U Of T Magazine Trivia Quiz
Test your knowledge of U of T history, in honour of the University's 184th anniversary.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
In what year did women gain admission to U of T?
- A.
1854
- B.
1884
- C.
1904
- D.
1924
Correct Answer
B. 1884Explanation
In 1884, women gained admission to U of T. This suggests that prior to this year, women were not allowed to enroll in the university. The admission of women in 1884 marked an important milestone in gender equality in education, allowing women to access higher education opportunities at U of T.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which Canadian author did U of T’s board of governors in 1948 commission to write a novel called The Varsity Story as part of a fundraising campaign?
- A.
Morley Callaghan
- B.
Hugh MacLennan
- C.
Sinclair Ross
- D.
Robertson Davies
Correct Answer
A. Morley CallaghanExplanation
Morley Callaghan was commissioned by U of T's board of governors in 1948 to write a novel called The Varsity Story as part of a fundraising campaign.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Professor William Henry Van der Smissen was so fond of his own lectures that he once repeated his favourite three times in one year to the same class. What subject did he teach?
- A.
Chemistry
- B.
Music
- C.
German
- D.
History
Correct Answer
C. GermanExplanation
Professor William Henry Van der Smissen's fondness for his own lectures is indicated by the fact that he repeated his favorite lecture three times in one year to the same class. This suggests that he had a deep passion for the subject he was teaching. Therefore, the subject that Professor Van der Smissen taught is German.Rate this question:
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- 4.
True or False: U of T’s first professor of chemistry, Henry Holmes Croft, turned down an offer to become court pianist to the King of Hanover.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Henry Holmes Croft, the first professor of chemistry at U of T, turned down an offer to become court pianist to the King of Hanover.Rate this question:
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- 5.
During what event did UC undergrads in 1868 lure their steward’s cow up the stairs of the dining-hall bell tower and tie the cow’s tail to the bell-rope?
- A.
Orientation week
- B.
April Fool's Day
- C.
Reading Week
- D.
Halloween
Correct Answer
D. HalloweenExplanation
The correct answer is Halloween. This event most likely occurred as a prank during Halloween, when people often engage in mischief and practical jokes. It was a playful and mischievous act by UC undergrads in 1868 to lure their steward's cow up the stairs of the dining-hall bell tower and tie its tail to the bell-rope.Rate this question:
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- 6.
For how long did the university close during the winter of 1917, due to a coal shortage?
- A.
One week
- B.
Three weeks
- C.
Six weeks
- D.
Three months
Correct Answer
B. Three weeksExplanation
During the winter of 1917, the university had to close for a period of three weeks due to a coal shortage. This closure was necessary to conserve resources and ensure that there was enough fuel to keep the university running once the shortage was resolved.Rate this question:
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- 7.
How many children removed from London, England, during and after the Battle of Britain did U of T staff and graduates find homes for?
- A.
17
- B.
54
- C.
147
- D.
398
Correct Answer
C. 147Explanation
During and after the Battle of Britain, U of T staff and graduates found homes for 147 children who were removed from London, England.Rate this question:
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- 8.
In 1892, who accused U of T of being a “hive of immorality” claiming that “women were seen about the place at late hours.”
- A.
U of T president James Loudon
- B.
The archbishop of the Catholic Church in Toronto
- C.
The premier of Ontario
- D.
The mayor of Toronto
Correct Answer
C. The premier of OntarioExplanation
The premier of Ontario accused U of T of being a "hive of immorality" and claimed that "women were seen about the place at late hours" in 1892. This suggests that the premier believed that the University of Toronto had a reputation for immorality and that women were engaging in inappropriate behavior on campus during late hours.Rate this question:
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- 9.
True or false: U of T presidents used to have their own chauffeured cars.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
True. However, when George Connell took over in the late ’70s, he began sharing his car and driver with the university’s vice-presidents. Today, neither the president nor vice-presidents have a chauffeured car.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Until 1885, what did students who graduated first in honours classics, mathematics, modern languages and history, mental and moral philosophy and natural sciences receive for their efforts?
- A.
Brass ring
- B.
Bronze plaque
- C.
Silver key
- D.
Gold medal
Correct Answer
D. Gold medalExplanation
Until 1885, students who graduated first in honours classics, mathematics, modern languages and history, mental and moral philosophy, and natural sciences received a gold medal for their efforts. This recognition was given to acknowledge their exceptional achievements and academic excellence in their respective fields of study. The gold medal served as a prestigious honor and symbolized the highest level of accomplishment among their peers.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which U of T president could write different words with his left and right hands, simultaneously?
- A.
Sir Daniel Wilson
- B.
Robert Falconer
- C.
Sidney Smith
- D.
Robert Birgeneau
Correct Answer
A. Sir Daniel WilsonExplanation
Sir Daniel Wilson is the correct answer because he had the rare ability to write different words simultaneously with both his left and right hands. This unique skill showcases his ambidexterity and sets him apart from the other U of T presidents listed.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What future Olympic medalist competed at the World University Games in 1967 but was not permitted to train with the male athletes in Hart House?
- A.
Donna-Marie Gurr
- B.
Abby Hoffman
- C.
Cheryl Gibson
- D.
Nancy Garapick
Correct Answer
B. Abby HoffmanExplanation
Abby Hoffman is the correct answer because she was a future Olympic medalist who competed at the World University Games in 1967. However, she was not allowed to train with the male athletes in Hart House.Rate this question:
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- 13.
True or False: There was once a bowling alley on campus.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
True, between 1893 and 1912, where Hart House now stands.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which famous U of T professor was dean of graduate studies Andrew Gordon dead set against funding a centre for?
- A.
Marshall McLuhan
- B.
Northrop Frye
- C.
John Fields
- D.
Ursula Franklin
Correct Answer
A. Marshall McLuhanExplanation
Andrew Gordon, the dean of graduate studies, was strongly opposed to funding a centre for Marshall McLuhan.Rate this question:
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- 15.
What was the name of Atom Egoyan’s first film, shot at U of T in 1979?
- A.
Next of Kin
- B.
Howard in Particular
- C.
Black Christmas
- D.
After Grad with Dad
Correct Answer
B. Howard in ParticularExplanation
"Howard in Particular" is the correct answer because it is stated that this was Atom Egoyan's first film, shot at U of T in 1979.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Mar 08, 2011Quiz Created by
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