Hands up those who reckon there should be a course in “quizcraft”.

1. The Tarantula is named after a town in which country?
2. What country has borders with Libya, Sudan and Israel?
3. Where is The Rialto bridge?

4. What book introduced “the Thought Police”?
5. In October 2005, a week before her 16th birthday, Michelle Wie announced that she was turning professional at what sport?
6. Which Greek philosopher is regarded as the founder of political science?
7. True or false: all of Queen’s band members have a tertiary degree?
8. A beaver lives in a what?
9. Which metal makes up 10 per cent of yellow gold?
10. Zeeland is a province in which country?
11. At the start of a game of chess, there are 16 of which pieces on the board?
12. What river runs through Memphis, Tennessee, USA?
13. Lemony Snicket wrote which series of children’s books?
14. What is the largest city in the province of British Columbia, Canada?
15. The Battle of Guadalcanal was between troops from the USA and what other country?
16. On Friends Janice was known for what line?
17. What does the F in TGIF stand for?
18. Tiny Tim features in which Charles Dickens novel?
19. Which fictional detective retired to become a bee-keeper?
20. What does the C in E=MC2 stand for?

Bonus question: On May 21, 2009, Apa Sherpa set a new record for the most ascents of Mt Everest. How many times had he reached the top? Answer in Quiz 18

Answers: 1.Italy 2.Egypt 3.Venice 4.The book 1984 5.Golf 6.Aristotle 7.True 8. Lodge 9.Copper 10.The Netherlands 11.Pawns 12.Mississippi 13.A Series of Unfortunate Events 14.Vancouver 15.Japan 16.Oh my God 17.Friday 18.A Christmas Carol 19.Sherlock Holmes 20.The speed of light 
Bonus question answer (from Quiz 16):The name of the “state” that was never officially admitted into the Union of the USA after delegates from some North Carolina counties declared independence from North Carolina in 1784 was Franklin.