Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

Steve Coll Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Study Hints Create Teach
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: Steve Coll: A Professional Biography

Cheat Sheet:
Steve Coll: A Professional Biography Study Guide

Early Life and Education

Steve Coll was born in Washington, D.C. on October 8, 1958.

Answer: True

Explanation: Biographical details confirm Steve Coll's birth in Washington, D.C., on October 8, 1958.

Return to Game

Steve Coll graduated *cum laude* from Occidental College with majors in English and history.

Answer: True

Explanation: Occidental College conferred a *cum laude* degree upon Steve Coll, who pursued majors in English and history, indicating a strong foundation in the humanities.

Return to Game

Steve Coll was born in Los Angeles, California in 1958.

Answer: False

Explanation: Steve Coll was born in Washington, D.C., not Los Angeles, California, although the year 1958 is correct.

Return to Game

Steve Coll majored in English and history at the University of Sussex.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Steve Coll majored in English and history, this was at Occidental College, not the University of Sussex, although he did study at Sussex.

Return to Game

Where and when was Steve Coll born?

Answer: Washington, D.C., October 8, 1958

Explanation: Steve Coll was born in Washington, D.C., on October 8, 1958.

Return to Game

What did Steve Coll major in at Occidental College?

Answer: English and History

Explanation: At Occidental College, Steve Coll pursued majors in English and history, graduating *cum laude*.

Return to Game

Journalism Career: The Washington Post

Steve Coll's initial role at The Washington Post in 1985 was as a general assignment feature writer for the Style section.

Answer: True

Explanation: Upon joining The Washington Post in 1985, Steve Coll commenced his career as a general assignment feature writer within the Style section.

Return to Game

Steve Coll was promoted to financial correspondent in New York City in 1987.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1987, Steve Coll advanced his career at The Washington Post by assuming the role of financial correspondent, based in New York City.

Return to Game

From 1989 to 1995, Steve Coll was The Washington Post's South Asia bureau chief, based in New Delhi.

Answer: True

Explanation: Steve Coll served as The Washington Post's South Asia bureau chief, operating from New Delhi, during the period of 1989 to 1995.

Return to Game

Steve Coll served as Managing Editor of The Washington Post from 1998 through 2004.

Answer: True

Explanation: Steve Coll held the significant position of Managing Editor at The Washington Post from 1998 through 2004.

Return to Game

Steve Coll began his career at The Washington Post in 1985 as a financial correspondent.

Answer: False

Explanation: Steve Coll commenced his career at The Washington Post in 1985 as a general assignment feature writer, not as a financial correspondent.

Return to Game

In 1987, Steve Coll transitioned from feature writing to become The Washington Post's foreign correspondent in South Asia.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1987, Steve Coll transitioned to financial correspondent in New York City. His role as South Asia bureau chief began later, in 1989.

Return to Game

Steve Coll served as The Washington Post's bureau chief in London from 1989 to 1995.

Answer: False

Explanation: Steve Coll served as The Washington Post's bureau chief in South Asia (New Delhi), not London, from 1989 to 1995.

Return to Game

Steve Coll was the Managing Editor of The Washington Post from 1998 to 2005.

Answer: False

Explanation: Steve Coll served as Managing Editor of The Washington Post from 1998 through 2004. His tenure as an associate editor extended into August 2005.

Return to Game

When did Steve Coll begin working at The Washington Post, and in what capacity?

Answer: 1985, as a general assignment feature writer

Explanation: Steve Coll commenced his employment at The Washington Post in 1985, initially serving as a general assignment feature writer.

Return to Game

After his initial role, what position did Steve Coll take on at The Washington Post in 1987?

Answer: Financial correspondent in New York City

Explanation: In 1987, Steve Coll was promoted to the position of financial correspondent in New York City.

Return to Game

Which region did Steve Coll cover as The Washington Post's bureau chief, and during which years?

Answer: South Asia, 1989-1995

Explanation: Steve Coll served as The Washington Post's bureau chief in South Asia, based in New Delhi, from 1989 to 1995.

Return to Game

Which leadership role did Steve Coll hold at The Washington Post from 1998 through 2004?

Answer: Managing Editor

Explanation: From 1998 through 2004, Steve Coll held the position of Managing Editor at The Washington Post.

Return to Game

Which of the following roles did Steve Coll hold at The Washington Post?

Answer: Publisher of the magazine

Explanation: Steve Coll held the role of Publisher of the magazine at The Washington Post from 1996 to 1998.

Return to Game

Journalism Career: Later Roles

Steve Coll's tenure as a staff writer at The New Yorker, from September 2005 to December 2023, was based in Washington, D.C. and focused on foreign intelligence and national security.

Answer: True

Explanation: From September 2005 to December 2023, Steve Coll contributed as a staff writer for The New Yorker, concentrating his reporting from Washington, D.C. on foreign intelligence and national security matters.

Return to Game

Steve Coll began a role as a visiting senior editor at The Economist in January 2024.

Answer: True

Explanation: As of January 2024, Steve Coll has assumed the position of visiting senior editor at The Economist, continuing his engagement in high-level journalistic analysis.

Return to Game

Steve Coll worked as a staff writer for The New Yorker from 2005 to 2023, focusing on domestic policy.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Steve Coll worked for The New Yorker from 2005 to 2023, his focus was on foreign intelligence and national security, not domestic policy.

Return to Game

As of January 2024, Steve Coll is the Editor-in-Chief of The Economist.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of January 2024, Steve Coll holds the position of visiting senior editor at The Economist, not Editor-in-Chief.

Return to Game

What was Steve Coll's focus during his time as a staff writer for The New Yorker?

Answer: Foreign intelligence and national security issues

Explanation: During his tenure as a staff writer for The New Yorker, Steve Coll concentrated his reporting on foreign intelligence and national security issues.

Return to Game

What is Steve Coll's current editorial role as of January 2024?

Answer: Visiting Senior Editor at The Economist

Explanation: As of January 2024, Steve Coll holds the position of visiting senior editor at The Economist.

Return to Game

From which city did Steve Coll primarily report as a staff writer for The New Yorker?

Answer: Washington, D.C.

Explanation: While writing for The New Yorker, Steve Coll primarily reported from Washington, D.C.

Return to Game

Leadership and Academic Contributions

Steve Coll was named director of the non-profit, non-partisan New America Foundation in July 2007.

Answer: True

Explanation: In July 2007, Steve Coll was appointed director of the New America Foundation, an organization identified as a non-profit and non-partisan think tank.

Return to Game

Steve Coll was elected to the Pulitzer Prize Board, administered by Columbia University, on October 23, 2012.

Answer: True

Explanation: Steve Coll's election to the Pulitzer Prize Board, managed by Columbia University, occurred on October 23, 2012, signifying his recognized standing in the field of journalism.

Return to Game

Steve Coll succeeded Nick Lemann as dean of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, beginning his tenure in July 2013.

Answer: True

Explanation: Commencing in July 2013, Steve Coll assumed the deanship of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, succeeding Nick Lemann.

Return to Game

Steve Coll became director of the New America Foundation, a for-profit research group, in 2007.

Answer: False

Explanation: Steve Coll became director of the New America Foundation in 2007, but the organization is described as a non-profit, non-partisan think tank, not a for-profit research group.

Return to Game

Steve Coll resigned from the New America Foundation in 2012 to focus on writing a sequel to *The Bin Ladens*.

Answer: True

Explanation: Steve Coll announced his resignation from the New America Foundation in June 2012 with the stated intention of writing a follow-up book to *Ghost Wars* (not *The Bin Ladens*).

Return to Game

Steve Coll was announced as the new dean of Columbia Journalism School in March 2013, succeeding David Remnick.

Answer: False

Explanation: Steve Coll was announced as the new dean of Columbia Journalism School in March 2013, but he succeeded Nick Lemann, not David Remnick.

Return to Game

What type of organization is the New America Foundation, where Steve Coll served as director?

Answer: A non-profit, non-partisan think tank

Explanation: The New America Foundation, where Steve Coll served as director, is characterized as a non-profit, non-partisan think tank.

Return to Game

Why did Steve Coll resign from his position at the New America Foundation in June 2012?

Answer: To write a follow-up book to *Ghost Wars*

Explanation: Steve Coll resigned from the New America Foundation in June 2012 to dedicate his time to writing a sequel to his book *Ghost Wars*.

Return to Game

In what year was Steve Coll elected to the Pulitzer Prize Board?

Answer: 2012

Explanation: Steve Coll was elected to the Pulitzer Prize Board in the year 2012.

Return to Game

Whom did Steve Coll succeed as dean of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism?

Answer: Nick Lemann

Explanation: Steve Coll succeeded Nick Lemann as the dean of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

Return to Game

Besides being elected in 2012, Steve Coll also served on the Pulitzer Prize Board in what capacity?

Answer: Ex officio due to his role as dean

Explanation: In addition to his election in 2012, Steve Coll served on the Pulitzer Prize Board *ex officio* by virtue of his position as dean of the Columbia Journalism School.

Return to Game

When did Steve Coll's tenure as dean of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism begin?

Answer: July 1, 2013

Explanation: Steve Coll's tenure as dean of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism commenced on July 1, 2013.

Return to Game

Literary Works and Recognition

Steve Coll and David A. Vise received the Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting in 1990 for their work on the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Answer: True

Explanation: The collaborative investigative work by Steve Coll and David A. Vise concerning the Securities and Exchange Commission earned them the Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting in 1990.

Return to Game

In 2005, Steve Coll was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction for his book *Ghost Wars*.

Answer: True

Explanation: Steve Coll received the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 2005 in recognition of his book *Ghost Wars*.

Return to Game

Steve Coll won a Pulitzer Prize in 1990 for his solo reporting on the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting in 1990 was awarded jointly to Steve Coll and David A. Vise for their work on the Securities and Exchange Commission, not for solo reporting.

Return to Game

Steve Coll won the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 2005 for his book *The Bin Ladens*.

Answer: False

Explanation: Steve Coll won the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 2005 for his book *Ghost Wars*, not *The Bin Ladens*.

Return to Game

For what achievement did Steve Coll and David A. Vise win the Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting in 1990?

Answer: Their investigation into the Securities and Exchange Commission

Explanation: The Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting was awarded to Steve Coll and David A. Vise in 1990 for their comprehensive investigation into the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Return to Game

What is the primary subject matter of Steve Coll's 2024 book, *The Achilles Trap*?

Answer: Saddam Hussein, the CIA, and the origins of the Iraq invasion

Explanation: Steve Coll's 2024 book, *The Achilles Trap*, focuses on Saddam Hussein, the CIA, and the origins of the Iraq invasion.

Return to Game

For which book did Steve Coll win the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 2005?

Answer: *Ghost Wars*

Explanation: Steve Coll received the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 2005 for his book *Ghost Wars*.

Return to Game

What is the subject of Steve Coll's 2008 book, *The Bin Ladens*?

Answer: The Bin Laden family's history and influence

Explanation: Steve Coll's 2008 book, *The Bin Ladens*, explores the history and influence of the Bin Laden family.

Return to Game

Which of Steve Coll's books received the *Financial Times* and Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award in 2012?

Answer: *Private Empire: ExxonMobil and American Power*

Explanation: In 2012, *Private Empire: ExxonMobil and American Power* by Steve Coll was honored with the *Financial Times* and Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award.

Return to Game

For which book did Steve Coll win the National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction in 2018?

Answer: *Directorate S*

Explanation: Steve Coll received the National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction in 2018 for his book *Directorate S*.

Return to Game

What time period does Steve Coll's book *Ghost Wars* primarily cover?

Answer: The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan up to September 10, 2001

Explanation: *Ghost Wars* primarily covers the period from the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan up to September 10, 2001, detailing the secret history of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden.

Return to Game

What award did Steve Coll receive in 1992 for his reporting series titled "Crisis and Change in South Asia"?

Answer: Livingston Award for International Reporting

Explanation: In 1992, Steve Coll received the Livingston Award for International Reporting for his series "Crisis and Change in South Asia."

Return to Game

What major corporate event is chronicled in Steve Coll's 1986 book, *The Deal of the Century*?

Answer: The breakup of AT&T

Explanation: Steve Coll's 1986 book, *The Deal of the Century*, chronicles the major corporate event of the breakup of AT&T.

Return to Game

What is the subject of Steve Coll's 1993 book, *On the Grand Trunk Road*?

Answer: Travels and observations in South Asia

Explanation: Steve Coll's 1993 book, *On the Grand Trunk Road*, documents his travels and observations within South Asia.

Return to Game

What company is the central focus of Steve Coll's 2012 book, *Private Empire*?

Answer: ExxonMobil

Explanation: The central focus of Steve Coll's 2012 book, *Private Empire*, is the company ExxonMobil.

Return to Game

The book *Eagle on the Street*, co-authored by Steve Coll and David A. Vise, is based on what previous work?

Answer: Their Pulitzer Prize-winning series on the Securities and Exchange Commission

Explanation: *Eagle on the Street*, co-authored by Steve Coll and David A. Vise, is based on their Pulitzer Prize-winning series concerning the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Return to Game

Which specific countries are the focus of the CIA's secret wars detailed in Steve Coll's book *Directorate S*?

Answer: Afghanistan and Pakistan

Explanation: *Directorate S* details the CIA's secret wars primarily in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Return to Game

What criticism was noted by The Washington Post regarding Steve Coll's book *The Achilles Trap*?

Answer: It inaccurately portrayed the CIA's motivations

Explanation: The Washington Post noted that Steve Coll's book *The Achilles Trap* inaccurately portrayed the CIA's motivations.

Return to Game

For which piece did Steve Coll receive the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award for International Print in 2000?

Answer: "Peace Without Justice: A Journey to the Wounded Heart of Africa"

Explanation: In 2000, Steve Coll received the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award for International Print for his piece titled "Peace Without Justice: A Journey to the Wounded Heart of Africa."

Return to Game

Which of the following awards did Steve Coll receive in 2004 for his book *Ghost Wars*?

Answer: Lionel Gelber Prize

Explanation: In 2004, Steve Coll received the Lionel Gelber Prize for his book *Ghost Wars*.

Return to Game

Besides being a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, what other award did Steve Coll's book *The Bin Ladens* receive in 2009?

Answer: The PEN/John Kenneth Galbraith Award

Explanation: In 2009, Steve Coll's book *The Bin Ladens* received the PEN/John Kenneth Galbraith Award, in addition to being a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award.

Return to Game

What is the time frame covered by the CIA's secret wars detailed in Steve Coll's book *Directorate S*?

Answer: 2001-2016

Explanation: *Directorate S* covers the period of the CIA's secret wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan from 2001 to 2016.

Return to Game

According to reviews mentioned in the source, what aspect of *The Achilles Trap* did The New York Times highlight?

Answer: Its intimate portrayal of Saddam Hussein's thinking

Explanation: The New York Times highlighted the intimate portrayal of Saddam Hussein's thinking within Steve Coll's book *The Achilles Trap*.

Return to Game

Personal Life and General Biography

Steve Coll's primary professional roles include being a journalist, author, academic, and business executive.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source identifies Steve Coll's professional roles as encompassing journalism, authorship, academia, and executive business leadership.

Return to Game

Eliza Griswold, Steve Coll's spouse, shares his profession as a journalist and is also a poet.

Answer: True

Explanation: Steve Coll's spouse, Eliza Griswold, is noted as a journalist and poet, reflecting a shared professional landscape in the literary and journalistic fields.

Return to Game

Steve Coll is exclusively known as a journalist and author.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates that Steve Coll's professional identity extends beyond journalism and authorship to include roles as an academic and business executive.

Return to Game

Steve Coll's wife, Eliza Griswold, is a novelist and historian.

Answer: False

Explanation: Eliza Griswold, Steve Coll's spouse, is identified as a journalist and poet, not a novelist and historian.

Return to Game

Which of the following professions is Steve Coll known for, according to the source?

Answer: Academic

Explanation: The source identifies Steve Coll's primary professional roles as including journalist, author, academic, and business executive.

Return to Game

Who is Steve Coll's spouse, and what are her professions?

Answer: Eliza Griswold, a journalist and poet

Explanation: Steve Coll is married to Eliza Griswold, who is recognized as both a journalist and a poet.

Return to Game

What is Steve Coll's nationality?

Answer: American

Explanation: Steve Coll is identified as American.

Return to Game

How many children does Steve Coll have?

Answer: Four

Explanation: Steve Coll has four children.

Return to Game