Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following statements would best serve as the headline for this passage?
Which of the following statements would best serve as the headline for this passage?
- A book of simple origins makes it to the top as sales total a staggering 120 million copies.
- The Guinness World Records website proves itself a valuable resource for insight into the full spectrum of modern life.
- Where other books fall short, the index of superlative sciences never ceases to amaze.
- Facts are often displayed in a boring, uninteresting manner, but not in the Guinness Book of Records.
- The encyclopedia of the extremes reflects the changing interests of modern society. (correct)
According to the author, the most significant difference between older editions of the Guinness Book of Records and the new Guinness World Records website involves:
According to the author, the most significant difference between older editions of the Guinness Book of Records and the new Guinness World Records website involves:
- A shift in focus from educational to entertaining material. (correct)
- A move from fact-finding to the recording of achievements.
- An overall increase in the total number of facts presented.
- A departure from book sales being limited to local pubs and bars.
- An end to the use of facts as a means to promote Guinness.
As used in paragraph 2, which is the best definition for empirical?
As used in paragraph 2, which is the best definition for empirical?
- Convenient or handy
- Recordable
- Natural
- Derived from experience (correct)
- Excellent or unmatched
Based on its use in paragraph 2, which of the following best describes something that is superlative?
Based on its use in paragraph 2, which of the following best describes something that is superlative?
Study Notes
Overview of Guinness Book of Records
- Established in 1955 as a marketing tool for Guinness, an Irish drink, following a debate about the fastest game bird.
- Holds the title of the bestselling copyright title, with 120 million copies sold globally, excluding religious texts like the Bible and Koran.
- Initially focused on satisfying curiosity about the natural world through measurable and observable superlatives.
Key Contributors
- Twins Norris and Ross McWhirter were the principal researchers who sourced and documented facts from around the world.
- Their focus was on extraordinary phenomena - the biggest, the best, and other superlatives in nature.
Evolution of Content
- The book began documenting human achievements alongside natural records, paving the way for reality television-like fame through eccentric tasks.
- Notable records include eating 24 raw eggs in 14 minutes (1955) and solving a Rubik's Cube in 38 seconds (1981).
- In 1979, an individual yodeled non-stop for ten and a quarter hours.
Transition to Digital
- The Guinness World Records website now hosts an expansive collection of facts, no longer confined to physical books.
- Content ranges from technical achievements like powerful combustion engines to quirky records like the heaviest train pulled with a beard.
- Reflects a shift from educational facts to a more entertainment-oriented approach.
Cultural Reflection
- The evolution of the Guinness Book of Records illustrates changing societal interests, prioritizing sensationalism over strictly educational material.
- It continues to offer insights into modern life while catering to an audience seeking entertainment rather than educational enrichment.
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Description
Test your reading comprehension skills with this quiz based on Level 12 passages. You'll explore fascinating records documented in the Guinness Book and answer related questions. Enhance your understanding and retention as you engage with this intriguing content.
