TASK DEFINITION: In this task you will be given a text passage from a trivia quiz. You should choose the category this question belongs to from these categories: History, Science, Social Science, Fine Arts, Literature. You can only choose one category, so if in doubt, please choose the closest match.
PROBLEM: Melamine resin is formed by dehydration of this compound, while barbiturates can also be formed by addition of this compound to malonic acid. Other uses of this compound include separation of racemic mixtures. Originally produced by a reaction between silver cyanate with ammonium chloride, it is now made in indusrial quantities by heating carbon dioxide with ammonia. When arginine is split, it forms an ornithine molecule and a molecule of this; the principal end product of mammalian nitrogen metabolism. First isolated by H.M. Rouelle, FTP, name the compound used to disprove the theory of vitalism when, in 1828 Friedrich Wohler, first synthesized it from inorganic materials.

SOLUTION: Science

PROBLEM: This man reformed the fyrd militia system so that it fought in shifts, allowing for the creation of a standing army without disrupting agriculture. In addition to establishing the burhs system of forts, this man built a secret military base on the swamp island of Athelney. This mans advisors included Bishop Asser, who wrote an early biography of him. This author of the so-called doom book won control of all territory west of Watling Street when he won the Battle of Edington against Guthrum the Old. Apart from translating many religious works into English, he is best known for ending the Danegeld. For ten points, name this King of Wessex, the only English monarch with the epithet the Great.

SOLUTION: History

PROBLEM: This man wrote a cantata about a creature from Persian myth that tries to regain entrance into heaven. This composer wrote a set of variations on his imaginary friend Meta Abegg. This composer wrote his only cello concerto in A minor and dedicated to Frdric Chopin his Kriesleriana. One composition by this man contains quotations of Grandfathers Dance and he quoted from that work in his later piece Carnaval. Of this mans four symphonies, the third opens powerfully like a fanfare in E-flat major and his first was written the year after he married Clara. For 10 points, name this German composer of the Spring and Rhenish symphonies.

SOLUTION:
Fine Arts