FiveWire five questions, once a day

No. 22

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

World

What is the most widely spoken first language in the world?

• English
• Spanish
• Hindi
• Mandarin Chinese

Mandarin has roughly 940 million native speakers; English leads only when second-language speakers are counted.

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Business

The New York Stock Exchange is located on which street?

• Madison Avenue
• Wall Street
• Broadway
• Fifth Avenue

At 11 Wall Street since 1903, though the exchange traces its origin to a 1792 agreement under a buttonwood tree nearby.

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Science

What is the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth?

• Obsidian
• Diamond
• Quartz
• Titanium

Pure carbon in a rigid lattice, scoring 10 on the Mohs scale — it can only be scratched by another diamond.

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Sports

Which sport contests the Ryder Cup?

• Sailing
• Golf
• Tennis
• Rugby

A biennial team match between Europe and the United States, first played in 1927.

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Culture

What is the highest-grossing film of all time, unadjusted for inflation?

• Star Wars: The Force Awakens
• Titanic
• Avatar
• Avengers: Endgame

James Cameron's 2009 film, helped past "Endgame" by a 2021 re-release in China.

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