Coober Pedy: Living Below the Surface Quiz

Where is Coober Pedy located?

• In the middle of the Australian rainforest

• 400 miles away from the nearest town

• 1800 miles from Canberra

• In the middle of the South Australian desert

What is the main appeal for tourists in Coober Pedy?

• Its mining history

• Its modern infrastructure

• Its vibrant nightlife

• Its luxurious hotels

Why do most of the townspeople live under the ground in dugouts?

• To live in a science fiction-like environment

• To be closer to the Earth's core

• To find precious opals

• To escape from the extreme weather

What is the weather like in Coober Pedy?

• Extreme heat all year round

• Consistently rainy and humid

• Mild and pleasant throughout the year

• Hotter than the sun in summers and colder than Mars in winters

What is the main source of electricity for the family mentioned in the text?

• Nuclear power

• Wind energy

• Hydroelectric power

• Solar power

What is Alinta's plan for the future?

• To continue living in Coober Pedy

• To study computing in Melbourne

• To become a tourist guide

• To start her own mining business

What was the author's initial impression of Coober Pedy?

• It felt like a bustling modern city

• It seemed like a deserted film set for a Martian movie

• It appeared to be a historical landmark

• It looked like a tropical paradise

Answer explanation

The writer described Coober Pedy as otherwordly and it is a little unnerving. If something is unnerving, it makes you feel worried and uncomfortable.

What is the main challenge faced by the family in Coober Pedy?

• Maintaining the dugout structures

• Finding enough food to eat

• Dealing with extreme weather conditions

• Generating sufficient income from tourists

What attracted people to Coober Pedy in the 1920s?

• The promise of a luxurious lifestyle

• The presence of precious opals

• The chance to escape from modern technology

• The opportunity to live in a science fiction-like environment

What made the author question the sustainability of living in Coober Pedy?

• The lack of modern amenities

• The dependence on income from tourists

• The scarcity of precious opals

• The extreme weather conditions