Wednesday, September 9, 2026

These are the 10 questions BrainRank served to the whole world on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 — now over, with every answer revealed and explained. Reading time only; the score no longer counts.

1. language

   Which word is the closest synonym of 'begin'?

   • Finish
   • Commence
   • Pause
   • Delay

   Answer: Commence

   'Commence' means to start or begin.

2. history

   The Great Sphinx, a statue with a lion's body and human head, sits near which ancient site?

   • Stonehenge
   • The Parthenon
   • The Acropolis
   • The Pyramids of Giza

   Answer: The Pyramids of Giza

   The Great Sphinx sits near the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

3. nature

   What is the scientific study of birds called?

   • Ornithology
   • Entomology
   • Botany
   • Ichthyology

   Answer: Ornithology

   Ornithology is the study of birds.

4. mythology

   Which Greek goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare shares her name with the city of Athens?

   • Hera
   • Demeter
   • Artemis
   • Athena

   Answer: Athena

   Athena, goddess of wisdom and strategic war, was the patron deity of Athens.

5. arts

   In classical architecture, what is the decorative top part of a column called?

   • Base
   • Shaft
   • Capital
   • Pedestal

   Answer: Capital

   The capital is the decorative top portion of a column.

6. history

   The Roman numeral 'X' represents which number?

   • Ten
   • Five
   • Fifty
   • One hundred

   Answer: Ten

   In the Roman numeral system, X represents the number ten.

7. nature

   How many legs does an adult insect have?

   • Four
   • Six
   • Eight
   • Ten

   Answer: Six

   Insects have three pairs of legs, so six in total.

8. arts

   In theatre, what is the term for a solo speech in which a character reveals inner thoughts?

   • Dialogue
   • Soliloquy
   • Prologue
   • Aside

   Answer: Soliloquy

   A soliloquy is a speech in which a character, alone on stage, expresses inner thoughts.

9. everyday-science

   Which part of the human body is mainly responsible for thinking and controlling the body?

   • The heart
   • The lungs
   • The brain
   • The liver

   Answer: The brain

   The brain controls thought and coordinates most body functions.

10. everyday-science

    Why does the body shiver when a person gets cold?

    • Blood stops moving
    • The skin releases water
    • Nerves shut down
    • Rapid muscle movements generate heat

    Answer: Rapid muscle movements generate heat

    Shivering is rapid muscle contraction that produces heat to warm the body.