan are _______________, or they see kirtan as being a healing and soothing practice outside of religious groups. a.gurus b.non-sectarian c.zealots d.non-denominational e.evangelists *Music*

The major figure we most associate with the Indian fight for independence is a.Lord Pethick-Lawrence b.Jawaharlal Nehru c.Mahatma Gandhi d.Indira Gandhi e.Nathuram Godse *Art*

The major figure we most associate with the Indian fight for independence is a.Lord Pethick-Lawrence b.Jawaharlal Nehru c.Mahatma Gandhi d.Indira Gandhi e.Nathuram Godse *Art*

Which of the following acts of protest/movements did NOT involve Mohandas K. Gandhi in any way? a.The Arya Samaj b.Quit India movement c.protest by peasants against indigo planters in Bihar d.Salt March e.Noncooperation movement *Social Science*

Which of the following acts of protest/movements did NOT involve Mohandas K. Gandhi in any way? a.The Arya Samaj b.Quit India movement c.protest by peasants against indigo planters in Bihar d.Salt March e.Noncooperation movement *Social Science*

The deep, slow moving stretches of a stream with fine sediment can be BEST described as a.riffles b.silt c.riparian d.rivers e.pools *Science*

The deep, slow moving stretches of a stream with fine sediment can be BEST described as a.riffles b.silt c.riparian d.rivers e.pools *Science*

Round 8

The image of the sieve in the novel’s title MOST importantly represents a.futility in a hopeless existence b.nature’s dominance in the third world c.the need for hope in a life dominated by hardships d.the separation of family in life’s journey e.the sweetness of life when love is present *Literature*

The image of the sieve in the novel’s title MOST importantly represents a.futility in a hopeless existence b.nature’s dominance in the third world c.the need for hope in a life dominated by hardships d.the separation of family in life’s journey e.the sweetness of life when love is present *Literature*

What does the aggregate supply curve represent? a.the total potential supply of all firms multiplied by the various potential price levels b.the difference between the potential supply and the actual quantities supplied by all firms c.the total of the potential supply of all firms and the total of all imported goods and services d.the total quantity of goods and services that firms produce and sell at any given price level e.the various price levels made possible by the economy’s total of productive resources *Economics*

What does the aggregate supply curve represent? a.the total potential supply of all firms multiplied by the various potential price levels b.the difference between the potential supply and the actual quantities supplied by all firms c.the total of the potential supply of all firms and the total of all imported goods and services d.the total quantity of goods and services that firms produce and sell at any given price level e.the various price levels made possible by the economy’s total of productive resources *Economics*

Stonehenge is located in a. Scotland b. Ireland c. Wales d. Norway e. England *Art*

Stonehenge is located in a. Scotland b. Ireland c. Wales d. Norway e. England *Art*

At the time Ezekiel was winning the “scripture prize” in the poem “Background, Casually” his Bene Israel family was MOST likely a.suffering under British rule b.rejoicing at newly won independence c.experiencing profitability under British rule d.keeping a low profile under British colonialism e.largely obscured by communal violence among other religions *Literature*

At the time Ezekiel was winning the “scripture prize” in the poem “Background, Casually” his Bene Israel family was MOST likely a.suffering under British rule b.rejoicing at newly won independence c.experiencing profitability under British rule d.keeping a low profile under British colonialism e.largely obscured by communal violence among other religions *Literature*

A group of white-faced capuchins that interact with each other in the Costa Rican cloud forest of Monte Verde can be BEST described as a(n) a.community b.individual c.population d.altruism e.altricial *Science*

A group of white-faced capuchins that interact with each other in the Costa Rican cloud forest of Monte Verde can be BEST described as a(n) a.community b.individual c.population d.altruism e.altricial *Science*

Round 9

Which are the earliest Hindu texts? a.Ramayana b.Mahabharata c.Yogi d.Bhakti e.Vedas *Music*

Which are the earliest Hindu texts? a.Ramayana b.Mahabharata c.Yogi d.Bhakti e.Vedas *Music*

Nehru uses many comparisons in “Tryst with Destiny.” The comparison that does NOT appear in “Tryst with Destiny” is a.British and India b.old and new c.ill fortune and triumphs d.reality and dreams e.past and present *Literature*

Nehru uses many comparisons in “Tryst with Destiny.” The comparison that does NOT appear in “Tryst with Destiny” is a.British and India b.old and new c.ill fortune and triumphs d.reality and dreams e.past and present *Literature*

Suppose that the global price of petroleum has increased by over ten percent in the past six months and is predicted to continue increasing. If petroleum is a major portion of the costs of production for the ABC Company, how will the company respond? a.It will reduce its production. b.It will decrease its price. c.It will hire workers. d.Its demand for petroleum will increase. e.Its output will increase. *Economics*

Suppose that the global price of petroleum has increased by over ten percent in the past six months and is predicted to continue increasing. If petroleum is a major portion of the costs of production for the ABC Company, how will the company respond? a.It will reduce its production. b.It will decrease its price. c.It will hire workers. d.Its demand for petroleum will increase. e.Its output will increase. *Economics*

The total energy obtained by autotrophs within an ecosystem is defined as a.biomass b.chemosynthesis c.gross primary productivity d.secondary production e.net primary productivity *Science*

The total energy obtained by autotrophs within an ecosystem is defined as a.biomass b.chemosynthesis c.gross primary productivity d.secondary production e.net primary productivity *Science*

Gandhi left India and went to London in 1888 in order to study a. economics b.art c.law d.medicine e.mathematics *Art*

Gandhi left India and went to London in 1888 in order to study a. economics b.art c.law d.medicine e.mathematics *Art*