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Bitcoin, created in 2009, is the first decentralized cryptocurrency that uses peer-to-peer technology for instant payments. | Does Bitcoin still exist today? |
Albert Einstein is famous for developing the theory of relativity, which has been a fundamental piece in the evolution of modern physics. | Who invented the telephone? |
William Shakespeare was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. | What genres did Shakespeare write in? |
Neptune is the eighth planet from the Sun in our solar system. | What is the average surface temperature on Neptune? |
Australia is known for its unique wildlife, including kangaroos and koalas. | What is the capital of Australia? |
Photosynthesis is a process used by plants, algae, and some bacteria to convert light energy into chemical energy. | Which animals perform photosynthesis? |
The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean on Earth, covering more than 63 million square miles. It extends from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south. | What is the depth of the Mariana Trench? |
The novel 'Moby-Dick' was written by Herman Melville and first published in 1851. It is considered one of the great American novels. | What is the main theme of 'Moby-Dick'? |
The theory of relativity was proposed by Albert Einstein in the early 20th century. It revolutionized theoretical physics and astronomy. | How does the theory of relativity affect modern GPS systems? |
The Sahara Desert is one of the largest deserts in the world, located in Africa. It covers large parts of several countries, including Egypt, Sudan, and Algeria. | What are the primary causes of desertification in the Sahara? |
Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by an individual or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates without a central authority or single administrator. | What was the highest value of Bitcoin in 2017? |
The French Revolution began in 1789 and led to significant political and social changes in France. It ultimately culminated in the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. | Who was the King of France at the start of the French Revolution? |
Photosynthesis in plants typically occurs in the chloroplasts, where chlorophyll captures sunlight. This process is essential for plant growth and oxygen production. | What is the efficiency rate of photosynthesis in converting solar energy? |
Beethoven, a pivotal figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in classical music, was born in 1770. He became completely deaf later in life but continued to compose music. | Which symphony by Beethoven is known as the 'Choral' symphony? |
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States, symbolizing freedom and democracy. It was dedicated on October 28, 1886. | Who designed the Statue of Liberty? |
The Nile River is known as the longest river in the world, flowing through northeastern Africa. It has two major tributaries, the White Nile and the Blue Nile. | Where do the White Nile and the Blue Nile meet? |
Van Gogh's 'Starry Night' depicts the view outside his sanitarium room at Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, painted in 1889. The artwork is famous for its swirling skies and emotional depth. | What museum is 'Starry Night' housed in? |
The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in Arizona, USA. It is 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide. | What is the average depth of the Grand Canyon? |
Pluto was reclassified from a planet to a dwarf planet in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union. This decision was based on new criteria that require planets to clear their orbit around the Sun. | What is the diameter of Pluto? |
Pablo Picasso, a Spanish painter and sculptor, was one of the co-founders of the Cubist movement. His work is divided into periods, including the Blue Period, Rose Period, and African-influenced Period. | What is the name of Picasso's famous painting featuring five women from Barcelona? |
The Great Barrier Reef, located in Australia, is the world's largest coral reef system. It is composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometers. | What is the major threat to the Great Barrier Reef today? |
Quantum mechanics is a fundamental theory in physics that describes nature at the smallest scales of energy levels of atoms and subatomic particles. It was developed in the early 20th century by various scientists. | What is the principle that states particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously until observed? |
The Colosseum in Rome was built in the first century AD under the rule of the Flavian emperors. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, and executions. | How many spectators could the Colosseum hold? |
Albert Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his explanation of the photoelectric effect. He was born in Ulm, Germany, in 1879. | What theory is Einstein best known for developing? |
The Titanic was a British passenger liner that sank in the North Atlantic Ocean in April 1912 after striking an iceberg. It was on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City. | How many people survived the Titanic disaster? |
The city of Venice is known for its intricate waterways and rich history in maritime trade. It is situated across a group of 118 small islands that are separated by canals and linked by over 400 bridges. | What is the traditional Venetian boat called? |
The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the world's largest and oldest statues, but basic facts about it are still subject to debate. It is commonly believed to represent the pharaoh Khafre. | What material is the Great Sphinx made of? |
The Rosetta Stone was key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs, significantly advancing the understanding of Egypt's ancient civilization. It was discovered in 1799 by French soldiers who were rebuilding a fort in Egypt. | Which languages are inscribed on the Rosetta Stone? |
The city of Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years and is famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses. | What is the most celebrated festival in Kyoto? |
The Louvre Museum in Paris was originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century under Philip II. Today, it is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in France. | Which famous sculpture is housed in the Louvre? |
The game of basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith in 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts. Originally, players shot a soccer ball into peach baskets nailed to the elevated track. | What is the standard height of a basketball hoop? |
The Empire State Building was completed in 1931 during a race to create the world's tallest building. It stood as the world's tallest building for nearly 40 years. | What is the main material used in the construction of the Empire State Building? |
The island of Madagascar is known for its unique wildlife, with many species that are found nowhere else on earth. It split from the Indian peninsula around 88 million years ago. | What is the largest living lemur species on Madagascar? |
The Suez Canal is a man-made waterway connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. Opened in 1869, it provides a crucial shortcut for ships traveling between Europe and South Asia. | How long did it take to construct the Suez Canal? |
The concept of zero as a number was first used in India and was later transmitted to the Western world through Arabic mathematicians. It represents both the absence of quantity and a positional value in place-value notation. | Who was the first to use zero as a placeholder and a number in calculations? |
Chernobyl, a city in Ukraine, was the site of a catastrophic nuclear disaster in 1986. The incident released large quantities of radioactive isotopes into the atmosphere, which spread over much of Europe. | What type of reactor was involved in the Chernobyl disaster? |
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one to remain largely intact. It was built as a tomb for the Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu. | How many stones are estimated to have been used in the construction of the Great Pyramid? |
The Komodo dragon is the largest living species of lizard, found in the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and Gili Motang. These creatures are known for their impressive size and fearsome appearance. | What is the average lifespan of a Komodo dragon in the wild? |
Leonardo da Vinci was a master of the Renaissance, known for his advancements in numerous fields including art, science, and engineering. His curiosity spanned various subjects, driven by a profound desire to understand the natural world. | What is considered Leonardo da Vinci's most famous painting? |
Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the highest mountain in Africa. It consists of three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. | What is the highest peak of Mount Kilimanjaro? |
The city of Timbuktu in Mali was a significant scholarly and economic city during the 15th and 16th centuries. It is home to several important manuscripts that provide insight into the lives and knowledge of its past inhabitants. | What famous learning center was established in Timbuktu in the 14th century? |
The Basílica de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, is a large unfinished Roman Catholic minor basilica. It was designed by architect Antoni Gaudí, who worked on it until his death in 1926. | When is the Basílica de la Sagrada Familia expected to be completed? |
The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, are a natural light display predominantly seen in high-latitude regions around the Arctic. This phenomenon occurs due to the interaction of the Earth's magnetic field with charged particles from the sun. | What is the best time of year to view the Aurora Borealis in Norway? |
The Dead Sea is one of the world's saltiest bodies of water, making it a harsh environment for aquatic life. It is bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel and Palestine to the west. | Why is the Dead Sea called the Dead Sea? |
The Sydney Opera House is an iconic architectural masterpiece known for its unique use of a series of gleaming white sail-shaped shells as its roof structure. It was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and opened in 1973. | How many performances are held at the Sydney Opera House each year? |
The Rubik's Cube is a 3D combination puzzle invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik. Originally called the Magic Cube, the puzzle was licensed by Rubik to be sold by Ideal Toy Corp. in 1980. | What is the world record time for solving the Rubik's Cube? |
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, consisting of a ring of standing stones, each around 13 feet high, seven feet wide, and weighing around 25 tons. Archaeologists believe it was constructed from 3000 BC to 2000 BC. | What was the primary purpose of Stonehenge according to recent archaeological findings? |
Honeybees communicate with one another by dancing in a figure-eight pattern to indicate the direction and distance of flowers. This behavior is known as the waggle dance. | What specific nutrients do honeybees obtain from pollen? |
The novel '1984' by George Orwell, published in 1949, is a dystopian story about a government that imposes oppressive control over its people, including surveillance and public manipulation. The government is led by a figure known as Big Brother. | What phrase from '1984' has become synonymous with intrusive surveillance? |
The Galápagos Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, are an archipelago of volcanic islands famous for their vast number of endemic species which were studied by Charles Darwin. His observations contributed to the theory of evolution by natural selection. | Which specific animal from the Galápagos Islands influenced Darwin's theory? |
The Eiffel Tower, located in Paris, France, was constructed as the entrance arch for the 1889 World's Fair. It was initially criticized by some of France's leading artists and intellectuals for its design. | What is the total weight of the Eiffel Tower? |
The Kīlauea volcano, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It has been erupting continuously since 1983, creating new land and dramatically changing the landscape. | What type of volcano is Kīlauea? |
Vincent van Gogh was a post-impressionist painter who is famous for his vivid and emotionally evocative paintings, created during a prolific period of just over a decade. Among his most famous works are 'Starry Night' and 'Sunflowers'. | What was Vincent van Gogh's profession before becoming a painter? |
The Andes Mountains are the longest continental mountain range in the world, stretching over 7,000 kilometers across seven South American countries. They are also home to hundreds of volcanoes, making them one of the most volcanically active areas on Earth. | What is the highest peak in the Andes Mountains? |
The piano, a crucial instrument in Western classical music, was invented in Italy by Bartolomeo Cristofori around the year 1700. Its unique ability to play notes softly (piano) and loudly (forte) gave it its full name, the pianoforte. | Who composed the Piano Concerto No. 21, also known as 'Elvira Madigan'? |
Antarctica is Earth's southernmost continent, containing the geographic South Pole. It is encased in the Antarctic ice sheet, which is the largest single mass of ice on the planet. | What is the average thickness of the Antarctic ice sheet? |
The Great Wall of China is an ancient series of walls and fortifications located in northern China, originally built to protect the Chinese states and empires against the raids and invasions of the various nomadic groups of the Eurasian Steppe. Its construction started as early as the 7th century BC. | What dynastic period is credited with the majority of the construction of the present-day Great Wall? |
The koala is a native Australian marsupial known for its tree-dwelling habits and diet of eucalyptus leaves. Koalas are found in the coastal areas of the mainland's eastern and southern regions, including New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. | What is a major threat to koala populations today? |
The novel 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, first published in 1813, is set in rural England in the early 19th century. It follows the emotional development of the protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet, who learns the error of making hasty judgments and comes to appreciate the difference between the superficial and the ess... | What is the name of Elizabeth Bennet's estate in 'Pride and Prejudice'? |
The human brain is an incredibly complex organ, responsible for our thoughts, movements, emotions, and desires. It consists of approximately 86 billion neurons, each interconnected by synapses to form a rapidly responding neural network. | What part of the brain is primarily responsible for regulating emotions? |
The city of New Orleans is known for its distinct French and Spanish Creole architecture, as well as its cross-cultural and multilingual heritage. It is famous for its cuisine, music (particularly as the birthplace of jazz), and its annual celebrations and festivals, most notably Mardi Gras. | What is the historical significance of the Battle of New Orleans? |
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is known worldwide for its unintended tilt. The tower's tilt began during construction, caused by an inadequate foundation on ground too soft on one side to properly support the structure's weight. | How many years did it take to complete the construction of the Leaning Tower of Pisa? |
The aurora australis, also known as the southern lights, is a natural light display in the Earth's sky, predominantly seen in the high-latitude regions around the Antarctic and southern Indian Ocean. These lights are caused by the interaction of the Earth's magnetic field with charged particles from the sun. | What causes the different colors of the aurora australis? |
The Rosetta Stone is an ancient Egyptian artifact that was instrumental in advancing the understanding of hieroglyphic writing. Discovered in 1799, it features a decree issued in Memphis, Egypt in 196 BC. | Which museum currently houses the Rosetta Stone? |
The city of Dubai is known for its modern architecture, vibrant nightlife scene, and luxury shopping. It has emerged as a global city and business hub of the Middle East. | What is the tallest building in Dubai? |
The sequoia trees, native to California, are some of the largest and tallest trees in the world. These trees have adapted to thrive in the moist, foggy climate of the West Coast. | What is the age of the oldest known sequoia tree? |
Jazz music originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in New Orleans, a melting pot of musical cultures including blues, ragtime, and Creole. It is known for its complex chords and improvisational style. | Who is considered the father of modern jazz trumpet? |
The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the American Civil War, fought over three days from July 1 to July 3, 1863. It resulted in a significant defeat for the Confederacy and marked the farthest northward advancement of any Confederate forces during the war. | What famous speech was given at the dedication of the Gettysburg battlefield cemetery? |
The Giant Panda, native to south-central China, is easily recognized by its black-and-white coloring and is known for its diet primarily consisting of bamboo. The species is currently listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and low birthrates. | What percentage of a giant panda's diet is bamboo? |
The novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, published in 1960, explores themes of racial injustice and moral growth through the eyes of the young protagonist, Scout Finch, in the American South during the 1930s. | What is the name of Scout Finch's brother in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'? |
The game of chess is believed to have originated in India around the 6th century AD, known initially as chaturanga, which is a Sanskrit term. It spread into Persia, becoming known as shatranj, and later evolved in Europe where it took its current form. | What is the term for achieving a checkmate with only a king and two knights in chess? |
The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, covering much of North Africa. It is characterized by some of the harshest conditions on Earth and is one of the hottest regions in the world. | What is the highest recorded temperature in the Sahara Desert? |
The Nobel Prize was established by Alfred Nobel's will in 1895 and first awarded in 1901 in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Peace. The prize is internationally recognized as one of the highest honors one can receive. | Which organization is responsible for selecting the Nobel Peace Prize laureates? |
The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is the world's largest coral reef system and can be seen from space. It supports a wide range of biodiversity, including many vulnerable or endangered species. | What is the primary cause of coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef? |
Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city set high in the Andes Mountains in Peru, is renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone walls that fuse huge blocks without the use of mortar. It's believed to have been a royal estate or sacred religious site for Inca leaders. | What year was Machu Picchu built? |
Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy that can later be released to fuel the organisms' activities. This biochemical process is vital for life on Earth as it provides the primary source of energy for nearly all living things. | What is the name of the pigment that gives plants their green color and absorbs light for photosynthesis? |
The RMS Titanic was deemed unsinkable before its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City. However, it tragically sank after hitting an iceberg in the North Atlantic on April 15, 1912. | How many lifeboats did the Titanic carry? |
The city of Las Vegas is famous for its vibrant nightlife, casinos, and entertainment shows. Located in the Mojave Desert, it is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States. | What hotel on the Las Vegas Strip has a replica of the Eiffel Tower? |
The human digestive system consists of the gastrointestinal tract plus the accessory organs of digestion (the tongue, salivary glands, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder). This system helps in the process of digestion and absorption of nutrients. | What enzyme in the stomach starts the digestion of proteins? |
The Amazon Rainforest, also known as the Amazon Jungle, is a moist broadleaf tropical rainforest in the Amazon biome that covers most of the Amazon basin of South America. This basin encompasses 7,000,000 square kilometers, of which 5,500,000 square kilometers are covered by the rainforest. | What river flows through the Amazon Rainforest? |
The sport of baseball is considered America's pastime and features a distinct culture and history. It originated before the American Civil War and became organized in the late 19th century. | Who holds the record for the most home runs in a single Major League Baseball season? |
The continent of Antarctica is governed by an international treaty that prohibits military activity, supports scientific research, and protects the continent's ecozone. The Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 and has been adhered to by many countries around the world. | What is the largest research station in Antarctica? |
The city of Kyoto, Japan, is known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, and traditional wooden houses. It was the capital of Japan for more than a thousand years before the capital was relocated to Tokyo. | What is the famous Zen temple in Kyoto known for its rock garden? |
The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, was built in the first century AD and is one of the great architectural achievements of ancient Rome. This amphitheater could hold up to 50,000 spectators who watched various public spectacles. | What specific type of games was the Colosseum primarily used for? |
The Blue Whale is the largest animal ever known to have existed, reaching lengths of up to 100 feet and weights of up to 190 tons. These marine mammals populate all the world's oceans, singing complex songs that can be heard for miles underwater. | What is the primary diet of blue whales? |
The Louvre Museum in Paris is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument. Originally a royal palace, the Louvre has been a public museum since the French Revolution. | Which famous work of art at the Louvre was stolen in 1911? |
The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, and it covers most of North Africa. It features a variety of landscapes, including sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and occasional oases. | What animal is well-adapted to life in the Sahara Desert? |
The periodic table organizes chemical elements according to their atomic numbers, electron configurations, and recurring chemical properties. Elements are grouped into metals, nonmetals, and metalloids based on their properties. | Who is credited with the creation of the periodic table? |
The city of New Orleans is famous for its distinctive blend of French, African, and Spanish culture, which is evident in its architecture, music, and cuisine. Known as the birthplace of jazz, the city hosts the annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. | What is the traditional New Orleans dish made with rice, meat, and vegetables called? |
The novel 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald is set on Long Island's North Shore and in New York City during the summer of 1922. The story primarily concerns the young and mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby and his quixotic passion for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan. | What is the symbolic significance of the green light in 'The Great Gatsby'? |
The city of Istanbul, straddling the border between Europe and Asia, has been a crossroads of trade and culture for centuries. Its rich history is reflected in its many religious and cultural monuments, including mosques, churches, and ancient markets. | What was the original name of Istanbul before it was renamed in the 20th century? |
The Nile River is the longest river in the world, flowing north through northeastern Africa. | What is the most significant tributary of the Amazon River? |
The Great Wall of China was primarily built using bricks and stones during the Ming dynasty to protect against invasions. | Who originally commissioned the Great Wall of China? |
The Industrial Revolution began in the 18th century, bringing major advancements in manufacturing and production technology. | What was the main source of power during the Industrial Revolution? |
Pluto was reclassified from a planet to a dwarf planet in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union. | What is the largest planet in our solar system? |
Beethoven, a pivotal figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in classical music, was a German composer and pianist. | What musical instrument did Beethoven introduce to the orchestras of his time? |
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize nutrients from carbon dioxide and water. | Which element is primarily produced by photosynthesis? |
Mount Everest is known as the highest mountain peak in the world, located in the Himalayas. | What is the second highest peak in the world? |
Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian polymath of the Renaissance period, known for his contributions to art, science, and engineering. | What was Leonardo da Vinci's most famous sculpture? |
The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, located in North Africa. | What is the primary source of the Sahara Desert's sand? |
End of preview. Expand in Data Studio
Instruction-Following and context vs. pre-trained knowledge Testing Dataset
This dataset can be used to test large language models (LLMs) for instruction following, hallucination tendencies, and whether they rely on contextual input or pre-trained knowledge.
Aporia provides an interesting dataset here: aporia-ai/rag_hallucinations.
It is notable because some of the questions are very simple and based on well-known facts, so straightforward that state-of-the-art LLMs can answer them correctly without any external context.
For example, questions like:
- Does Bitcoin still exist today?
- Who invented the telephone?
...do not require any context for a correct answer. However, the dataset carefully provides context that is relevant but does not contain the actual answer. This setup allows us to test whether LLMs can follow the instruction to rely only on the given context.
Label Corrections
During experiments focused on instruction-following and context vs. pre-trained knowledge, I identified some incorrect labels in the original dataset. Using a semi-automated process involving LLMs and manual review, I corrected the labels.
The curated dataset includes 214 context-question pairs. In each case, the context does not contain the answer, but the question is simple enough that an LLM could easily answer it from its pre-trained knowledge.
Purpose
This dataset can be used to test:
- Whether LLMs follow the instruction to avoid using external or pre-trained knowledge.
- Whether they hallucinate answers that are not supported by the provided context.
Expected Response Format
All 214 questions should receive the following response when using the specified prompt:
"This question cannot be answered using the context provided."
Prompt for LLMs
You are a highly factual assistant.
You must only answer using the information found *explicitly* in the provided context.
If the context does **not contain** a direct and complete answer,
you must respond **only and exactly** with:
"This question cannot be answered using the context provided."
Do **not** summarize, rephrase, assume, infer, or speculate beyond the given context.
Evaluation
I've created a YouTube video detailing how I used this dataset to evaluate instruction-following and the use of context versus pre-trained knowledge.
The models tested include leading state-of-the-art LLMs:
- GPT-4.1 (OpenAI)
- Claude-Sonnet-4 (Anthropic)
- Gemini-2.5-Flash (Google)
- Grok-3 (xAI)
- Deepseek-Chat-V3 (Deepseek)
- Llama-4-Maverick (Meta)
Feedback
Please let me know if there are any inaccuracies—i.e., if any of the questions can actually be answered using the corresponding context.
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