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
21
Who chooses the finalists in each category before the Pulitzer Board makes the final decision?
Answer:
Juries of specialists/peers
Juries of 5-7 people (usually journalists or academics) nominate three finalists in each category.
22
Which of these is NOT a current Pulitzer Prize category?
Answer:
Screenwriting
There is no Pulitzer category for screenwriting or film (though Criticism can cover film reviews). Oscars cover screenwriting.
23
Alice Walker won the Fiction Pulitzer for which novel in 1983?
Answer:
The Color Purple
Walker was the first African-American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
24
The famous photograph 'Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima' by Joe Rosenthal won which Pulitzer category?
Answer:
Photography
It won the 1945 prize for Photography (this was before the category was split into Breaking News and Feature).
25
What is the specific timeframe for work eligible for a Pulitzer Prize?
Answer:
The previous calendar year
Entries must have been published or produced during the calendar year preceding the award announcement.
26
Which rock legend received a Special Citation in 2008 for his 'profound impact on popular music and American culture'?
Answer:
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan was honored with a Special Citation, a rare recognition for a rock musician by the Pulitzer Board.
27
In 1941, the Pulitzer Board controversially overturned the jury's decision to award the Fiction prize to:
Answer:
Ernest Hemingway for 'For Whom the Bell Tolls'
The Board president found the book offensive; no Fiction prize was awarded that year. Hemingway won later for 'The Old Man and the Sea'.
28
Colson Whitehead is one of the few authors to win the Fiction Pulitzer twice. For which books?
Answer:
The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys
He won for 'The Underground Railroad' in 2017 and 'The Nickel Boys' in 2020.
29
Which category allows non-U.S. citizens to win, provided the subject matter deals with the United States?
Answer:
History
The History category is open to any author, regardless of nationality, provided the book is a history of the United States.
30
Who was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (then called the Novel)?
Answer:
Edith Wharton
Edith Wharton won in 1921 for her novel 'The Age of Innocence'.