Are You Smarter Than a Berkeley Student?
Berkeley’s History Bowl Club hosts another successful fall trivia tournament.
November 21, 2016
Name this NBA center from Africa who is tied for the tallest player in NBA history, standing at 7 foot, 7 inches. The answer is Manute Bol. Did you know that?
For most people, the answer is a resounding no. This year’s Fall Trivia Tournament, run by Berkeley’s History Bowl Club, showcased many difficult questions just like the aforementioned one. The tournament was set up with two sides in the bracket, having the best team compete against each other for the championship. For some, this trivia tournament was simply a fun activity to do during lunch. However, for others, the competition was a life changing event, where moving up the bracket meant a new sense of pride and confidence.
HEADMASTER KEEPS FINALISTS IN CHECK: Headmaster Joseph Seivold acted as the MC during this year’s Trivia Tournament, but making introductions and delivering questions was not his only task. Seivold also did a fantastic job of controlling the rambunctious competitors, as they attempted to beat each other to the buzzer. Pictured from left Upper Division History teacher Courtney Beitler, Ryan Whelan ’18 and Anjali Kapadia ’17.
After watching the tournament, the secret to winning is clear and the thought process for answering difficult questions is actually not as complex as most people think it is. Champion of this year’s trivia tournament Rohan Singh ‘17 said that winning is simple if you “buzz in quickly if you think you know it.” Singh also said that it is very important to “be strategic,” meaning that when answering questions, one must take into consideration what the question has said and also what sort of answers could possibly coincide with the questions.
DYNAMIC DUO: Though the student competitors showed their trivia talent during Monday’s tournament, all eyes were on the teachers as they fired answers across the stage. Mr. Smith and Mr. Jacobs conversed throughout the tournament, double checking and congratulating each other on answers.
Skill and knowledge is just as important when answering both difficult and easy questions. This skill can be obtained by watching shows like Jeopardy. Singh said he used to watch shows like Jeopardy all the time because for him, it was fun to test himself and become more knowledgeable about different aspects of history. Trivia is a test of not only just knowing the main idea, but also the details behind the facts.
COMPETITORS CALL IT A DAY: After a nail biting experience watching the final showdown, students were relieved to see the two teams in the finals shake hands. This year’s Fall Trivia Tournament was especially exciting, as an intrigued audience watched Mr. Gregg and Mr. Smith fire answers back and forth for the win.
The History Bowl Club successfully hosted their trivia tournament by challenging Berkeley students in a fun and captivating manner. If you didn’t get the chance to sign up for the fall tournament, have no fear because the spring tournament will surely be just as challenging.
